How to Spend the Perfect Evening at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Located on the shores of Bay Lake in Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has been welcoming Guests into its grand building since May 28, 1994. Inspired by Yellowstone National Park lodges and America’s Great Northwest, the Disney Resort that appears as though it is carved from wood, is tucked away amongst tall evergreen and pine trees and beyond stunning waterfalls. Everything about the Resort allows Guests to feel as though they are right in the heart of the wilderness, despite being in Lake Buena Vista. 

In addition to the main Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Disney Vacation Club’s Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins are located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. 

Boulder Ridge Villas was the first of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts to be added to the Disney Resort, opening in November 2000. Located right across from the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the theming inside of Boulder Ridge acknowledges the grandeur and legacy of the transcontinental railroad, the Pacific Northwest. Boulder Ridge Villas offers its own lobby, health club, and Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, and is close to Geyser Point Bar & Grill.

Meanwhile, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins have been a more recent addition to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which opened in July 2017. Set on the shores of Bay Lake, Copper Creek offers Guests the chance to stay in waterfront cabins that are just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom. To add to the magic of these picturesque cabins, each has a wrap-around porch with a built-in hot tub, providing the perfect spot to enjoy Disney Enchantment from. 

Here at Disney Tips, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a must-visit during every Walt Disney World vacation. It offers an ideal place to spend an evening away from the Disney Parks, and embrace the feeling of being in a giant log cabin (just like the Old Faithful Inn; the building that was the inspiration for the design of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), set within incredible grounds; all that is true to the Disney experience. So let us plan the perfect evening for you to enjoy, exploring this incredible Disney Resort!

Getting to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

Our favorite way to arrive at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is by ferry boat from Magic Kingdom Park. You’ll want to use the boat landing that is for Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

Travel across Seven Seas Lagoon, to Bay Lake, where you will make a right turn. If you sit on the captain’s right side of the boat, you are sure to get the best view of the Copper Creek Cabins coming into view. Look to the sky to see the trees and roof of Wilderness Lodge appearing too. Once you disembark the boat onto the Dock, follow the wooden walkway towards Fire Rock Geyser and embrace the magic that awaits!

Explore Cooper Creek Falls

After passing Copper Creek Spring, the main swimming pool at Wilderness Lodge Resort, you will arrive at Copper Creek Falls. Enjoy the wonderful sound of a gentle waterfall, and look high for spectacular views of the Disney Resort hotel that this spot gives. Follow the path between rocks and greenery, and up stone stairs, to cross wooden bridges that pass over the murmuring creek. Take advantage of the rocking chairs that are located just outside of the lobby; it’s the perfect place to close your eyes and listen to the running water, for a moment of calm.

Take in the Grand Lobby

Once inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, expect to be blown away by the intricate details that are showcased in the lobby. You will discover towering totem poles, giant lanterns featuring silhouettes of wildlife, and cabin-inspired seating, that invites you to sit and take in every single detail. Find a rocking chair in front of the stone hearth, and enjoy the sounds and smells of a roaring fire.

Be sure to take the stairs to different levels of the lobby, to get different views of its many features. You’ll also want to search for Hidden Mickey’s throughout the lobby and floors that are available to explore.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

A visit to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge isn’t complete without enjoying dinner in Whispering Canyon Cafe. Located to the side of the lobby, this is a restaurant that serves up just as much fun as delicious food. Prepare to take part in games, be entertained by Cast Members with a little attitude, and eat from bottomless platters. Oh and don’t forget to order ketchup (whether you need it or not)!

We highly recommend ordering an All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Signature Skillet. This offers great value for money as it includes a serving of delicious cornbread to start and unlimited offerings of the ingredients of your chosen skillet. You certainly won’t leave feeling hungry! If you do have room for dessert though, the Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake is a chocolate-lovers dream.

Another favorite restaurant to dine in during a visit to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is Artist Point. This is the perfect location if there is a Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (1937) fan in your party.

Wilderness Lodge Mercantile

Following dinner, it would be rude not to stop by the gift store, located across the lobby from Whispering Canyon Cafe. Wilderness Lodge Mercantile is a wonderful place to pick up a souvenir from your visit to the Disney Resort, as it offers merchandise specific to Wilderness Lodge.

Be sure to stop by the totem featuring Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and the Resort mascot, Humphrey the Bear – it makes for a great photo opportunity after browsing the shop!

Spend an evening on the shore of Bay Lake

What better way to end the evening than in the fresh air on the stunning grounds of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Head down passed Copper Creek Springs pool once more, towards Fire Rock Geyser, and follow the path round to the right, to the campfire. Hopefully, you’ve got a little room after dinner to enjoy toasting marshmallows, which are complementary to all Guests. If you prefer to enjoy toasted marshmallows with Graham Crackers and chocolate, then pick up a s’mores kit at Wilderness Lodge Mercantile before heading to the campfire.

After stopping by the campfire, head to the shoreside in front of Geyser Point Bar & Grill. From here, you’ll be able to watch the Electrical Water Pageant pass by, featuring the special float in honor of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary. 

Stick around here, as this will also offer a great viewing spot for Disney Enchantment. Another great place to enjoy the fireworks is the walkway to the Dock. Seek out the best viewing place for you and your party! 

Finish with a Cocktail

Your evening doesn’t have to end after the fireworks. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has two great bars, where you can relax and reflect on the wonderful evening you’ve had. Territory Lounge is located inside the main building of the Disney Resort and offers rustic and cozy log-cabin vibes. Geyser Point Bar & Grill has a spacious outdoor deck, allowing you to enjoy the evening air, whilst sipping on an ice-cold drink. Both locations offer signature cocktails, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, so everyone can enjoy something!

Prepare for an evening that will leave you wanting more – something that is true for all of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. We’re sure that you will leave Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, already planning the next visit. This could be the perfect location to stay during your next Disney vacation too – set that countdown quick!