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Disney's Wilderness Lodge reviews

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Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: December 29, 2007

The design of this Walt Disney World deluxe resort was inspired by National Park Service lodges like the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone and the Ahwahnee in Yosemite. Beyond the Lodge's soaring lobby, the hotel's 727 guestrooms feature Mission-style furnishings with quilted bedspreads.

Readers' rating:

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74 votes, so far

This is by far my favourite resort to stay at. Since I am a Disney Vacation Club Member, we usually stay in a 1 bedroom Villa. It's slightly removed from the main Lodge, but only a 5 minute walk or so to the lobby. There is a separate pool and gym area and it is very peaceful at the Villas. Christmas is a wonderful time to go. I don't know if it happens every year, but the last time I went (2012) they served free cookies and cups of apple cider on Christmas day. These was true at the 2 other resorts (Polynesian and Fort Wilderness)I visited that day also. However the best thing about Wilderness Lodge is that they pick a flag family for each day. This isn't an advertised option, and you have to ask for it when checking in. What it means is that if you are chosen, that early in the morning (8am-ish?) you get to go with the Park Ranger onto the roof of the Lodge where you get to raise the American flag, State flag, Disney flag and 2 resort flags. I'm not even an American and it was truly a touching moment and one I will never forget. The view from the roof is amazing and the Ranger will tell you all about the history of the Lodge and bits of interesting Disney trivia. When you get back down from the roof you get a certificate stating your family was the "Flag Family" of the day. I promise you that it is nothing you will ever forget and may be one of the best parts of your trip! - Julie Richert

We have stayed here several times and each time it was a true pleasure. The staff was always there ready to help with any issue. There were greatly varied opportunities for dining and the boat ride to the MK was a dream. Didn't have to wait for the buses. The only disadvance was that there was no monorail service. Of course that can be thought of as an advantage, since the resorts with that service typically charge $100 or so extra a night. - Tim Blake

Probably our favorite hotel at WDW. Love the ambience and could sit in the lobby forever listening to the music that's piped-in. It's just a little convoluted to get anywhere since you're limited to bus or boat but that's never stopped us before. Going to try WLV this April. Looking forward to the peace and tranquility of staying there. Love Artist Point restaurant. - Keith Forrest

Arrived in early December and found the lodge beautifully decorated for the holidays. Arrival was easy as I performed advance checkin at home which made it very easy to get our room, which was available immeditatly, four hours prior to typical check-in time. No upgrades were available, however they were able to provide us a room that had a view of Magic Kingdom fireworks and otters in the pond outside our room. All food from the Whispering Canyon cafe was outstanding, and I highly recommend Bob as a server, also known as Gepetto, he looks like he carved Pinnochio, as he was fantastic. My kids loved the "horse races" and performing the Hokey Pokey during dinner. Food was amazing and more than plentiful. The staff was amazingly upbeat and helpful, and the site itself was just amazing. All four of us enjoyied exploring the lodge and enjoying the ammenities. Would happily recommend this location and stay here again without hesitation. Truly worth it. - Shannon Finn

My favorite part about this hotel is the Whispering Canyon Cafe. My family loves that almost everywhere we go at Disney the vegetarian menu options are creative and delicious, and this restaurant is no exception. The Red Quinoa Cakes were absolutely delicious. We went there with our kids and my parents. There are some seriously picky eaters in our family and everyone loved it so much we already want to go back! - Heather Olson

With certainly one of the most breathtaking lobbies in Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge instantly sets a tone of majestic relaxation second only to actually being at the Grand Canyon or in Yosemite itself. While gorgeous any time of year, the Wilderness Lodge really works its grand magic around the Christmas holidays, especially when the weather is cooperating with low temperatures and cloudy skies. The massive log edifice and interior craftsman touches emulate the grand hotels of the Western North American national parks to the minutest detail, and the visual effect is surpassed only by the warmth, friendliness and professionalism of the hotel staff and cast. You haven't experienced the Holidays at WDW until you've spent a few nights at the Wilderness Lodge during mid-to-late December. The dining options range from a quite passable quick service venue to very fine dining with a Northwest Pacific flair, and the pool and geothermal area fit the theming perfectly! You can't go wrong at Wilderness Lodge, one of the least expensive of the Deluxe resorts at WDW, and one of the most convenient, with quick and frequent bus and boat service to just about any place on property you'd care to go. Try it, and you'll be convinced -- and you'll be back! - Larry Zimmerman