A Visit to Disney's Wilderness Lodge for Christmas

Anyone who’s visited Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Christmas will tell you that it’s a must-do on their list of holiday stops at Walt Disney World. Since the Wilderness Lodge is themed to the Northwest Pacific, it offers one of the most unique settings in central Florida.

If you arrive at the Wilderness Lodge by boat, you’ll immediately notice the changes in the landscape. Tall trees with Spanish moss line the raised wooden walkways that lead up to the main resort. Those who arrive at the resort’s main entrance will notice wildflowers with touches of holiday decor in the mix. Either way, the Wilderness Lodge is a sight to behold, especially at Christmas.

This article was updated on November 24, 2023.

You’ll see a few wreaths and other holiday decorations outside the Wilderness Lodge.

Christmas wreath near the bus stop of Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Garland is draped from the walkway that leads to and from the resort’s bus stop and Boulder Ridge.

When you enter the resort’s impressive lobby, you’re greeted by a giant Christmas tree.

Christmas tree sitting in the center of Disney's Wilderness Lodge

I don’t know what it is about the Wilderness Lodge, but it even feels like the temperature drops inside. A fireplace in the far corner provides a cozy spot to warm up if you get chilly. It’s a beautiful place to relax, even when it’s hot outside.

a stack of wood for the fireplace accented with holiday decor

Copper Creek Falls, a spring, begins inside another corner of the lobby. A bridge crosses the spring before it travels outside, down a path to the lake.

A photo that shows the entire bridge in the Disney's Wilderness Lodge lobby with holiday decorations.

The bridge is adorned with unique trimmings of green boughs, red poinsettias, and plaid bows during the holidays.

It’s all gorgeous.

Garland with a large plaid bow tied to the bridge that runs over Copper Creek in the Wilderness Lodge's lobby.

The sound of the falls running through the lobby makes for an excellent sound buffer when crowded.

Of course, the tree is the main star of the show. Everything is centered around it.

Here are a few photos of the ornaments.

lit tepee with fold so you can see inside

Christmas Ornament Wilderness Lodge lit-up tepee

Here is a view of the area above the stone fireplace. Garland is draped from the upper floors.

view of the balconies decorated with garland

A reindeer family looks on from an area over the resort’s main entrance.

Smaller trees are placed subtly around the outskirts of the lobby.

miniature tree during Christmas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

view of the lobby tree from the back of the Wilderness Lodge lobby

Toward the back of the lobby, a pop-up shop is open throughout the holidays, providing treats and other gift items.

Christmas pop up shop in the Wilderness Lodge lobby

They have a few cardboard cutouts of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy. These make fun backdrops for family photos.

Cardboard cutout of Mickey and Minnie Mouse drinking hot chocolate

Cardboard cutout of Mickey and Minnie on a sleigh

Cardboard cutout of Goofy in Christmas attire at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

One side of the table has various treats and beverage offerings. This year’s items include:

A Holiday Cookie Box ($11.00)
Peppermint Bark ($5.99)
Hazelnut Linzer Cookies ($7.00)
Hot Chocolate Surprise ($6.79)
Wilderness Lodge Tillamook Cheddar Gougere ($5.00)
Gingerbread House Kit ($35.00)
Milk Chocolate Holiday Crispy Tree Bar ($6.79)
Molasses Crackle Cookie ($5.00)

Beverages:

Hot Chocolate ($3.29)
Hot Chocolate with Floater of Bailey’s ($6.29)
Hot Apple Cider ($5.99)
Hot Apple Cider with Floater of Fireball ($8.99)

Treats at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Menu with Prices

Here are a few photos of the treats.

Wilderness Lodge used to have a gingerbread display. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen it in several years. But they did have a gingerbread ornament featuring Meeko and Percy from Pocahontas.

Meeko and Percy from Pocahontas featured on the 2023 gingerbread ornament at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

A collector pin featuring Humphrey the bear represents the Wilderness Lodge this holiday season.

Humphrey the Bear 2023 Disney Collector Wilderness Lodge Pin

Before we wrap things up, we’ll view the tree from a few floors up. If you’re visiting the Wilderness Lodge, I highly recommend taking the stairs or elevator up a few floors.

A view of the Christmas Tree from the upper back of the lobby at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

You’ll get a unique perspective.

Tepee light fixtures in the Wilderness Lodge hang next to the Christmas Tree.

The Christmas Tree at an angle where the light fixtures surround it.

shows the top of the tree with a star above

Each floor has seating areas around the balcony. Some areas have couches with fireplaces, while others have simple chairs. It’s a wonderful place to sit and relax. You might even bring a book.

Seats are available on the upper floors to rest and take in the views of the Christmas Tree at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Overall, we love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, whether it’s Christmas or not. The resort is always a welcoming escape from the busyness of the theme parks. You might enjoy planning a meal here if you’re not staying at the resort. Who knows? You might find yourself deciding to stay here next time!

The Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree centered with a view from upper level.

Here is a list of the gingerbread displays at Disney World this year:

And for more Christmas at the Disney Resorts, try the following

In the Comments

Have you visited the Wilderness Lodge during Christmas? Do you love to find a spot in the lobby and admire the massive Christmas tree?

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