DVC Resort Tips and Tricks: Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek
Just past the shore of Bay Lake sits Wilderness Lodge, which is home to both Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek. Whether you are a repeat guest at Wilderness Lodge or you’re thinking of renting a stay there for the first time, here are some tips and tricks for a great stay.
Booking and Availability
Booking Categories
Neither Boulder Ridge nor Copper Creek has different booking categories for views, so the view from your room can vary greatly. However, Copper Creek is unique in that it has two separate booking categories for its Deluxe Studios: Deluxe Studio and Deluxe Studio with Walk-in Shower. The regular studios have a tub/shower combo, which is typically best for families with young children whereas the walk-in shower studios have a shower instead of the tub. Most of the Deluxe Studios are on the first floor.
It’s also worth noting that there are a handful of alternate floor plan Deluxe Studios, which are almost like One Bedroom Villas without the full kitchen and washer/dryer. The bed is in its own alcove, and the living room area is extra spacious. These studios are part of the Deluxe Studio category and not their own booking category. There are very few, and they are very popular, so they are hard to get even if you request them.
Availability
Due to the relatively small inventory of Deluxe Studios at Copper Creek, they can be difficult to book year-round. You’ll often need to book your stay at the 7-11 month booking window to improve your odds of finding availability. This means that if you’re renting points, it helps to find someone who owns points at Copper Creek in order to reserve your room during that home resort booking window.
Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek are the most challenging to book for the holiday season. With the enormous Christmas tree and the giant fireplace in the lobby, Wilderness Lodge feels like the perfect place for a holiday stay!
Both DVC Resorts have been recently renovated with Boulder Ridge undergoing a full refurbishment, and Copper Creek undergoing a soft goods refurbishment. While most rooms have received Murphy beds to replace the old sofa beds, certain rooms may still have sofa beds due to their window placement or slope of their ceiling.
Note that the refurbishments did not change the room capacities, so Deluxe Studios and One-Bedroom Villas at Copper Creek still sleep up to 4 guests, whereas Boulder Ridge Deluxe Studios and One-Bedroom Villas can sleep up to 5 guests (though a fifth guest in a Boulder Ridge One-Bedroom Villa may need an air mattress).
Getting Around
From Wilderness Lodge, you’ll take a bus to get around to most theme parks, including EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. However, one advantage of staying at Wilderness Lodge is the ability to take a boat to the Magic Kingdom. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s a nice scenic ride. There are two types of boats: the larger one can accommodate ECVs and strollers that haven’t been collapsed; the smaller boat cannot accommodate ECVs or unfolded strollers.
If you’re looking to explore the other nearby resorts along Bay Lake, don’t forget that you can take a boat directly to Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary. However, note that this “blue flag” boat route only runs around 3pm to 10:45pm.
There’s also a bus that goes between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness if you’d like to enjoy Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue or Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness.
Treats and Eats
If you enjoy more casual dining, Wilderness Lodge offers a good variety of restaurants from quick service to character dining.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Many guests enjoy the waterfront Geyser Point Bar & Grill for its laid-back atmosphere and fan-favorite bison cheeseburger. It’s particularly convenient for those who prefer to be more spontaneous since advanced dining reservations are not offered for Geyser Point. You also have the option to mobile order your food to take it to go. At night, you can stand by the outdoor patio and catch Happily Ever After and the Electrical Water Pageant.
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Wilderness Lodge’s table service restaurant, Whispering Canyon Cafe, is anything but quiet with its playful hijinx. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is as well known for its cast members’ antics as its Western fare all-you-care-to-eat skillets with ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, smashed potatoes, and vegetables.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
For any princess fans, be sure to dine at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. This Enchanted Forest-themed restaurant serves a prix-fixe menu and offers guests a chance to meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and The Queen.
Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork is Wilderness Lodge’s quick service location. You’ll find the classics like Mickey waffles and eggs for breakfast and burgers, sandwiches, and BBQ for lunch and dinner, including barbecued brisket and burnt ends.
Territory Lounge
Sometimes overlooked is Territory Lounge. This rustic bar and lounge is a great spot to end the night with a beverage or small plate, such as charcuterie, flatbreads, or a popcorn sampler.
Recreation and Entertainment
Pools
With Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek both being part of Wilderness Lodge, they share amenities such as their pools. The Copper Creek Springs Pool near Geyser Point has a 67-foot waterslide, whirlpool spas, and a play area for younger children. You’ll find pool games like relays and trivia by the Copper Creek Springs Pool.
The zero-entry Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, which is located closer to Boulder Ridge, tends to be quieter than the Copper Creek Springs Pool. It has a whirlpool spa and shaded seating areas that are first come, first served.
Arts & Crafts
While Wilderness Lodge does not have a community hall, you can enjoy crafts at Humprey’s Hideout near Copper Creek Pool or create your own wooden artwork with the Tasteful Artistry at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This activity takes place on Thursdays at noon and can be booked by calling 689-282-8375. Sometimes you can find seasonal activities in the lobby as well.
Tours
A fun way to start a resort day is to take the Wonders of the Lodge Art & Architecture Tour, which takes place daily at 9am. This one-hour walking tour teaches guests about the art, artifacts, and architecture of Wilderness Lodge. You can also go on a self-guided nature walk throughout the resort grounds. Start by picking up a nature guide at the front desk or at Humphrey’s Hideout.
While you’re off exploring Wilderness Lodge, don’t forget to visit all the cozy lounge areas and smaller fireplaces on the upper levels of the main lobby as well as the Boulder Ridge lobby (the Carolwood Pacific Railway Room) for a little bit of Disney History. Two of the 1:8 scale freight cars from Walt Disney’s backyard railroad are on display.
Fishing
Since Wilderness Lodge is located along Bay Lake, you can also go on a guided fishing excursion on a pontoon boat for up to 5 guests. The excursion includes rods and reels, tackle, bait, and soft drinks. It can be booked in advance by calling 407-939-3474.
Enjoy the tranquil Wilderness Lodge by staying at Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek for your next Disney World trip! Browse the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote to rent DVC points and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney.
