What DVC Members Love About Boulder Ridge Villas

The Country Bears once said, “Ain’t nothin’ like the Great Outdoors to ease your soul!” That love of nature and spirit of adventure is perfectly encapsulated at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. While this resort tends to be very popular for bookings around the holidays, it serves as the perfect vacation retreat throughout the year. Let’s grab our hiking packs and explore the many reasons guests love this rustic resort!

Location

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge occupies a very unique location on Walt Disney World property. It is tucked away from the Monorail Loop, but still enjoys close proximity to Magic Kingdom. This is a big draw for guests that want a short commute for rope drop, and also want to feel like their resort is a tranquil retreat. Guests can use bus transportation to all four parks and Disney Springs, which is shared with Fort Wilderness. This writer personally prefers the small ferry boats that travel to and from Magic Kingdom! Cruising around Bay Lake is a great way to start your busy day in the park, and the perfect wind down on the way “home.”

Room Features

The love for Boulder Ridge comes from the coziness and charm of its villas. Recently, the villas have undergone a total refurbishment! While the updates make the villas a bit more modern, the rustic aesthetic still holds true. In true Disney fashion, there are little magical details hidden throughout the villas, such as art depicting Mickey and his pals at various national parks. Check out the refurbishment in this tour of a Deluxe Studio by our friends Paul and Amy Krieger!

This Disney Vacation Club property features Deluxe Studios, One-Bedroom Villas, and Two-Bedroom Villas. There are no distinct booking categories, so each villa faces either woodlands, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Bay Lake. Deluxe Studios start as low as 13 points per night, a great value for a resort so close to Magic Kingdom.

Dining

Guests looking to grab a quick bite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner can stop by Roaring Fork. This quick service location is best known for its house-smoked BBQ dishes, such as Barbecued Brisket and Burnt Ends. Guests can also find classic Mickey waffles for breakfast, salads for lunch and dinner, and specialty cupcakes for dessert.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge features two lounge spaces for guests looking for signature cocktails and good eats. Territory Lounge, located in the lobby, features a rustic, cozy interior that honors the National Parks. If you’re looking for a twist on a classic cocktail, the S’more Old Fashion is just for you! If you’re looking to lounge by the waters of Bay Lake, head out to Geyser Point Bar & Grill. This lounge has become very popular in the Disney community, thanks to its creative menu and cool atmosphere. Must-order items include the Bison Cheeseburger and Huckleberry Punch.

Perhaps the most famous (or infamous) dining location at this resort is Whispering Canyon Café! For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests can choose to order all-you-care-to-enjoy Signature Skillets or standalone entrees. Food is served with a side of country-style antics, which adds lots of laughter to your meal. If you ask for ketchup, be prepared to get lots of it from your fellow diners!

Guests that enjoy character dining can enjoy dinner in an enchanted forest at Story Book Dining at Artist Point. While dining on an upscale pre fixe menu, guests can mingle with Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy. At the end of the meal, brave guests can get a (digital) portrait taken with the Evil Queen!

Be sure to grab those hard-to-get dining reservations through Unlocked Magic’s Disney Dining Reservation Finder!

Resort Activities & Amenities

Guests staying at Boulder Ridge Villas have access to two amazing pools. The resort’s leisure pool, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, is located just steps from the Boulder Ridge Villas building. It features zero-depth entry, several shaded seating areas, and a whirlpool spa. Copper Creek Springs Pool, the resort’s feature pool, is located just behind the main lobby. It features whirlpool spas, a 67-foot waterslide, and poolside games throughout the day.

For the young (and young at heart), there are several great recreation options. Buttons and Bells Arcade features new and classic arcade games. Beginner and expert anglers can enjoy fishing off the shores of Bay Lake during guided fishing excursions. When the sun goes down, guests can gather around the campfire or enjoy Movies Under the Stars. The resort’s lakeside location also offers a terrific viewing spot for the Electrical Water Pageant.

If you’re the type of guest who loves to get a workout in while you’re on vacation, Boulder Ridge Villas has a great fitness center – Sturdy Branches Health Club. Cardio equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers and stationery bikes. Weight-training guests will be especially happy to see several weight machines, as well as free weights, available for their use. Guests can also enjoy a jog through the woodlands surrounding the resort.

Find yourself yearning for years of vacations inspired by “The Great Outdoors?” Check out our Boulder Ridge Villas listings!