Great Wolf Lodge truly knows how to make every holiday extra special. With four seasonal themes each year: Spring-a-palooza, Summer Fun in the Sun, Howl-o-ween, and Snowland; there’s always something fun going on any time of year. We’ve had the chance to spend Spring Break and Halloween at Great Wolf Lodge in the past. This year we finally got a chance to experience Snowland. I hope this guide helps your family plan a fun and stress free family vacation at Great Wolf Lodge.
HOWL-IDAYS AT SNOWLAND
It was extra special to stay at Great Wolf Lodge around the holiday season, when the lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland. The atmosphere sets the tone for getting everyone into the holiday spirit. The entire hotel is adorned in lights and festive decorations from November 24, 2023 thru January 3, 2024. Kids and the kid at heart will get a thrill out of the nightly snowfall, which is truly magical. The resort offers an array of free activities including: winter howl-i-days story times, frosty fest family dance parties, scavenger hunts, special events like BINGO, arts & crafts and photos with Santa.
REASONS TO STAY ANYTIME OF YEAR
IN-DOOR WATER PARK- This is probably one of the best features of the hotel. The water park is a great place to have a splashing good time! The water park is HUGE!!! Enjoy the slides: Howling Tornado, Sliding Boarding, River Cannon Run and Alberta Falls and Whopping Hollow. Don’t miss out on the other sections of the water park: Totem Towers, Raccoon Lagoon, Fort Mackenzie, Slap Tail Pond, Hot Springs, Chinook Cove and Cub Paw Pool.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE- Great Wolf Lodge has something that everyone in the family can enjoy. On campus you will find not only a pool but also: MagiQuest, Ten Paw Bowling Alley, Oliver’s Mining, Northern Light Arcade, Howlers Peak Rope Course, Laser Trail and Build A Bear. They also have a bar if you’d like to order a cocktail and relax. Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just for the kids, its for parents too!
STAY, EAT AND PLAY-The lodge has everything you need on campus so that you can stay and play stress free. From restaurants serving kid friendly food to coffee shop and Kids Club to Magi Quest; everything you need is right on site. They even have a Paw Pass that comes with everything your little one needs to stay entertained for the entire weekend. You can get meal packages or just pick and choose when you want to grab a meal on site. There is a in house Dunkin Donuts, Cafe, Pizza Parlor and Grill.
TIPS
- Plan for the season you go. If you go during Howl-O-Ween bring a costume to trick or treat in. If you go during Snowland, bring matching family pajamas. Make it special and fun!
- Enjoy an extended stay at the lodge by sticking around a while on check out day and enjoy more time at the attractions. Check-out is at 11AM, so we usually pack up our car and head back inside for more time at the water park or MagiQuest.
- Make friends with the staff – I was impressed by the team at GWL; they are amazingly friendly and extremely helpful! Everyone wants to see you having fun safely. I got the sense that the staff really enjoys working with kids. The front desk staff is knowledgeable about the area and local attractions. They can also make suggestions about packages are available at the lodge.
- Make sure that you sign-up to become a member (which is free) for special rates on rooms. You can also download the app to help navigate and plan out your trip.
- Save money- the three best tips I can share about booking a room, is to go during off peak season, reserve a room on a week day and use Groupon to catch a great deal. Also, if you are military be sure to call and ask about a discount.
- Great Wolf Lodge provides life jackets to guests for FREE! I like to bring our own because it is what my little one is already familiar with and it helps set them apart visually. I also dress my kids in bright distinctive colors so I can spot them quickly.
- While beach towels are provided in the water park, they have to stay in the water park. I recommend bringing a robe (beach towel) to stay cozy in while walking up to your room. I like to bring a little cover dress for myself.
- To make the room extra cozy, I always bring my little ones favorite stuffed animal and blanket.
- The rooms are extra spacious. Even the standard room fits a family of six comfortably. We splurged and got a upgraded suite with bunk beds. The kids thought it was cool to have their own special cabin.
- Pack water bottles and snacks. Things can really add up fast. So if you are on a budget bring a long a few things to keep in the room or bring down to the pool. Our room had a microwave, mini fridge and small table to eat at.
- If you have time to visit Busch Gardens while you are in town I highly recommend it! If you are there during the winter holiday Christmas Town is truly remarkable.
INFORMATION
Address: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 800-551-9653
*** A discounted rate was provided to write this article. This was not a paid or complementary stay; all information is my own non-bias opinion. All content and photography are property of The Playful Parent.***