Rustic Family-Friendly Lodge at Walt Disney World

I’ve stayed at most of the deluxe resorts on property at Walt Disney World, but the Wilderness Lodge is one I somehow never seemed to visit. Located in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World, the inspiration of the Wilderness Lodge is the old lodges of the Pacific Northwest. On a recent trip to Walt Disney World, I finally had the chance to stay in a bunk bed room at the Wilderness Lodge. It’s a quaint and charming resort that really does make you feel as though you are in the Pacific Northwest.

Although it’s part of the Magic Kingdom area of the resort, the Wilderness Lodge is not located on the monorail loop. Instead, guests can take a boat to the Magic Kingdom and buses to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. All of the hotel rooms and restaurants are located within one large building, although the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a Disney vacation club property, is located next door. The quaint feel of the hotel is very similar to that of its sister resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which was designed by the same architect.

The Wilderness Lodge offers standard hotel rooms as well as bunk bed rooms, which I had. Since I have an 8-year old boy and a 10-year old girl, the bunk bed room is a much better option than a two-queen bed room. It also provides for a bit more floor space in the room. Unlike some of the other deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World, the Wilderness Lodge rooms only accommodate four, not five. As a result, they are a bit smaller than other deluxe resort rooms. Rooms also have balconies – many of which face the beautiful courtyard and pool.

Although most families staying at the Disney hotels spend much of their time at the parks, there are also lots of amenities and activities located right at the resort. In addition to a large swimming pool, the resort also offers boat and bike rentals and fishing excursions. There’s also an onsite gift shop, a pin trading kiosk, and a concierge desk. Bell services are available to hold luggage if you arrive before check-in time, or leave after check-out time. Several restaurants are available on property, including the signature restaurant Artist Point, the boisterous Whispering Canyon cafe, and the quick service Roaring Fork.

To learn more about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, visit their website. You can also compare rates at Hotels.com.

Disclosure: My stay at the Wilderness Lodge was complimentary as part of a media event.