DVC Members Roxanne Steele, Holly Austin, and Heather Knecht join Chad in this lively discussion about the key differences between Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge Villas. Both are under the Wilderness Lodge umbrella, but if booking there, which should you choose? After this episode, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which would be the better fit for you. However, the gang concurs that when at Wilderness Lodge, you really can’t go wrong. Topics covered include room types and vibe of the rooms, amenities for each side of the resort, pool areas, proximity to restaurants, and lobbies. As a result of this episode, you’ll want to put Wilderness Lodge at the top of your list for your next trip to WDW. Episode 209
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Room Vibe and Feel
Copper Creek Villas
- Have a great layout but only sleep 4 in studios and 1 bedroom villas.
- CCV layout is really nice with a galley kitchen and rustic elegant vibe. Pacific northwest theme.
- The feel is very relaxing and peaceful. It fits perfectly with the Wilderness Lodge and just takes you out of the chaos and into your own serenity. They do this with the soothing color pallet throughout (see below for more)
- The color palette is cream and tans. Beautiful light hardwood floors, dining room table for 6 (even tho room only sleeps 4), beautiful artwork, grey modern cabinets in galley kitchen – without a u-shaped kitchen it saves so much room.
- The bath has light maple cabinets, a jetted-bubble tub, two separate sink areas, a pocket door, storage under beds for suitcases, a beautiful headboard on king-size beds, USB outlets, well-lit rooms, and a queen-size pull-out couch in LR.
- Studios: have a barn door on the bathroom area (no lock) then a pocket door near the shower, pull out pantry drawer, the bath is one big vanity with lots of space, coffee table with a shelf for eating
- Studios are smaller than BRV and most other DVC studios
- Cabin – best master bath on property! Stonewall over tub, tv in the mirror, huge shower, jacuzzi tub – very fancy and huge! They give you toothbrushes and toiletry kits! Retractable motorized blinds, two-sided fireplace, patio with private hot tub, view of electrical water pageant, view of Bay Lake.
- 3-Bedroom. I have not personally stayed but this layout and decor is my favorite villa on all property. This is a goal stay for sure! GORGEOUS
Boulder Ridge Villas
- In great need of refurbishment – has carpet, not hardwoods except at door it’s wood; has an older u-shaped layout like Beach Club/Boardwalk style with bar and two chairs – takes up a lot of valuable living room space
- Some rooms seem dark (brown trim/brown wood doors) with not a lot of natural light coming in (green & red colors = Christmas theme)
- The current rooms remind me of a cabin in the woods and make me feel like I’m at Ft. Wilderness.
- The kitchen cabinets are cream and the walls are light tan – modern
- Crazy bathroom layout with multiple doors (BC & BLT) and shower curtains
- Higher floor rooms facing the lake have a premium view
- Can fit 5 in a BRV studio which is nice with small kids (not teenagers) – has a pull-down bed at the kitchen table that folds down with a Bambi theme but the pull-out sofa is only a double, not a queen!
- Hallways have hidden mickeys in the rafters/black wrought iron
- The elevators are the best elevators on the property as far as aesthetics. The gold with the engravings is gorgeous!!
- No USB outlets – maybe with remodel.
- Beautiful headboard with wood carvings
- Nice artwork on walls – colorful and rustic modern
- No preferred or standard view booking categories – Pro tip request a room facing BRV pool or Bay Lake (odd-numbered rooms)
Room Sizes and (Number of people who can sleep there)
- Copper Creek – Studio (4), 1 Bedroom (4), 2 Bedroom (8), 3 Bedroom grand villa (12), cabins (8)
- Boulder Ridge – Studio (5), 1 Bedroom (4 +1 Bring Your Own Bedding), 2 Bedroom (8)
Points charts
- No standard vs. preferred charts to worry about.
- Not much different in studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom; point charts are lower at both Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge than at Poly studios, Grand Floridian, or Riveria Resort studios. Both resorts are more expensive than Saratoga and OKW. About the same as BC/BW point charts (preferred view).
- Copper Creek Cabins are cheaper than a 3-bedroom grand villa (only sleeps 8 even though a free-standing villa).
Comparing the Pools (This one is a tie because they share pools.)
- Copper Creek
- The waterslide is not very big, but great for kids under 7.
- Possibly the most stunning views in all of DVC from the pool area
- The waterslide is the biggest downside of this entire resort. Adults won’t mind because it aligns with the stunning views that the pool offers, but children over 7 will not enjoy it and will be begging to go to a resort with a better slide.
- Almost all rooms at Copper Creek have a pool view.
- Boulder Ridge
- Known as the quiet pool – small covered area and zero entry. Not a huge pool but never crowded either.
- Offers covered cabanas. First come, first serve. No reservations. No cost. Usually available as well.
Comparing Lobbies Between Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge
- Boulder Ridge has the hidden gem lobby of all of DVC, a great place to gather with family, sit by the fire, play cards, and board games, quiet and soothing, and has the Walt train in the lobby, and separate elevators.
- Copper Creek has a big lobby in the main lodge, especially impressive during the holidays
- Copper Creek has all of these hidden nooks and crannies on the various floors with fireplaces roaring and seating of all kinds. People miss out on these areas if they don’t explore the lobby
Proximity to Restaurants
- Copper Creek – all restaurants are on the Copper Creek side with exception of Geyser Point, which is on the lake in between the two
- Although Boulder Ridge is further from the restaurants, Geyser Point does have a refill station for your drinks so that you don’t have to trek all the way to Roaring Forks to refill your mug (which attracts bees so watch out)!
Proximity to Transportation
- Boulder Ridge: very close to bus
- Copper Creek: closer to the boats
- Parking isn’t great for either unless you’re in the small private lots reserved for Cabin guests
Other Considerations in Choosing Resorts:
Boulder Ridge Pros: Big advantage is that BRV studio fit 5. Because of the fire code (they have converted hotel rooms) the CCV only sleeps 4 or 8 and that’s not good for a family of 5 as not everyone wants to splurge on a 2-bedroom. Closer to workout (Sturdy Branches Health Club). BRV 1-bedroom only sleeps 4 though. It’s quiet in the building, off the beaten path if you want privacy and the lobby is really quaint and rustic.
Boulder Ridge Cons: lots more walking to restaurants and activities and boat to MK. Closer to the bus stop though! Hopefully, with refurb, they will add a pull-down dresser to one 1-bedrooms to sleep 5.
Copper Creek Pros: Your room is in the main lodge close to everything as opposed to a separate building, with newer rooms, the layout is nicer without a u-shaped kitchen – seems so much larger without that. CCV would be better if they had murphy beds like Riveria Resort / Saratoga. This is a game-changer.
Copper Creek Cons: Balcony on the top floor (7th) has solid wall and when sitting down can’t see over the rail – request any floor other than floor seven! Another con is that most rooms have bad views where you’re staring at woods off your balcony – better than a parking lot and peaceful but not exciting. Not a lot of the rooms face the pool or Bay Lake. Always do a room request for this resort!
The Bottom Line on Choosing Between Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek:
You can’t go wrong with either CCV or BRV because you’re at the Wilderness Lodge Resort and if you’re into the Pacific Northwest theming you’ll be happy at either. From the moment you drive up to Timberline Dr, you feel relaxed! You just sigh especially on a hot day after fighting the crowds at the parks. It’s considered a “boutique” resort (cliche). The first boat out to MK in the morning gives some of the best sunrise views in all of Disney! However, our entire panel would or does own Copper Creek due to the 2067 expiration date vs the 2042 expiration date of Boulder Ridge.
Show Credits:
- Executive Producer: Sandy Symianick
- Show Producer: Annelie Heinen
- Show Notes: Annelie Heinen & Chad Pennycuff
- Audio Editing: Derek Sasman
- Audio Mastering: Chad Pennycuff
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