Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney World, Orlando

Pacific Northwest Splendor in Central Florida

Jan 18, 2009

Disney's Wilderness Lodge, located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL is comprised of 728 rooms and resembles the Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.

Driving up to the Lodge all signs of Florida gradually seem to melt away. Tropical palms turn into majestic pine trees and wildflowers grace the entrance way. The lobby is one of the more spectacular on property. Everything in the lobby evokes that frontier spirit of the old west. An 80 foot tall fireplace anchors one corner of the room complete with large timber poles bundled together. The light fixtures are actually enormous teepees with silhouettes of roaming buffalo.

The Rooms

Rooms at the Lodge consist of either two queen sized beds, or a queen and bunks. There are also a select number of rooms that offer a king size bed. Views are classified into three categories. A standard view looks out on a parking lot, the roof (for higher floors), or a driveway. A woods view faces the Wilderness Lodge Villas or the woods in the direction of the Magic Kingdom (though no view of the park is available.) Finally, the courtyard view looks out on the pool area or Bay Lake.

Transportation

Buses go to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Downtown Disney. Boats will head to the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Places to Eat

Roaring Forks Snacks: This counter service spot is located past the lobby, near the pool entrance. It is a self-serve location that is open from 6am to midnight . Guests can also get refillable mugs which can be used during the length of stay.

Whispering Canyon Cafe: A favorite for families where the meals are anything but quiet. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served family-style. It's a value for the all-you-can-eat pork ribs, chicken, potatoes, and cornbread.

Artist Point: Cedar-plank salmon, buffalo sirloin, and pan-seared scallops are just some of the mouth watering dishes found at this elegant dining room. Wines from the Padific Northwest as also served. Large picture windows offer views of the resort's landscaping, keeping with the frontier theme.

Where to Wet Your Whistle

Territory Lounge: This lounge is located just off Artist Point and offers microbrews, cocktails, as well as espresso. Light appetizers are available from 5pm-10pm.

Trout Pass: Poolside bar with specialty drinks as well as snacks. Hours are seasonal.

Recreation

There is plenty to do at the Lodge when not spending time at the theme parks. Silver Creek Springs pool is open from 7am-midnight, lifeguards are on duty from 9am-10pm. Kids will have a great time at the Cub's Den when their parents look to have a night out. Kids aged 4-12 are invited to play video games, create arts and crafts, have snacks, and interact with other kids their age. The Cub's Den is open from 4:30pm-midnight and advance reservations are suggested. For reservations call (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days in advance.

The Wilderness Lodge is located at 901 Timberline Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

The copyright of the article Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney World, Orlando in Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations is owned by Erin Yowell. Permission to republish Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney World, Orlando in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.