Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a great centrally-located resort with easy access via boat to Magic Kingdom. We stayed during Easter Weekend and found decorations and special activities. Even on non-holidays, they have activities available both for free and for small cost.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge, 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8426; (407) 824-3200
There are several methods to get to the resort - Disney's free transportation buses, ride-share programs, Airport transfer buses, and driving yourself. If you're arriving from Magic Kingdom, take the Resort Ferry right over.
As you drive through the winding road, you will see this "Bear Crossing" sign and pullout where you can take a photo of the entranceway ahead.
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After you stop at the guard shack and check-in (only resort staying guests may park at the resort), you will drive along some more scenic roads to the parking lot. It's quite a walk from the parking lot to get to the lodge. Feel free to drop off guests who have difficulty walking at the lodge entrance first before parking.
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The bus stop is a bit of a walk from the lodge's entrance. If you're planning to go to one of the parks via bus, be sure to check the bus's marquee sign for which park they will drive to/from.
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Some pics I took inside the resort's lobby. The hotel is inspired by National Park lodges with lots of rough-hewn wood accents, a bubbling fountain, buffalo-themed decor, and more. Really inspires one to want to travel to places like Yellowstone.
The Mercantile - the one stop shop with lots of convenience items, merch, and more. Tucked in the back of the lobby.
The attention to detail in the signs, lamps, and even the interesting decor is amazing.
Directory and a Her Story sign for Women's History Month
One of the three restaurants on property - Roaring Forks. Save time waiting in line during business times (like breakfast) by using the Disney World app to place a mobile order. The other two restaurants include Whispering Canyon Cafe (reservations recommended) and Geyser Point Bar and Grill (only serving Lunch and Dinner).
This map shows how a boat crosses the Seven Seas Lagoon to get to Magic Kingdom.
Walking to the Resort Ferry landing where you can take a boat directly to Magic Kingdom or to one of the other nearby resorts.
Head to the Lobby and get a list of current activities (like an Easter holiday list) and the Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt activity sheet. Plan at least one hour for scavenger hunt. The Hidden Mickey one was actually quite challenging.
Tucked away at the edge of the property is a sport court (basketball, four-square) and BBQ grill. It's also lighted at night.
Rivers, bubbling pools, and the Fire Rock Geyser that shoots off hourly between 9am and 10pm. Just a little past the geyser in front of the Geyser Point Bar and Grill they hold a campfile every night from 6:30pm to 7:30pm (and it closes down right at 7:30pm) with free marshmall roasting (smores are $extra).
Guests can watch the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks. There are chairs along the walkway that provide a comfortable view.
The Electrical Water Pageant - a fun, musical parade of lit-up boats - runs along the shoreline every night at 9:30pm.
Some other activities - nightly movies on the lawn (bring the bug spray), pool/billiards table, ping pong table, foosball table, bags with 2 goals, and running trail. Of course, there's a really nice swimming pool and a kid's area.
Easter-specific Activities Board, the Easter Kite-themed Scavenger Hunt (allocate at least an hour to complete), the Candy Scramble (on Easter Day at 11am, bags provided).
A few more pics outside the lodge:
A few pics of the model train, some seating areas, and the wooden carvings
For more information on this resort,
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/wilderness-lodge-resort/
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