5 Bizarre Things We LOVE About Wilderness Lodge in Disney World

We’re no strangers to telling you about all the weird, strange, and bizarre things we spot around Disney World’s parks and hotels. So it should come as a shock to no one by now that we’ve got another round of bizarre things to talk about.

While you’re probably looking to choose this hotel for your next Disney World hotel stay, plan a scenic evening with dinner inside at a rootin’-tootin’ good restaurant or out at one of the most spectacular outdoor lounge restaurants, there’s so much to take in while you spend a short time here. Luckily for you, we spend LOTS of time hanging out here and there are a few bizarre reasons we’re so taken with this Disney World hotel that we’d like to pass along.

Finding just the right balance of peace and serenity in such a bustling and crowded place like Disney World might feel nearly impossible — which is why we love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge so much!

This hotel is the perfect balance of feeling connected to nature while being super accessible to each of Disney World’s parks and Disney Springs. It’s easy to see why we’ve fallen so quickly for it over the years! It’s wooden craftsman-style architecture…

…nods to national parks…

…and incredible restaurants (featuring one with rare characters) make it an easy choice when we’re choosing where to call home on our next vacation.

But not everything that we love about this place is so apparent or well, normal. There are a few things about this Disney World hotel that pull on our heartstrings and refuse to let go, no matter how bizarre you might find them. So if you’re wondering just what could be so weird around this particular hotel, let’s take a look at a few of the quirks we love.

The Carolwood Pacific Train Room

This first bizarre thing will send you out toward the Disney Vacation Club Boulder Ridge section of the hotel, but we’re willing to bet you’ll swoon as soon you see it, too.

Walt Disney loved railroads and trains and it seems fitting that one of the most scenic venues in the entire hotel is dedicated to something he treasured so much. Inside you’ll find miniature train models owned by Walt Disney, framed artwork and memorabilia, and the most tranquil seating you’ll find in all of Disney World.

You might be wondering just how this room got its name — well, it’s an interesting story! When Walt Disney built a backyard train to ride his children around, he aptly named it the Carolwood Pacific Railway after the street they lived on. Walt also named the engine car of his mini-train the Lilly Belle, of course after his wife Lilly. Today, two of those original cars can be found on display in the Wilderness Lodge. So while you might not be aptly taken with the natural beauty or the chill vibes of the room, it’s a pretty cool place to visit just to know you’re so close to some of Walt Disney’s most prized treasures.

The Hidden Mickey Hunt

This next bizarre reason we love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will have you searching high, low, and spanning the entire hotel grounds quite literally!

There are countless hidden Mickeys to be spotted around the hotel’s many buildings, rooms, decor, paintings, and architecture. Some are more distinguished and harder to miss while others are much more subtle and might have you guessing “Is it really?” You’ll probably keep your entire group entertained while you debate and hold arguments over who spotted the most!

Hidden Chip ‘n Dale Hunt

That’s not the only wacky scavenger hunt you can experience here! The Chip ‘n Dale Hunt is also a favorite of ours!

While this one is a bit less subtle thanks to the scaled pictures of the animated Disney characters, they’re not always the most obvious to spot! There have been plenty of times were our family spent hours over multiple days completing the search. But, we have to admit, it’s super rewarding once you’ve found them all!

Learning About Fossils Thanks To The Lobby Fireplace

The intricate fireplace in the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has quite the story to tell! Not only is it massive as it towers stories above you from the ground floor, but it also holds representation.

Most everything within Disney’s Wilderness Lodge calls back to something that can be found within one of the national parks and even something as simple as a fireplace is no different. This fireplace is a recreation of the strata found in the Grand Canyon. There are over 100 colors in hues of green, magenta, buff, red, black, and brown visible throughout its design, BUT that’s not all you’ll find!

There are even fossilized remains of prehistoric plant and animal life! Seriously, take a long hard look through all of its layers the next time you find yourself at this hotel!

The Fitness Center/Gym Is Named “Sturdy Branches”

Ok, this last one we find bizarre right off the bat. Disney World is known to come up with some inventive names for its rides, attractions, hotels, and even food but we think this name takes the cake!

Sturdy Branches Health Club is the fitness center you’ll find at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and we can’t think of a more fitting name for it. You’ll find the gym’s entrance in the Boulder Ridge section of the hotel.

We’re constantly talking about all the bizarre things we love (and might not love) around Disney World! For all the latest updates, stay tuned with us at All Ears!

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What bizarre things do you love about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? Tell us in the comments below!