Activities at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

When most people think of Walt Disney World, they think of Mickey Mouse, palm trees, waiting in lines, and sweltering heat. What they don't often think of is a rustic Northwestern lodge surrounded by pine trees and pestered by a temperamental geyser!

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is one of over 20 hotels inside the grounds of Walt Disney World, and it's one of Disney's "deluxe" resorts. This means it's a bit on the expensive side to stay there, but guests are richly rewarded with ample amenities, great dining options, beautiful surroundings, and lots of activities. In fact, there's so much to do at Wilderness Lodge, many guest feel like going to the theme parks makes them miss out on the fun to be had back at their hotel

Walking and Biking the Nature Paths

If you enjoy hiking, trail walking, and biking, Wilderness Lodge is the right place for you. Although other Disney World resorts have walking paths, none wind through dense forest or offer the more than occasional glimpse of deer and other local wildlife.

The 2.5 miles of nature and jogging trails will invoke more memories of paths "up north" than they will remind you that you're in the middle of central Florida. They make Wilderness Lodge a "vacation within a vacation," which is sometimes exactly what you need while in the midst of crying kiddos and crowded theme parks.

Also, if walking and jogging isn't your style, rent a bike at Teton Boat and Bike rental and tour that way!

Fitness and Massage

Sturdy Branches Health Club offers a full range of weight training and cardiovascular equipment (free for hotel guests). Pools, hot tubs, a sauna, and massage treatments are also available.

One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is to go for a run on the nature trail, spend some time in the sauna, then relax in the pool while I watch the sunset streak over Bay Lake. If the spa is more your speed, check out the available treatments like Swedish, Firm Pressure, and Aromatherapy massages.

Wonders of the Lodge Tour

Wilderness Lodge is celebrating its 15-year anniversary this year, and, although it's still a young hotel, it holds a panoply of secrets, rumors, and history within its wooden walls. Stan, the Lodge's Ranger, leads a guided tour of the Lodge on select days at 9AM. His loving representation of the hotel and presentation peppered with facts and insights about architecture, wood choice, décor, and Native American folklore makes for a fascinating and well-spent hour.

There's so much more to enjoy at the Wilderness Lodge, but some things you'll just have to experience for yourself. Head over to Fort Wilderness for a campfire or a carriage ride, join new friends for games and trivia by the pool, rent a boat and spend the afternoon zipping around Seven Seas Lagoon; no matter how you decide to spend your time at the Lodge, I'm sure it will be one of your most memorable vacations.