"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Fireworks View rooms on sale now at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
While Disney World has not yet announced the return of fireworks, you may notice that “Fireworks View” rooms have gone on sale starting early summer 2021 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.
I first reported on this in my post on April 9th. As of today, Fireworks View rooms have sold out through mid-July. I’ve booked a few for clients who were willing to roll the dice on the return of Magic Kingdom fireworks. I hope they do!
What’s interesting is that Fireworks View rooms cost quite a bit more than other room categories at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at about $700 per night (with tax).
That’s comparable to Standard View rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Garden Wing rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Fireworks View rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge go on sale in early summer.
Courtyard View rooms at Wilderness Lodge were, at one time, the most expensive rooms at the hotel. But today they are about $150 less per night than Fireworks View rooms.
A little history….Fireworks View rooms were once considered Standard View, the most economical room category at Wilderness Lodge.
View from a Nature, Fireworks View room at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort | Walt Disney World
A few years ago, hotel management began optimizing the nightly rates for each room at Wilderness Lodge based on view.
Managers discovered that some rooms on the north side had a distant view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. I would hardly call it a view because the rooms are pretty far away. You can’t even hear the music or see entire fireworks show.
Nature, Fireworks View at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Photo Credit: yourfistvisit.net
These new Fireworks View rooms suddenly became more valuable and rates were dramatically increased. Actually, they are now among the most expensive rooms at Wilderness Lodge.
A similar thing happened at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort when the least desirable rooms were given a Pirate theme. Now they are the most expensive rooms at the hotel. It doesn’t mean they are worth it, though.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why would anyone pay more money for a Fireworks View room when there are no Magic Kingdom fireworks? That’s a good question!
In the absence of fireworks, wouldn’t that make this former Standard View room…well, Standard View again? And why is Disney charging so much more money for a view of nothing? Even more than Courtyard View?
This makes we wonder if fireworks are coming back in July. Probably not, but how else can Disney World justify charging more money?
I of course asked those questions when speaking with Disney agents on the phone. They agreed that something seems strange here.
But they gave me the official line that there have been no announcements as to when fireworks will be returning. I expected that answer, of course.
I can’t see why Disney would wait announce the return of fireworks, so I’m guessing this is just a room category that is available to book when all the other rooms have sold out at the hotel.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
New Character Dinner Coming to Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Storybook Dining at Artist Point inside Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort will invite guests to venture into an Enchanted Forest-like setting inspired by Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” There, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal of fantastic fare with visits from Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy. Delightful music and activities will help bring the classic fairytale to life, and they’ll even have an opportunity for an encounter with The Queen.
This immersive character dinner takes place amidst the rustic elegance and exceptional dining that Artist Point is known for. You'll enjoy a uniquely themed prix fixe menu, including shared starters, a choice of individual plated entrees and ‘sweet spells’ to finish the meal.
I'll have more information to share soon, including menu offerings, an opening date and when you can book reservations as well as where Guests might be able to find select fan-favorite Artist Point menu items in the future.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is slated to begin this winter.
Disney World Digital Key FAQ
Disney World has announced that it will soon add a Digital Key feature to the My Disney Experience app. Initially this will be offered at Disney's Wilderness Lodge as part of a test phase but is expected to be installed at other Disney Resort hotels as well. This new feature will allow you to unlock your hotel room door using a digital key on your smartphone through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Disney World Digital Key FAQ
What exactly is a Digital Key?
The digital key is a feature added to MyDisney Experience mobile app. You can use your phone to unlock the hotel entrance gate, hotel room doors, and most other public areas requiring a key, which may include pools, fitness centers, elevators and club level lounges. If you used Online Check In, you may even use your digital key from the moment you arrive at the hotel without having to stop at the front desk.
How does it work?
To use your digital key, activate the feature on your check-in day through a set up process in the My Disney Experience app. To enter their room, tap the “Unlock Door” button and then simply hold your phone against the door lock. See the video below...
What's the technology behind this feature?
Your phone links to the door via Bluetooth, the same way you might connect your phone to your car's audio system or wireless headphones. Once your phone and the door are linked via Bluetooth, the mobile app sends a command to unlock the door. This of course happens almost instantly.
Doesn't my Magic Band already unlock the door?
Yes. Magic Bands will continue to open doors by tapping it to the reader installed on the door.
What's so great about Digital Key if my Magic Band already unlocks doors?
Obviously there's some future technology and benefits coming that Disney hasn't shared with us yet. Being that this is only available at Wilderness Lodge suggests that it's part of a test phase.
Unofficially speaking, it would appear that Disney might offer a complete alternative to the Magic Band by allowing guests to use the mobile app instead. So perhaps plans to link Theme Park tickets and FastPasses to your smartphone could be in the works. Disneyland is already offering MaxPass, a type of upgraded FastPass service offered though it's mobile app.
Additionally, there have been some concerns from guests about having to wear a Magic Band in addition to devices they already wear such as a Fitbit, Apple Watch or similar device. Perhaps this could be an alternate option for anyone who chooses not to wear a Magic Band. This could also save Disney money if guests decline their Magic Band opting to use the mobile app instead. But this is all just speculation at this point.
Are Magic Bands being eliminated?
No. Disney has stated that Magic Bands are not going away. Not everyone has a smartphone, including children, so there still needs to be a device in place for these guests. Currently Magic Bands are still required to enter the Theme Parks, access PhotoPass, and to redeem FastPasses. If you're an off property guest (not staying at at Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can purchase a Magic Band. Or, you'll be issued a wallet-size card at no additional charge for theme park access and FastPass redemption.
Will the door swing open by itself?
No, that would be cool though. The door simply unlocks for you.
How do I get the Digital Key on my phone?
Digital keys will be coming soon with no specific date set. Initially it will only be available to guests staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort. Once it goes live, it will be an option for you within the Online Check In section of My Disney Experience. Stay tuned for updates.
If you have a question not answered here, please send it below.
First Look: Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
Geyser Point Bar and Grill is a new but unremarkable restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort situated on the shores of Bay Lake. The lounge itself is a big improvement over the existing pool bar and will likely attract an evening crowd. The open air pavilion is reminiscent of a structure you’d find at a public park or a summer camp but with more comfortable furniture and a bar! There are plenty of servers are on hand but most didn't have anything to do. Disney's Wilderness Lodge isn’t fully operational at this time due to an extensive, down-to-the-studs refurbishment so crowds should pick up once construction is complete.
The nearby quick service restaurant feels like an afterthought being tucked away in the corner. It's an attempt at rustic, Pacific-Northwest cuisine offering a bison burger and a smoked salmon BLT. Neither will impress you but overall they're acceptable. There’s absolutely nothing special about the bacon cheeseburger, it’s the same frozen beef patty you can get anywhere at Walt Disney World: overcooked beyond recognition and dry. In fact, it was so dry, it wasn't edible. If Wendy’s and McDonald's can make a decent burger, why can’t Disney? The oversized waffle-fries are fresh, crispy and will certainly be a signature item here.
Service is painfully slow at Geyser Point Bar and Grill. I was the only customer at the restaurant, shortly after 12 noon. After 15 minutes I approached the counter again to ask if they forgot about me. Nope. But a Cast Member was indeed working feverishly in the kitchen. It took 22 minutes for the order to arrive at my table but the place is still new so I can understand that some things might need to be worked out.
The open air design is only as good as the weather outside. Visit on a breezy winter day and you’ll fight to keep your plate and cup from blowing away. You can also expect cold food. It will be interesting to see if insects become a problem here - being that the pavilion has no screens. Disney has a great pest management system in place so it shouldn't be an issue.
Prices are reasonable, entrees range between $10 and $14. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. The lounge offers typical beverages found throughout Walt Disney World and even a few regional beers from the Pacific-Northwest.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point is a good place for breakfast or an evening beverage after the theme parks, but overall it's just average for Walt Disney World.
First Look: New Restaurant at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Opening today at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Located along the water’s edge, Geyser Point is designed with cedar beams and natural stone to fit into theme of the rest of the resort.
GEYSER POINT BAR & GRILL OPENS AT DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
At the Bar
At the bar, serves specialty drinks which feature Pacific Northwest brewers and distilleries, and wines focusing on heritage varietals grown in Oregon and Washington. Small plates include crispy fried oysters with miso tartar sauce; edamame with chili salt; cheesy barbecue brisket with house-made chips; “Shrimp on a Wire” with miso-lime vinaigrette, togarashi (Japanese spice mixture), shishito peppers and chili-aioli; salmon rillettes with sourdough crisps, and handcrafted charcuterie.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a quick-service walk-up window next to the bar makes it easy to order and dine alfresco.
Breakfast
Breakfast includes scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon, crab cakes Benedict, maple-cinnamon pancakes and more. For a lighter bite, seasonal fruit is served with lavender honey-yogurt, and steel-cut oatmeal is topped with dried fruit and nuts. For kids, scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes and granola with apples, strawberries and honey-yogurt dip is on the menu.
Lunch & Dinner
The quick-service lunch and dinner menu, available at the walk-up window includes:
Bison burger with Tillamook Cheddar, sweet onion straws and marionberry barbecue sauce
Classic bacon burger with Tillamook Cheddar
House-smoked turkey sandwich with cranberry mayonnaise
Lump crab cake sandwich with house-made Canadian bacon and spicy cabbage-carrot slaw
Grilled salmon BLT with lemon-caper mayonnaise
Salad with grilled Portobello, zucchini, roasted red peppers, tomato and multi-grain salad with goat cheese dressing
Grilled chicken or salmon with arugula and romaine, apples, seasonal berries, hazelnuts and red wine vinaigrette
Seasonal fruit plate with lavender honey yogurt
For dessert there’s seasonal pie and a chocolate brownie mousse with caramel popcorn and toasted meringue
Kids’ All-Day Menu
- Grilled chicken strips with dipping sauces, apple or veggie sticks
- Finger Food Sampler with sliced smoked turkey, Tillamook Cheddar, spiced apple jam, grape tomatoes and sourdough crisps.
Please note, Movies Under the Stars and the campfire experience have resumed. Roaring Fork and Trout Pass Bar are temporarily closed for refurbishment.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Big Changes to Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The Disney Vacation Club accommodations previously known as The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge now have a new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This new name more accurately reflects the railroad theming of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and complements the storyline of the resort.
And more changes are ahead at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, including a re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area that will help tell the backstory of Boulder Ridge. Scheduled to open in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.
Beyond the new pool space, scheduled enhancements to the resort include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. Geyser Point Bar & Grill will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where your Clients can grab a bite to eat as they lounge by the resort’s main pool.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
The wildest ride in the wilderness is getting even wilder! When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Walt Disney World in 2026, guests can expect refreshed storytelling, new surprises like the dazzling Rainbow Caverns, and the same classic thrills fans have loved for decades.