Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has quite an interesting list of fun facts!
Before and during our stays on Disney property, we enjoy learning new information about our resort. It enables us to appreciate all the little details when we’re there even more!
From its history to its designs to its themes, Wilderness Lodge has a lot of things to learn. Below, you will discover these fun facts, along with some activities to enjoy around the resort.
22 Fun Facts About Wilderness Lodge:
Fact #1: Wilderness Lodge is themed to America’s Great Northwest
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is modeled after turn-of-the-century National Park lodges of the Pacific Northwest. You can find details of this theme all over the resort, from rustic wood décor to cozy fireplaces that transport you to another place and time.
Fact #2: Wilderness Lodge opened on May 28, 1994
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge officially opened as a lakeside resort with 728 rooms on May 28, 1994.
Fact #3: The resort’s address pays homage to a real Oregon lodge.
The Wilderness Lodge’s official address is 901 Timberline Drive. It was inspired by Timberline Lodge in Oregon. The lodge is a US National Historic Landmark located on Mount Hood that opened in 1939.
Fact #4: The Wilderness Lodge’s brown bear is the first official mascot of Disney Resort Hotel.
Clues about the resort’s brown bear can be found in many spots, from signage to bear tracks on the sidewalk outside. Humphrey the Bear was created in 1950 by Walt Disney Studios, and today, you can find him on a variety of Wilderness Lodge merchandise.
Fact #5: The resort is modeled after the historic Old Faithful Inn
Old Faithful Inn was built in 1903-1904 and is located in Yellowstone National Park. The historic inn is one of the largest log-style structures in the world. Wilderness Lodge captured many aspects of the inspiring inn’s early 1900s architecture and style.
Fact #6: Wilderness Lodge is one of eight Deluxe Resorts on Walt Disney World property.
Disney has four categories for its resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Wilderness Lodge has both Deluxe and Deluxe Villas options (Boulder Ridge Villas). Disney DELUXE Resorts are considered the BEST that Disney World has to offer.
Fact #7: The resort’s seven-story lobby was built with 85 truckloads of Lodgepole Pine brought in from Montana and Oregon.
This is one of the most unbelievable facts about Wilderness Lodge!
The main lobby is a huge and stunning sight, carefully constructed in the likeness of turn-of-the-century National Park lodges. You can see all the intricate details in features like the lobby’s two towering totem poles and its iconic fireplace.
Fact #8: The totem poles in the main lobby took six months to carve.
The Wilderness Lodge’s main lobby has two iconic totem poles, the Eagle Pole and the Raven Pole. Each totem pole is named after the bird featured at its top. The 55-foot-tall totem poles are a nod to Native American folklore and took six months to carve.
Fact #9: The lobby at the Wilderness Lodge has a stunning 82-foot-tall fireplace
One of the most eye-catching sections of the Wilderness Lodge lobby is its 82-foot-tall fireplace, another national park lodging tribute. The fireplace was inspired by the geologic fireplace located at the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Lodge.
Fact #10: The resort is home to two train cars from Walt Disney’s backyard railroad.
Donated by Walt’s daughter, the train cars were originally part of Walt’s pre-Disneyland train, the Carolwood Pacific Railway, which he operated in his backyard. You can see these train cars in the Carolwood Pacific Room in the Boulder Ridge Villas area.
Fact #11: There are at least 30 hidden Mickeys on Wilderness Lodge property.
This is one of the most FUN facts about Wilderness Lodge!
From the main entrance to the lobby to the hallways and more, this resort is chock-full of hidden Mickeys. Make sure to stop by the front desk for a Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt sheet. If you find all the ones listed, you can take home a cool prize!
Fact #12: Wilderness Lodge is one of four Magic Kingdom area resorts that offer a direct water launch to Magic Kingdom.
You can travel across Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom Park via water taxi from Wilderness Lodge. The water taxis typically arrive every 20 minutes.
If you want to check out another resort, you can also travel to the Contemporary Resort and Fort Wilderness using boat transportation!
Fact #13: There are two themed pools located at the resort
Wilderness Lodge guests can enjoy two themed pools during their stays at the resort. Copper Creek Springs Pool is themed after natural creeks and features a waterslide, whirlpool spas, and a kid’s splash area nearby. Boulder Ridge Cove Pool is themed after an abandoned rock quarry and features a zero-entry pool, whirlpool spa, and cozy cabanas.
Fact #14: The Copper Creek Springs Pool has a thrilling 67-foot waterslide.
The tall waterslide is nestled around the pool area’s rocks, fitting right in with its natural creek-theming.
Fact #15: Fire Rock Geyser erupts every hour
Located behind the Copper Creek Springs Pool area, the Fire Rock Geyser pays homage to the iconic Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone National Park. The geyser erupts at the top of every hour during the day.
Fact #16: Some of the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool area’s vintage mining equipment is from the old Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour
The Boulder Ridge Cove Pool area is themed after an abandoned rock quarry and features vintage mining equipment. Two of its pieces come from Catastrophe Canyon, a part of the Studio Backlot Tour, a former attraction at Hollywood Studios.
Fact #17: The resort offers a Snow White character dining experience.
You can meet characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Artist Point by making a reservation for Story Book Dining at Artist Point. It is a unique Wilderness Lodge character dining experience where guests enjoy an indulgent, themed three-course dinner with character appearances from Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy.
- It is highly recommended that you make an advance reservation for this experience.
Fact #18: Wilderness Lodge offers a fantastic view of the Electrical Water Pageant.
From the shores along the Wilderness Lodge property, you can treat yourself to a great view of the Electrical Water Pageant, a 15-minute-long floating nighttime parade that cruises the Seven Seas Lagoon playing classic medleys.
Fact #19: Boats and bikes are available to rent at Wilderness Lodge.
If you are interested in renting a boat or bike, head over to Teton Boat & Bike Rentals by the marina. Most rentals can be booked for 30 or 60-minute intervals.
Fact #20: Wilderness Lodge hosts complimentary campfire activities.
Get into the wilderness spirit by participating in the resort’s free campfire activities. Roast marshmallows and swap stories at this fun outdoor experience. Afterward, you can enjoy Movies Under the Stars, a nightly program of outdoor Disney movie screenings.
Fact #21: The cabins at Wilderness Lodge feature porches with built-in hot tubs.
The Copper Creek Cabins are a unique lodging option at Wilderness Lodge because they are situated along the shores of Bay Lake. The cabins offer amenities like private porches with built-in hot tubs, making for a luxurious stay!
Fact #22: Fishing excursions are available from Wilderness Lodge’s marina.
My son LOVES this fun fact about Wilderness Lodge!
Guided fishing excursions are a cool option you can experience during a stay at Wilderness Lodge. These catch-and-release outings take up to five guests on a pontoon boat across Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, and more.
Did you know any of these fun facts about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?
If we missed any of your favorite fun facts, please let us know below. In addition, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, and we will answer! 🙂
