Boulder Ridge Villas Studio at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – The Pros and Cons

I loved staying at one of the deluxe studio rooms at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge recently. I have always loved the Wilderness Lodge property. The lobby is absolutely stunning and amazing. When my kids were young, they loved the rooms with the bunk beds and the restaurants on property have always been some of my favorites.

I was fortunate recently to be able to stay in one of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) units and can’t begin to say enough about the beauty of the entire building. Even if you are not a DVC owner, these units can be “rented” and reserved.

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio Wilderness Lodge

THE PROS

The pros are many. As with all Disney deluxe and DVC properties, the attention to detail and service is outstanding.

As much as I love the look of the main lobby at the Wilderness Lodge, the lobby of the Boulder Ridge building is even more stunning. A fireplace with rocking chairs, several small gathering seating areas and the authentically themed look of the multi-level atrium full of Disney detail, make it feel rustic and cozy.

Service at Wilderness Lodge has always been excellent. There are two full, table-service restaurants and multiple quick service spots. You can reach the Magic Kingdom by boat and all other parks by bus. All Wilderness Lodge amenities are easily accessible and nearby.

The studio sleeps up to five people. The room includes one queen-size bed, a queen-sized sofa bed, and a pull down Murphy style bed (opening the Murphy bed eliminates the table and chairs in the room since the table is attached to and folds under the bed). I am 5’7″ tall and slept comfortably on the Murphy bed. There is a small kitchen area as you walk into the unit offering a refrigerator, sink, microwave, toaster, full size coffee pot, dishes and utensils, with a nice size counter area. There is a sink/vanity (only one sink) area with closet right outside the enclosed toilet/shower area. There are 136 villas made up of studio and one or two two-bedroom units, all located in a freestanding building to the right of the lodge. The one and two bedroom units have full kitchens.

Except for a few rooms overlooking the pool/lake side of the resort, rooms at Wilderness Lodge Villas offer wooded views. Odd numbered rooms (2531-2563 and 3531-3563) offer the best view.

The Boulder Ridge Cove Pool offers a zero-entry pool and whirlpool spa, as well as six-first come, first served, semi-enclosed cabana type seating areas. A quick walk either around or through the pool area has you right at Geyser Point Bar & Grill where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner along the shore of Bay Lake.

Boulder Ridge Villas Studio Wilderness Lodge

THE CONS

The cons are minimal and other than the hours of the concierge, which is really not a big issue, all center around one area of the unit.

I found it odd that the Concierge is only on duty in the lobby of the Boulder Ridge Villas from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. There were two days we needed to speak to a concierge regarding reservations and since it was only 7 a.m. had to walk to the main lodge building. Returning to your unit in the evening doesn’t give you the opportunity to speak with a concierge without going to the main lodge either. Since the bus depot from the parks is right outside the Boulder Ridge building you have to take the time to walk to the main lodge in the evening if you have a question or want to check on a reservation for the next day. FYI: Kirk, the Concierge that works the Boulder Ridge Villas desk most days is OUTSTANDING! He goes above and beyond to assist guests and spread the magic!

The tub/toilet area of the unit bothered me slightly in several aspects:

• Small is an understatement! At 5’7″ and 150 pounds I had a hard time getting dressed after a shower. The space for stepping out of tub in front of the toilet is TINY! My 6’3″, 205 pound husband would have difficulty in the space. As you can see in the photo above, the toilet is actually in the doorway (which opens out).
• No exhaust fan so after a hot shower, the tiny space is like a steam filled, over-heated sauna.
• Toilet paper holder is located in an odd spot behind the toilet on the left making for a very difficult reach for toilet paper. I assume it’s there because the space is so small there really isn’t any other place for it.
• The shower head is way too low. At 5’7″ I had to duck under the shower head.

Overall, this is one of the nicest properties at Walt Disney World Resort to stay at. The few cons, that a really isolated to one area, are not something that would stop me from vacationing here again in the future.