Wilderness Lodge Resort
At A Glance |
One of the Deluxe resorts, the Wilderness Lodge is themed
to resemble a National Parks service lodge as built in the
early 1900's. 728 guest rooms, with two of the most highly
regarded restaurants (Artiste's Point and Whispering Canyon
Cafe).
Boat rental available, but no monorail service.
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Overview
Wilderness Lodge which is situated in woodland between
the Contemporary Resort and Fort Wilderness on Bay Lake captures
the charm of the National Park Service Lodges built in the early
1900's, and also the spirit of the early American West.
One of the first things guests notice on arriving
at the resort is the smell of Pine Trees, mixed with the smell
of smoke from the large open fireplace which stands in one corner
of the main lobby.
The lobby of the main building is an impressive
8-story log cabin structure, supported by massive trusses held
in place by massive log columns. Two authentic Pacific Northwest
totem poles stand 55 feet tall on either side of the main lobby,
while four huge chandeliers with torch-cut iron bands hang from
the ceiling, fetauring silhouttes of buffalo and indians, and
topped by glowing teepees. There are four levels of corridors
surrounding the lobby, providing access to guest rooms, sitting
nooks and terraces.
The crowning touch of this resort is the mineral
spring that bubbles from the ground inside the lobby. The water
trickles outside, into a small brook that feeds a natural rock
spring pool. It looks like Yosemite here, but it's in the middle
of Florida. A geyser blows off steam regularly, too, in the area
between the pool and the shore of Bay Lake, on which this resort
is built.
Rooms
The 728 guest rooms at the Wilderness Lodge are
located in a U-shaped building, and are decorated with wallpaper
featuring a native American motif border, with colourful bedspreads
and traditional plaid curtians. The scene is completed by
images of wildlife. Most rooms have two queen sized beds,
a table and chairs, and a private balcony, although some have
one queen sized bed and a bunk bed. The bathroom area has
a separate vanity area with double sinks and fixtures resembling
pewter.
Food and Drink
Wilderness
Lodge boasts several nice restaurants. Artist's Point is regarded
as the hotels best, and is a very popular restaurant both for
Wilderness Lodge guests, and guests of other Disney resorts alike.
Decorated with atrwork representing the painters who first chronicled
the Northwest landscape, the emphasis is on fresh game, wild salmon,
steaks, and seafood, accompanied by wines from the Pacific North.
A daily character breakfast is available at Artist's Point with
Pocahontas.
A very pleasant coffee bar within the main lobby
area located by the fireplace serves continental breakfast during
the morning, and coffee and hot chocolate during the evening,
while the Roaring Fork located in the hotel's arcade serves light
snacks 24h each day.
The Whispering Canyon Cafe is a casual family-style
service restaurant with lots of atmosphere, and all day dining.
Breakfast is provided in the rooms if required from
07:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with dinner selections being available through
room service from 16:00 PM to midnight.
Located between the Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artists
Point, the Territory bar serves light appetizers, speciality drinks,
microbrewed beer and espresso, along with a lunch menu of sandwiches
and salad which is served until 16:30 PM.
Finally the poolside bar 'Trout Pass' serves various
speciality drinks and snacks.
Activities
Boat rentals allow the guest to traverse Bay Lake.
Swimming in the themed pool, hot tub, and cold spa are also popular.
A small arcade can keep your Nintendo nuts happy (although this
is a very small game room compared to the one at the Contemporary).
A small gift shop is available, too, to buy resort themed goods
as souveniers.
Recreation
Shopping
Checkin/Checkout
The check-in desk is serviced by park rangers adding
to the national park theme of the resort.
Guest Services
Disney Transportation
Although a premium resort, Wilderness Lodge is rather
secluded, so it doesn't have monorail service. Boat and bus transportation,
though, provides transportation to all points in WDW.
Directions to the Resort
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