First let me state, that I am a very picky traveler with high expectations of resorts. The Wilderness Lodge overly exceeded my expectations. My family of 6 just returned from the Disney Wilderness Lodge last week and had one of our most memorable vacations at Disney. We decided to try a 2 bedroom villa and we could not have been more pleased with our decision. We have been going to Disney for years and have stayed at the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Port Orleans-French Quarter, Old Key West and Coronado Springs but the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge outshines them all. The lobby is breathtaking and amenities are outstanding. Upon check in we were greeted by a very friendly valet ("Welcome Home") who took all 13 of our oversized bags happily from us and placed them in storage as our room was not available when we checked in. At check in, the front desk person was very pleasant, smiling and helpful to us. As we arrived early, our room was not ready but we were given a number to call to find out when it would be ready and that we could keep our luggage in storage while we were in the parks. The front desk attendant went over our complete package for us in great detail and offered lots of information about the parks and activities and even wanted to re-print my husband's room card as his name was spelled incorrectly. This was no problem to us at all but she wanted to make sure everything was just right for us. We wanted to go out into the parks after check in but needed some items from our luggage and the valet could not have been more helpful in getting our luggage out of storage for us. At 3:00 pm we called to check on our room and it was ready and we were able to go ahead and have items we purchased sent over to the hotel. The only problem we encountered was when we returned to the hotel late that evening from the parks we needed to have our luggage brought up to the room. There was only one valet working at that hour (11:30 pm) so it did take a little longer than we would have liked to get our bags as we were ready for bed. But we completely understood as there was only one person to do the job. We called again and our bags were brought up and the valet was very apologetic for the delay. Our room, where do I start. It was fabulous! We had more than enough room for my husband and I and our four children. There was a very cozy kitchen with dining bar and table, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and nice dinnerware. All that we could want. We also had a washer and dryer (with detergent included) that came in very handy. The master bedroom was huge with a very comfortable kingsize bed, armoire with tv, balcony overlooking the woods with a bathroom that was wonderful. A jacuzzi tub with a window that opened up to the bedroom with seperate vanity and huge closet, the shower (big enough for 2) and toilet and seperate sink were connected to the other part of the bathroom by a door which came in handy while one of our children wanted to take a shower or use the restroom while I was getting ready at the other sink. The living area had another balcony, a comfy pullout queen sofa with an armoire and tv that connected to another bedroom with two very comfortable queen size beds with another tv armoire and large bathroom with seperate vanity from tub/shower and large closet. It was like being at home. The decor of the room was very tasteful, new and cozy. We loved staying in the room as much as going to the parks. We spent a day at Blizzard Beach and decided that our pool resort was better because there were no lines or crowds and we decided to leave and go to the resort pool. Ended up wishing we had spent the entire day there.

The restaurants at the resort are wonderful to. Had an incredible dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe and good lunches and breakfast in the Raging Fork near the pool area. We could have spent an entire day just enjoying the Wilderness Lodge and all of the amenities there. There are loads of hidden Mickey's to look for in the lobby, a huge store with great stuff, a warm spring that runs from the lobby to a waterfall that flows into the pool.

We checked out and then stayed at the parks until late and came back for our luggage. When we left late that night there were crews with cherry pickers dusting the huge totem poles in the lobby and cleaning crews cleaning everywhere. You will not find a cleaner resort anywhere. Our room was also very clean each day and well stocked with towels and soaps. Our maid even took the time to make Mickey and Minnie out of towels dressed in our bathing suits we had laid out. The kids loved it, even our older kids (15 and 12).

If I had to say it has a downside it would be that the boatride to Magic Kingdom can take longer than the monorail and there is one stop for Fort Wilderness on the way. But I have stayed at both the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian with the monorail and I can say that I would be willing to take a longer boat ride for a stay at the Wilderness Lodge. It is perfect for families and definately makes for a memorable Disney experience! We will definately be back.