Trips to Disney Parks are times for a family to spend time together, sharing many fun and entertaining events. But sometimes, even in the middle of a family trip, there are times when kids and their parents may want a few hours to themselves. That is when Disney's children activity centers become handy.
Scattered about Walt Disney World are six children's activity centers. One of these children's centers is the Cub's Den at the Wilderness Lodge. The Cub's Den is located between the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and the Wilderness Lodge itself, right across from the Buttons and Bells Game Arcade.
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The Entrance to the Cub's Den
From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, the Cub's Den offers a family open house for kids to create different arts and crafts. The day we visited the Cub's Den, the kids were making lady bug keychains. There is no charge for this activity, but a parent must be present.
Notice of free daily activities
Beginning in the late afternoon, the Cub's Den offers a program that lets parents have some time on their own while their kids are entertained. Starting at 4:30 PM and running until 12:00 midnight, the Cub's Den offers children ages 3 to 12 an evening of fun activities while their parents enjoy some grown-up time on their own. The children can play free video and arcade games, do arts and crafts, and play board games. Of course, a Disney movie is also shown. The Cub's Den offers a typical Disney child friendly menu usually consisting of chicken nuggets, hamburgers, hot dogs, and similar fare.
Outdoor play area for the Cubs
Sharon, one of the Cast Members, has been working at the Cub's Den for 16 years of the 17 years that the Wilderness Lodge has been open. She told us that some of the "cubs" that she cared for years ago and now returning to the Cub's Den with cubs of their own. Sharon said parents will often use the evening program so that their kids can be entertained and served a kid-friendly meal while the parents enjoy a relaxing dinner on their own at Artist Point, the Wilderness Lodge's signature restaurant.
Sharon, a long time Cast Member at the Cub's Den showing the arts and crafts project for the day
Just a small portion of the Cub's Den
The cost for the evening child activity program is $11.50 an hour per child with a minimum of two hours charged. Currently, Disney Vacation Club members receive a 10% discount on the hourly rate for up to three children. Parents don't have to be staying at the Wilderness Lodge or villas to use the Cub's Den.
