This is our 2nd stay at the Wilderness Lodge. We've also stayed at the Polynesian (long ago), Pop Century, French Quarter and 3 times at Port Orleans Riverside....The Wilderness Lodge is one of the cheaper Deluxe properties and in my opinion a great place to stay if you can afford the upgrade....if not the Riverside is a nice moderate! We gave this a 5 star because the things we don't like are not deal breakers on our trip, and the things we do like far out weigh the bad!
So first the BAD:
Buses were awful this visit (but due to my own fault of going during the busy summer season! I'd highly recommend making your trip NOT during summer or a holiday and you'll have a much better time!) We had long waits, but I don't fault the resort on this because I'm sure all resorts would have had this issue during this busy travel period!
Another annoyance that I actually called to complain about....if you are paying the upgraded price to stay at the WL your bus should not stop at the campground to pick up more people!! Picking up more people made the buses crowded and added to the commute time.... It's just a headache that the increased price should help you avoid!
Baby pool was closed several days of our trip, this was due to unscheduled maintenance....but I think they should have had workers there when the pool was closed to fix the problem! Not shut is everyday around noon so they could work on it again!
The GOOD:
The boat to MK is AWESOME!! Always a short wait, and a nice quick trip!
Awesome pool
Good food
Overall design on the lodge
Convenience to all amenities (boat, bus, pool, food) from any room
Pool activities
Cleanliness
Activities in the lobby on rainy afternoons
Staff was great!
Comfortable beds
Water parade from beach
Grounds

Overall I'd highly recommend a stay here, you won't regret it!!

We've stayed at the Polynesian Resort before and thought we'd try the Wilderness Lodge this time. The facility is quite beautiful and the rooms are clean but small. The staff are all very friendly except for the girl that greets you at the baggage/car valet. Odd that they would put the most unfriendly person as the one you see first and last during your visit.
Transportation is easy to any of the Disney theme parks, with boat transport to Magic Kingdom and bus to all the others. It is the generally the first of 2 stops to the theme parks which makes for a slightly longer ride but you get good seats as the bus is empty when it arrives. At a subsequent stop at the Grand Floridian on the way to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, we noticed that they had very long lines as only a few people at a time could fit onto the bus when it arrives. They also have to stand for the rest of the trip.
There is a decent looking pool on site but we did not use it. We walked past it daily to get to the small hidden restaurant at the back where you could get a small quick breakfast at a decent price. $6.00 will get you a kids breakfast of 2 small waffles with strawberries and whipping cream, and a milk or juice. Adult portions are $9.00 without the drink included but you get 3 waffles. There is also a breakfast croissant sandwich for similar pricing.
Wifi is available throughout the hotel for free as well as all the Disney theme parks.

The only complaint I have is that the rooms are not well insulated for sound. We could here people walking and talking in the halls as well as in the room above us as if they were in our room. This made it difficult when our kids were sleeping and other guests came in later. We were bothered by the noise of people yelling in the swimming pool that we faced as it was open later into the evening. We also noticed the annoying sound of the boats sounding their horn as they came into the boat launch.

Would we stay here again? Probably not given that there are so many choices in WDW. We'd probably try something else just to experience the different themes. We weren't disappointed, but we also weren't overly impressed.

We just spent 7 days at the WL and could not haven happier staying anywhere else! It was our first time at a deluxe Disney resort and definitely did not disappoint! Our on-line check-in worked out great and our room was ready when we arrived. In no time we were unpacked and off to the park. Can't say enough about the rustic lodge atmosphere and walking thru the lobby never got old! My 8 year old loved the boat ride to Magic Kingdom and liked it better than the monorail! The quick service at Roaring Forks offered the best Mickey Waffles (especially bananas foster); specialty sandwiches were great and loved the Wilderness Salad! Never felt too crowded like the value resorts.

Housekeeping was exceptional and got towel pets every other day. We were amazed by the elephant we found sitting on our bed when we returned one afternoon! Beds were very comfy. Staff was helpful and always friendly. Everything was just... magical! Can't wait to go back!

Just returned from a family vacation with 4 year old and 23 month old. We chose Wilderness Lodge because of its proximity to Magic Kingdom. The property was beautiful and is so child friendly. Our kids loved the kiddie pool area, the boat ride to Magic Kingdom , the marshmallow roasting,the geyser and the lobby in general. The rooms were nice, not overly spacious but about what one would expect. I found them very clean and nicely appointed. The last night we were there, they started to set up Christmas decorations and they were very impressive. The tree in the lobby was just beautiful. They only thing I didn't love about the property was the food. The whispering canyon is just not good at all. The roaring fork is fine for quick service, although after staying for 5 days , you may be a little tired of the limited choices. We did eat at artist point one night and it was by far better than the other choices at the resort. We plan to return next year and will stay at the Wilderness Lodge again. We just loved it and our children were so happy there.