Boulder Ridge: A DVC Members Perspective

We have been DVC members since 2013. Our home resort is the Beach Club. When we were looking at the different resorts prior to purchasing, we had looked at Boulder Ridge but at that time decided against it even though we absolutely loved the theme. However, since our Beach Club purchase, we have spent more time at Boulder Ridge than our home resort. Our stays at Boulder Ridge began by chance. I worked with a fellow DVC member whose home resort was Boulder Ridge. During one of our yearly trips, my co-worker and her husband who were also in Disney invited us over to spend some time with them. This turned into scheduling yearly trips at the same time which then turned into traveling and staying together. We now consider each other family and we always look forward to our yearly Disney trips and staying at Boulder Ridge.

Wilderness Lodge - Lobby

The atmosphere at Boulder Ridge is one of a kind. The resort gives a sense of seclusion and has a laid back feel to it. After a long day in the parks, it’s always nice to return to Boulder Ridge to relax. We normally visit Disney in January, February, or March and during this time, the resort never feels crowded.

Boulder Ridge is located in the Magic Kingdom area on Bay Lake. The accommodations include Studio units with a kitchenette, as well as one and two-bedroom villas. It is modeled after the atmosphere of the national parks of the western United States. The lobby, which is a smaller version of the main lobby, is a circular room with Timber beams and is decorated with Native American totems, a two-sided stone fireplace, and model train sets. 

Disney's Boulder Ridge - Pool - DVC Resales

The outside theming is just as impressive as the inside. Here you will find a bubbling spring, a gorgeously designed waterfall, and even a geyser. The geyser is located between the Cooper Creek Springs’ pool and Bay Lake, in the courtyard area of the resort. It was designed to look like Yellowstone’s famous Old Faithful. You can catch the geyser shooting a plume of water 120 feet in the air every hour on the hour starting at 7 a.m.

 The villas are located very close to the one bus stop on the property. The walk is completely covered which is greatly appreciated on rainy days. If you prefer traveling by water, you can also travel to the Magic Kingdom by boat.

If you like to start your day with a morning walk or jog, you can take the approximate 2.5-mile fitness trail loop from Boulder Ridge to the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It’s not unusual to see wildlife including turkey and deer during your early morning jog. Unfortunately, the jogging trail is currently closed due to new resort construction but hopefully, it reopens in the near future.

Boulder Ridge Villas share the check-in, restaurants, and lobby of the Wilderness Lodge and the Cooper Creek Villas. The main building was modeled after the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. The lobby is absolutely stunning and is a wonderful place to explore, complete with a small flowing creek, an 80-foot tall fireplace, hidden Mickeys, totem poles, and wood carvings.

There are three restaurants located in the main building. They are the Artist Point, the Whispering Canyon Café, and the Roaring Fork. Outside you will find the Geyser Point Bar and Grill.

Story Book Dining at Artist Point was inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Here you can meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Queen. The restaurant which is only open for dinner is extremely popular. Its offerings include beef, pork, chicken, and fish as well as a vegetarian option. For dessert, you might want to consider the “poison” apple.

Disney's Boulder Ridge - Fireplace - Disney Vacation Club Resales

If you’re looking for laughs, head over to the Whispering Canyon Cafe. The Whispering Canyon is known for its fun, sometimes loud atmosphere. The quickest way to get the fun started is as simple as asking for ketchup. Breakfast offers all-you-can-eat skillets as well as omelets, waffles, steel-cut oats, and flapjacks. Some of the lunch offerings include an all-you-can-eat skillet, chicken, turkey, and pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Dinner also offers the all-you-can-eat skillets along with Char-crusted New York Strip and Cedar Plank Salmon.

The Roaring Fork is a great place for those who prefer the quicker option of counter service. Here you will find eggs, Mickey waffles, burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads.

The Geyser Point Bar and Grill is located on the edge of Bay Lake. It is somewhat unique as it offers both counter service and a dine-in lounge. Here you will find flatbeds, hamburgers, and sandwiches. It is also a great place to grab a Pina Colava (my wife’s favorite Disney drink) and enjoy the view of the lake. 

Disney's Boulder Ridge Villas - Lobby - Disney Vacation Club

If you are a family that prefers to cook some or all of your meals in your room (as we often do), make sure you take advantage of the propane grills located close to the back entrance of the villas.

There are two pools located on the property. They are the Copper Creek Springs Pool and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. The Cooper Creek Springs Pool offers a 67-foot waterslide and hot and cold whirlpool spas. There is also an activity play area for younger travelers. At the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, you will find a zero-depth entry pool, a whirlpool spa, and six first-come, first-served shaded seating areas.

Another must-see while staying at Boulder Ridge is the Electrical Water Pageant which can be seen nightly. The water pageant takes place on the waters of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. You will see King Triton and other creatures from under the sea including turtles, whales, dolphins, and several “Stars and Stripes” themed floats. I suggest checking with guest services but the Electrical Water Pageant can generally be seen at Boulder Ridge around 9:30 pm and if you’re lucky, it can be seen from your balcony.

This is just a glimpse of all of the great things this resort has to offer. In my opinion, the one negative of this resort is that the contract (along with five other DVC locations) expires in 2042. I wouldn’t let this deter you but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.

This blog was written and sent to us by Jim. He has been a DVC Member since 2013 and wanted to share his experience.

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