Spent 6 glorious days at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. After reading posts here, and other sites and reading the "official" and "unofficial" Disney Guides, this hotel really seemed to add up. I was not disappointed, in fact it exceeded every expectation I had. Everything to from the fact that our room was ready early in the day (without our requesting it) to the way we were treated by every staff member, even to the food served in the lodge at "Whispering Canyon Cafe," I don't think it could be much better. The pool was always sparkling, the grounds looked like they were combed about twice a day for anything that didn't belong, and the views were unmatched. During our stay, we had dinner at the Contemporary, breakfast at the Grand Floridian (both character meals) and took in the "spirit of aloha" show at the Polynesian. We arrive early or stayed late at each to try and get the feel of these other resorts for future reference. Nothing truly compared. The Contemporary came closest to being as open, well groomed and will proably get one visit from us in December as a test. The Grand Floridian seemed way too stuffy, including the staff who seemed to be doing us a favor by answering our questions. The Polynesian, while apparently having the best beach at WDW just seemed old. I can't really put into words the entire experience. My wife and I are 42 and we traveled with a 7 year old and a 2 year old. Every person at the WL treated us as if they had been waiting just for us. By the way, the water taxi from WL to the Magic Kingdom and Contemporary were wonderful places for a sunset cruise, or viewing the Magic Kingdom Fireworks show. Probably the best vacation I have had in 10+ years and it was the hotel that really put it over the top.

What can I say, this was an AWESOME experience. I'm a huge Disney World fan but here it was my 10th trip to the resort and I had never stayed on the property before - now I don't think I will ever stay off property. We stayed in a Deluxe Room (used to be called a junior suite.) This was a great budget-minded option for 5 adults staying in a Deluxe resort.

The pullout couch was the most comfortable I've ever slept on - it felt like a real bed. I thought the decorating and theming in the room was very nice. We were lucky enough to have a corner room at the end of the wing near the lake and pool, so it was very quiet as there wasn't a lot of traffic going through our particular area.

The Whispering Canyon and Roaring Fork were great and reasonably priced places to eat. The pool at the resort was really nice- the water was comfortably warm so you didn't get that stinging freezing feeling you usually get when you first step into the water. check-in/out fast super speedy - It was very convenient that we could check in for our American Airlines flight AND check in our luggage right there at the hotel. Transportation was fair, but it all depends on luck and how long it's been since the bus you want last came to pick up a group of people. Sometimes we waited 15-20 minutes, sometimes we got right on. On one occassion we waited 45 minutes to get a bus to Typhoon Lagoon, but I'll chalk that up to an isolated incident.

Overall everyone was very pleased with the entire stay. SOOO glad I changed my mind at the last minute to book WL and not the contemporary!

This Hotel is Tops.. If you want to know what disney is all about I recommend the Wilderness Lodge. Me and my wife travel to Disney twice a year and we recently returned from a family gathering of 14 people. From the Hotel staff ( they call cast members ) Bus drivers, Boat attendants, and anyone associated with the Hotel and parks your treated like your the only one there and they can't do enough for you. When you walk in to the Lodge your greeted by a 80 ft. high stone fireplace, large Tee Pee style chandeliers, and music pumped in from the Last of the Mohicans. It really has a Northwestern or a Eastern style Adirondack feel. There is plenty of things to do for the kids, from the arcade, the Pool, the beach, or just running around having fun. The adults can also rent boats, ride bikes, or just lay around the pool and enjoy the 2 jacuzzis. Ther are 3 restaurants .. The best one is The Whispering Canyon. It's for everyone of all ages but especially the kids .The servers are cowboys and cowgals and they have a rootin tootin time. Say hello to Farmer Joe and order The Spit In The Pit. ( he'll know what it is ). Roaring forks is good for a quick breakfast, Lunch or even dinner with burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. If you want a fancier style dinner you can eat at artisant point. The guest rooms could be a little bigger but are very comfortable and extremely clean. If I could recommend anything about this Hotel and you ever get a chance to go to Disney at Christmas time ( anytime after Thanksgiving ) Stay at the Wilderness Lodge. If your a Christmas NUT like me and my wife your jaw will drop when you see what they do and how they decorate the Hotel. Just stay at this Hotel........ you will LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

This was truly a magical vacation. We are seasonal pass-holders and were able to obtain a discount to Wilderness Lodge. I had no idea this would be as fantastic a place as it was. It exceeded my expectations. Firstly, the lobby is exceptional...more impressive, to me, than the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Further, there were plenty of activities for the kids and family. We took a boat ride and saw Magic Kingdom and the other resorts. We also rented the surrey bicycles to Fort Wilderness. I would advise you take separate bikes, not the surrey bikes. Fort Wilderness was about a mile away and had $3 pony rides for the little ones, plus a petting zoo. I enjoyed a message. The staff was phenomenal and extremely helpful. We didn't get to do everything. Out of our 4 day stay we only went to the theme park once because there was so much to do. I highly recommend this lodge to anyone wanting to have a great time at Disney. I plan on returning in the fall. The rooms had a great view and the ambiance was far more relaxed than the Grand Floridian. Go, go, go!!!