Okay, we’ll say it. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the Best Disney Resort at Christmas. The most magical time of year brings so many fun festivities at Walt Disney World, and while there is a lot going on in the Parks, there is almost just as much, if not more, to do at the Disney Resorts. Each Disney Resort is dressed up and perfectly themed for the holidays. And Christmas at Wilderness Lodge is one of our favorites. Let’s take a look at what Wilderness Lodge has to offer during the holiday season.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is cozy and inviting. Even during the heat of summer, this resort just begs you to sit by the fire in the lobby and enjoy the ambiance. So you can imagine how much better it is during the holiday season. It’s definitely one of the best resorts to visit for Christmas at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, this resort was made for the holiday season! Because if you’re looking for a big Christmas tree, this resort has it. A large fireplace? Yep! Cozy cocoa in the food court, and flannel jammies in the gift shop? Yes, and yes. So, what makes the Wilderness Lodge at Christmas so special?
Contents
Christmas Decorations at Wilderness Lodge
The decorations, the resort’s vibe, the music, the smells. It all brings you to a place that just feels like what many consider a traditional Christmas. The experience is so immersive, you might actually just forget that you’re in Florida. It’s one of the few resorts at Walt Disney World that might just trick you into thinking you can look outside and see snow. Seriously, snow.
While Christmas in Florida is of a certain flavor, i.e. palm trees and pink tinsel trees… Christmas at Wilderness Lodge offers up the most traditional holiday atmosphere you’ll find in Florida. How?
Woodland creatures, a cooler temperature, and smells of pine trees all lead the way to a better Christmas. Add in the floor to ceiling fireplace, and an actual fire with rockers nearby and you’re set. Decorated wreaths, Disney’s legacy Christmas Tree in the lobby and ornate decorations strews across the many spaces here. Territory Lounge gets cozy garlands on the tables, and Artist Point gets even more of a woodland feeling. Even Whispering Canyon Cafe gets it’s own Christmas tree.
How tall is the Christmas Tree at Wilderness Lodge?
The Christmas Tree at Wilderness Lodge is 60 feet tall! This is truly one of our favorite Christmas Trees at Walt Disney World. Decorated with woodland creatures, moose antlers, and traditional Native American ornaments, you get all the feels of the holidays crossed with the wild wild west.
Christmas Decorations at Boulder Ridge
Even more holiday decorations can be found in the Boulder Ridge DVC building. While you don’t need to be a DVC member to get in this building, the gorgeous lobby area, Christmas Tree, and cozy fireplace area are worth the visit. Be sure to stumble on the Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room, as it’s a hidden gem at this resort and offers such peace, you’ll be sure to hear Santa’s reindeer on the roof. It’s just a short walk from the main building and makes for an excellent getaway during busy times.
Does Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Have a Gingerbread House?
It’s been a few years since there’s been a Gingerbread House at Wilderness Lodge. But don’t let that deter you! Close enough to the Magic Kingdom, and monorail, you can easily take advantage of the location and head to the Monorail Resorts. The Grand Floridian and Disney’s Contemporary Resorts both include larger than life Disney Gingerbread Displays and are well worth adding to your visit.
Christmas Dining at Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge has some of the best resort quick service dining options at Walt Disney World. Roaring Fork Cafe serves up S’mores lattes, and some of the cutest holiday treats at Disney World. You can grab drinks at Territory Lounge, and indulge in special holiday foods at Whispering Canyon Cafe and Story Book Dining. And whether you’re dining in or taking it to go, there are plenty of festive foods to tantalize your Christmas loving taste buds.
Geyser Point Bar and Grill offers outdoor dining options, and a refillable mug station for all those hot cocoas, you’ll need during the chilly season. Be sure to check out the New Disney Treats for Christmas to see what’s available at the resort and across the parks, for the holiday.
Christmas Activities at Wilderness Lodge
In addition to all the regular Activities at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you can often find Christmas themed activities at the resort. Often featuring Humphrey, Wilderness Lodge’s Bear mascot, everything from festive poolside activities to holiday crafts are all the list.
Write letters to Santa, create a Christmas Ornament, roast some s’mores over the campfire, and even gift making have been on the Resort activity sheet in the past.
Plus Movies Under the Stars at the Resort ring in the season with The Santa Claus, Nightmare Before Christmas, and even Santa Buddies. Be sure to check the recreation and activity schedule when you arrive to make the most of your stay.
Christmas Merchandise at Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is often known for its unique merchandise in its gift shop, Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. With resort specific merchandise available during the year, the merchandise selection gets even better at Christmas. Stocked with most of the standard Disney holiday merch as well as a few unique to Wilderness Lodge items, you can find the gift shop at Wilderness Lodge right off the main lobby. And since it’s the “pacific northwest” you can plan on cozy flannels, sherpas, Christmas ornaments and gifts here too. In fact you can usually even find some of the best Matching Disney Christmas Pajamas here for the whole family.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort is by far one of our favorite places to visit at Walt Disney World during the Christmas season. If you want to feel fully transported to a cozy lodge in the Pacific Northwest without the high cost of flights, this might just be the next best thing.
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
