Posts Tagged ‘Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge’

The turn onto Timberline Drive is a detour to another place and time.  Through the pines, past topiaried wildlife, around a bend, and the magnificent Wilderness Lodge emerges from the trees.  A cheerful group of “park rangers” waits to greet guests and usher them into the spectacular lobby – a sight which never fails to astonish the first-time visitor.  The subject of so many superlatives, this glorious interior is a study in contrasts: at once soaring and snug, dark but colorful, animated yet calm.

The architecture, art, and artifacts compose a harmonious song which echoes with the notes of grand national park lodges and Native American culture.  The stones of the massive fireplace replicate the Grand Canyon’s geological strata and specially-commissioned totem poles rise more than fifty feet, adding to the majesty of the space.  A small bridge spans the bubbling source of Silver Creek which meanders outside and tumbles down as a splashing waterfall on its “journey” to Silver Creek Springs Pool and Bay Lake.

All of the 727 guest rooms are housed in a single building designed in a rough “V” shape with the main entrance at the bottom and the wings enclosing the pool and courtyard and extending out towards Bay Lake.

Although it’s located right next to the park, this is the only deluxe Magic Kingdom resort not connected via the monorail, investing it with a sense of peace and seclusion.

Outdoor Pleasures

Despite its location in the heart of central Florida, there is a true sense of the great wilderness here, with towering pines, berried branches, and woodland animals.

Nestled in the trees, this beautiful resort extends an invitation to spend time outside, enjoying the woodsy surroundings.  Guests can rent bicycles, surrey bikes, and boats from Teton Boat and Bike Rentals to explore the grounds and the waterways of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.  A mile-long bike path runs between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.  Bay Lake Beach provides a sandy stretch along the lakeshore which is not only a great spot for relaxation and playtime during the day, but the perfect place for viewing the Electrical Water Pageant each evening.

There’s catch-and-release fishing for some old-fashioned fun – arrange for a two-hour guided excursion out on the water, or mosey over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness for the dockside cane-pole variety.

The perfectly-themed Silver Creek Springs pool has a water slide, wading pool, and spa, and guests also have use of Hidden Springs pool and spa at the adjacent Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Transportation

In addition to bus transportation from its conveniently-located bus stop, boats travel from the dock to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

The boat ride to the Magic Kingdom may be the most pleasant transportation option at Walt Disney World; it’s certainly a great way to begin a day at the park.  There is valet parking available, as well as self-parking in the main parking area, a short walk from the lobby.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Phone 407-824-3200
Fax 407-824-3232

This tiny mouse has tucked himself away in the rafters of the lobby of the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Surrounded by magnificent carvings of woodland creatures, he’s easy to overlook!

From traditional and timeless to the trees of tomorrow, Walt Disney World has a Christmas tree to suit every taste.

For cutting edge, we’ve chosen the monorail tree at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights offers the lights and only the lights, with trees fashioned entirely of brilliantly-colored bulbs.

At the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the tree in the rotunda references one of the vintage black and white photographs that grace the lobby – “Wildflower Excursion.”  The branches are festooned with ornaments, lights, and bunches of wildflowers – a wonderfully woodland tree!

In the former Iron Spike Room, now rededicated as the Carolwood Pacific Room, Walt’s personal train memorabilia and photographs lend a palpable presence, as if he had just wandered through and would soon return to settle in one of the leather rocking chairs and enjoy the fire.

It’s a very inviting and intimate space, infused with the warmth of wood and stone; flames always glowing in the fireplace.  There are tables set with board games; pleasant woodland views; an inviting window seat with plump pillows.  Displays include two of the  cars from the original train that plied the “Fair Weather Route” in the Disney’s backyard.

Despite being just a short walk from busses and boats, this lovely room is seldom visited by any except those staying at the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and remains a tranquil retreat.

Looking for a little downtime from the parks?  Pull up a chair and enjoy a board game.  There are a number of places where guests of the Walt Disney World Resort can find something fun to play.

Members of the Disney Vacation Clubs have access to a variety of games in the Community Halls of each deluxe villa resort.  The beautiful Carolwood Pacific Room at the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a cozy spot for a family game of Chinese Checkers.

Visitors can raft over to Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom and settle into rocking chairs for a round of checkers, or travel to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground and enjoy a game at the General Store.

Most guests are not aware that the tables in the rooms of many of resorts have a checkerboard top.  Both checkers and chess pieces are available at the front desk.

Little ones can play games during their stays at the childcare centers, and for the rest of us, there’s the inviting Belle Vue Room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn with its library ambiance and game tables set for chess and backgammon.

Our favorite?  It’s the third floor at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.  Chess pieces and giant checkers are waiting on tables by the windows, offering guests beautiful views of the grounds and an opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the leisure time.