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Review content:
We recently returned from a heavenly week-long stay at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge. (This is not to be confused with the nearby campground of the same name - this is the lodge, definitely *not* camping.) The resort is done in a Northwest Wilderness theme, which is evident from the moment you drive up to the front entrance. No one does theming like Disney. When you enter the lobby, you are surrounded by Northwestern style luxury, from the gleaming hardwood floors to the several-story high totem pole to the huge rock fireplace and the "rushing river". Although the lobby is huge, it manages to be inviting as well. There are several groupings of overstuffed chairs, a large front desk area, a corner with a simulated rushing river and fountain, complete with rustic wooden bridge and large boulders, and a huge corner fireplace made from river rocks.
The rooms are done in the same rustic luxury style with lots of dark wood and rich colors. We stayed in a junior suite, which I highly recommend for families if you want some extra space. Our room had a bedroom that was seperated from the main room with french doors. We also had a very large bathroom with double sinks and an oversized tub and shower. In the main room we had a queen sizer sleeper sofa, a refrigerator, a small bar with sink, a small table with three chairs and a large television. In the bedroom we had two double beds, an oversized armoire, a full sized dresser and a large plasma screened TV. The main room and the bedroom each had doors leading to private balconies which overlooked the lake.
The suggestions I would make are to ask for a room on a high floor for the best view and to bring your own hangers! There is ample closet space, but the hotel does not provide hangers. Also, remember to bring your own shampoo and conditioner. The one provided by the hotel is a shampoo/condition combination.
The pool area is fabulous and in keeping with the Northwestern theme. There are large decorative boulders, a waterfall and even a "rock" waterslide. There is a seperate kiddie pool and a hot tub. You can also order drinks (both alcoholic and non) from the pool bar, which is open until 10pm each day. There are plenty of pool chairs, towels and tables. We never had a problem finding a space for our family of five, and we were there at the end of July. Be prepared for the pool to close whenever there is a thunderstorm in the area, which can be about every afternoon in Florida!
There are three restaurants located in this hotel: a casual grab and go place, a casual sit down restaurant and a formal sit down restaurant. I don't have personal experience in any but the grab and go - and that was fine. They serve the typical quick fare you'd expect, such as hamburgers, sandwiches, drinks, snacks (great brownies!) and ice cream. My suggestion is that on your first day you purchase one of their plastic drink mugs. They cost $11.99, but are refillable for your entire stay. We would use them for coffee in the morning and them wash them out to use them for soda and iced tea throughout the day.
Another major bonus of this resort is its central location. It is served by both boats and busses. There are two boat runs - one will take you directly to the Magic Kingdom and the other will take you to Fort Wilderness Campground and the Polynesian Resort, where you can connect to the monorail. The busses serve Epcot, MGM Studios, Downtown Disney and the Animal Kingdom.
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