One thing Disney is known for is its attention to detail. These details can be found from the floors to ceilings in the grand resort lobby and more of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Here are 10 Hidden Gems of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Even if you are not staying here, consider a visit to this Disney resort to discover these fun gems.
1. The lobby of this Resort is a grand 6-story lobby. Be sure to notice the 55-foot tall totem pole. There are 2, one on each side.
2. Also notice in the picture above, the chandeliers. There are 4 of these giant chandeliers hanging overhead. Look closely and notice the chandeliers were made to resemble tepees!
3. Another marvel in the lobby is the 82 ft tall fireplace. This fireplace is actually a tribute to the layers of rock of the Grand Canyon, with more than 100 colors. Look closely to find fossilized replicas of prehistoric plants and animals.
4. Besides fossilized replicas, take a closer look for a Hidden Mickey on the fireplace. Hint, look to the upper right of the fireplace (near the wooden horizontal beam).
5. Notice the lobby pillars, that resemble bundled lumber trees. However, live trees were not used. Instead, they are made our of dead Lodge Pole Pine from Oregon & Montana. Native Americans have a legend saying, these bundles hold up the heavens. Notice on the top of each pillar is an animal carving!
6. Even the floors in the lobby have a unique story. They were designed using a Hopi “Storm pattern” weaving. It is made up of 4 different woods: Brazilian cherry, bird’s eye maple, burl walnut wood and white oak.
7. Stop to take a photo in front of the Disney inspired Totem pole. Found outside the Mercantile shop.
8. Outside find a bubbling hot spring that flows into a stream and onward to the pool waterfall. Furthermore, see Fire Rock Geyser that erupts daily from 7am-10pm, up to 120-feet!
9. At the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool Area, guests can find an interesting connection to a past Hollywood Studios attraction! The pool itself is themed to resemble an abandoned rock quarry. Guests will find vintage mining equipment, that was formerly found in the Studio Backlot Tour!
10. The immersion and detail actually begins at Wilderness Lodge as soon as you drive in, off World Drive. Guests will go under a giant archway, showcasing buffalos. This was designed to make guests feel as though they are entering the great Northwest, and leaving behind Florida. Another tidbit that supports this is the name of the road, Timberland Drive, a tribute to Oregon’s Timberline Lodge.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Resorts and contact Destinations in Florida to help you book your perfect resort.