Photos & Video: Yosemite Suite at Wilderness Lodge
Yosemite Suite is the Vice Presidential room at Wilderness Lodge. In this Walt Disney World hotel tour, we’ll take a look at what makes it so special, with photos and video of my ‘dream suite,’ thoughts on its attention to detail and thematic integrity.
This is the best hotel room I’ve ever seen at Walt Disney World, although I’ll readily admit that I’m biased. Wilderness Lodge is my favorite resort at Walt Disney World, Yosemite is my favorite (and “home”) National Park, and the Ahwahnee (we can finally call it that again!) is my favorite U.S. National Park Lodge.
We’ve stayed in a lot of cool Walt Disney World rooms: the Polynesian Bora Bora Bungalows, Cascade Cabins (also at Wilderness Lodge), and Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs. We’ve also toured the Presidential Suites at both the Grand Floridian and Four Seasons Orlando. Even if money were no issue, the Yosemite Suite is what I’d pick if I could choose to stay anywhere at Walt Disney World.
None of this is any secret or should be a surprise to regular readers of the blog. I’ve been obsessed with this room since stumbling upon this charming video from 1994 years ago. Since then, I’ve mentioned the Yosemite Suite at Wilderness Lodge being a bucket list entry several times, most recently in our Dream Walt Disney World Vacation for Lottery Winners post.
Alas, we neither won the lottery nor did I actually cross staying in the Yosemite Suite off my Walt Disney World bucket list. Sarah called to price out the Yosemite Suite as a surprise one night stay, but the rates were a bit much (to put it mildly). So instead, we “settled” for a night in the Old Faithful Club (review of that Club Level experience coming soon).
While there, Sarah was able to get us inside the Yosemite Suite for a brief tour. I’m not sure what kind of magic she worked for that, but she could probably talk her way into the Area 51. (No need to storm it.) By contrast, I don’t think I could charm my way into a few extra fries at McDonald’s.
Let’s start with a quick video walk-through of the current Yosemite Suite:
If you watch the 1994 video (and I highly recommend doing so), one thing that stands out is that the cowboy motif has been toned down considerably.
There are still a few vestiges of this, but by and large, they’ve been removed from the furniture and decor.
I was relieved to see this. I have nothing against cowboys–they’re great symbols of the frontier, Americana, and even kitsch. However, they’re not particularly relevant to Yosemite National Park or the other inspirations for Wilderness Lodge.
I don’t recall ever seeing anything cowboy-related at the Ahwahnee, aside from maybe a Frederic Remington bronze sculpture (but that’s legit art; totally different vibe).
What I’ve always appreciated about Wilderness Lodge is that it treats its inspiration with sincerity and reverence.
Imagineering could’ve made the hotel as a cheeky and kitschy homage to the American West (and arguably did exactly that with Hotel Cheyenne and Santa Fe at Disneyland Paris), but instead crafted Wilderness Lodge as a romanticized and grandiose love letter to the U.S. National Park lodges.
Of course, Walt Disney World isn’t a solemn place, so even Wilderness Lodge has elements of whimsy and playfulness to it.
You see this in Whispering Canyon Cafe, little Disney character touches, and the various bears and other critters around the resort. Maybe cowboys were construed the same way in the early 1990s?
Enough about cowboys. I love the wooden canopy bed frame, which is also a more recent addition. This is one of those rare things that conveys both luxury and theme, and is just undeniably cool.
The use of woods, patterns, colors, and textures is just generally really strong. From the living room rug and bed runner to the furniture, it’s a suite that comes together really well. The details of the design reinforce one another, and it’s neither bland nor is it a sensory-overloading, clashing mess.
In fact, pretty much from start to finish, I think the Yosemite Suite is stunning–better today than it was when it opened. Part of this is probably the simple matter of tastes and styles changing.
Although as a themed room, this is always going to be something of a time capsule.
Nevertheless, it feels like a lot of the kitschy and borderline tacky details have been replaced with things that are on-theme but also stately.
About the only downgrade that I can see is the dining room chandelier, a couple other lamps, and in terms of little touches like table centerpieces (and a scale?!).
I’m also a sucker for the old bathroom tile-work, although that’s probably a 1990s thing that most would consider dated today.
The bathroom does feel like the one weak spot of the refreshed look. It’s just a bit blander than the rest of Yosemite Suite.
It’s like the design team knew it needed to be updated, and knew how in terms of substantive changes, but didn’t know what thematic flourishes should be used to keep it in step with the rest of the suite.
Still a relatively minor thing, and I can’t say I’ve ever really been wowed by a bathroom in a Walt Disney World hotel, anyway.
Overall, the Yosemite Suite was everything I hoped it would be and more. To my immense relief, it not only maintains its thematic integrity, but somehow manages to look better than it did when Wilderness Lodge first opened. With recent room reimaginings stripping away theme in favor of generic luxury, this actually came as a surprise.
Our recent Wilderness Lodge Update & New Room Tour shows what could be on the horizon for a room reimagining at this stunning themed resort. I can only hope Yosemite Suite is left along; maybe my bringing “awareness” to this superlative suite will cause those who value theme to book the suite and give positive feedback on its design. (A reach, but hey, I can dream.)
While we didn’t get to stay in the Yosemite Suite overnight to fully appreciate its details, we also didn’t have to pay to stay overnight in it, so I’m content with our brief taste of the suite. I’ll always have these photos, videos, and the memory of being there. It’s my new favorite room at Walt Disney World…at least until I have a chance to see the Yellowstone Suite at Wilderness Lodge!
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of the Yosemite Suite at Wilderness Lodge? Would you likewise rank this among the best hotel rooms at Walt Disney World, or is it not to your tastes? Glad to see the original design has largely been preserved? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Tom you and I agree about Wilderness Lodge being your favorite Disney Resort. It is always my first option, but of course the availability is not always there. I prefer the villas and they are rather pricey and of course the discounts are never quite as good as the other Vacation Club Villas. There is nothing quite like it during the Christmas holidays. I love that its close to the Magic Kingdom and the walk to the bus stop from the villas is nothing in comparison to some. Its just a great resort! As usual great video and photos. Unfortunately I’ll never have the pleasure but still great that you share it with your readers.
Wilderness Lodge is awesome. I stayed there last year (DVC). What I missed was room themes 🙁 I wish they’d bring them back; they are so much of what makes Disney unique. The room comfort and size was great tho! We had a suite so we could kick up each night and relax a bit after getting back. The pool looks great (didn’t have time to actually enjoy it tho; quick trip). The ambience and balconies overlooking the interior were gorgeous, especially with the Christmas tree there. The convenience of taking a boat to MK every day was soooooo nice. The kids and I all throughly enjoyed this. We did monorail from MK to Epcot and did take the bus once to Hollywood Studios.
The large family area of the presidential suite looks terrific, and the balcony outside is wonderful! I can feel myself sitting there 🙂 Wonder why they put the microwave behind the cabinet door in the kitchen tho? That’s odd. Thanks for the pictures! I’m sure I won’t ever be able to justify that kind of cost on a room, but it’s cool to see what it’s like.
Wilderness Lodge is my favorite! The Western theme immediately brings me back to my childhood, which many people seem to like about Disney themes. Would love to stay in the suite someday….but it’s going to take a lot of pixie dust!
Sorry, not bowled over at all. Have not stayed in this particular Disney Hotel but have done their other top tier hotels. This one has FAR too much wood paneling EVERYWHERE, looking like a bad run-down home from the 1950’s. I also do not like the “raised bowl” sinks in the bathroom. In my opinion this inconvenient ( too high) and ugly tend in bathrooms will be over in about 3 years, leaving all the bathrooms looking very dated. While I LOVE staying on Disney grounds for the transportation convenience, it has long been my opinion that the sky-high prices give you almost nothing else of value. The rooms tend to be relatively small for the money, and many of the finishes are not really even “luxury”. Paying $600-$1000 a night for a room, you really should produce SOMETHING which makes the customer think it was worth it.
There is no such thing as too much wood, and no, it does not look like the cheap paneling you are referring to at all.
But you’re right about the stupid break sinks. That absurd fad was old and tired at least three years ago.
Thank you so much Tom for this blog & video on the most fabulous Yosemite suite. It brings back great memories for my husband and I as we were pixie dusted to spend our 2013 Disney honeymoon in the Yosemite suite. I am still grateful to this day for what cast member decided to bless us with that once in a lifetime experience.
Is there only the one bed in the suite? We are a family of 4
Thanks
Simply watch the 1994 video to find out a magical secret answer to your question. You will be glad that you did. Have fun!
I’ve never stayed in any suites at WDW. Based on the photos I’ve seen (including yours) of WDW resort suites, Yosemite Suite is my #1 choice with Polynesian suites as an honorable mention. I love the theme.
I’m assuming that each Disney deluxe resort has “comparable” suites. Do you have a list of what’s available at each deluxe resort … in case I win the lottery!!
Wow! It’s not entirely my style, but I have to say that overall it is thematically cohesive, spacious and looks comfortable. On that level, it reminds me of what photos I have seen of the Frontierland suite at the Disneyland Hotel. So many expensive suites look like someone actually staying in them would upset every little thing having its place and being picture perfect, but this looks like a room one could actually relax in and enjoy. Thank you so much for the tour.
Thank you the tour was awesome. We love Wilderness Lodge but have not stayed there yet. Hopefully 2021 will be year we do it. Can’t wait.
Thank you for tour. That is the most Wonderful Suite. Still have a Chocolate Boot (in freezer) from our Anniversary/Birthday stay there. Would you believe 1995. Your tour brought back Many Happy Memories!
The master bath update clashes too much with the original mid-90’s aesthetic – it screams “Copper Creek!” while the rest of the fixtures and finishes throughout the suite say “Wilderness Lodge”. Adding the floor tile to the walls (along with the television) instead of another engineered material that matches (or blends better with) the look of the wood panels in the other rooms was the biggest design error. (along with the raised sinks) As stated, the bedroom update best exemplifies the refreshed look.
I have always had a preference for the Wilderness lodge over almost all the other resorts.
We stayed in the Presidential suite in the past and really enjoyed the room. I have not stayed in the Vice presidential suite but I would be happy to stay in either!!
What is the nightly rate now for the suite now days Tom??
I stayed a long time ago and paid 995.00 a night for the Presidential suite when I went.
The Vice and Presidential suits were some of the most reasonable priced suites if you can call 1000 buck a night reasonable but compared to top rooms at other resorts is was considerably cheaper.
WOW! I want to stay there! If only I were rich…
time to come clean, mr bricker – you’re just in love because of the bed runner 😉
Thanks for sharing this! Wilderness Lodge is my favorite. I’ve always wondered about this room. The 1994 video was great, what Ana adorable couple showing of their room(they even gave us talcum powder!) I totally agree about the chandelier. I love the detail in the 94 one. The new one just seems basic. Not a deal breaker for sure.
How does one book this room? I can’t seem to find it on the “regular” Wilderness Lodge listings.
For special rooms like this one you need to call to check for availability, prices, and to book it.
Thanks for showing what it looks like. When we stayed there in April, we walked by the Yosemite suite and the Yellowstone suit and wondered what they might be like. Once we win the lottery, first thing we will do is book a stay there …
Also – just noticed we have the same bathroom tile in our home! And I don’t like the salad-bowl sinks.
While these rooms and resorts are great, they certainly are not worth the price
Not a very impressive room for being presidential level at a Disney resort. Looks like an outdated hunting lodge lol. I’d definitely want more, especially from Disney.
What it is worth to me, may not be to you. Only money and time.
Awesome! Thank you for confirming that balcony belongs to a suite. On my last visit while outside for the geyser eruption I noticed that balcony and was wondering if it belonged to a suite.
Hey, now! Some of those “cowboy” touches are anything but. They’re authentic Native pieces!
I have zero issue with the beautiful Native American art throughout Wilderness Lodge. It mirrors a lot of what’s at the Ahwahnee, and that hotel’s collection is absolutely gorgeous.
The cowboy pieces just struck me as a bit too kitschy. Like the intersection of Americana and Native art, maybe? I’m obviously far from an expert on this, but it just seems like there are better choices in terms of what’s depicted vis-a-vis the art. I could be totally off-base, though.
Thanks for pics – that room is gorgeous. I would never want to leave the room though
Oh, I definitely wouldn’t leave it. This is the type of room you book as part of a split-stay for a night or two–perhaps in the middle of your trip to decompress after a lot of time in the parks.