Where and when Wisonsin Dells

[KAYLI'S DAD]

Can anyone tell me where to go in the wisonsin dells and when is the best time to go when its not as busy? I have pamplets and looked online and there are so many places to choose from. We are wanting to go anywhere from mid april-???
we dont really care when.

 

[nd5056]

Look up the pricing for Kalahari HERE:

http://www.kalahariresorts.com/wi/specialoffers/bestrate/

sign up for email special at each resort like Kalahari, Mt. Olympus or Chula Vista and at dells.com

In April I'd go to Kalahari or Chula Vista (deal depending) in Summer, Mt. Olympus.

There are many more. It all depends on how much $ you want to spend...

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We went late July & honestly the only real line of any significance at Noah's Ark the day we were there was for the Black Anaconda. It was overcast that day & mid-week, so we may or may not have been experiencing a less than normal crowd size.

Outside the Summer months, I would choose one of the big resorts like Kalahari that has a LOT of indoor stuff to do. We stayed at Great Wolf Lodge. Loved it, but you run out of stuff to do in a day or two. It was nice to have the indoor option the day it rained all day while we were there, but their slides don't compare to Kalahari or Wilderness. But again, for us it was fine as we were there in the Summer & wanted to do stuff at other places. FWIW, we noticed a really interesting looking waterpark in Rockford right off I39 on the way up. If we go back, we may try that place too.

I do know of one place to avoid, but can't think of it off the top of my head. Will have to look it up tonight when I have more time.

 

[Poohbug]

Once you hit June it will start to get busy. The farther into summer you get, the busier it will get. However, you also get all the outdoor water parks that will open up in June.

Some nice places to stay that also have water parks are Kalahari, Great Wolf and Wilderness. I know the you can get condos at the Wilderness(called Glacier Canyon) on Ebay for some really good prices.

The biggest tip I have about food is-don't eat at the water parks. The food is way overpriced and not good. Bring some snacks with you and then go to a restaurant-it will save you money. Some of my favorite restaurants in the Dells are Moose Jaw, Culvers, Famous Daves (great bread pudding), and Monks.

It may or may not be warm in April, May and June, so if you don't like swimming in cool weather-plan on sticking to the indoor water parks.

Lots of other fun stuff to do in the Dells. Check out the Ducks, walk the downtown area, hiking in the parks, etc.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We went ahead & ate at Noah's Ark rather than bring in snacks. We don't get fried cheese curds down here (well we do now, they just opened a Culvers ) very often Also had some pizza and a couple other things. Yes, it was pricey & overall just so-so, but probably on PAR with most theme parks.

 

[bjscheel]

We went July 4 weekend 2010 so that's probably about as busy as it gets! We stayed at Glacier Canyon at Wilderness Lodge. We had SIL's family with us, so they had a room, we had two bedrooms, and then there was a common living/kitchen area in the middle. It was perfect and beautiful. Wilderness had 4 outdoor waterparks and 4 indoor waterparks, plus zipline (which we did and it was great). There are also some extra things like laser tag that cost extra. We rode the Ducks that pick up at Wilderness, so we really didn't need to venture off other than to go out to eat or go to Walmart.

I would recommend it. It had so many waterparks to choose from. Even being July 4th, I didn't think the crowds were bad. Sometimes it took a little to find a tube for the lazy river.

 

[jme829]

WE like the Wilderness. It is huge, but lots to do. You can also charge to your room key, so you don't have to carry your credit cards with you. Good choice if you have a range in ages.

Lots of water parks, arcades, ghost town, mini golf. There wave pool is awesome!

We've only been during spring break (and ours runs early, so we miss the crowds) so I can't be of much help with the timing.


We like to eat at their buffet restaurant (a little pricey, but they literally have EVERYTHING you could want), we also like Marleys (right across the street from WIldernerss). We found Moosejaw to be majorly overpriced ($8 for kids spaghetti-os meal).

 

[tlenzendorf]

Highly recommend the Wilderness. There is a company that does timeshare rentals from there. I wish I could remember the name for you right now. Anyhow, if you are flexible I would recommend going during the week and avoiding weekends and summer to avoid the crowds. We don't leave property when we stay there. There is a restaurant at the Wilderness that has kids eat free with adult purchase. Awesome breakfast buffet there.

Are you looking at doing a resort with theme/water park stuff, or a cheap hotel and then doing Dells stuff?

 

[BNM]

We have been to the Wilderness twice. I think there is a lot to do there and for the water park resorts, they usually have the best deals. They also have a huge arcade, with a fun (but loud) play area inside. You do not need to be a guest there to go. It is free. It's in the wild west area of the resort. If you do stay there, don't get a room on the second floor. This is the main traffic area for guests, and I'm sure it gets very noisy.

Kalahari sometimes has sales, they will notify you via email if you sign up.

Get the dells coupon book. You can get deals on many excursions and restaurants. Totally worth it IMO.

Right now chula vista is running a promotion, which they sometimes do, for 99/ night for 2 nights, including other stuff. You have to go to a timeshare presentation, though.

For restaurants, I think moose jaw sucks, that's just IMO. I found the pizza overpriced and bland. If you are ok with vegetarian and no alcohol, The Cheese Factory is a wonderful restaurant. Everything I've had there has been absolutely delicious. It's across from the wilderness.

The kalahari has the best waterpark, nice because it's all under one roof. And the thing I like about it is, kids can go in the hot tubs. At the wilderness they strictly enforce the rule of no kids under 6 in hot tubs.

I would avoid mt Olympus. They have very little for younger kids. The roller coasters are old and rickety, and so jarring you feel lucky to still have all your teeth after your ride. We have been there a few times for special promotions (2 for 1) but it's just not that great.

 

[jazz0007]

Absolutely The Wilderness!! And as others have said....if you get a condo on the Glacier Canyon side (which can be as cheap as a hotel room!) you can make/bring some of your own food and save a lot of $$! As for when to go.....we LOVE to go when the weather is really nasty snowy and dark!! There is so much to do at the Wilderness you don't have to go outside! We love to sit in the pool with the tan through roof and think about people we know at home snow blowing their driveways. That said.....we've never gone during the summer and used the outside pools!

I have stayed at the Kalahari and the Great Wolf. The Wilderness is FAR better and also more affordable!

 

[AnninIowa]

We love Kalahari!!! We hated the Wilderness as it was so spread out and the room was worn. Kalahari reminds us of Animal Kingdom Lodge. They have a huhe indoor waterpark and an outdoor one, an indoor amusement park (even has bowling), a movie theatre, and several restaurants. Close by is Cracker Barrel. Tanger Outlet Mall - with a Disney Outlet Store - is across the street. Lots of dining and shopping close by.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I do know of one place to avoid, but can't think of it off the top of my head. Will have to look it up tonight when I have more time.

Here it is:

http://www.dellspolynesian.com/

We almost stayed there & then found out 1/2 the stuff wasn't working. The story goes (friend of a friend who manages a restaurant up there) new owners took over a previously well run place, and are now short on money. And now maintenance & cleanliness have fallen by the wayside.

 

[budafam]

Wilderness We stayed there the last 2 years in Glacier Canyon and got the condos off of Ebay for really, really cheap! Last year we stayed in a 4 bedroom presidential and it was AMAZING!!! You can save a ton by cooking your own meals this way too. Glacier Canyon is run by Wydnham. Wyndham runs Bonnet Creek which is where we're staying when we go to Disney in a month. Can't wait to have that much space in Disney!

 

[EEEBEE]

We have stayed at all the major ones....Great Wolf, Kalahari, Wilderness and Chula Vista. It all depends on what types of things you are in to and how much you want to spend.

The best deal we found was going during the week, we stayed at the Glacier Canyon Lodge (part of the Wilderness), the rooms were huge and very nice. Having our own kitchen was an extra plus because we were able to save on meals (especially breakfast which I always find very overpriced). The place is huge though so be prepared to walk a distance to get to where you want to go.

Chula Vista is great if you like to do things outside, it is right on the river and a room high up that overlooks cannot be beat. If you stay there be sure to request the new section, they use to have some really old rooms that are over the parking lot (they may have been torn down now) but they are roadside motel nasty. Check their website they often have alot of specials and because they are outside of town you sometimes can get an all-inclusive package (ask if all restaurants are open though - we booked this package once in winter and only one on site restaurant was open).

Great Wolf is best for families with little kids.

Kalahari has the best water parks, however in my opinion it seems to be the most expensive and we have not had the best luck finding deals for there as we did for Chula Vista and Wilderness.

I will have to disagree with some other posters, my family loves Moose Jaw! My husband and I are big into microbrews and they actually have really good beer there. Pizza Pub is always a good tradition and has been in business forever, huge buffet.

Hope that helps, have a great time, I love the Dells!!!

 

[KAYLI'S DAD]

Are you looking at doing a resort with theme/water park stuff, or a cheap hotel and then doing Dells stuff?

Mainly waterpark stuff with a 5 yr old and 1 yr old. I looked at the Kalahari because a friend of mine was there last week for a business conference and he said it was nice. But, it seemed pricey to me. I do think it would be nice to get a 2 bed suite because we are having 2 family member meeting us there when we do go.

 

[nd5056]

...Mainly waterpark stuff with a 5 yr old and 1 yr old...

You’ll have to find place that provides “age appropriate” play area for your kids, otherwise they’ll not be able to roam around and play freely. Many attractions and rides have height requirements your kids will not meet, every park have those info posted on their web site.

Based on this, my vote goes for Kalahari, they have very large play area for kids your age, along with their own “kiddy” version of lazy river. But not much for them to do (on their own) in the Kalahari Amusement Park.

Also, look into the Great Wolf, we haven’t been there but they are supposed to be geared up for families with small kids.

If you go now, April/March and during midweek and you’ll get the best deal.

And going to Moosejaw when leaving Dells became our tradition...

 

[nilseks]

With kids ages 5 and 1, I would say Great Wolf. I think Kalahari is the best overall, but my kids are older. The waterparks at the Wilderness are spread out all over the place. And in recent years it has really seemed like Wilderness is declining, in my opinion. The waterparks seem dirty and I couple of times I have been really grossed out. The rooms are starting to show wear, as well.

With kids your ages, Chula Vista would be my second choice. The suites with full kitchens are reasonable, and GREAT for a family with little ones. The water park is also on the smaller side, so very manageable with little kids.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Mainly waterpark stuff with a 5 yr old and 1 yr old. I looked at the Kalahari because a friend of mine was there last week for a business conference and he said it was nice. But, it seemed pricey to me. I do think it would be nice to get a 2 bed suite because we are having 2 family member meeting us there when we do go.

With kids those ages then I would recommend Great Wolf Lodge. It's really a lot of fun. It's smaller than the others, but that's ok with younger kids. It still has enough fun things to do. The story telling time in the lobby at night is a lot of fun for them Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions. We stay a few overnights in the Dells around 3 times a year usually.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I can back up the recommendation for Great Wolf Lodge for younger kids. My youngest had just turned 6 when we were there last Summer & there was a lot of stuff for her to do there. My older one (nearly 11 at the time) also had a great time. I can also say that little restaurant attached to the smaller resort next door (Wintergreen???) has FANTASTIC breakfast

 

[daughtersrus]

We have a lake house a little north of the Dells so I can't offer any advice on hotels. But, I see you're from IL. There are two "radio shopping shows" in IL that offer discounts including the Dells. One is out of Aurora called WBIG and the other out of Schaumburg called WRMN. You can purchase gift certificates at reduced rates for the Dells from both. Most of them can be ordered online without calling into the radio station.In the search feature of the "shopper's guide", select Wisconsin Dells to view what they offer.

http://www.wbig1280.com/catalog/index.asp
http://www.wrmn1410.com/catalog/index.asp

Like others said, Moose Jaw is good but coming from the Chicago area, it still doesn't compare to the pizza we have here. The restaurant gets VERY crowded. If you're seating in the basement, it's pretty loud down there. If you go, get there early if you can.

The original Monks on Hwy13 is much better than the other one.

If you head to HoChunk Casino, take the Hwy that recently opened. It's much better than dealing with all of the round-abouts.

Have a fun time!