Disney's Wilderness Lodge

"Your gaze naturally travels upward when you enter the Wilderness Lodge—to the six-story-tall bundled log columns, the massive stone fireplace in the corner, and the pair of carved totem poles that flank the expansive lobby. There’s even a bubbling hot spring that flows from the lobby out to the grounds. The resort feels isolated, but it's actually just a short boat ride to Magic Kingdom, giving you the best of both worlds: convenience and relaxation." - Valerie Marino

"Your gaze naturally travels upward when you enter the Wilderness Lodge—to the six-story-tall bundled log columns, the massive stone fireplace in the corner, and the pair of carved totem poles that flank the expansive lobby. The resort was designed in the image of Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, and even has a bubbling hot spring that flows from the lobby out to the grounds. The resort feels isolated, but it's actually just a short boat ride to the Magic Kingdom, giving you the best of both worlds: convenience and relaxation. If you're on the hunt for grub, know that servers can be a little sassy at Whispering Canyon Cafe, just off the lobby, but if you don’t mind being asked to bring a dozen bottles of ketchup to a neighbor’s table—yes, really—the never-ending skillet of smoked brisket, pulled pork, smashed potatoes, and cornbread is worth it." - Valerie Marino

"With decor inspired by the country's majestic national park lodges, Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers rustic luxury with comfortable rooms and lots of character. The Deluxe resort provides boat transportation to Magic Kingdom (and bus transportation to other parks), as well as several eateries with crowd-pleasing American menus. Themed pools and outdoor areas that draw inspiration from U.S. national parks give this Disney World hotel a unique atmosphere you won't find elsewhere." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Walk us through your first impressions of this resort.Your gaze naturally travels upward when you enter the Wilderness Lodge—to the six-story-tall bundled log columns, the massive stone fireplace in the corner, and the pair of carved totem poles that flank the expansive lobby. The resort was designed in the image of Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, and even has a bubbling hot spring that flows from the lobby out to the grounds. The resort feels isolated, but it's actually just a short boat ride to the Magic Kingdom, giving you the best of both worlds: convenience and relaxation. Now take us up to the rooms—what can we expect?Carved wood furnishings and Native American–inspired textiles lend a cozy and relaxed feel to the rooms here. Many have balconies with water views, either of Disney’s Bay Lake or the resort’s man-made geysers and waterfalls. How about the food? Any good dining options onsite?Servers can be a little sassy at Whispering Canyon Cafe, just off the lobby, but if you don’t mind being asked to bring a dozen bottles of ketchup to a neighbor’s table—yes, really—the never-ending skillet of smoked brisket, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and cornbread is worth it. End your evening with a black-cherry mule at the waterfront Geyser Point Bar & Grill and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance. Anything else we should know before planning a visit?Don’t get Wilderness Lodge mixed up with its neighbor, Fort Wilderness. The latter, host to campgrounds and cabins, is popular for its over-the-top Christmas lights. Located on the same site as Wilderness Lodge is Copper Creek Cabins and Villas, a Disney Vacation Club property. The waterfront cabins sleep up to eight adults and have a full kitchen, en suite laundry, and a private hot tub on the screened-in patio. So why would you recommend this property?This hotel offers a fantastic location near the Magic Kingdom and relaxing environment, all for a reasonable rate for a deluxe Disney resort." - Valerie Marino

"An amalgamation of the classic “parkitecture” that defines the lodges of America’s national parks,Wilderness Lodge remains true to its roots while displaying the full pixie-dust treatment. Inspired by Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, the soaring lobby includes a massive 82-foot-high fireplace, 55-foot totem poles carved by master craftsmen, and a hot spring that continues flowing outside and through pine-covered grounds that feature erupting geysers and a waterfall. Fittingly, accommodations feel cabin-like, with western decor and lodge pine furnishings. Guests can rent boats to fish or float on Bay Lake, as well as explore the woodland grounds on jogging trails or rental bike; kids beeline to the pool area with its 67-foot high waterslide built into the rocks, hot and cold whirlpools, and children’s splash zone. A ferry is on hand to take you across the lagoon to the Magic Kingdom, while other parks can be reached via shuttle bus. Circle the wagons for family-style cowboy cuisine at the Old West–themed Whispering Canyons Cafe, or leave the frontier behind for the elegant Pacific Northwest menu at Artist Point, overlooking the resort’s forest. The Wilderness Lodge is a favorite during the winter holiday season, as that tall lobby allows for an awe-inspiring Christmas tree."