Why We Love Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge
Silver Creek Falls
Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a deluxe resort in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World Resort that offers a variety of accommodations, but it’s the rustic charm and serene ambiance that appeals to us the most.
When you enter the resort you are immediately wowed by the lobby grandeur as it pays homage to the turn-of-the century National Parks Service lodges that once were a destination in America’s great northwest. Architect Peter Dominick Jr. took his inspiration from nature-centric accommodations when designing the beautiful 8-story, split-log lodge.
The décor of each room includes wood-carved furniture, earth tones and accents of woodland creatures. Glass-paned doors lead to a patio or balcony in each room. Room types range from standard rooms, bunk-bed rooms, deluxe rooms, honeymoon rooms, the Yosemite Suite (Vice-Presidential) and the Yellowstone Suite (Presidential). Wilderness Lodge is also home to the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge - which is part of the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's timeshare service). Disney's Wilderness Lodge just unveiled newly refurbished rooms that were part of a larger renovation carried out during the pandemic closure.
Compared to many of the other deluxe Disney resorts, the rates are usually significantly lower because the property is not within walking distance of any of the Disney theme parks. Rates for entry-level standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are typically between $300 and $500 per night, though Disney promos and offers can bring the nightly rate down to under $300 at certain times of the year.
Dining is superb at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge with options galore.
Artist Point is table service dining located just off the lobby and features Storybook Dining for dinner and guests are invited to an Enchanted Forest-like setting that’s inspired by Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Guests will enjoy visits from Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy while they dine. Cast members bring the fairytale to life through music and activities. Dinner is a prix fixe menu, including shared starters, a choice of individual plated entrees, and ‘sweet spells’ to top off the meal. Guests may also have the opportunity to have an “encounter with The Queen.”
Territory Lounge features a full bar, northwestern beers and wines, and appetizers. This rustic lounge features dark woods, rich color, and excellent details. Magic Kingdom fireworks can be seen from this club lounge. Open 4:30pm-12am (does not accept Disney Dining Plan).
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a waterfront lounge and counter service restaurant at Wilderness Lodge on the shore of Walt Disney World's Bay Lake. We enjoyed going here for dinner as a family and watching the sun go down over the lake. The menu was great for our family and the kids enjoyed the Lava and Strawberry Smoothies. Open 11am-12am.
Whispering Canyon Café is an interactive western-themed experience with cast member fun, games and food galore, including heaping skillets. It was one of our most memorable dining experiences because the servers bring silly antics, bad jokes and fun banter during your meal. Expect a boisterous setting and be ready for a few pranks. Open for breakfast 7:30am-11:30am (platters, omelets, waffles and pancakes); Open for lunch 11:45am-2:30pm (platters, salads, sandwiches, chicken and burgers); Open for dinner 5pm-10pm (platters, a la carte menu options).
Roaring Fork is a Walt Disney World counter service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open for breakfast 7am-11am (breakfast platters, waffles, pancakes, pastries, fruit and cereal); Open for lunch and dinner 11am-11pm (salads, sandwiches, pasta, soup, grill items; flat-bread pizzas and chicken available until 12am); Bakery open 6am-12am.
Pool and Recreation in the untamed wilderness
The Silver Creek Springs Pool is located right off the lobby and is surrounded by a picturesque forest of trees and rocks. The water-slide cascades down a rock formation, emptying out into the deeper end of the pool. There’s a hot tub, cold spa, and kids' interactive water play area – truly something for everyone.
There’s also a quiet pool area located at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Don’t forget that pool towels are available in both locations, so no need to overpack!
Like most Disney resorts, there’s a number of poolside activities scheduled each afternoon. Ranging from bingo games to chalk art, there’s a variety of games for families to participate in while they enjoy the water area.
Jogging Trail: 2.5 miles West Wilderness Road
Outdoor Campfire and Movie: Each night the resort offers a complimentary showing of a Disney film for families to enjoy. Located on the beach, the feature film changes daily (refer to the recreation calendar given upon guest check-in for time and movie schedule). This will be held in the Carolwood Pacific Room at The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge during construction.
Volleyball Courts: Complimentary volleyballs can be checked out at Teton Boat & Bike Rentals.
Buttons and Bells Game Arcade: Open 6am-varied closing times
Guided Fishing Excursions: For a fee, an expert guide will host your group during a catch-and-release fishing trip. Available times are 7am, 10am, and 1:30pm. Reservations required.
Teton Boat & Bike Rentals: Guests can rent Sea Raycers, Boston Whaler Montauks, and SunTracker pontoon boats at the resort marina. Single rider bicycles and Surrey bikes are also available at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort.
Our overall impression of our stay
We’ve really enjoyed our stays at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the price point has been favorable to our budget. With the convenience of riding a boat to Magic Kingdom, it’s a great way to experience the magic of Disney from your resort to the parks. We also love the calming, Glacier Park Lodge feel of this Disney resort. With a variety of outdoor activities, a beautiful pool, lots of outdoor shade to beat the Florida heat, the property’s ambiance leaves you feeling like you’re on an actual vacation.
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