Copper Creek vs Boulder Ridge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom area resort with a lot to offer. Boat transport to Disney World’s original park and firework views from the resort are a nice perk and a big draw for many. The rustic yet polished theme gives one of the warmest welcome homes of all. The beautiful greenery and exciting amenities at this resort also keep guests coming back. Disney Vacation Club provides not one but two great home resort opportunities at Wilderness Lodge. That’s a rare occurrence. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, as they are officially titled, are both excellent home resort choices for someone who wants a little nature with their magic. So which one should you choose for your home resort? Let’s go over similarities and differences at Copper Creek vs Boulder Ridge and compare the two Disney Vacation Club home resort options. Of course, at this time, if you purchase a resale DVC contract at either of these resorts you can use your points to book at the other. The home resort eleven month booking advantage can make a difference in getting the exact dates you want for your trip, though, and may be important if you have specific travel dates each year.

Copper Creek vs Boulder Ridge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Overview

First, let’s delight in all of the wonder of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. If you’re considering this location for your home resort, you’re on to something good. All of the following is accessible and available to owners at both Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge. The Wilderness Lodge property is very easy to get around and, though it feels spacious, not too big when you need to navigate it. First off, there are a few unique dining options at Wilderness. Geyser Point Bar & Grill sits on Bay Lake with an incredible view of the water, surrounding trees and often a lovely breeze. This open air bar and lounge is convenient to both DVC buildings and most cabins. In the main lobby there are three restaurants. Get ready for a hootin’, hollerin’ good time at Whispering Canyon Cafe. This homestyle eatery opens up to the lobby and provides quite the atmosphere with silly servers. Make sure you ask for ketchup. Just down the hall is the character meal experience Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. Here you can meet the original Disney princess, some dwarfs and the Evil Queen while eating in the enchanted forest. Pure magic. The quick service option at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is Roaring Fork. For a complete look at dining at this resort, see our Wilderness Lodge Dining Guide.

The grounds at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are gorgeous. Central Florida’s natural, woodsy charm perfectly sets the scene for Disney’s intended ‘turn-of-the-century National Park lodge’ design. The lobby at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the best at Walt Disney World Resort with stunning elevated ceilings that are stories tall. If you plan to visit around the holidays, you’ll be treated to the splendor of the gigantic Christmas tree that fills the lobby. Throughout the day at Wilderness Lodge, the geyser that sits at the water’s edge comes to life and makes a splash. You and your travel party can make a splash, too, at one of the resort’s two massive, themed pools. Taking a boat ride back to your resort at the end of your day at the park is truly a delight. There’s a lot to explore during your time at the resort as well. The lobby’s fireplace has incredible detailing and meaning with information to discover on each floor.

On your way in, you may notice a cast member whose costume resembles a National Park Ranger. Those hats are so recognizable, aren’t they? This is actually a greeter position and this person tends to know a lot about the resort and lobby in particular. You can actually take a free, hour long tour of the lobby with the ranger. These are offered in the mornings and there’s no sign up necessary. Just meet in front of the lobby’s beautiful, large fireplace and the tour will start at 9:00 a.m. Check with the front desk at the time of your visit for days the complimentary experience is offered.

This is a walking and standing tour, typically filled with information about the lobby’s incredible architecture and history. For those who use a wheelchair or would like to avoid stairs, there is an elevator in the lobby that you can use to access higher levels should the tour go up a floor. Depending on your ranger, it’s possible you may also visit the Carolwood Pacific Room in the Boulder Ridge Villas building. Did you know the American flag in the lobby doesn’t have fifty stars? That’s because a flag that is era appropriate was chosen to represent the time period the lodge is placed in. You can find out more fun facts like this from the ranger on your tour.

Locations of Copper Creek vs Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge

Where Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge are located on the Disney’s Wilderness Lodge property differ slightly and may help you decide which is right for you. Though these DVC resorts are right next to each other, separated only by a walkway, there are some slight differences that might matter to those who are particular or have certain needs or preferences. The Copper Creek Villas are attached to the main lobby. There’s an elevator used to get to the Copper Creek floors right in the lobby across from the merchandise store Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. It’s a breeze to walk down from your room and get to the lobby and any of the restaurants. Copper Creek is also placed right in between the resort’s two pools with easy access to both.

Note that the Copper Creek cabins are located on the waters of Bay Lake but there are actually two separate sections of cabins. One is a little further away from certain offerings than the other but may offer accidental firework views. Some of the cabins closer to Magic Kingdom have views of the park’s fireworks, especially the big and high fireworks. If you look on a map, the other set of cabins is located on the other side of Geyser Point Bar & Grill.

There is a covered walkway from the Boulder Ridge building to the main lobby area of the resort. From there you can get to most of the resort amenities, such as restaurants, as much of the resort’s offerings are located in or stem off of the gorgeous lobby. Boulder Ridge Villas also has its own lobby inside the building. The stone and wood interiors are so well done. However, what you’ll absolutely love about Boulder Ridge Villas is the Carolwood Pacific Room. In this cozy setting guests are surrounded by neat artifacts that celebrate Walt Disney’s love for trains. You can settle into a cozy rocking chair in front of the fire and enjoy the peace of this serene setting surrounded by trees.

Room Types at Copper Creek vs Boulder Ridge

Copper Creek Villas debuted in 2018 with a more clean and bright take on rustic luxury with some finishes that could also be interpreted as modern farmhouse. Copper Creek Villas include Deluxe Studios, One Bedroom Villas, Two Bedroom Villas, Three Bedroom Grand Villas and Two Bedroom Cabins. If you’re trying to decide between Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge and plan to book rooms that accommodate more people, this could be your deciding factor.

Boulder Ridge Villas debuted in the year 2000 with a more classic log cabin feel. Right on schedule for Disney Vacation Club refurbishments, as of 2022 these rooms are currently being fully refurbished. Boulder Ridge Villas include Deluxe Studios, One Bedroom Villas and Two Bedroom Villas. If you’re interested in DVC Resorts that sleep 5, Boulder Ridge is the way to go as the Deluxe Studios sleeps five and in Copper Creek that room style sleeps four.

If you’re enchanted with the idea of owning a Disney Vacation Club Membership with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as your home resort, it’s likely both of these options will be great for you. There are just slight design and location differences.

DVC Resale Experts Can Help

Do you have more questions about choosing a home resort? DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker that specializes in resale DVC. It’s possible to save thousands buying resale instead of directly from Disney Vacation Club. You can expect pixie dusted service and expert advice from our licensed real estate agents who are former Disney Vacation Club Guides. Take a look at current resale DVC listings for an idea of pricing and availability at this time. Don’t see your dream contract? Join the DVC Resale Experts Buyer Wish List to be notified when the right contract for you magically appears on the market.