What are the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge?

On Aug. 27, 1998, Disney Vacation Development, Inc., operators of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), announced that it would expand its timeshare resort presence at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to include a third resort, as well as additional development at its flagship property. The Wilderness Lodge Villas, which officially opened November 15, 2000, have 136-units consisting of studio, one- and two-bedroom vacation villas.  The Villas are five stories tall and are on a four-acre site.

How does the theming tie in with the Wilderness Lodge?

"Adjacent to Disney's Wilderness Lodge a team of railroad workers discovers a spectacular property -- complete with lakes, trees and majestic mountains rising in the distance (Splash Mountain and Space Mountain, that is!).

These intrepid explorers decide this is the spot -- the perfect spot to set up camp as they build the transcontinental railway. They build themselves a new homestead and when it's time to move on, they leave it behind to be "re-discovered'' by Disney Vacation Club... and so the story goes!

Like Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the new resort is inspired by the tall timber and grandeur of the Rocky Mountain national park geyser country. In keeping with Disney's legendary entertainment heritage, the DVC resort will build on the storyline "imagineered'' for Disney's Wilderness Lodge property, which describes the new structure as actually "pre-dating'' Disney's Wilderness Lodge through a design reminiscent of turn-of-the century hotels built by early railroad workers in the old West national park region."

What's the difference between the Wilderness Lodge Villas and the Wilderness Lodge?

Disney's Villas at Wilderness Lodge are a timeshare resort that belongs to the Disney Vacation Club. Villas have kitchenette or kitchen facilities, along with regular rooms. Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a Disney hotel in the "Deluxe Resort" category.

Can I rent rooms in the Wilderness Lodge Villas or do I have to be a member of Disney's Vacation Club (DVC)?

As with all the Disney Vacation Club resorts on property, anyone can rent rooms or suites at the Wilderness Lodge Villas, subject to availability. You do NOT have to be a member of the DVC.

Where are the Wilderness Lodge Villas located?

The Wilderness Lodge Villas are located in the Magic Kingdom resort area adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge.

What are the different room options?

There are 136 Villas that include Studios, 1 and 2 Bedroom Villas.

The Studio Villas are 356 square feet and come with one queen bed and a full sleeper sofa.  There is a small dining table and two chairs, color TV, and bathroom. Also included are a microwave, coffee maker, under the counter refrigerator, ceiling fan, wet bar, hair dryer, iron, ironing board and vacuum cleaner.  There will also be a private porch/balcony.  The Studio Villa can accommodate a maximum of 4 adults and one child under 3 in a crib.

The One-Bedroom Villas are 727 square feet and have one bedroom with a king-sized bed and its own whirlpool tub and TV, a living room (which has a queen-sized sleeper sofa, and TV), one full bathroom, plus a sink/vanity area in the room with the Jacuzzi , a fully equipped kitchen (which includes a refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave), dining area (which includes table and four chairs), stacked washer and dryer, hair dryer, a nice walk-in closet as well as a smaller closet, and a private balcony or patio which includes two chairs and a small table.  There will also be a private porch/balcony.  The One Bedroom Villa can accommodate a maximum of 4 adults and one child under 3 in a crib.

The Two-Bedroom Villas  are 1,080 square feet and basically are a Studio Villa and a One-Bedroom Villa that are connected with a communicating door. (See description above of both rooms for what's included.)   Master suite has a king size bed; additional bedroom has a two queen size beds; living room has a queen size sleeper sofa.  Per Disney, this Two-Bedroom Villa will accommodate "eight adults, plus one child under the age of 3 in a crib".  There will also be a private porch/balcony.  

As of June 1, 2007, all Disney resorts and guest rooms are now smoke free. There are designated outdoor smoking areas. Check the resort map or with a Cast Member for locations.

Where do I check in?

Check-in for the villas will be at the main Wilderness Lodge front desk.  Guest services can also be found in the Wilderness Lodge lobby.

What are the room prices?

Below is a table of room rates. Annual Passholders can sometimes get discounts on rooms, depending on season and availability.  January and September are good months to try for discounts.  There is an 11.5% tax that is not included in the prices.

Check-In for the Villas is 4:00 pm and Check-Out is 11:00 am. You will be allowed to check in earlier if your room is ready when you arrive, but based on my experience with other Disney Vacation Club resorts, don't count on it!

How do I Get to.......

All Wilderness Lodge Villas transportation is via the main Wilderness Lodge system.

While it seems as though you should be able to walk to the other Magic Kingdom resort hotels and perhaps even the Magic Kingdom itself, you can't.

Transportation from the Wilderness Lodge Villas is available through either the Wilderness Lodge Boat Dock or the Bus Depot. They are located on opposite ends of the resort.

Boat Dock -- Walking in the front door of the Lodge, the boat dock will be through the back door, down the left side past the pool, down the walkway to the dock.

Bus Depot -- Make a right in the lobby just after you pass the front desk; then go past the gift shop (on your right) and past the Cub's Den (on your left) and outside to the bus depot. There are 3 "stops" at the Bus Depot.

Magic Kingdom -- There are two options. 1) Take the Red Flag Boat available at the Dock. 2) You can also take a bus directly to the Magic Kingdom.

Trail Rides at Fort Wilderness - Board the Bus from the Lodge Bus Depot; it will stop at Pioneer Hall and the Trailer Loop.

Bus Stop #2 provides transportation to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard Beach - This bus will also take you to the mini-golf course "Winter Summerland", which is directly adjacent to Blizzard Beach.

Bus Stop #3 will take you to the Disney's Hollywood Studios, and, after 4 p.m. to the Downtown Disney area and Typhoon Lagoon. If you want to visit Typhoon Lagoon or Downtown Disney earlier than 4 p.m. -- Take the Crockett bus to the TTC; then transfer.

During certain seasons, a boat will run between the WL and the Contemporary. This boat enables you to access the Contemporary Hotel as well as monorail access. Whenever in doubt, be sure to ask your bus/boat driver where they are going and the best way to get to where you want to go.

How do I drive to the Magic Kingdom Ticket and Transportation Center parking lot from the Villas?

While there usually isn't a need to drive from the Villas to the MK parking lot, sometimes you may need to do this, and it isn't obvious where to go.

Head out of the Lodge on Timberline Drive, and keep going straight, now on Seven Seas Drive. You'll go past the Polynesian, and then come to Floridian Way, where a right turn would take you to the Grand Floridian. Turn *left* here, even though it looks like you're exiting the area. Stay in the left lane. Just past the Exxon station, and just before you pass the toll plaza, you'll see a small but clearly-marked sign which says "Magic Kingdom parking". Go left here and make a U-turn, which will take you back into the parking area.

This can be a bit confusing if you're not ready for it, as it looks like you're on the way out of the lot instead of into it, but it seems to be the quickest (legal) way to make this drive.

Where can I get morning coffee?

The villas come equipped with coffee makers, so you can brew your own.  If you prefer, walk over to Roaring Fork Snacks on the first floor of the Lodge near the pool entrance.   Be sure to check out the refillable mugs.

What are the restaurants like?

There are no restaurants in the Villas. There are, however, 2 full service restaurants, a lounge and 2 snack bars in the Lodge.

Artist Point - a full-service restaurant. It serves dinner, featuring cuisine from the Northwestern United States. Sitting by a window provides a view of the woods or the pool depending on your location. Artist Point menus can be found on the Menus page.

Whispering Canyon Cafe is located off the main lobby, the restaurant actually opens to the lobby. This is a western-themed family style restaurant with special activities, including "horse races". Food is served in skillets placed on lazy susans; breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Be sure to read the bottom of the dinner menu for ways to make your Whispering Canyon experience a memorable one! Click here for the Menus.

Territory Lounge is near Artist Point and is a relaxing lounge that serves a nice micro-brew, as well as espresso and cappuccino. Appetizers and light snacks are available from 5-10 p.m. Seasonally open during the day. Click Here for Menu

Roaring Fork Snacks is located on the ground floor near the pool entrance. It is a self-serve snack shop open from approximately 7 a.m. to midnight, daily and has Refillable Mugs. Roaring Fork was recently expanded when the Arcade was moved over to the area of the Cub's Den. Click Here for Menu

Trout Pass - The poolside refreshment center opens at noon with seasonal hours for closing.

Room Service - Miss Jenny's In-room dining is available for breakfast (7-11 a.m.) and dinner (4 p.m.-midnight) Click Here for Menu

Miss Jenny's In-Room Pizza Delivery is offered from 4 p.m. to midnight.

What is the pool like?

The Wilderness Lodge Villas have their own quiet pool, without a slide. It is fairly small, but does feature several "geyser" bubbling jets.

What types of recreational options do I have?

In addition to swimming, the Wilderness Lodge has the Teton Boat and Bike Rentals open from 8am to 5pm for Bikes and 10am to 5pm for Boats. 

 What type of child care options are available?

The Wilderness Lodge  has the Cub's Den for children, a supervised dining and western-themed entertainment club for children. It is open from 5 p.m. to midnight. Entertainment free video games, storytelling, arts and crafts and Disney movies. Children accepted are ages 4-12. This program is open to resort guests and reservations are recommended. You may make reservations at Lobby Concierge, or call locally 824-1083. You may also call in advance 407-WDW-DINE. See the Child Care FAQ for more information.

What other things might I want to know?

Look for Hidden Mickeys in the bedspreads, pillow shams and shower curtains. Also check out the atrium, which has a very cute Hidden Mickey.

The Sturdy Branches Health Club offers daily or length of stay membership for individuals or families.

There are lots of wonderful rocking chairs inside and outside the villas atrium.

There are game tables in the Carolwood Pacific Room, located off the lobby.

A game Arcade, featuring pinball, video and air hockey games, is located in the Wilderness Lodge near the Cub's Den.

Electrical Water Pageant - Go to the boat dock in the evening at approximately 9:35 p.m. (check with Guest Services for exact times). You'll be treated to the delightful Electrical Water Pageant, which makes its way across Bay Lake nightly. This whimsical light and music show will entertain you and your family for about 10 minutes. It's worth seeing at least once! (The ELP visits all the Bay Lake resorts nightly.) The ELP may be canceled due to inclement weather.

The Villas at the Wilderness Lodge opened November 15, 2000.