1. Last year, we went on Labor Day. Now, the Wisconsin Dells themselves didn't really seem that busy, but the trip there and back was ridiculous. The roads were so packed full of cars that it easily took twice as long to get from Illinois to Wisconsin. We chose to avoid the busy roads by going the weekend after Labor Day. And as we expected, the roads weren't busy at all.
2. The other difference comes with which room we got. Last year, we reserved one room for each family. We got your average 2 queen bed rooms. And they worked just fine! As far as hotel rooms go, I would even say they're slightly larger than average. That being said, we did feel slightly cramped when we tried to cram all of us into 1 room for meals and celebrating my nephews birthday. This year, we got the Wolf Pack Loft Condo. It sleeps 7-10 people. I'll go more into this room later. It was much more comfortable for our needs.
Booking:
We found this to be pretty easy. And when we booked (about 3 months in advance), there was a nice deal going on that allowed us to get a fairly cheap room (especially since we were all sharing the cost). We paid about half up front, I believe, leaving the remaining amount due when we checked in.
Check-In:
It didn't feel like we had to wait very long and our room was already ready for us when we got there even though we arrived long before check-in so that was a fun surprise. I still love that the key to your room is actually in the bracelet that you wear to get in and out of the waterpark.
The Room:
I told you we would get to this part eventually. It was great! There is a completely stocked kitchen, which was awesome because we were able to bring food from home meaning we didn't have to waste time shopping, plus we were able to save money by eating in the room a few times.
The Water Park:
Hours while we were there: Saturday 9am-8:30pm, Sunday 9am-8pm, Monday 9am-1pm. There is so much to do here! They close the outdoor section after Labor Day so we didn't spend any time out there. However, there was so much to do inside that I never felt like I was missing out because we couldn't go outside.
Howlin' Tornado: This is a 6-story funnel that you ride using a 4-person tube. 48-inch height requirement. My son, husband, and brother-in-law went down this thing repeatedly. It was probably one of their favorite rides!
Fort Mackenzie: Imagine a giant 3-story treehouse. Now, add water to make it even more fun! That's what this is! Little kids love this area because even though it's big enough that parents can climb up there too, it's easy for smaller children to climb around and explore as well. Beware!! When the bell rings, there is a GIGANTIC bucket that pours down and if you're not holding onto your child, the sheer force of the water is enough to smack a child down to the ground. That being said, if you're expecting it, it's so much fun to stand under the water and get soaked!
Totem Towers: These are the two slides that sit at the top of Fort Mackenzie. This is definitely the fastest and most fun way to get back to the bottom.
Alberta Falls: These are 2 medium-large waterslides that are fun for the whole family. You can take a single or double tube down these. Guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with an adult.
Lookout Mountain: Take a fun little trip on a tube for 2 down this slide, into the crooked creek. Guests under 42 inches must ride with an adult.
Cub Paw Pool: This pool is specifically for toddlers and older kids will be asked to leave by the lifeguard. It's so cute and just perfect for little kids. There are jet skis with water cannons they can aim and a small slide. The deepest part of this pool is only 18 inches.
Mountain Edge Raceway: This was easily my son's favorite thing when we visited last year. And he loved it just the same this year! He had so much fun racing his dad. You can race up to 4 people at one time as you zoom through this slide on a mat. Guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with an adult.
Slap Tail Pond: This is the giant wave pool that is the main attraction between the Cub Paw Pool and Alberta Falls. This is always one of our favorite places to hang out as a family. We just love to jump with the waves while the little guys in our party like to hang out by the zero-depth-entry shallow area.
Mineshaft: You get to choose between an open or enclosed slide as you ride to the bottom.
Crooked Creek: If you're like us, you believe that no waterpark is complete without a lazy river. And here is Great Wolf Lodge's. We just love going to the top of Lookout Mountain, riding the slide down, and then relaxing as we take a couple trips around Crooked Creek. I would say it's fairly small compared to some of the other lazy rivers we've been on, but it was never busy so you can float around relaxing for as long as you'd like.
Frog Bog Log Walk: For some, this is a breeze, for others, it's incredibly difficult. You decide as you use the ropes above to help you get across the floating logs to the other side.
Whooping Hollow: This fun little area is mostly for small kids and toddlers (under 52 inches). I love that they didn't leave them out. There are 4 little slides perfect for little beginner swimmers.
Chinook Cove: We passed this pool area many times and it was completely full of kids playing and having a great time last year. We waited until a different day when it was less busy to fully enjoy this one. It was great though. We had so much fun playing basketball and balancing on the giant log that was tethered in the middle. So this year, we decided to take advantage every time we noticed it was less busy. And instead of a log, there were 2 lily pads!
North Hot Springs: This hot tub is reserved for adults only. So if you're getting tired of all the children that swarm this wonderful waterpark (and have someone to watch your kids, please), take a nice little break and let the heat and jets relax your muscles.
South Hot Springs: This 'hot tub' is for families. The water is kept at a cooler (yet still warm) tempterature than the adults only one. However, it is still reserved for kids over 6.
Activities:
-Yoga Tails: (7:30am) This is a family friendly, fun and creative yoga class. We were the only ones that went to the class that morning. We had so much fun though. Plus, we got a copy of the poses they did which meant we got to bring our new yoga knowledge home with us!
-Wolf Walk: (8:15am) Kids get to learn about wolves, bears, raccoons, and other animals as they walk around the Grand Lobby. At the end, they even get to learn how to fold their own origami wolf souvenir.
-Critter Cartoons: (9:15am) You get to learn how to draw one of the Great Wolf Kids at this guided art class. It was less of a class and more of a piece of paper that you were given with the step-by-step instructions. But we still enjoyed it.
-Paws-On Projects: (11am) We love craft time! Owen made a button and a bracelet.
-Interaction Reaction: (3pm Saturday) Learn about science during a fun, interactive science show.
-Character Appearances: (4pm) Watch for some our favorite characters, Wiley the Wolf, Violet the Wolf, Oliver Raccoon, and Rachel Raccoon. You can take a picture with them and collect trading cards and stickers from them.
-Great Games: (6pm) There are fun games set out in the lobby to play with your family and other guests. I think they change what is offered from time to time, but we have seen Bingo, tic-tac-toe, trivia, and hopscotch.
-Jammie Jamboree: (7pm) This is a fun time to learn new dance moves with the family or take pictures in the selfie station.
-Story Time: (8:15pm) Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas as they listen to a story. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to get a picture with one of the Great Wolf Kids. This time, we saw Oliver Raccoon.
-The Great Clock Tower Show: (8am, 9am, 8pm, 9pm) Kids watch with amazement as the clock tower comes to life with songs, stories, and jokes. This is always one of our favorites.
Attractions:
-MagiQuest & ShadowQuest: You can play an interactive game using a wand to go on quests around the lodge. You can choose a wand, top it with extra powers, and set off on quests. Play can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Plus, you can take a break and come back later. Wands cost $15.99-$21.99. Game costs $13.99. Wand Toppers cost $17.99-$19.99. You can take your wands home and then bring them back for each visit to be re-activated so that you only have to pay for the game.
-Northern Lights Arcade: This is like one of those Chuck E Cheese or Dave & Busters where you play games, get tickets, and choose prizes.
-Creation Station: This is kind of like a Build-A-Bear, but instead, you get to “build” one of the Great Wolf Kids! It costs $29.99 for the character and $9.99-$15.99 for outfits. You can also purchase accessories. The Creation Station is located in the gift shop.
Fitness & Spa:
-Iron Horse Fitness Center: It's not huge, but if swimming isn't enough of a workout for you, then this should suffice.
-Elements Spa Salon: If you want to relax and spend some time away from your kids, this is a great place to get a massage or a facial.
-Scooops Kid Spa: If you have little girls, coming to get an ice cream-themed manicure or a mommy & me pedicure just sounds like so much fun!!
Dining:
-Wine Down Service: You can select between sweet or savory culinary treats to pair with a bottle of wine and order by 8pm to be brought to your room during a pre-selected delivery window.
-Lodge Wood Fired Grill: Every member of your family should be able to find something they'll enjoy here. And a good thing since this is the main restaurant located right off the lobby.
-Hungry As A Wolf: If you're looking for something a little more casual that you can eat in your room, this is your better option. They have pizza, salad, sandwiches, garlic bread, and soda.
-Buckets Incredible Craveables: With burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, fries, salads, pretzels, drinks, and ice cream, this is a great stop while you're at the waterpark. It's located right in the middle so it's pretty convenient.
-Bear Paw Sweets & Eats: From coffee to cupcakes to caramel apples, this is a great place to stop if you're having a sweet craving.
Shopping:
-Buckhorn Exchange Gift Shop: Located right off the lobby, you're sure to find a fun souvenir to bring home to remind you of your fun time at Great Wolf Lodge.
-MagiQuest Marketplace: You can buy your wands and toppers here, but you can also buy accessories to take along with you on your Quest like necklaces and t-shirts and hats and capes.
-Bear Essentials Swim Shop: Located right in the middle of the waterpark, you will find everything from flip-flops to swimsuits of every size to bags to towels to goggles and everything in between that you could use while at the waterpark.
-You can also buy forgotten souvenirs (or things you want to get ahead of time) online that will ship directly to you.
I would say that most of the time, all of the employees are very friendly. But every now and then, you have those moments. Like when we were standing in line to take a picture with one of the characters and another kid started pushing my kid out of the line and cutting in front of him and interuppted me to tell them to stop herself and basically scolded my child even though she clearly didn't see what happened. That put me off for a bit, but I try not to let one person's actions decide my opinion of a place. So just remember that one employee or one guest shouldn't ruin your time. I would say that overall, we had a great time and we won't hesitate to visit again!
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