Great Wolf Lodge

 

 

Last week we packed up the family for a few days and headed to Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  We had such an amazing 3 days!  From the moment we arrived until the final minutes before our departure, it was non-stop fun and of course craziness.  I was thankful for all of our friends who had recently made the trip with their own families.  Listening to their experiences and following any of their advice was the first step to planning our own successful getaway.

However, despite our best efforts to plan ahead and be prepared...there's always room for improvements or at least trying things a little differently next time around.  And like any family vacation there's always room for little mishaps (or some really big ones).  I feel like it wouldn't be a real family vacation without them...like when the sink gets clogged the night before you're leaving and you can't get anything done because you have a kitchen full of dirty dishes and no Drano, then you try the dishwasher but that just backs everything up, water starts coming out the wrong way - and now you have a really big problem.  Or that time you're ready to head home, everything is packed, the kids are beyond exhausted and suddenly your car doesn't start.  I really don't know what's worse: a broken down car or having to spend another $400 to stay at Great Wolf Lodge for 1 more night.  We didn't have to stay - thank goodness!  And luckily we made it home, but we did have to replace the battery in my car the following day.  But just for the record...it was still cheaper than staying one more night at Great Wolf Lodge -ha!

Price tag aside, because everyone already knows this vacation is going to cost you a small fortune.  You'll just have to accept that and move on, be prepared to come home broke, but instead you'll have the memories.  That look of amazement on your kids' faces when you first arrive, their shrieks of pure excitement, non-stops giggles and laughter, endless hours of fun and engagement, new adventures around every corner...can you tell I haven't been to Disney World yet?  But seriously - Great Wolf Lodge is awesome.

So here's what we learned:

• Travel with friends or family...the more eyes the better and it's so fun for the kids (nice for the adults too).

• My kids are a good age - not a great age.  We'll definitely return in the next couple years but I feel the ideal time for our family will be when our youngest is about 5 or 6 and our oldest is 11 or 12.  So many of the activities cater to older children.  For example:  our oldest son Hudson was the only one able to go on all the waterslides.  That being said, they do have a few slides for the little ones.  But be prepared to stand and watch them go down those slides a gazillion times. 

• Anyone whose been to the lodge knows about their Magic-Quest Adventure, which is an interactive game played throughout the resort.  But in order to play, you need a magic wand which is going to cost you anywhere from $40 to $60, depending on your taste.  You can also count on spending anywhere from 3-7 hours completing all of your missions.  The good news is, your sword will store all of its info for up to 6 years.  So no worries, there's no rush...you get to bring that $60 sword home and store it away until the next family getaway to Great Wolf Lodge...then you can begin right where you left off.  Truth bomb:  such a great game but not worth it if you have little ones.  They recommend 6 years old and up to get started, but even at that age don't expect to send them off on their own quite yet.  They'll need some help with reading and explanations...happy adventuring!

• Consider putting the bracelet they make you wear around your child's ankle, especially if your little one is easily bothered (correction: more like verging on the edge of a major meltdown) after being told he has to wear something on his wrist.  Just keep in mind these highly unfashionable bracelets give you full access to the entire resort, including your room.  Watching your 2 year trying to open the door with his ankle - absolutely hilarious.

• If your kids are really little, bring a stroller.  You're allowed to have it inside the waterpark and you could potentially have a very long walk to your room.  Great Wolf Lodge goes out, not up.  It only has 4 floors.

• Wash and prepare some fruit and vegetables before leaving home.  Store them in travel friendly containers and put them in the mini fridge that comes with your room.  You'll be thankful to have some healthy snack options for the kiddies.  Each morning before heading down to the waterpark I was sure to pack enough snacks to get them through the day.  I also brought granola bars, fruit sticks, cheesestrings, trailmix and apple sauce.

• Bring your own breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal etc...).  Our friends brought an electric kettle to make oatmeal and don't forget your own cutlery, cups, bowls and plates...if you plan on doing some of your own meals.  Also, you might need a little container of dish soap for washing afterwards.

• Water bottles are a must.  There is very little ventilation in the waterpark (at least it feels that way).  Our kids were always thirsty.  While you can buy all kinds of beverages (including beer and coolers), it's going to cost you.

• Bring your own beach towels, flip-flops/water shoes and cover-ups.  The resort towels are extremely small and don't absorb anything.  Most of the guests were barefoot, but some of the surfaces are pretty uncomfortable without something to cover your feet.

• If you have a wet bag it may come in handy, especially if your kids like to strip down and take off their wet bathing suits.  Most likely it will help on the last day when chances are you'll make one final trip to the waterpark before heading home...you'll need a place to put the wet clothes.  Plastic bags work too.

• PJ's for the kiddies that don't cover their feet.  That way they can still put their shoes or slippers on when you head to the main lobby for all the nightly entertainment.

• If possible, travel during the week and in the off season.  Not only will you save some money, but you'll also avoid long line-ups and wait times.  We traveled the second week in April and it didn't at all feel overcrowded. 

• If you do stay on a Friday or Saturday evening you'll be able to enjoy the waterpark until 9pm.  Which means if you get the kiddies to bed on time, you and your partner can take turns going down to the waterpark and trying all the big waterslides.

• They do have a coffee shop with tons of yummy options.

• There is an art room on the lower level but it does close earlier so plan accordingly.

• Get a pedicure before you go...their prices are extremely high, although the spa is adorable.

• Dress like you're going down south.  We never had to leave the resort and our kids pretty much lived in either their bathing suits, shorts, cover-ups or pyjamas.

• Count on spending $150 to $250 each day depending on the size of your family (for meals, treats, the arcade etc...).  Like I said before...it's gonna cost you.

On a side note:  I have never met such a nice group of hotel staff anywhere.  They were the greatest!  (And thanks to them, we got our car started).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!