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Top 4 Reasons this is the Best Disney Resort for the Holidays!

Top 4 Reasons this is the Best Disney Resort for the Holidays!


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While all of Disney is extra magical during the holidays, this resort is sure to add a little bit of extra magic to your holiday experience!

Holidays at Walt Disney World

Credit: Disney

The holidays are truly the most magical time of the year to visit Walt Disney World. From the festive decorations and twinkling lights to the delicious holiday treats and special events, there truly is something special for everyone during this season.

While many people travel to Walt Disney World during the holiday season to celebrate by participating in events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the International Festival of the Holidays, there are other important decisions one must make in order to make the most of a holiday visit. One, in particular, is deciding where to stay for your holiday trip.

While many resorts have excellent holiday theming and decor as well as fun holiday activities, there is one resort on the Walt Disney World property that edges out the rest and stands out as the best resort to book for a holiday stay. This resort is none other than Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Read on to find out why we think this is the best place to stay during the holiday season.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Credit: Jaelyn W.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a deluxe resort located in the Magic Kingdom area. Though not on the monorail, guests of the Wilderness Lodge have direct transportation to the Magic Kingdom via boat or bus and access to all other locations by bus.

The Wilderness Lodge is essentially broken into three sections. First, there is the Wilderness Lodge itself, which includes cash hotel rooms available for booking. Then, there are the Copper Creek Villas and Cabins, the first section of DVC accommodations available at this resort. Copper Creek Villas are located within the main lodge and the Cascade Cabins are located as a separate accommodation along Bay Lake. Finally, Boulder Ridge Villas are the other DVC accommodations available at this resort. Boulder Ridge Villas are located in their own separate building adjacent to the main lodge.

Credit: KtP writer Susan

The Wilderness Lodge is an excellent resort to visit year round, but is especially great around the holiday season! Read more about the Wilderness Lodge here by visiting Susan’s full guide, or read about some of the great dining experiences available at Territory Lounge, Geyser Point, Storybook Dining at Artist’s Point, and Whispering Canyon!

So what is it about this resort that makes it the best choice for a holiday stay?

Reason #1: Impeccable Theming

Credit: Jaelyn W.

The lobby at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge speaks for itself when considering reasons why this resort is the best choice for a holiday stay. Walking into the lodge, guests are greeted with the astonishing site of a massive Christmas tree in the center of the space.

Garlands, wreaths, and other decor add to the festive atmosphere. The space is decorated in a way that celebrates both the Pacific Northwest and the holiday season in such a perfectly combined way. Ultimately, the pictures of this space simply speak for themselves!

Reason #2: Exceptional Location

Credit: Jaelyn W.

Next, the location of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge makes it a great choice for guests visiting during the holiday season. For me, there is simply nothing more magical than Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The snow on Main Street, U.S.A, the Christmas music, and the festive parade combine together to create the most festive experience I’ve ever had!

In choosing a resort for a holiday stay, my priority is to book a location close to the action. The Wilderness Lodge perfectly satisfies this goal. The resort offers both bus and boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom. I recently attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the start of December with my family while staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We left our alternate studio room for the boat dock at 4:15 p.m. and we were standing on Main Street with our party wristbands by 4:45 p.m.! The transportation was absolutely seamless after the party as well, which was great with two tired kids in tow!

Reason #3: Delicious Treats

Credit: Jaelyn W.

Another fun reason to celebrate the holidays with a stay at the Wilderness Lodge are the delicious treats located for sale in the lobby and at various quick service locations at the resort. While many resorts offer delicious holiday goodies for sale, like this giant Mickey gingerbread pictured below that we picked up at the Boardwalk, the atmosphere of the Wilderness combined with the choice of festive cookies and hot chocolate combines for the perfect experience!

Reason #4: The Nostalgia

Credit: Jaelyn W.

Finally, the last and possibly most convincing reason to book a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge over the holiday season is for the nostalgia. For many of us, a traditional view of Christmas means snow, cozy warmth, and a “homey” vibe. Of all of the resorts on the Walt Disney World property, no other resort can really replicate these feelings of traditional winter like the Wilderness Lodge.

While Christmas at the Grand Floridian is breathtaking with its gingerbread house and Christmas at Animal Kingdom Lodge is also stunning, these resorts do not embody the deeply rich feeling of Christmas found only through the theming of the Wilderness Lodge. What feels more classically Christmas than staying in a log-filled lodge, surrounded by Christmas decorations, Christmas music, and delicious holiday treats? Then, imagine taking a scenic boat ride into the Magic Kingdom for snow on Main Street during the Christmas party. It just can’t be beat!

My holiday weekend at the Wilderness Lodge was everything I had hoped for in a holiday stay. Convenience, theming, and nostalgia combined for a Disney trip I will never forget! It was also especially magical for my young boys! What is your favorite resort to stay at during the holiday season? Have you had a great holiday experience at the Wilderness Lodge or do you prefer another resort during this time? Comment below to continue the conversation our share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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