Reviews of Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort)

Reviews

78

Rating

9.14 / 10

Recommended By

95%



Reviewed by Bryn7 Review Date: 09/19/2023

Rating: (10)
Recommended

My son's first trip to Disney World occurred shortly after his 4th birthday in September of 1994. The Wilderness Lodge had just opened on May 31st of that year and it was INCREDIBLE!!! So much so we only stayed at the Lodge after that. My son, who is now 33, honeymooned there. I've been to Disney World 27 times and I've stayed at the Wilderness Lodge 17 times. I've reserved a trip there for this Christmas and I only hope my health holds out so I can make it my 18th time! I've eaten at the Whispering Canyon, Geyser Point, the Roaring Fork, and last year I was lucky enough to snag the coveted Story Book Dining at Artist Point. I love the Lodge because it is so close to the Magic Kingdom, but because it's secluded it is so peaceful. In fact, the only thing that jolts you back to reality is the sound of the boat horn that lets you know it's docking or departing for the Magic Kingdom. Bus service is also available and I've never waited more than a few minutes. I get around with the use of an electric scooter and I've never had an issue with the buses. The drivers are so sweet in helping you get on or off the bus first. As you can probably tell, I'm the Wilderness Lodge's biggest fan. Book the Lodge and I know you'll become a fan, too!

Pros:

The architecture, the scenery, the food, the friendliness of the cast members, the close proximity to everything, the peacefulness of the property,the beautiful pools,the Mercantile for gifts and souvenirs, activities for the kids, and the way you feel when staying here!

Cons:

Absolutely none!
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 08/14/2023

Rating: (9)
Recommended

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge for our 50th anniversary in April of this year. It was our third stay at the WL, the first being the year after it opened, and the last being in 2014. The wilderness Lodges has maintained its excellent appearance and ambiance, and the service from check in to check out was outstanding. It is not a cheap to stay at the WL. In fact it is expensive. But value wise, I think it is a better value than the other WDW resorts we have stayed at, including the Polynesian, the Yacht club, and the Grand Floridian. We let the Disney reservation agent know that it would be our 50th anniversary when we booked the reservation, and asked for an upper floor room with a courtyard view angling towards the pool and Bay Lake. Every request was fulfilled. On check in we were given several Lightning Lane passes, and we entered our 5th floor room to find a personalized anniversary cake, two beautiful 50th anniversary soup mug, and all sort of appetizers, including a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. The night before we checked out, the Wilderness Lodge manager left us a personal note congratulating us, along with a tray of chocolate covered strawberries. We especially enjoyed the seclusion of the WL, especially after a long day at the parks. Also our short and scenic water taxi ride to the Magic Kingdom, as well as the relatively new Geyser Point bar and grill, from which we watched the Electrical Water Pageant on several evenings after returning to the parks. We are already looking forward to our fourth stay at the Wilderness Lodge in 2025. Thumbs up for the Wilderness Lodge for a third time.

Pros:

Secluded location. Beautiful theming. Excellent pool. Multiple restaurant and quick service options. Extremely friendly staff, from the front desk to housekeeping.

Cons:

More frequent water taxi service to the Magic Kingdom. Walking/biking path to Fort Wilderness was closed due to new construction. We liked the Artist Point restaurant better when it was fine dining; it is now a character experience.
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 04/27/2023

Rating: (10)
Recommended

I stayed at the WK 21 years ago. Things were different then—no DVC. But the overall amenities and ambiance were the same. My then-5-year-old son said it best when we walked through the doors for the first time, and heard the music and saw the lobby: Cool. Way cool! Yes, the resort rooms are a little smaller than other deluded rooms. But the theming more than made up for that. There was a flag raising ceremony back then. Do they still have it? You get up at the crack of Dawn and clim way up on the roof from the 7 th floor. The view down was dizzying. Then you did this little” boyscout-like” flag ceremony. Again. Cool. Way cool. The resort tour is definitely worth your time if you have a resort day. Whispering Canyon is hoot for young and old alike. The boat ride to MK is fast and fun. The pool is amazing. The food is great. The beds comfy. Service is superb. Wd had a truly magical stay at the lodge.

Pros:

Transportation Amenities Theming, theming, theming Food Activities Electrical Water Pageant Proximity to Fort Wildeness and it’s many activities and Hoop de do revue

Cons:

Standard rooms a little small fine for family of 4. But no more than 2 adults/teens
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by DebbieG22 Review Date: 02/06/2023

Rating: (10)
Recommended

Relaxing Stay

Pros:

Atmosphere, The views , Boat rides to and from MK, Wonderful restaurants and wonderful staff

Cons:

Only 2 options to get to parks .Wish they would add Monorail 🚝
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 01/16/2023

Rating: (1)
Recommended

Beautiful grounds and lobby etc. Have stayed at all resorts over the 20 years being a DVC owner. Last week had our credit card compromised at the front desk Wilderness Lodge. Our credit card company confirmed it happened on property. With in hours thousands of dollars charged. This is the third time this has happened at the Wilderness Lodge. No other resort. After struggling to get a manager, one finally came to our room and explain nothing they could do other than have us go to the orange county Police Department. My wife is trying hours and hours over the last couple days to get a hold of someone. She has been disconnected, put on hold no resolution.. Impossible to get a hold of anyone that can help. Very frustrating. Our adult son is planning on staying there next month and my wife and I have a return visit to Grand Floridian in March. Not sure we will keep it. Not so magical anymore

Pros:

Beautiful resort. Rooms are being updated. Close to parks. Beautiful setting.

Cons:

Can’t speak to a manager if there is a problem. Try calling the resort. Good luck. Better chance of reaching the White House. Promised a call back several times. No call back.
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 03/24/2022

Rating: (10)
Recommended

We have stayed at over 10 different resorts and the Wilderness Lodge is by far the best! Even the grandchildren want to back there. Swimming pool they loved, very clean everywhere, beauty of the grounds and the building. We will definitely return here.

Pros:

Beauty, clean, friendly and caring hosts and all employees.

Cons:

none
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by DisneyLifeEqualsHappyWife Review Date: 12/03/2021

Rating: (10)
Recommended

Wilderness Lodge holds lots of happy memories for me. The food options are wonderful, staff is extremely helpful, and the location is perfect. I can take a rest from the Disney life, and really enjoy the surroundings at the lodge.

Pros:

Lots of food choices, boat transportation to magic Kingdom, theme

Cons:

None
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by JackieDodson Review Date: 11/01/2021

Rating: (10)
Recommended

This resort is perfect for any guest! Kids, teens, adults, everyone will love this resort. It has Disney touches of forest animal theming, without it being tacky or overwhelming. The hotel lobby is so beautiful and grand, complete with a creek running from the inside of the lobby all the way out into the pool. The main pool is huge and very clean- plus a water slide and 2 hot tubs. Also a kiddie pool and play area. They do poolside games with cast members for kids as well. The gift shop is large and has a lot of unique \"wilderness\" themed merchandise. This resort has great food options- whispering canyon is a hilarious, delicious good time! One of the most unique Disney restaurants as far as experience, and the family-style food is to die for. Their quick service location is great as well- Roaring Fork- lots of yummy treats and snacks. I also love that this hotel is not overly large or spread out- all the rooms are relatively close to the lobby, transportation, food, and all other amenities. Speaking of amenities, the boat to magic kingdom is THE BEST (also goes to contemporary if you feel like some steakhouse 71 or chef mickeys). It is still a deluxe resort, so price can be a little much, but not as bad as the monorail resorts.

Pros:

location close to magic kingdom, boat transportation, electrical water pageant view, food options, theming, pool

Cons:

none!!
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 10/26/2021

Rating: (10)
Recommended

Fabulous! This resort is stunning. The grand lobby is stunning. Beautiful resort with subtle Disney theme. Reminds you of Old Faithful Inn. Close to Magic Kingdom by ferry. Food options including Whispering Cafe are great. Would definitely stay here again.

Pros:

Close to MK. Beautiful. Food options.

Cons:

None
0 Users found this helpful.

Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 10/02/2021

Rating: (10)
Recommended

This is by far the best hotel on Disney property! The theming is beautiful and tastefully Disney. Feels homey. Great transportation! Whispering canyon is such a great restaurant. Great deluxe resort to stay at without paying 600-800 a night.

Pros:

Get to magic kingdom by boat, Disney themed without being tacky, awesome pool, great dining options, good bang for your buck

Cons:

None
0 Users found this helpful.
1 2 3 8

Other topics in Disney Resorts