You’re at Boulder Ridge. What Should You Do?
Every Disney Vacation Club resort will dazzle you with its amenities and experiences. Some of them are well-known activities, while others are less heralded. We like to talk about everything so that you’ll have the best possible vacation, and that’s especially true at one of Disney’s most unique hotels. When you’re at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, here’s what you should do.
Meet the Evil Queen
We recently discussed a few unique experiences you’ll find at Wilderness Lodge such as the architecture tour. Today, we’ll focus more on the main highlights of this hotel, along with one (open) secret you should know but probably don’t.
One of them has changed dramatically in recent years. DVC members have always loyally supported Artist Point. For many years, it seemed like we were the only people in the restaurant. Of course, from Disney’s perspective, that’s less than ideal.
So, Disney reinvigorated the space with a character meal. Now, guests take part in Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. The cuisine remains excellent, but now you get dinner and a show.
Snow White and a few members of the Seven Dwarfs visit your table, including the aptly named Grumpy, who is often the star of the show. Grumpy will antagonize your table until you’re all cackling. Speaking of cackling, you’ll also have a chance to interact with the Evil Queen. She won’t care much for you, but you’ll love her just the same.
Storybook Dining is one of Disney’s most ambitious character meals, and it’s always sold out for a reason. DVC members treasure this remarkable interactive experience. Plus, it reminds us of a long-standing connection to Artist Point.
Order the Ketchup
Over the years, all DVC members develop family traditions, must-do events that define a Disney vacation. For my family, a visit to Whispering Canyon Café places high on that list of vacation necessities. I know I’m far from alone in this regard, as this restaurant embraces its reputation. It’s for the diehards.
Fans love Whispering Canyon Café so much that management has asked the restaurant’s staff to tone it down. That’s a real thing that Disney has done to account for the raucous atmosphere at this restaurant.
Why are noise complaints a constant issue? Whispering Canyon Café is probably the most entertaining, hilarious restaurant in Orlando, and I’m not being hyperbolic. The shenanigans here have become legend.
Your server will keep you on your toes throughout the meal experience, joking with you and placing you on the defensive. Of course, you can always turn the tide by ordering ketchup. The moment you do that, chaos ensues…
The nonsense here is constant, and I mean that in the best possible way. DVC members have turned this place into a perennial favorite and a must-do during a Wilderness Lodge visit.
Visit the Abandoned Rock Quarry
In 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove opened on the hotel campus. DVC did this to establish clearly identifiable features for Boulder Ridge as opposed to its twin, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Imagineers really got creative with the design, too. They created the Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co. water tower. Alongside it is a pool with a novel theme. It’s an abandoned rock quarry!
While you swim or sunbathe, you’ll notice the odd backdrop of construction equipment coinciding with the relaxing elements of a terrific Disney pool. You’ll feel like you’ve snuck onto the grounds of a giant construction project and taken a dip in the pond!
Disney went all-out on the theming at Boulder Ridge Cove. It’s a delightful place to spend a few hours savoring your hard-earned vacation.
Watch the Big Game
Geyser Point opened a few years ago when DVC expanded the resort campus. Since then, the restaurant has exploded in popularity, with everyone appreciating the idyllic setting.
At Geyser Point, you can stare at the open waters or admire the woods surrounding Wilderness Lodge. Alternatively, you can study the majestic architecture on display throughout the hotel grounds. While you do so, you can eat some of Disney’s best and most unique menu items. Here’s DVC Fan highlighting a few recent additions:
Importantly, you can catch the big game here, as the restaurant hosts several HDTVs. Since you’re in a covered setting, you’re in an indoor/outdoor environment that’s ideal for watching your favorite sport during your Disney downtime. For many years now, I’ve written Super Bowl articles about where Disney vacationers can catch the game. Geyser Point is near the top of the list…and it has a Bison Burger!
Watch the Geyser Erupt
While you’re in the area, you might as well enjoy the show. Every hour, the Wilderness Lodge Geyser erupts. You can check the hotel’s daily schedule to learn the exact time of the eruption. In my DVC conversations, I’m always surprised by how few Disney fans actually realize this fact. Here’s a video of the event:
I suspect the confusion stems from the fact that the eruption lasts for several minutes. So, if you walk over when it’s already happening, you presume it’s a constant thing. Otherwise, you’re there at the wrong time and miss it. Still, this is a fun thing Disney does for its fans, and you should take the time to experience it.
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