Unveiling the Secrets: 5 Hidden Gems of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
For nature lovers with a touch of class, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge lobby is pure magic. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a grand turn-of-the-century lodge, reminiscent of the American Northwest. Soaring ceilings, massive wooden beams, and a crackling fireplace create a feeling of rustic elegance – the perfect place to unwind after a thrilling day at the parks.
Did you know this resort recently celebrated its 30th anniversary? On May 28, 1994, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened its doors, and over the years, thousands of guests have chosen this resort for its grandeur, beauty and spectacular detail.
Related – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Goes Wild! Cast Members Celebrate 30 Years of Disney Magic
To celebrate the lodge’s milestone anniversary, we’re bringing you a few of the incredible hidden details you may – or may not – have noticed!
Wood You Believe It?
As Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was constructed, 85 truckloads of lodgepole pine logs were delivered to bring the resort to life.
For sustainability purposes, this wood was taken from standing dead forests in Oregon and Montana. If placed end-to-end, the wood would stretch nearly 40 miles!
The Layered Look
If you’ve ever had the chance to see the Grand Canyon, you’ve probably noticed the varying colors of rock that make up the 1.6 billion years of the canyon’s strata.
Next time you’re at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, take a look at the towering, 82-foot fireplace in the lobby and you might find something similar! This fireplace stands as a tribute to the Grand Canyon, with more than 100 colors and fossilized remains of prehistoric plant and animal life.
Walt’s Fair Weather Route
Just off the lobby of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – part of Disney Vacation Club – is the Carolwood Pacific Room. A space to unwind, play a game of checkers or relax in a rocking chair, this space is a dedication to Walt’s love of trains and the great American railway system.
Along the back wall of the room, you may spy a unique piece of Disney history. In the 1950s, Walt Disney built a scaled down railroad on the Walt Disney Studio lot and then transferred it to the backyard of his Los Angeles home. Named the Carolwood Pacific, Walt would entertain friends and family with rides on the railroad.
On loan from the Walt Disney Family Museum are two original pieces of that train, along with a piece of authentic track.
Carve Out the Details
As you’re taking in the gorgeous lobby of the resort, be sure to keep your eye out for the hand carved figures of Pacific Northwest wildlife. There are 16 figures carved from lodgepole pine, and each is placed according to its “life zone.”
“Mouse”-ter of Disguise
It wouldn’t be a Disney resort without a few Hidden Mickeys to search for, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has lots to discover! My favorite one just might be the stone Mickey hiding in the main fireplace in the lobby.
These are just a few of the many details and hidden gems you can find at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. But just like the greatest expeditions through the untamed wilderness, there’s always more to discover and see! Every visit to the lodge is a chance to uncover something new.
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