Hi Kristin!
There are more than 20 beautiful Walt Disney World Resort hotels from which to choose and you have selected my favorite. In fact,
Disney's Wilderness Lodge is my favorite hotel in the entire world. The Native American and western music, the babbling brook that flows out into the courtyard from the lobby, and the hidden Mickeys tucked in various places throughout the resort are amazing. It has always been a magical place for my family. You're going to love it!
The
boat ride across Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon is soothing and gorgeous. You'll want to board the boat with the red flag if you are headed directly to Magic Kingdom Park. The signage at the dock behind Disney's Wilderness Lodge notes that the boat with the red flag will start picking Guests up 30 minutes prior to Magic Kingdom Park opening. In my experience, I have found that it often starts running even earlier than that.
However, if you're looking to arrive significantly early to Magic Kingdom Park, there are other ways to get there. You could board a direct bus in front of Disney's Wilderness Lodge or you could hop on the boat with the blue flag. Disembark the boat at Disney's Contemporary Resort and walk to Magic Kingdom Park. (The boat to Disney's Contemporary Resort with the blue flag starts running at 6:45 a.m. If you go through Disney's Contemporary Resort, stop at the
Contempo Café on the fourth floor. They have the most amazing cupcakes. They make for a truly decadent breakfast treat.)
Do let me know if you need any tips for what not to miss at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. I promise it's a place you'll never forget.
Sending best wishes and pixie dust,
Jill