The final of Wilderness Lodge’s visitor rooms have been modernized, with the Boulder Ridge Villas receiving reimagined rooms that function completely totally different designs, a brand new look, and up to date format. This shares images & video of the redone rooms, plus our ideas on how these examine to their predecessors and different Disney Vacation Club studios.
I’ll begin by disclosing that I’m biased. Wilderness Lodge is my private #1 resort at Walt Disney World, favourite spot throughout the Christmas season, and I in all probability even grade its eating places on a curve as a result of eating at them means stepping foot within the Lodge. When it involves the room redesigns, this implies extra scrutiny, not much less.
This is as a result of I consider Wilderness Lodge is the head of Imagineering at Walt Disney World and has been for the reason that resort opened. Most subsequent adjustments have been compromises, trying to make the lodge enchantment to those that don’t just like the U.S. National Park lodge type and albeit, ought to merely keep some place else.
Whereas I is perhaps extra forgiving of thematic integrity at someplace like Old Key West or Saratoga Springs, I’m zealous (arguably overly so) about it at Wilderness Lodge. I’ve been apprehensive about adjustments, blended on previous refurbishments, and in opposition to many expansions to and across the resort. My opinion of the Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge proposal is way from constructive and I hate how the resort has misplaced bushes and widened walkways through the years.
With that mentioned, I’m not merely unfavorable for its personal sake. Unlike their counterparts on the Poly, I feel the Cascade Cabins are improbable, and a considerate addition to the shoreline. Geyser Point Bar & Grill is a straightforward however improbable addition providing a number of the finest open-air ambiance, views, and meals within the Magic Kingdom space. Heck, I even love Story Book Dining at Artist Point and acknowledge that, as a lot as we beloved it, the previous Signature Restaurant wasn’t significantly in style.
It’s an analogous story with the room redesigns previous to Boulder Ridge. I’m cognizant of the fact that informal friends discovered them “too rustic” or “outdoorsy” and never providing luxurious or high quality (allegedly) commensurate with worth. Balancing trendy facilities with on-theme design within the visitor rooms at Wilderness Lodge has been a tricky needle to string for Imagineering, and the outcomes have been hit and miss.
While I don’t utterly love them, the new lodge rooms at Wilderness Lodge do a reasonably good job placing that steadiness. Copper Creek is a bit too shabby stylish or “glamper” for my tastes, however I additionally acknowledge that it may’ve been lots worse. Those rooms had been on the tail finish of a ‘dark era’ for Walt Disney World room redesigns that concerned lots of generic and really understated kinds. It was an overcorrection to what got here earlier than, however fortunately, that period is over.
This brings us to the brand new rooms on the Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge. These come at a time when, in my opinion, Walt Disney World has actually hit its stride in fashionable but sensible lodging which are each well-themed and cozy, befitting each Disney and their worth factors. My opinion of those might be fairly apparent from the title, however I’ll use this assessment & room tour to interrupt down the why of those being my new #1 common resort rooms at Walt Disney World!
Against that backdrop, let’s begin with a view of the brand new commonplace studio rooms on the Boulder Ridge Villas…
Gone are the country mattress frames and darkish and drab colour decisions. The room was completely gutted for the redesign, with all-new decor, flooring, partitions, panels, curtains, furnishings, and beds.
While all the furnishings and fixtures have been changed, essentially the most notable change is the alternative of the couch sleeper with a pull-down Murphy sleeper that’s one way or the other each a cushty sofa and a cushty queen mattress. There’s additionally a pull-down fifth sleeper under the tv.
The Boulder Ridge studios provide lodging for a celebration of 5-6 folks, assuming some kids. The rooms have 2 queen beds that may every sleep 2 friends (of any age or dimension), plus a single pull-down sleeper for a small grownup or youngster.
There’s no arduous and quick rule about who can use the fifth sleeper, but it surely’s “suitable for Sarah.” In normal, you’d in all probability need to have somebody underneath 5’7″ and 130 kilos use that mattress. Even that is perhaps pushing the bounds of consolation for an extended keep, however we all know bigger individuals who have used these beds.
Basically, the Boulder Ridge studios are appropriate for as much as 4 common American adults, plus one atypical grownup or youngster, and an toddler in a crib. At least, on paper–the dimensions of the room and just one toilet would possibly make cramming that many individuals into them a non-starter for many events.
On the kid-sized mattress tucked beneath the Deluxe Studio TV, there’s extra artwork–a forest on the skin and Chip ‘N Dale mural on the within. Attached to the hidden kid-size mattress is a set of built-in drawers and a pair of neatly tucked stools, including extra storage and seating to Deluxe Studios.
Functionally, the primary huge change as in comparison with the previous studios at Boulder Ridge is that this fifth sleeper not has a fold-down desk underneath it. (Old room pictured above; desk on far left.)
From my perspective, this can be a huge loss. We used that desk for consuming meals and I used it as a desk for working. I do know the pattern is away from tables and desks within the lodge business, however I really feel like Disney Vacation Club is a unique beast and really a lot ought to preserve tables.
As a alternative, of types, the espresso desk that doubles as a cupboard space now triples as a raised platform. This really labored rather well for me to make use of with my laptop computer, to the purpose that I want this to the desk for a workstation. Now I can multitask and extra simply watch SportsCenter whereas writing. (I do know you all are in all probability watching Dr. Pimple Popper or no matter whereas “reading” this, it’s okay.)
The espresso desk platform doesn’t work practically as effectively for meals, although. Definitely don’t get the lack of the folding eating desk, it didn’t take up any house and wasn’t hurting anybody. I can’t think about there have been visitor complaints demanding it’s taken away.
My subsequent, mostly-minor quibble with this room is that the skin of the fifth sleeper recycles artwork from the function wall of the brand new lodge rooms in Wilderness Lodge. I didn’t prefer it there as a result of odd beveling and drop shadows, and assume it seems misplaced in these rooms amongst all the different (good) artwork and extra colourful designs.
Anway, above that sleeper and under the tv there’s a ledge for units and shops. There are literally a ton of energy shops and USB ports (A and C) throughout the room. For some time, Walt Disney World lodge rooms had not “caught up” to the proliferation of units that should be charged every evening, however that’s not the case. There are loads of energy shops and USB charging ports. Even extra are conveniently situated on the nightstands flanking both sides of the mattress.
While cheap minds might differ about just about each different side of room designs, there’s close to unanimous settlement in regards to the new pull-down Murphy beds. They’re rather more snug that couch sleepers because of having a standard mattress, and the house freed up when transformed right into a sofa makes the room really feel bigger.
The Inova Murphy beds have been an enormous hit with nearly each Disney Vacation Club member we all know. This type has unfold to each single Disney Vacation Club room (and past!) that has been renovated in the previous couple of years, and for good cause, member satisfaction surveys give these rooms very excessive marks.
I really like every little thing about how this features and appears. The Southwestern sample within the carpet is presumably impressed by Native Americans however not primarily based on any specific tribe; I like that it makes use of quite a lot of totally different colours that match the sofa, curtains, and artwork across the room.
I may see others disagreeing, discovering this to be visually busy or garish. But I really like the woods and the colours, and assume there’s sufficient that connects the alternatives across the room to make it work. It’s undoubtedly a pointy distinction to the previous Boulder Ridge rooms, although!
I additionally actually like that there’s each artwork behind the couch, after which extra artwork on the within when the mattress is pulled down. I really like the artwork that includes Huey, Dewey, and Louie because the Junior Woodchucks. These characters have made a minor comeback within the final a number of years within the parks, most notably with Camp Woodchuck Kitchen.
As you may see on the left of the above picture, the curtains are additionally themed with nods to characters, historical past, and outdoorsy Disney places, resembling Grizzly Peak. Lots of little Easter Eggs that longtime Disney followers will doubtless discover satisfying. The designers of those rooms really appear to know their target market and what they need!
Another nice instance of that is the artwork that pays tribute to animated films, shorts, and spots round Wilderness Lodge. This proves that synergy isn’t all the time a nasty factor–that is the right marriage of Disney and the U.S. National Parks visible type!
In combination, this offers the room lots of textural depth and persona, whereas by no means being overly busy or chaotic. The rooms nonetheless look comparatively relaxed and subdued, with calming colours. All in all, I feel the Boulder Ridge rooms look improbable–an ideal job balancing theme with modern conveniences.
So lengthy as you don’t have a big occasion, there’s a adequate quantity of storage instance. There’s storage within the dresser under the tv, underneath the elevated queen mattress, in a closet throughout from the toilet, underneath the espresso desk, and different locations I’m in all probability forgetting.
No matter how a lot cupboard space Walt Disney World provides, it’ll by no means be sufficient for some events. I get that, however the counterpoint is that these rooms are solely so huge, and every little thing is a tradeoff. What’s an applicable quantity of house devoted to stage? In my opinion, that is it.
One factor that I discovered attention-grabbing is that the toilet has not being completely modernized. The vainness, mirror, and lighting modified…but it surely’s just about all superficial. I used to be a bit stunned that this didn’t get the vessel sink and brightly illuminated therapy like different loos. I’m advantageous with this, simply stunned.
The largest change right here is that the vainness is extra enclosed, with shelf house and storage has additionally been added. Aesthetically, I most popular the previous ‘metal twigs’ mirror and sconces, however like the brand new counter and vainness. But actually, no sturdy opinions both manner on any of this.
As earlier than, the bathroom and bathtub are in a separate room, additionally separated by a pull-out door. More artwork is above the bathroom, and this space has additionally been redone. There’s now a glass door within the bathe, and rainfall bathe fixture along with the usual one.
Many dad and mom of young children discover the glass door and its observe uncomfortable–or downright painful–come bathtub time. This has been an ongoing difficulty beginning with the New Rooms at Pop Century, and is now more and more commonplace. It’s unclear why Walt Disney World hasn’t discovered a greater answer for this.
The defining function of DVC studios as in comparison with commonplace lodge rooms is the kitchenette with a mini-fridge (not only a beverage cooler), sink, microwave, and occasional maker.
I put leftovers from the distinctive new dinner entrees at Roaring Fork within the fridge, together with desserts acquired in World Showcase to function breakfast the next mornings. Normally, I’d additionally do grocery supply, however opted to skip that this journey.
One huge nice shock with the brand new Boulder Ridge room is the dual-use Keurig machines, that may both brew a single cup through pods or complete cups of espresso.
This is an incredible improve from the traditional Cuisinart espresso makers, and I nearly marvel if it was within the studios by mistake. I may see this being commonplace within the bigger rooms, however was stunned that it’s provided in studios. Regardless, I beloved this.
Aside from the above quibbles, I don’t have any main complaints about these new rooms at Boulder Ridge. To the opposite, I feel these are an enormous step ahead that may doubtless accomplish the uncommon and spectacular feat of being extra interesting to each informal friends and diehard Walt Disney World followers.
The previous rooms at Boulder Ridge had been nothing particular. (You noticed the picture above!) Personally, I favored them–they’d a quaint attraction to them–however I additionally didn’t assume they had been exemplars of themed design. I believe most DVC members who lament their loss will likely be doing so on the premise of rose-colored recollections or nostalgia.
When it involves perform, there ought to be little shock that these rooms are improbable. That’s just about a given at this level, as all new rooms are emulating the method of the Riviera Resort rooms, which had been extra lately replicated on the Polynesian and Grand Floridian Villas. No shock there, as Disney Vacation Club management beforehand indicated this could be the brand new room blueprint going ahead.
Disney Vacation Club has even indicated that visitor satisfaction scores have elevated by 20% amongst friends who’ve stayed in new rooms at Saratoga Springs. The new room type looks as if the end result of lots of classes realized by DVC over the past decade–iterating on previous successes and disregarding previous failures–into one thing that coalesces completely.
Suffice to say, Imagineering actually obtained the rooms proper with Disney’s Riviera Resort and have utilized these classes elsewhere. Those designs make important strides in space-saving design, whereas including revolutionary options just like the pull-down Murphy sleeper that’s one way or the other each a cushty sofa and a cushty mattress. (I do want they retained the desk, which I assume will likely be my new ‘hill to die on’ now that mattress runners are a misplaced trigger.) Basically, each DVC room since then has been a variation on that design, so it actually comes all the way down to which you like aesthetically. As might be apparent, I favor these!
There’s lots to like in regards to the new rooms at Boulder Ridge. There’s a ton of artwork that pays tribute to Disney historical past, characters, and places. The designs are on theme, with Native American artwork and influences. There’s a ton of depth through textures, patterns, and even issues like refined wallpaper. There’s a ton of colour–making this a big departure from the country and drab designs of the prior rooms–but it surely’s utilized successfully and these rooms nonetheless have an outdoorsy sensibility to them.
For my tastes, the brand new rooms at Boulder Ridge stick the touchdown on well-themed with out being overwhelming. These are my new favourite rooms of the usual choices at Wilderness Lodge, my new #1 Disney Vacation Club studios, and proper up there with the new-ish rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge as the perfect themed lodging at Walt Disney World.
In quick, I’d relatively keep in these new rooms at Boulder Ridge Villas than some other common lodging at Walt Disney World. They’re on the high of all these classes, and my #1 general. Given what number of instances I used the phrase “love” on this assessment, that verdict shouldn’t come as a lot of a shock!
Beyond the rooms, I’m an enormous fan of Boulder Ridge as an entire. Some followers contend that it’s not as handy as the primary constructing, but it surely’s additionally not that a lot of a stroll. I really like this wing as a result of it’s a lot quieter and extra tranquil. Some of the rooms at Boulder Ridge actually put the wilderness into the lodge, with balcony views of nothing however bushes.
The frequent areas of Boulder Ridge additionally deserve their due. Often overshadowed by the grandiose fundamental atrium (and understandably so), there’s a ton of element and attraction on the foyer degree of Boulder Ridge. There are a number of little nooks and crannies, the spotlight of which is the Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room. This is without doubt one of the hidden gems in all of Walt Disney World; it pays homage to the American West, golden age of railroad journey, and is a stunning tribute to Walt Disney himself.
Wilderness Lodge’s fundamental constructing is magnificent, and I really like spending time there (particularly late at evening and early within the morning), but it surely’s a tad too raucous and loud throughout peak hours. That’s seldom the case at Boulder Ridge. There’s nearly all the time a secluded spot by a hearth or an overstuffed chair the place you may calm down with a ebook or laptop computer to do some work.
Every inch of Wilderness Lodge is meticulously and thoughtfully designed–and that now extends to the brand new rooms at Boulder Ridge. We like staying in quite a lot of places relying upon the priorities of every journey, however Wilderness Lodge is the one resort I can not resist. We should not out there for extra factors proper now, however I actually want we owned at Boulder Ridge.
Speaking of which, this Boulder Ridge room assessment ought to NOT be construed as a advice to purchase DVC. As mentioned in our Disney Vacation Club Buying Guide, there’s lots to contemplate when figuring out whether or not to affix DVC, and if that’s the case, which residence resort to decide on. The location, transportation, ambiance, format, or different parts of any resort might not enchantment to you.
There’s a cause “try before you buy” and “buy where you want to stay” are in style adages amongst DVC Members. Not solely that, however Disney Vacation Club isn’t proper for everybody within the first place. Definitely do your analysis!
Ultimately, it’s no secret that Wilderness Lodge is my favourite resort in all of Walt Disney World. If I may solely keep in a single resort for the remainder of my life, Wilderness Lodge can be my choose. The key to Wilderness Lodge is the temper its theme evokes, and the best way it transports you to a world away from the busy theme parks and Central Florida. At Wilderness Lodge, all it takes is a stroll exterior on the walkway via the thick woods and previous the geyser, or sitting in an alcove by a hearth, and you might be immediately someplace else.
It could possibly be 98° exterior (and it was!), however Wilderness Lodge makes you’re feeling such as you’re worlds away from that. Between the climate and this improbable new room throughout this keep, I discovered myself desirous to spend much more time than regular within the Boulder Ridge Villas. There’s lots to like about Wilderness Lodge, and it’s actually my “happy place” at Walt Disney World…which is why this room reimagining was such an enormous deal to me. I may sit beside a hearth for hours, merely absorbing the ambiance, listening to the background music, pretending I’m up north and it’s snowing exterior on a chilly winter day. And now, I need to spend time in these superb new rooms as a lot as I need to be within the frequent areas at Boulder Ridge Villas!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about motels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To get monetary savings on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips put up takes a novel take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to start out is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for every little thing you want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your ideas on these new rooms at Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge? Have you stayed in at each Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek? Which do you like? What do you consider the rooms? Anything you don’t like in regards to the redesign? How would your assessment differ from mine? Want to remain at Wilderness Lodge throughout the Christmas season? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Other ideas or issues? Any questions we will help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!