OT--Great Wolf Lodge, How long to stay? It's $$$

[disneynewbee]

We stayed two nights at the one in PA we did what alot of people mentioned also and got there early in the morning on the day we checked in and took advantage of the extra time. We found that one night would have been enough since we had the extra time on check in day and check out day so if you live close you can get two full days of the park and only stay one night. The one in PA is even more expensive so I also balked when booking but considering it's not just a hotel room but figure in what you would pay for a water park admission for one day too. Since you are going on the wkend you may need two days I don't know how busy they get on wkends we went during the wk so it wasn't busy at all. Also I think the one you are looking at allows people not staying at the hotel to pay to get in (check their website I'm not 100% but I think all but two of them did) if so that will add to the crowds. The one in PA you have to stay there to get in.

 

[WendyisDarling]

We've never done it personally. I did want to give my kids the message of "education is the priority" but I definitely have been tempted and never flame any one who does take their kids out.

Yep. That is how I have always been. We even got to by brother's wedding rehearsal dinner late because I wouldn't take the kids out of school.
(But, I am with you that I don't flame others for it. Their choices.)
So, I kind of feel like a hypocrit.

We will talk about it as a family tonight. But, I think I'm leaning toward taking the kids out of school . The price difference is just so much. But, I want to be sure DS feels OK with it and will get his work done either before we leave or that weekend. See how he feels about going half a day. Already emailed DH, he can take the days off and loves the idea of saving money . I guess I will just tell the school we have a family trip. It's too bad they don't let students have a couple of personal days.
Thanks mdrob for the tip about the bunkbed room. It looks really neat, but now that I think about it everyone is probably going to be so tired they aren't going to care.

 

[WendyisDarling]

We stayed two nights at the one in PA we did what alot of people mentioned also and got there early in the morning on the day we checked in and took advantage of the extra time. We found that one night would have been enough since we had the extra time on check in day and check out day so if you live close you can get two full days of the park and only stay one night. The one in PA is even more expensive so I also balked when booking but considering it's not just a hotel room but figure in what you would pay for a water park admission for one day too. Since you are going on the wkend you may need two days I don't know how busy they get on wkends we went during the wk so it wasn't busy at all. Also I think the one you are looking at allows people not staying at the hotel to pay to get in (check their website I'm not 100% but I think all but two of them did) if so that will add to the crowds. The one in PA you have to stay there to get in.

.

Yes, it says they do allow a limited number of non-guests to purchase wristbands. JMHO, but that stinks.

 

[kimmtd]

wendy,

let us know how it was when you go. We are thinking of doing the same thing> mid-week with one night, also in Williamsburg (we're just outside Richmond).DH has been working ALOT and mostly out-of-town so we could use a fun family time. I have a pre-schooler and a 2nd grader, and I have no issue with missing school> I always ask for (and do) the work when I know we are missing for reasons such as this. I think as long as you do the make-up work, one day or so won't matter. But mine are younger still. But... Esp. for the money> that's the same reason we are thinking of it.

Have fun no matter what you decide!

 

[Cathy baby RN]

WendyisDarling - GO!!!! When you all look back, will you and your family remember that day or two of school? They will be fine...especially since your son is an A student.

HeatherC

I totally agree! As a former teacher, 2 days missed is not going to make a difference. Turning 13 is a memorable event and it is great you are going to something special for him. I have 6 children and have taken them out of school for a few days every year (Florida) until they got to high school. I have 3 daughters at the University of Illinois this year and the days they missed in elementary and middle school never affected their academic success. GO! and have a great time!

 

[Lucky4me]

DH and I are taking dd and 4 friends to Great Wolf Lodge Niagara falls for her 13th birthday next week.
One night, a Saturday.
We'll check in early and be at the waterpark from 1-6. Then we'll go back to the room for a pizza party-then back from 8-10 to the water park. Have breakfast in the room the next morning and go to the waterparkfor a few more hours before we head home.
I'm bringing all our food except the pizza which we'll order from a local pizzeria. I'll be packing breakfast and lunch food, bottled water, soda, snacks and a birthday cake. Outside food is not allowed in the water park, but I've heard they don't enforce the rule, much like WDW. We'll see how that goes when we get there. If we eat lunch in the room before we go swim, it shouldn't be a problem not bringing anything in.
The room we had to get was $559, $615 with taxes, but it's really two rooms. One fully enclosed with a King bed and tv, the other has 2 queens, a pull out sofa, a table for 4 and a kitchenette area. It includes 7 waterpark passes for the two days, so really it wasn't too bad if you look at it like that.
We don't usually spend this much on dd's parties, but you only turn 13 once.
This is a total surprise for dd and her friends and we're excited about it. They don't have a clue.

 

[WendyisDarling]

wendy,

let us know how it was when you go. We are thinking of doing the same thing> mid-week with one night, also in Williamsburg (we're just outside Richmond).DH has been working ALOT and mostly out-of-town so we could use a fun family time. I have a pre-schooler and a 2nd grader, and I have no issue with missing school> I always ask for (and do) the work when I know we are missing for reasons such as this. I think as long as you do the make-up work, one day or so won't matter. But mine are younger still. But... Esp. for the money> that's the same reason we are thinking of it.

Have fun no matter what you decide!

I will. Our trip will be late Feb. or the first of March.
I think I hi-jacked my own thread When I look back on those elem. years, I honestly have thought I should have taken advantage of pulling kids out of school to go to Disney when not crowded. Now that DS is in MS, whole different story. It would be hard to catch up. But, I think he can handle two days, esp. since it means one class of each.
I'm struggling with this decsion. If I go for it, I think I need to be VERY clear that this is something we will do on an extremely rare basis: turning 13 is a big deal (he is a good kid -- he said he doesn't want a party, just a dinner with his family and not to spend too much on him).
I really value education and know school is so important. I go to great lengths to instill that in my kids. Honestly, though, I feel OK with them missing two days, but I think because I have always said "I wouldn't take my kids out...etc" that I'm having a tough time. Maybe I was just wrong. (Not saying anyone else is wrong or right. Every family is different and I strongly believe that.)

I think we would enjoy either weekend or weekday, but weekday seems like it might be more fun with less crowds (of course, the cheaper cost is a big benefit). We don't go on a lot of weekend excursions. But, DH is in the National Guard and is getting mobilized at the end of March. He'll be stateside, so no one needs to cry us a river--we know we are very lucky. We'll only get to see him a couple times a month for the next 18 months, so we are trying to do a few more fun family focused things. Still, we are envied by many military families and count our blessings.

I've taken this thread all over. Everyone has been really helpful. I feel really good about staying one night and if the school and my DS are OK with it, I think we'll take a long weekend and enjoy cheaper prices on a weeknight.
As always, thank you everyone! (I just saved $200 and didn't have to switch my car insurance )

 

[Rubbertops]

We went to the GWL Niagara during March Break last year. It was busy.

We paid $400 for one night at GWL and $50 at Hampton Inn around the corner for the second night. That way we could stay at the waterpark until closing the second night. $800 would have cost too much for us.

I felt that 2 days at the waterpark was plenty.

Also: take your own food.

 

[philnet]

I have stayed at GWL (Great wolf Lodge) with the kids a few times I got a great deal ($150 a night) everywhere else had it for $375 - $400

got to kayak.com then it linked me to skooch.com and I got it for $150 with taxes and I then found a %5 off code off the internet.

It was well worth it.
It gets crowed but it only lets people staying ther in the water park
the foood is bad and over priced

BTW: I did this on a holiday weekend !

Good luck

 

[Otto's Doll]

I will. Our trip will be late Feb. or the first of March.
I think I hi-jacked my own thread When I look back on those elem. years, I honestly have thought I should have taken advantage of pulling kids out of school to go to Disney when not crowded. Now that DS is in MS, whole different story. It would be hard to catch up. But, I think he can handle two days, esp. since it means one class of each.
I'm struggling with this decsion. If I go for it, I think I need to be VERY clear that this is something we will do on an extremely rare basis: turning 13 is a big deal (he is a good kid -- he said he doesn't want a party, just a dinner with his family and not to spend too much on him).
I really value education and know school is so important. I go to great lengths to instill that in my kids. Honestly, though, I feel OK with them missing two days, but I think because I have always said "I wouldn't take my kids out...etc" that I'm having a tough time. Maybe I was just wrong. (Not saying anyone else is wrong or right. Every family is different and I strongly believe that.)

I think we would enjoy either weekend or weekday, but weekday seems like it might be more fun with less crowds (of course, the cheaper cost is a big benefit). We don't go on a lot of weekend excursions. But, DH is in the National Guard and is getting mobilized at the end of March. He'll be stateside, so no one needs to cry us a river--we know we are very lucky. We'll only get to see him a couple times a month for the next 18 months, so we are trying to do a few more fun family focused things. Still, we are envied by many military families and count our blessings.

I've taken this thread all over. Everyone has been really helpful. I feel really good about staying one night and if the school and my DS are OK with it, I think we'll take a long weekend and enjoy cheaper prices on a weeknight.
As always, thank you everyone! (I just saved $200 and didn't have to switch my car insurance )

We love GWL and pull our kids out once a year to go during the week. It is a lot of fun, and the kids love it - even at 14 and 12. Just to let you know, ask them about a military discount. It isn't much, but we do get a small break every time we go. Have a great time!!!

 

[tlbwriter]

Do they have AAA discounts?