Great Wolf Lodge, WA
What is better then a getaway to a water park loaded with things my boys love most - water and slides...and hotels...oh and arcades and dipping dots.
I've mentioned before that we give my boys an option if they want to do a big birthday party or a getaway with family. We make that choice for the little ones, but Simon always chooses a "getaway". Before we went to CA on their birthday in April I called Great Wolf Lodge to book a getaway there. However they were super busy with spring breakers and it was really pricy for the room. That's why we went to Cali. BUT, if you book way in advance, the room rate is way less. So I booked it three months in advance. The place is an adventure and I'm telling you Simon was on cloud 9. We went during the week days, so there were no lines for the slides, and the pools weren't crowded.
Things that you must do and things that you are ok with out:
- MUST - The rope adventure course - oh my goodness that was way fun for Vlad and Simon! It's $20 for the entire stay, per person. They did it a few times because Simon had to get out of the water and all the chlorine. The Course is outside.
- OK WITHOUT -We hardly stayed in our room, so a standard family suit was perfect, no need for a themed room for us.
- I wasn't happy with the food provided there. The restaurants were ok, but super over priced. And the food was always cold when served. I don't like my French fries soggy and cold, so that was disappointing. BUT- the breakfast was good. There is a Starbucks on sight, that was good. Vlad did go to Dairy Queen that is right outside the resort and got lunch one of the days - We were stuck in the room because of nap time.
- I would pre pay for the dinner buffet next time. I think it's about $20 per adult if paying for it there.
- We ate out at the Grill there, the food was good. We spent about $80, and then wished we just did the buffet for the $20 per person. The boys like a buffet way better then an "order and wait" restaurant. We don't go to buffets so breakfast was the coolest thing for Simon.
- We brought our own floaters for the little ones, but the resort provides them, so no need to pack any extra. I brought a little floater for the baby, but was not permitted to use it there.
- You guys, my boys all got sick once we came home! I suggest loading up on Vitamins and OnGaurd to boost the immune system a week before coming. So yeah, I'm dealing with all kids of buggies...sigh
- Do the arcades! That was the highlight of Jasper's week! He loved all the tickets he won and just was super adorable.
- The golf was ok. It's $7 per ball. The boys were into it for like 3 minutes and were done. Really, they just wanted the water and arcades.
- The resort provides towels at the water park, but, I brought a couple that we used coming out of the water area to the other chilled areas of the resort.
Few tips to make GWL a little more affordable.
- Book 90 days in advance! 2 plus nights saves 50% off room rates and one night is 40% off
- Each room has a mini fridge so stock that up with waters and snacks
- Buy the breakfast buffet when you reserve the room to save and the breakfast options are pretty yummy. Kids 3 and under are free, but make sure you mention that when booking.
- Call to book the reservations not on line. There are way more deals that can be offered with a person on the phone.
- Book the standard room because you will be offered to upgrade to a suite or a themed room before check in at a way lower rate.
We were all in bed at 9pm! No TV watching, no snacking, no story time at the big clock in the lobby, no - we were in bed because we were just wiped out by the water. Gosh, what an adventure!
Lastly - A handful of people asked about the "mama wolf" T. I found It on Amazon :) I'll add a link on the bottom. And my green stone heart is actually a jasper stone. I got it when I found out I was having a boy with my second pregnancy and knew his name is Jasper. It means "treasure" and that he really is.
