Wilderness Lodge and The Contemporary


Wilderness Lodge has our heart. There is something about the decor of the American North West that attracts us. The resort is snugly located outside of Magic Kingdom. The transportation options include water taxi and bus to Magic Kingdom as well as bus transportation to the other parks. It is too far away to walk to MK and it is not on the monorail system. The water taxi ride is efficient and also relaxing due to the scenery. The water taxi has two routes; one will take you and your guests to the Fort Wilderness camp grounds as well as over to the Contemporary Resort and the other takes you to MK. Both times we stayed at this resort we enjoyed Club Level. While we enjoyed Club Level at the Polynesian because it was our first time, we thoroughly enjoyed Club Level at Wilderness Lodge. During our first stay, we were greeted at check-in with a sign welcoming our family. Since I do not ride elevators, a Cast Member graciously walked us up the stairs to the Club Level area. I love that is resort has accessible stairs for my family. To get into the Club Level area, you have to scan your Magic Band to open the wooded door. One can see the Club Level area from the ground floor as there is a lookout area for Club Level guests to enjoy their snacks. Once we got to the Club Level area, we were met with a private concierge who explains the Club Level amenities. Our room was the first on the hallway and was positioned in a way that we could view the MK fireworks above the treetops. The Club Level gathering space also has an outdoor area for watching the nightly fireworks. The food reflected the American North West; items like salmon and regional beers.  The manager on staff during our stay was amazing. He spent time chatting with our family about Disneyland and sharing his knowledge about upcoming WDW changes. We really felt at home at this resort. The pools are amazing! We loved the zero entry pool by the villas as well as the outdoor bar area. It is an outdoor lodge bar on the lake with fireplaces. It was so cozy, we sat there for hours enjoying the feel.

 Ryan and I took our first trip without kids in December 2017. We decided to stay at Wilderness Lodge because we wanted to enjoy the bar area. To our surprise our room was located in the Club Level area. Disney will do magical surprise upgrades (we got this at Old Key West as well). We were super thrilled and it made us not want to leave the resort as much. This was perfect again for us as Ryan and I love to snack. The weather was a little chilly so we had a great place to relax at night. We enjoyed the outdoor bar area with great conversation with the bartender.


We have enjoyed the Contemporary Resort twice.  Every time we rode past the resort, Cooper would make a comment about wanting to stay there.  Ryan and I decided for a surprise trip we would stay there.  We went in January (not a race weekend) and stayed in the garden wing because I do not ride elevators.  The garden wing is off of the A-frame and is actually a convenient walk to the center of the resort.  The wing was spacious and quiet.  The other time we stayed at the Contemporary was in November 2017.  As part of the kids Christmas gift, Ryan and I decided to book a theme-park view room in the A-frame.  I honesty do not mind walking up stairs (and I had to walk up 10 flights of stairs) so I appreciated the exercise.  The room view was totally worth it too!  Additionally, we could hear no noise from the hotel center down below even with the bustle of Chef Mickey's.  The room was large (both times) with two queen beds and a very spacious bathroom area.  As a mom, I sincerely appreciate the larger bath area when I am trying to help the kids navigate through bedtime duties.  When we arrived to the A-frame room after dinner our first night we were surprised to find a plate of berries and chocolates as a welcome.  Two chocolate pieces were in the shape of the monorail. We love eating at the Contempo Cafe next to Chef Mickey's.  This is the quick service option for the resort.  It is small but serves delicious options (I love the hamburger from there) and it is efficiently run.  The arcade is a good size and the two shopping options provide a chance to grab some souvenirs that you may have forgotten from MK.  Sometimes they have special displays.  For example, in November there was a ginger beard display of Cinderella's Castle to see.  Staying here opens up three transportation options for your party to MK: monorail, bus, walking.  I know walking may not seem like a good option when you spend your whole day walking at parks but there is a perk: When you walk to MK from the Contemporary Resort you enter through a private security check.  You do not have to deal with any other MK attendees.  It is quick and efficient, a definite perk! A water taxi can take you to Wilderness Lodge if you want to browse the lobby and grounds.  The only thing we did not like at Contemporary was the pool; it is the only pool on Disney property that is not heated.  When you go in January, trust me, you want the heated pool =) We thoroughly enjoyed the Contemporary Resort and hope to stay there again soon!

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