Willowbrook in the Poconos

[MikeBW]

We are doing a trade next week to the Willowbrook in the Poconos. Has anyone been there? Any advice on what it is like and what to do? This is our first full week trade into an Interval property, so I will post my experiences.

 

[Starr W.]

We are doing a trade next week to the Willowbrook in the Poconos. Has anyone been there? Any advice on what it is like and what to do? This is our first full week trade into an Interval property, so I will post my experiences.

I've only driven through the Poconos so I can't give you any personal advice.

I did look at the TUG reviews and Willowbrook is the highest rated resort in that area. (Last review was from May 07)


I think if you're really planning on using II with your DVC points, you should join TUG(I think it's $15/yr). You can read the reviews and post reviews also of properties.

I think you don't need to actual join to access the MB over there, you post a question and usually the Tuggers jump right in with some very good advice. They have regional sections to ask about areas and the different activities.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I'm not sure exactly where in the Poconos that resort is, but there is some really fun stuff to do around there!

Camelback Mountain opens in the summer with Camel Beach! It's a mountain top water park on what is usually a ski area!

http://www.camelbeach.com/

Also, not too far away is Knoebel's Grove in Elysburg PA. It is a wonderful family friendly amusement park that has NO ADMISSION! You either pay per ride (weekends) or get a bracelet to ride all day (weekdays)!

http://knoebels.com/

And if you love Nascar don't forget about the Pocono Speedway!

Have fun!

 

[MikeBW]

Thanks for the info. Camel Beach is about 15 miles away. I see that there is a NASCAR race this weekend, but I'm not a big fan. I'm from the North East, I like real sports.

 

[Starr W.]

Thanks for the info. Camel Beach is about 15 miles away. I see that there is a NASCAR race this weekend, but I'm not a big fan. I'm from the North East, I like real sports.

Yep, the boys are running at Pocono this weekend. Not sure exactly when you are coming in, but you might call the resort and ask them for their tips on driving directions, especially on Sunday.

Trust me nothing worse than post-Nascar race traffic.

 

[bgraham34]

Thanks for the info. Camel Beach is about 15 miles away. I see that there is a NASCAR race this weekend, but I'm not a big fan. I'm from the North East, I like real sports.

Thats exactly how I felt. But man is going to see a race a great time. Sure does beat tailgating for football.

 

[Starr W.]

Thanks for the info. Camel Beach is about 15 miles away. I see that there is a NASCAR race this weekend, but I'm not a big fan. I'm from the North East, I like real sports.

Did you know that the Fenway group owns a NASCAR team? Roush Fenway Racing.

 

[bzzelady]

Also, not too far away is Knoebel's Grove in Elysburg PA. It is a wonderful family friendly amusement park that has NO ADMISSION! You either pay per ride (weekends) or get a bracelet to ride all day (weekdays)!

http://knoebels.com/

Knoebel's is about 90 minutes from Willowbrook...it is a great family resort. You can bring your own picnic lunch, parking is free, and you can either do an all day wristband (with or without coasters) or pay as you go. They also have a good swimming pool, but don't expect it to be as warm as WDW pools because they don't heat it. They have two great wooden coasters, two water flumes, and lots of great stuff for the kids.

I live about ten minutes from the park and we go over for a couple of hours in the evenings during the summer.

 

[MikeBW]

Did you know that the Fenway group owns a NASCAR team? Roush Fenway Racing.

I think Manny is going to drive for them next year.

 

[MikeBW]

We got to Willowbrook a couple of hours ago. We have a 2 BR - which is very nice with plenty of room. The resort looks very nice with plenty of activities for the week. So far it looks like a good trade.

 

[Starr W.]

I think Manny is going to drive for them next year.

Jack Roush wouldn't put up with Manny!


He let the defending champion go with 2 races left in the season when he got in trouble mouthing off at the police in Phoenix(pulled over suspected driving under the influence). Not good when one of your sponsors is Crown Royal.

 

[musical2]

I have been to the Lake Harmony area twice. We really love that area during the summer. You can go out on the lake, fish, and swim. The resort also has a small bowling alley if you like bowling.

I want to second going over to Knoebel's for a day. My kids love that park. It has a quaint feel to it. The wooden roller coasters are great. And the old carousel is top notch where you can try to catch the brass ring.

The Lake Harmony area is beautiful.

 

[Halle]

Where is Willowbrook located in PA?

 

[musical2]

Willowbrook is located in the Split Rock at Lake Harmony resort area. It is just off Route I-80 and just east of where I-476 intersects with I-80.

 

[MikeBW]

We have been here for the week. Willowbrook is a nice resort, we have a 2 BR and it is good size (OKW size). There are a lot of activities at the resort - we have done archery, bowling, tennis, mini-golf, hiking and rock climbing and there are 2 indoor pools and an outdoor pool. There is an indoor water park being built that will be done this winter, some of the slide tubes come outside the building (must be chilly in Feb.). There is also a nice golf course that has not been crowded at all - very surprising. I would recommend this trade for people who like outside activities or even in the winter for skiers ( 2 ski resorts are down the road).

 

[fishermouse]

Knoebel's is about 90 minutes from Willowbrook...it is a great family resort. You can bring your own picnic lunch, parking is free, and you can either do an all day wristband (with or without coasters) or pay as you go. They also have a good swimming pool, but don't expect it to be as warm as WDW pools because they don't heat it. They have two great wooden coasters, two water flumes, and lots of great stuff for the kids.

I live about ten minutes from the park and we go over for a couple of hours in the evenings during the summer.

You can't send him to Knobel's and not mention the BANANA SPLIT get the big one, don't whimp out and go for the smaller version. I only finished it one time without help, and the ice cream is fresh. You can bring your own food but I love all the goodies you can buy. I get free tickets for our Co. picnic and they're good for food.

 

[bzzelady]

Actually, the food is good at the park...and very reasonably priced.
The banana split is as good as my neighbor fishermouse says

Just a hint...eat the banana split after the brass ring carousel

 

[AnnaS]

I am not too far - well we are driving distance to Split Rock - and I have always thought that we might do a trade there if we don't want to fly one year, etc.

How would you rate the resort itself? (I stayed in a resort years ago in the poconos where it was dirty all week and definitely in need of repairs/updated stuff around) - not a timeshare one. This resort did not even have lounge/chairs by the pool.

I would definitely try it sooner if it is listed in the shorter trades 3/4 nights.

TIA>

 

[MikeBW]

I would give the resort a good rating. Remember, it is not Disney World. The pools are just rectangle with water - no clown slides, SAB, etc. It is a place to enjoy the outdoors and do activities like archery, hiking, tennis and golf. There are also a lot of group activities like guest vs. staff softball, ping pong tournaments, etc. It was a clean, well maintained resort.

 

[AnnaS]

I would give the resort a good rating. Remember, it is not Disney World. The pools are just rectangle with water - no clown slides, SAB, etc. It is a place to enjoy the outdoors and do activities like archery, hiking, tennis and golf. There are also a lot of group activities like guest vs. staff softball, ping pong tournaments, etc. It was a clean, well maintained resort.

Thanks Mike. Will definitely try If I need something close or a quick getaway.