Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls

[dangler]

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering your thoughts on Great Wolf Lodge? Do you think 1 night is enough or 2? Is it worth the money?
We were thinking of surprising the kids, they have been begging to go for years!!!

Thanks!

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

If you can get a promo code its worth it. Poeple post them on here all the time. We always do 1 night. 2 might be good too as long as you get the room on sale. It is real expensive otherwise. We have been twice and had fun both times and will go back again. Does anybody have a promo code at this point in time? bueller bueller.

 

[brighteyes]

check out ratestogo.com they usually have half price rates three weeks in advance. Weekday rates sometimes for 159 or so a night for a family suite which includes swim passes.

 

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

We went this winter for the first time as part of the kids Christmas gift. We had a promo code and booked a room for a thursday night. The next day we were offered the room again for a great price so we decided to stay an extra night. We really found having the extra day much more relaxing and we also really noticed the difference between a week night and a weekend. Some areas we just too busy on the weekend. I recommend going for two nights and to bring your own food. Food prices at the lodge are crazy. We ended up making a trip to a local grocery store to stock up. Have fun!

 

[Sugar Jones]

We go every two years for 1 night. What we do is get a group rate, by getting a group of 10 or more families to go. I looked after it last year. I called and got a group code & pricing set up and then sent emails out to everyone I knew. I also sent out notice on Facebook. It didn't take long to get 10 families to book.

We only live about 2 hours away so we book a Saturday, drive there in the morning, do some site seeing and then go to the lodge around 1:00pm. So far our room has always been available, if it's not you can still go to the Waterpark and check into your room later. They have nice change rooms and lockers you can use that lock with you wristband.

We always spend the whole next day at the park and leave around supper time. It's more than enough time at the waterpark for my kids who are still young - 7, 5 & 2 on our last trip there in October.

 

[DisKimberly]

We go every two years for 1 night. What we do is get a group rate, by getting a group of 10 or more families to go. I looked after it last year. I called and got a group code & pricing set up and then sent emails out to everyone I knew. I also sent out notice on Facebook. It didn't take long to get 10 families to book.

We only live about 2 hours away so we book a Saturday, drive there in the morning, do some site seeing and then go to the lodge around 1:00pm. So far our room has always been available, if it's not you can still go to the Waterpark and check into your room later. They have nice change rooms and lockers you can use that lock with you wristband.

We always spend the whole next day at the park and leave around supper time. It's more than enough time at the waterpark for my kids who are still young - 7, 5 & 2 on our last trip there in October.

If you dont mind me asking how much better is the group rate?

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

We went in May and loved it!! Wefound it too pricey in the summer, prefer to go in off season (Sept-early June). We also chose to book 2 nights from Sun to Thurs and use the caa rate which is $166 per night. Good luck to you! It's a blast!!

 

[Sugar Jones]

If you dont mind me asking how much better is the group rate?

We usually go in October, on a Saturday night and the regular room rate I *think* was $259.00 Our group rate for the room was $189.00

 

[Tinkermom76]

We have been 3 times and it is soooo much fun. Make sure you email the cub club and book the kids into the no parents allowed PJ party... that will also give you a break from them for 2 hours to enjoy the hot tub.

We have been for 1 night, 2 nights and 3 nights. 3 is too long 2 is good and 1 is good if you get there early the first day. sign up on the website for emails and they will send you discounts and notices of 48 hour sales

 

[mtmbyck]

We love GWL but a few thoughts.....

Book one night but pack for 2 - they often will offer a 2nd night at half price if they have rooms avaialble. It's a risk but we have been offered a themed room for as low as $99 for a second night.

Not a big fan of the themed rooms. The bunk beds are very uncomfortable and the bedding is like a sleeping bag which my kids didn't like. The standard room is huge with a great sized fridge so pack lots of beverages. Might want a room with a fireplace in the winter as it is chilly when you are wet back in the room.

Take water to the waterpark. For some reason every time we have gone we get this wierd cough. don't know why but we all get sore throats and cough - and this is 5 times being there! While signs say you can't bring food or beverage into the park, I have gone in with a cooler of chips, juiceboxes, water, etc and noone cared.

Food there is awful. I don't know why but we haven't had a good meal (except pizza hut and breakfast). Lunch and dinner are very pricey and just not good at all. The grill outdoor pool is pretty good though.

Summer is actualy my favoutite time to go. I prefer having the outdoor pool and deck open to go out and sun and cool off from the waterpark. They have music and poolside games outside all afternoon - feels like a tropical resort - and it lessens the crowd everywhere since you can spread out more.

Take scissors to cut off the extra wrist band plastic - it will drive you nuts since you have to wear it the whole time you are there - it's your room key and charge card. Put kids bands on tight enough not to slip off - $10 replacement fee!

Take your own towels. The towels there are fairly small and thin so not ideal for drying off. Plus you have to eave them at the waterpark so have something to wear through the halls going back to your room.

When at CubClub for the first time, become a member and ask for the free bracelet - it's cute!

Take your kids to the storytime at night - it was so cute. If it is outside by the pool then also go to the morning one to see the show in the lobby by the elevator.

Bring kids to checkin desk to put their hands on the handprints and make the prairie dogs / chipmunk things talk.

BIGGEST TIP.....when first arriving in waterpark, beware the kids dumping buckets of water on you as you wander in front of the wave pool. I've seen guests fully dressed get nailed!

Have fun!

 

[dangler]

Thanks for the replies! Looks like it will be a blast!

 

[Binoo]

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering your thoughts on Great Wolf Lodge? Do you think 1 night is enough or 2? Is it worth the money?
We were thinking of surprising the kids, they have been begging to go for years!!!

Thanks!

We had been there for 6 or 7 times. We stayed there for 2 nights if we could get the discount. The full price in summer is too expensive. The first half month of July is still value season. You should keep in mind and go early next year. I booked via www.gtahotels.com in July (not high season yet). The rate was only $189 + tax for Friday or Sat (regular price was around $300). Although it said room only, you still get 4 waterpark passes as ususal.

 

[dangler]

I notice they have an all inclusive package out. It's about 200 more for 2 nights, with 2 buffet breakfasts, 2 buffet suppers and 2 lunches each.
Seems like it might be a good idea? Anyone know how much a buffet supper would cost?
Thanks!!

 

[Sugar Jones]

I notice they have an all inclusive package out. It's about 200 more for 2 nights, with 2 buffet breakfasts, 2 buffet suppers and 2 lunches each.
Seems like it might be a good idea? Anyone know how much a buffet supper would cost?
Thanks!!

I remember my husband complaining about the cost so I don't think it was cheap

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I notice they have an all inclusive package out. It's about 200 more for 2 nights, with 2 buffet breakfasts, 2 buffet suppers and 2 lunches each.
Seems like it might be a good idea? Anyone know how much a buffet supper would cost?
Thanks!!

When we were there last summer, an "adult" buffet (12 and up) was $18.99 or $19.99 for dinner (can't remember which, but it was just under $20).

Keep in mind, though, that its all-you-can-eat, includes dessert (we loved their dessert bar with the make-your-own sundaes with soft ice cream and tons of great toppings, soft homemade cookies, homemade squares, fresh fruit, etc.) and the inclusive package also covers your drinks with your meal (non alcoholic, of course). There was tons to choose from (at least 4 different meat choices, lots of standard kid fare like mac n cheese, chicken nuggets, etc), multiple bread choices, several different veggies, salad bar, etc.

One night they even had cooked-to-order steak. Give your cooking preferences to the chef, he grills it to order, and a server brings it to your table. I think my husband ate 5 of them he enjoyed them THAT MUCH.

We totally loved the inclusive package. We stayed six days and never tired of it. Main dishes varied each night, so it wasn't all the same every day. It just FELT like a vacation when we didn't have to lift a finger packing all sorts of food before we left.

 

[dangler]

Great! Thanks so much for the info!

 

[jasmom]

Hi There is a pizza place that is great really close to the lodge. I can't remember the name but it is a person's first name. You turn left when you leave the parking lot go over the bridge to the lights and turn right and it is on the left hand side. You can't eat in but a party size pizza is around $15. We have stayed for 1 and 2 nights. 2 night was great as we had time to leave and go to the Falls. Last time we did 1 night but stayed left late the second day. My son's skin would not have been good if we stayed 3 nights, 2 was pushing it. We always shower the kids after being in the park.

 

[riu girl]

The place is called Franks Pizza and they will deliver to GWL (meet driver in the lobby). Great Pizza (they also have a menu with tons of other items as well). Price is so much less then eating at GWL.

 

[Camilo]

Has anyone here spent New Years at GWL?
I have family coming over from Brazil and thought it would be a nice treat to take the kids there.
I do expect it's probably very expensive. I was just wondering how much expensive it would be on a package.
I called the hotel but right now they don't have any packages available. 2 nights for December 30/31st would be around 900.00 + taxes.

Thanks....

 

[mtmbyck]

We stayed 2 years ago on New Years Eve. We were 2 families and they wanted $600 a night for a standard but $800 for the Great Bear Suite which holds 2 families so we booked that. I think you had to book 2 nights over New Years as I recall.

They offered a new years dinner ($$$) and they had a dance in the lobby with prizes. New years was celebrated twice - once at around 8pm for the little ones and then one at midnight. The waterpark stayed open late also. It was packed though!

We were offered an extra night for about 50% off but by then we were all lodged out.