DVC Resort Review: Copper Creek Villas and Cabins

Stats and Facts:

• First opened:  2017
• Opening sale price:  $176
• Current sale price (direct):  $210
• Average sale price (resale):  $155 – $175
• Contract Expires:  2068
• Number of rooms: 184
• Dining Options (click links to view menus for each dining location)
  • Roaring Fork (Counter Service)
  • Geyser Point (Bar/Table Service)
  • Whispering Canyon (Family-style service)
  • Artist Point (Signature dining – Snow White Character Meal)
    
    

Copper Creek Villas and Cabins is the 2nd DVC expansion at the Wilderness Lodge (with Boulder Ridge being the other). All of Copper Creeks studios, one, two and three-bedroom units are located in the main building at Wilderness Lodge, while the cabins are located along the lake.

My check-in experience here was one of the better experiences. Knowledgable cast member who was friendly and professional. I arrived early (around 11 am) and didn’t expect my room to be ready (check-in time is 4 pm). Wilderness Lodge is one of the few hotels where I’m okay if my room isn’t ready, because it gives me an excuse to hang out at Geyser Point!

When I received the text message that my room was ready, lo and behold, my Magic Band didn’t work. I went down to the front desk, terrified that I’d have another Grand Floridian experience. I was pleasantly surprised when the front desk cast member told me she would re-program my magic band in the back (on some magical machine they use, I assume), then she would follow me to the room to make sure it worked. She did, and it did and I was happy.

In comparison to other DVC resorts, the Deluxe Studios at Copper Creek are on the smaller side at 345 sq. ft. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in design, charm, and comfort. I found my deluxe studio incredibly comfortable, and superior to the standard hotel rooms at Wilderness Lodge. Even if you’re not a DVC member, I would recommend renting points or getting one of these studios through a travel agent or thru Disney directly. (Note: When renting points, you will not receive daily housekeeping, but if you go through a travel agent or thru Disney, it’s considered a ‘hotel room’ and will include normal Disney housekeeping service).

Room size (each type)

• Studios – 42 – 345 sq. ft.

• 1 BR – 20 – 761 sq. ft.

• 2 BR – 56 – 1105 sq. ft.

• 2 BR lock off – 36 – 1105 sq. ft.

• 3 BR GV – 4 – 3200 sq. ft

• Cabins – 26 – 1737 sq. ft.
  

Dining options at Wilderness Lodge include the quick service location, Roaring Fork, the outdoor lounge Geyser Point, a family-style table service restaurant called Whispering Canyon, and a signature character meal featuring Snow White at Artist Point. Geyser Point has become one of my favorite places to eat in recent months. The food served is outstanding, as is the service. When you combine that atmosphere and ambiance of the space, it’s worth going out of your way for. I often suggest that those looking for a mid-day break from the Magic Kingdom hop a boat over to Wilderness Lodge and grab lunch at Geyser Point. It’s a great place to relax and recharge.

While the character meal at Artist Point has received mixed reviews since it’s launch in December 2018, all three of my experiences there have ranged from either good to outstanding. Yes, you have to be okay with Snow White and her annoying high-pitched voice, but overall I find this a unique, satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Overall Rating:  1-10 – 9.5 – My experience was near flawless.  From check-in to dining at Whispering Canyon, to the room quality and comfort – I could not have asked for a better stay. I did find the room size of the deluxe studio a bit small, and I’m not a fan of the 1 bedroom layout at Copper Creek, but those are minor considerations.

• Check-in experience (10%) – 10
  Even though I had an issue with my Magic Band, the customer service was first-rate and the cast members were wonderful. There will always be issues with any experience, the real trick is in how those issues are handled. In my experience, Wilderness Lodge got it right!
  
• Overall size/condition of room (50%) – 9
  While my room was pretty much perfect, the smaller size of the studio was a bit of let down. I’m also not a huge fan of the design of the 1 bedroom units at Copper Creek. Those are minor, however, when compared to the overall quality of the room and amenities, not to mention Wilderness Lodge itself.
  
• Friendliness of cast (20%) – 10
  This was probably the biggest surprise of my review. Each and every cast member I encountered – from the guard at the entrance to the resort as I drove up, to bell services, front desk, housekeeping, Geyser Point, Roaring Fork, and Whispering Canyon were beyond friendly. This reminded me of the old days at Disney when they were known for fanatical customer service. Seems that spirit is alive and well at Wilderness Lodge.
  
• Amenities/Common areas (20%) – 10
  Whether you’re looking at the incredible lobby, enjoying the pool, or having a bite at Geyser Point, you can’t help but be immersed in the theme of this resort. It’s hard to imagine it’s just a boat ride away from the busiest theme park in the world. With all the discussions about crowds at Disney World, the Wilderness Lodge presents a welcome respite and embodies the theme of a national parks lodge in a way that really highlights how good Disney can be at theming.