Who knew you could escape to the wilderness just moments from Magic Kingdom?
Imagine stepping away from Magic Kingdom and, in just ten or twenty minutes, arriving at what looks like a giant chalet in the woods. I’m talking about a place filled with hardwood, Native American totems, a massive fireplace, and plenty of unexplored areas in what could very well be a luxurious hotel on a snowy mountain. No, I’m not talking about the Overlook Hotel (thankfully), but rather the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World, a hotel that truly lives up to its name and is one of the most atmospheric and beautiful resorts in all of Florida.
Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe Hotel with prices starting at $540 per night. It’s located across Bay Lake (yes, the same lake where you’ll find the Contemporary Resort) and offers direct boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. This resort is known for its fantastic dining options - including one of the most popular character dining experiences in all of Disney World - and its absolutely mesmerizing lobby. If you're looking for a Deluxe Hotel but don’t want to spend more than $600–$700 per night, Wilderness Lodge is a great option, offering perks like Early Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights.
What We Like About Wilderness Lodge
I mean, just look at the pictures. This resort is absolutely stunning and has one of the most beautiful lobbies in Disne—no, scratch that, one of the most beautiful lobbies I’ve ever seen, period. Everything feels so majestic, with top-notch attention to detail everywhere, from the massive totems with carved figures to the towering rooms that surround you, to the huge, three-sided fireplace and the elegant carpets. It truly feels like you’ve stepped out of Walt Disney World and into a gorgeous chalet somewhere else in the world, but the Mickey touches are still there to remind you that you are in the Happiest Place on Earth.
The resort’s outdoor spaces are just as breathtaking, featuring two pools (one with a working geyser!), quiet rivers with small waterfalls, bubbling springs, and rock formations that make you feel completely immersed in nature. Wilderness Lodge is all about celebrating Native American culture, national parks, and the beauty of the great outdoors, and it does this exceptionally well.
One of the best perks of Wilderness Lodge is its price. Yes, I know, starting at $540 per night, it’s not exactly cheap. But when it comes to Disney Deluxe Resorts, it’s actually one of the most affordable options. If you love luxury, breathtaking surroundings, and being close to Magic Kingdom, this could be the perfect spot for you. Plus, by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points, you can save $100–$200 per night compared to standard rates, making the deal even sweeter.
Dining options at Wilderness Lodge are also pretty good. You have Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Roaring Fork, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. All of them get a thumbs up, but Story Book Dining is the real star of the show.
Story Book Dining is the most popular character dining experience at Disney World featuring a Disney princess. Here, you’ll enjoy a meal in a beautifully themed setting while meeting Snow White, the Evil Queen, and two of the Dwarfs. The Evil Queen is easily the standout character, but that probably doesn’t come as a surprise. She always delivers the fun, dramatic performance we love, like someone who woke up on a Monday in a terrible mood.
Wilderness Lodge also offers free bus and boat transportation. Buses take you to all four theme parks and Disney Springs, while boats provide a direct route to Magic Kingdom. The boat ride itself is quick, and even with wait times, the entire trip to Magic Kingdom takes about 20 minutes. So be sure to wake up early to take advantage of Early Entry!
The rooms and pools are great, even if there’s nothing truly mind-blowing about them. The rooms are spacious and elegant, featuring hardwood accents and subtle nods to Disney classics like Bambi. The pools are large and beautifully designed, with one even featuring a waterslide. Plus, there’s a working geyser that kids absolutely love.
What we don’t like about Wilderness Lodge
There’s a small spoiler in the paragraph above about what we don’t like at Wilderness Lodge. The main issue here is that there’s no direct access to any theme park. You can’t walk to Magic Kingdom, and there’s no monorail or Skyliner connecting you to any park. Instead, you’ll need to take a boat to reach Magic Kingdom or board a bus or drive to your destination.
That’s a bit of a letdown, considering that most Deluxe Hotels offer some form of direct access to the parks. The Contemporary, for example, is within walking distance of Magic Kingdom, while BoardWalk Inn is within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. However, both hotels are more expensive than Wilderness Lodge, so if you don’t mind taking the boat, paying less to stay in a beautiful resort can still be a great deal.
All in all, I highly recommend Wilderness Lodge. If it had direct access to a theme park, it would be an easy ten out of ten. It ranks among the best Disney World hotels, and if you’re looking for luxury and fantastic dining options while staying close to Magic Kingdom, you won’t be disappointed.
Wilderness Lodge FAQ
How much is a room at Wilderness Lodge?
Prices vary by date and room type but typically start at $540 per night.
Is there a Skyliner or monorail at Wilderness Lodge?
No, Wilderness Lodge does not have a Skyliner or monorail. However, there is a boat that can take you to Magic Kingdom, as well as complimentary bus transportation to all theme parks and Disney Springs.
Is there a boat service at Wilderness Lodge?
Yes, there is a boat service that takes you directly to Magic Kingdom
Is Wilderness Lodge within walking distance of Magic Kingdom?
No, Wilderness Lodge is not within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
Is Wilderness Lodge within walking distance of the Contemporary Resort?
No, Wilderness Lodge is not within walking distance of the Contemporary Resort.
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