Two DVC Resorts, One Stunning Location
Disney Wilderness Lodge might be the most beautiful resort on Walt Disney World property. The towering timber lobby, the bubbling creek that flows through the building, and the geyser that erupts on schedule outside all create an atmosphere that transports you to the Pacific Northwest without leaving central Florida.
For DVC owners, Wilderness Lodge offers two distinct options: Copper Creek Villas and Cabins (opened 2017) and Boulder Ridge Villas (opened 2000). Both share the same spectacular resort amenities, but they differ in meaningful ways for buyers.
Copper Creek vs. Boulder Ridge: The Key Differences
- Copper Creek contract expiration: 2068 (approximately 42 years remaining)
- Boulder Ridge contract expiration: 2042 (approximately 16 years remaining)
- Copper Creek 2025 dues: $9.05 per point
- Boulder Ridge 2025 dues: $9.89 per point
- Copper Creek resale prices: $155 to $180 per point
- Boulder Ridge resale prices: $115 to $135 per point
The price gap reflects the contract length difference. Copper Creek gives you 42 years of ownership while Boulder Ridge gives you 16. But Boulder Ridge costs roughly $40 less per point. Which is the better deal depends entirely on your time horizon and budget.
The Copper Creek Cabins
Copper Creek has something no other DVC resort offers: standalone waterfront cabins on Bay Lake. These two bedroom cabins sleep up to 8 guests and include:
- Private entrance with a wraparound deck
- Personal hot tub overlooking the lake
- Full kitchen with dining area for six
- Two full bathrooms
- Living room with queen sleeper sofa
- Master bedroom with king bed and lake views
The cabins require significant points (around 100+ per night in peak season), but they offer a completely unique DVC experience. If you have a large point contract or want an anniversary splurge, the cabins are unforgettable.
Location and Transportation
Wilderness Lodge sits on Bay Lake, the same body of water as the Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom. Transportation includes:
- Boat service to Magic Kingdom: A pleasant 10 to 15 minute ride directly to the park
- Walking path to Contemporary: About 15 to 20 minutes on foot, giving access to the monorail
- Bus service: Direct buses to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs
The boat to Magic Kingdom is one of the resort best perks. It is faster and more enjoyable than the bus, and it drops you right at the park entrance. For families doing Magic Kingdom heavy trips, this is a significant advantage over resorts that rely solely on buses.
Room Quality and Theming
Copper Creek rooms were built in 2017 and feel modern with rustic lodge touches: stone accents, natural wood, and warm earth tones. Boulder Ridge rooms have been refurbished but are older in their layout and design.
Both offer standard DVC room types (studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms) with full kitchens in anything above a studio. The Copper Creek studios are particularly well designed with split bathrooms and comfortable sleeping for four.
Point Charts and Booking
Both resorts fall in the moderate range for points per night:
- Copper Creek Studio (standard view): 13 to 24 points per night depending on season
- Boulder Ridge Studio: 12 to 22 points per night
- Copper Creek 1BR: 24 to 44 points per night
- Copper Creek Cabin: 68 to 120 points per night
A 150 point contract can get you a week in a studio during most of the year. For one bedroom stays, you will want 200+ points or plan to supplement with banked or borrowed points. Read our banking and borrowing guide for strategies.
Which One Should You Purchase?
Choose Copper Creek if you want longer contract life, newer rooms, the possibility of booking cabins at your 11 month home resort window, and you are comfortable spending $155+ per point.
Choose Boulder Ridge if you want a lower upfront cost, plan to use DVC for the next 10 to 16 years, and do not mind an older (but well maintained) room. At $115 to $135 per point, it is one of the more affordable ways to own at a deluxe Magic Kingdom area resort.
Both choices give you the same boat ride to Magic Kingdom, the same pool complex, the same stunning lobby, and the same access to all other DVC resorts at the 7 month window.
Financing Your Wilderness Lodge Purchase
Whether you choose Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge, our instant quote tool shows you exactly what financing looks like. A 150 point Boulder Ridge contract at $125 per point with 10% down means financing about $16,875. A Copper Creek contract at $165 per point would be about $22,275 financed.
The monthly payment difference between the two is meaningful, so compare our lending partners and find the terms that fit your budget. Both resorts are worth owning. It just comes down to your priorities and timeline.