Amid the hustle and bustle of the Wilderness Lodge and Villas, it is still possible for the guest who is seeking a slightly more relaxing pace to discover often overlooked features and activities. Overlooked gems, as we call them here, and well worth budgeting the time to explore and experience some of the more subtle aspects of a visit to the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Sunrise at Bay Lake

For early risers who are up and about before sunrise, the peace and serenity of the resort area at dawn is amazing. Sitting in the main lobby of the Wilderness Lodge, sipping coffee, and reading the morning paper, you observe the lobby transition from sleepy solitude to an area teaming with activity within the time span of one short hour.

A stroll out to the boat dock with your coffee just before dawn, and you have the glorious spectacle of a Florida sunrise unfolding before your eyes. A seat on the beach offers another view of the day’s beginning.

For those who wake up with energy to burn, a sunrise one-mile walk over to Fort Wilderness is very likely to reveal to the observant stroller, a variety of wildlife species. Just follow the bike trail over to Fort Wilderness and take the boat back to the Wilderness Lodge. If your family takes longer to wake up than you do, this is an excellent way to spend the time waiting for the rest of the crew to get ready for the day’s activities. -- jarestel

 

Ranger Stan’s Wilderness Lodge Tour

Ranger Stan is a terrific cast member who’s been around WDW for years, starting out as a bus driver and then joining the Wilderness Lodge public relations staff when the Lodge was initially being built. His tour is absolutely free, takes about an hour, and is chock full of interesting facts about the Lodge and the Villas. If you have the time, stay around to chat with Stan after the tour for even more insider information. Inquire at the front desk to find out the days and times the tour is offered during your stay. -- jarestel

 

Electrical Water Pageant

At 9:30 every evening, a water parade takes place on Bay Lake and Seven Sea Lagoon. The parade can be viewed from a variety of vantage points. A seat on the beach is a great place to watch the activities. Additionally, there is also a small observation deck on the fourth floor Bay Lake side of the Wilderness Lodge that also provides an excellent view of the Electrical Water Pageant. -- jarestel

 

Wilderness Lodge Flag Family

Every morning a family is selected to assist in the flag raising ceremony on the roof of the Wilderness Lodge. The view from the roof is breathtaking and well worth the effort just for the scenery. Inquire at the front desk for availability if you’re interested in serving as a flag family. -- jarestel

 

Iron Spike Room in the Villas Lobby

The Iron Spike Room is one of the most peaceful places in all of the Wilderness Lodge or Villas area. It’s a wonderful location for reading while other family members nap in the room. Don’t forget to take time to browse through the artifacts and furnishings in the Iron Spike Room. You may be surprised by some of the items on display. -- jarestel

 

Hidden Mickeys Hunt

If solving riddles is something your family enjoys, stop by the Wilderness Lodge front desk and ask for the “hidden Mickeys” clue sheets. This is a self-guided hunt throughout the resort area in order to solve the clues on your sheets and find the hidden Mickeys. -- jarestel

 

Upper Floor Fireplaces

There are fireplaces located on the second and third floors of the main lodge. They are a great place to relax and unwind. -- KNWVIKING

 

Walkway to Fort Wilderness

There is a paved walkway along the lake that runs all the way to Fort Wilderness. Rent a bike and you can ride back and forth to Fort Wilderness. -- JimC