First time to Great Wolf Lodge, any tips?

[North of Mouse]

My oldest has requested a night at GWL for her birthday in lieu of a party, I thought I was getting off easy but now looking into it, GWL will cost me way more than a party

All I can say is, if you think Disney is expensive????

 

[disneywithbaby]

I think you are talking about GWL in Scotrun pa? We went there 2 years ago. Your kids will love it but...when we got in our room I asked
The bell man where to eat and he said "not here". There was a great restaurant not far away, turn left out of the lot and it's a brewery restaurant on the left not far away. Then for breakfast we went to a place (turn off and it's on the right side) I think it was called pig in a pan? Something like that the place is pink. All he meals came out in skillets and was good. Also I called their 800 number and got a regular room with AAA rate and bought the package that gave my kids the build a bear etc extras. When we checked in on a weekday hubby asked for a free upgrade and they gave it to us so we hade room with bunk beds seperate from queen bed. Have fun!

 

[lisamc2]

We just came back from the Poconos location last week. We had a great time! I only have a 3.5yo so we were able to go in the middle of the week and got a family room for $209 after a discount. That seems to be the cheapest rate I could find there. We went for two nights. We found that if you eat an early dinner and go back into the water park after, it was practically empty. We ate there and thought the buffet was good. Also, many people wore sweat pants and yoga pants, or even pajama pants around the resort. Wear what you are comfortable in. Definitely bring your own snacks and drinks. They sell Dasani water, if you wanted to match them, but they do not seem to care.

 

[sock2you]

We just stayed for our first time last week at the one here in TX. It was spendy but worth it in my opinion, we used an email code and paid $212 with taxes. We went to spend the day with DD's friend who was celebrating her birthday but didn't do any packages. Both girls were 4 so we were able to skip the magic quest and build a animal stations but did hit the arcade.

Some mistakes we made being first timers:
Bring flip flops or easy to slip on shoes-we forgot ours and regretted
Swim covers-be it a robe or long dress but something to put over your swimsuit besides regular clothes between walking from your room to the water park.
Snacks/Drinks-the drinks and snacks are $$ so I wish we had brought more of our own, there is a microwave and mini fridge in the rooms.

Some of the food we had: Pizza-good size and about $13 fed two kiddos and 4 adults (1-slice for all the girls the boys had 2 each)
Burger from the bar at the waterpark- while this tasted good it was small and $$, especially since the fries were separate.
Breakfast buffet at the restaurant-This was decent priced and had some good food, i like the omelet bar as I was able to ask for over easy eggs to eat with my hashbrowns.

One tip we learned was that you could get free ice water at the water park food booth. And we brought our own beach towels which were nice to have when we were still damp from the water park and wanted to head back to the room, but they are not necessary. Like others have said if you book during the week it's cheaper. Also I know they just came out with their spring break discount so if you stay 2 days you can get 25% off.

 

[MandiC]

To clarify on the food, we ate dinner at the restaurant in GWL off the lobby. I had ribs which were the toughest, chewiest ribs I have EVER had (and that says a lot because the first time I made ribs at home they were not very good...these were somehow worse!) and my husband had a burger which he said was just mediocre...and the price of that burger was far from average I laughed when someone said "If you think Disney is expensive..." because it is so true, we saved money on the fact that we didn't have to pay park admission and flights but everything there is $$$. Cub Club is great and free but they do have all sorts of things that are NOT free there, so if you avoid them seeing that they can color their own shirt/pillowcase/bag you'll be great Just make note on your way in of some good places you can stop for food/drink. Bring drinks in and when you get in the room put the waterbottles they have in your room up...because if your kids open them it was like $3 a bottle.
Don't forget about your free shutterfly photo book coupon before you leave too

 

[deuceswild10]

We go to GWL Williamsburg and we really love it. We do two full days of the water parks and usually don't want to leave. The first time we went I forgot to bring a bathing suit cover-up for walking back to the room. I regretted that. We also did take-out for dinner once we were back in the room. DH went to get dinner while I got the kids changed. If you like BBQ Pearce's BBQ isn't far and is very good.

Have fun! We are going again in less than two weeks.

 

[Alexle2007]

I am actually at GWL in Williamsburg right now and we are from MD too. If you go to GWL website you'll be able to see the specials on rates. I believe there is also a Groupon available that goes through March but I think it is mainly during the week.

We added breakfast on to our room when I booked and it was much cheaper that way. The voucher was $10 per person but it included the taxes and gratuity. It is typically $13.99 pet person without taxes and tip.

My son loves Magiquest and was up until 11 pm the last 2 nights playing it. It is a fun activity for them to do throughout the day and it works well for him because he is always making new friends playing it. (He is an only child.)

We like the waterpark but the chlorine smell is definitely stronger now than in the summer when people are always going in and out so you get the fresh air coming in.

Dinner can be pricey but if you don't want to eat on site there are options not that from the resort. We always go to Captain George's for the seafood buffet but that is pricier than the on site buffet.

They have a child's spa that your daughter could do.

I am sure your daughter will have a blast! My DS7 loves it here!

 

[jeepnjudy]

We just spent 2 nights at the Williamsburg location over this past holiday weekend. I researched a lot of the comments on Trip Advisor before we went as we were GWL rookies. We decided to bring food for breakfasts and lunches and went off property for dinner as there are many options for both local and chain restaurants in the area. We also brought a case of water and soda. After observing the food prices at GWL we were extremely happy with our decision to do that. Just a thought if you are trying to be economical as they nickel and dime you on everything else there! Also bringing your own breakfast and lunch items leaves more time for fun as you are not wasting all your time waiting in line for food!

 

[klo1335]

GWL is so expensive. My in-law's live in Jim Thrope in the Pocono's. My oldest DD always sees the commercials and wants to go. But it is so freaking expensive! I prefer an outdoor waterpark. I just can't justify the cost since we live so close to do the whole room, etc.