Disney World’s hidden gem: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Tap into your inner ranger at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, one of the cheaper themed resorts.

By Jill E. Cooper

“Crickets?  Do you hear those crickets?” I asked my five-year-old son as we disembarked the water launch at the back of our favorite Disney resort.  We had just capped off an exhilarating day in the Magic Kingdom with an enchanting ride across a moonlit-drenched Seven Seas Lagoon.  By Jiminy, those were crickets we heard as we strolled back to our room along the animal track-imprinted sidewalks that wind through this rustic resort.  As we passed Fire Rock Geyser, it erupted one last time for the night, suggesting that we were more likely to be in Yellowstone National Park than in Central Florida.  These are just a few of the touches Disney’s Imagineers incorporated into the immersive experience at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a true hidden gem nestled along Bay Lake in the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge exemplifies Disney theming at its finest.  Inspired by the century-old National Park Service lodges of the Pacific Northwest, the property transports guests to a woodsy wonderland from the moment they arrive.  While the transformation begins slowly along the drive up Timberline Drive, by the time they reach the main lobby there’s a feeling of having landed at a unique and magical destination.

One of my favorite pastimes while on vacation at this resort is to station myself in one of the welcoming, overstuffed leather armchairs near the lodge’s entrance to watch guests’ reactions at the majestic seven-story lobby.  Framed by fallen lodgepole pines, two hand-carved floor-to-ceiling totem poles, and an imposing fireplace representing the geological strata found in the Grand Canyon, it’s easy to be enveloped by the resort’s predominant western theme.  Beautiful Native American artifacts, secluded alcoves, a bubbling spring soft but effective strains of cowboy music enhance the mood.

Timber and totem poles: The 7-story “wow” lobby at Wilderness Lodge.

With this level of attention to detail, it’s hard to believe that this is the least expensive resort in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World Resort.  Because it is not on the monorail line like its neighbors — Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian Resorts– rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are often half the price of other deluxe resorts on property.  Yet, its proximity to the Magic Kingdom, a mere four-minute complimentary bus ride away, makes it a perfect fit for families with small children.  The kids will love the activities hosted at Silver Creek Springs pool.and the daily rubber duck races.  Cast Members at Whispering Canyon Cafe host a lively family-style dinner.  (Go ahead, order ketchup for those fries.  Just don’t say I didn’t warn you). Boat and bike rentals and free Wonders of the Lodge tours appeal to older children as well.

Parents can leave their little ones in the on-site Cub’s Den supervised children’s activity center for a few hours while they indulge in a sophisticated meal at Artist’s Point. Don’t miss the cedar plank-roasted salmon or the homemadeblack raspberry ice cream and cobbler.  This restaurant offers stunning views of the resort grounds and has walls graced by a number of breathtaking western landscapes inspired by the great American painter, Albert Bierstadt.

So, if you haven’t yet explored Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, I highly recommend you book a room here for your next Walt Disney World vacation.  It’s the perfect place to grab a rocking chair on the porch, soak in a hot tub or just listen to those delightful crickets after a busy day in the Disney theme parks.

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Jill E. Cooper has been an aficionado of the Disney theme parks since age seven.  She is a happy addition to the 2011 Disney World Moms Panel.  She and her small family have recently added Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney vacations to their portfolio of magical Disney travel experiences.

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