Disney Resort Snapshots: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Inviting all nature lovers to come and escape to the rustic splendor of America’s Great Northwest. Inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates American craftsmanship and history and pays tribute to the beauty of the natural and untamed wilderness. Themed as a resort from the national parks of the Northwest (think Yellowstone National Park), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is both welcoming and breathtaking. 

Soak in the magnificence of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs overlooking a babbling creek. Inside, you’ll discover towering totem poles, headdresses, and more. Enjoy the simple elegance and charm of the stone hearth and a crackling fireplace. 

DINING 

With a tantalizing variety of dining options available, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any craving. Here, you’ll find everything from quick service to sensational sit-down style restaurants, as well as snack bars for a little pick-me-up and a lounge where you can relax and unwind after a long day at the parks.

Storybook Dining at Artist Point (Table Service) 

Dine with Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy every evening in a rustic setting inspired by Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! Be transported to the Enchanted Forest and enjoy a meal fit for a prince or princess. The sumptuous dinner offers a choice of individual entrées or shared starters and desserts. This is one of my favorite character meals on the property.

Whispering Canyon (Table Service)

Rustle up the family for a hearty Western dining experience with all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and shenanigans! This eatery offers rustic charm, colorfully named Cast Members who have a reputation for sassing customers, and mouth-watering chuck wagon favorites. Bring in the posse at dawn for a ham and cheddar omelet or the famous all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast skillet loaded up with savory meats, eggs, potatoes, and biscuits. Or dive into all-you-care-to-enjoy signature skillets featuring chicken, ribs, and lip-smackin’ cowboy sides.  Before you hit the trail, check out their most wanted dessert—Granny Smith apple pie.

Roaring Fork (Quick Service) 

Roaring Fork is the resort’s quick-service option, but it includes much more than traditional hamburgers and chicken fingers. It offers up delicious comfort food in a rustic, cozy environment. 

Every single item on Roaring Fork’s breakfast menu is incredible. Bananas foster French toast? 10-hour pulled pork-cheese grits topped with chipotle-apple barbecue sauce and a poached egg? A breakfast flatbread with sausage gravy? With such generous portion sizes of their comfort food-inspired grub, the lunch and dinner menus at Roaring Fork make me think of a saying my grandpa used to tell me at certain restaurants: “If you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault.”

Geyser Point Grill & Bar (Quick Service & Lounge)

Nestled in the heart of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point Bar and Grill is a scenic spot that features a walk-up window and an all-day menu. Satisfy your cravings from morning til’ night with a variety of fresh options from the comfort of your lounge chair or at a table on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor deck. I love to sit by the water, enjoy a beverage, and escape from the hustle and bustle of theme parks for a while.

Territory Lounge 

Territory Lounge is designed with a decidedly Pacific Northwestern theme, complete with traditional building materials like rustic logs reminiscent of a cozy cabin. You’ll also enjoy marveling at the hand-hewn statues of bears, tons of wood paneling, and warm, low lighting. They serve great drinks (with lots of Canadian beer options), but even better than the drinks is the upscale pub grub with old favorites served up in new ways.

In-Room Dining

Whether you’re hungry for a late dinner or you just want some breakfast when you wake up, private dining is the ticket. With Disney Resorts Private Dining, you can choose from a variety of American favorites—along with some specialty items particular to your Disney Resort hotel! Available 7 am-11 am & 5 pm-midnight.

ACTIVITIES

Pools: This resort’s feature Pool is located in the middle of the resort with a natural spring theme and a water slide complete with a nearby rock geyser. 

The Boulder Ridge Cove Pool is located next to Boulder Ridge Villas with a mining company theme and hot tub. 

Family Fun: Children will enjoy their own dedicated pool, playground, and game arcade. 

Other Popular Activities: The resort has a Marina with boat rentals and fishing excursions. There is a Health Club, and Massage/spa services are available. 

Movies: Nightly movies under the stars on the shores of Bay Lake. You’ll feel as if you were enjoying a movie out in the wilderness!

Although the activities vary by day, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find. 

Look for an activities board near the pool or food court, or check your tv for the schedule during your stay.

SERVICES

The main laundry facilities for Wilderness Lodge are located near Roaring Fork. Guests at Boulder Ridge will find the laundry room on the ground floor. Guests at Copper Creek will find the laundry room on the 4th floor near the main lobby elevators.

Each cycle at the self-service laundry facilities costs $3 per wash; the dryers are also $3 for 30 minutes. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all laundry locations for washers, dryers, and soap vending at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, all laundry rooms have the ability to request a text message when a laundry cycle is complete!

Please note: While some locations still contain a limited number of coin-operated washers (with a change machine made available), other locations accept credit and debit cards only.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels also offer dry cleaning and valet laundry services. Select “Housekeeping” on your in-room phone to schedule a pick-up.

SHOPPING

No need to rough it with Wilderness Lodge Mercantile on site, providing you with the opportunity to snag souvenirs like totem poles and coon skin caps, as well as snacks, beverages, and sundries.

Wilderness Lodge Mercantile also offers signature Disney character apparel and Wilderness Lodge logo merchandise. 

TRANSPORTATION

You have two Disney transportation options at Wilderness Lodge

• Motorcoach Bus
• Ferryboat

These travel times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of the average travel time from the resort to the park.

Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort, or theme park transportation stops.

• Magic Kingdom – 11 minutes by boat
• Epcot – 18 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 20 minutes by bus, 21 minutes by car
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 22 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car
• Disney Springs – 28 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car
• Blizzard Beach Water Park – 24 minutes by bus, 17 minutes by car
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 28 minutes by bus, 18 minutes by car

PRO TIPS 

• Wilderness Lodge offers tours that feature highlights of the construction and hidden gems in this beautiful resort. One such free tour is the Wonders of the Lodge Tour.
• If you’re in a playful mood, eat at Whispering Canyon Cafe, and ask for ketchup! The waitstaff here will keep you laughing through your meal.
• The lobby features a huge totem pole and many other locations for photo ops!
• This is the smallest of the Deluxe Resorts and is very similar in design to the Yellowstone Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.