My parents were supposed to visit us a few weeks ago and my mom came down with a bad cold right before their visit and they had to cancel. They rescheduled for this past weekend, and then her cold returned and they cancelled again. Mazen was very sad, and we had a wide open weekend with a forecast of cold rain.
Thomas and I brainstormed a few fun things we could do, and an overnight to Great Wolf Lodge moved to the top of the list. It’s a resort that has tons of activities for kids, including a giant indoor water park! I booked a last minute (probably overpriced) bunk bed room and we found ourselves en route to Williamsburg on Saturday morning! (There are Great Wolf Lodges all over the country – you might have one nearby!)
Lunch In Williamsburg
Our first stop was Thomas’s cousin Mason’s restaurant, Old City BBQ. In fact, we were able to meet up with a lot of his cousins, aunts, and uncles there for lunch at the last minute. If you are ever in Williamsburg, this is the place to eat! (See my post about their opening weekend here.)
We had smoked pimento cheese, wings, the most delicious brussels sprouts, and BBQ platters. I was busy catching up so I didn’t get too many photos, but my BBQ, cornbread, and collards platter was 100% delish.
Mazen had a great time running in circles with his cousins. (We were in the events room so they didn’t bother other guests.)
A Surprise Trip
As of Thursday, Mazen knew we had “something fun” planned on Saturday, but we didn’t divulge too many details until we were on the way.
His clues:
- You haven’t been there before
- It’s 2 hours away
- You will need your bathing suit
- There is water
You should have seen his excitement when we arrived! I am 36 years old, and I couldn’t wait to explore this place!
The Water Park
Room check in isn’t until 4pm, but if you get there after 1, you can use the water park. We had packed a separate pool bag with our suits, and so we didn’t waste a minute. It was insanely crowded (as expected) and the water slide lines were long, but we still had a great time. Thomas and I tag-teamed Birch. We didn’t want to attempt having him swim yet. (Can you even put a swim diaper on a breast fed baby? I don’t know!)
Mazen and I waited about 15 minutes in line for one of the big water slides, chatting with the family in front of us who had little kids and said the slide was fun. We got to the top, sat down in a little raft, and held hands as we were pushed into a giant dark tube. Inside it was totally blackout, and we couldn’t see a thing as we twisted and turned up the sides. I screamed the whole way and we were spit out at the bottom with Mazen in tears!! It was exhilarating yet also so fun. Mazen couldn’t have been too scared because he did it again with Thomas the next day. There were two other “big” slides that you could ride double in a tube plus two smaller body slides and tons of little tiny ones for younger kids. I tried all of the big ones, including one called the Tornado where you literally climb the walls of a giant cone-shaped tube in your raft! (Mazen didn’t attempt that one even though he was technically tall enough for everything at the park.)
Our Room: The Kid Cabin
After a few hours of swimming, our room was ready so we went to check it out and change.
Mazen absolutely LOVED the bunk beds and told Thomas he would be sleeping in the lower bunk. T had to lay there at bedtime until Mazen was asleep and then snuck back to the big bed.
Our room was cozy with a gas fireplace (great for drying bathing suits!) with plenty of room for our pack and play. We also had a microwave and mini fridge.
Not sure what’s up with this paint job?! There were two bunks and a twin in here, so you could fit a large family.
Wolf ears, wolf teeth! #alwaysonthetopbunk
My only complaint was the view. Yikes. We definitely did not enjoy morning coffee on our balcony.
The Arcade
Mazen is really into arcades at the moment, so he was THRILLED to spend some time there with Thomas (who loves anything a six year old would love ; ) ) I ended up walking around with Birch, who napped in the carrier, while the boys played arcade games.
When I returned, they had won 1300 tickets! Mazen got a cool dart board for his bedroom.
Dinner
We went to dinner in the only sit-down restaurant on the property which had a dinner buffet, although we realized the following day there is an “order off a menu” restaurant across the parking lot. (See below!) Luckily it was not too crowded, and we sat right down to a table.
The buffet, which was $20 for adults and $7 for kids, was actually pretty good. I made a big salad plate with bites of this and that on top. And I had a beer! (That little corn dog bite was my favorite – haha!)
And I hit the dessert table hard with this tasting plate. Yum yum!
Donuts + Coffee
Birch slept pretty well in his pack and play, but I tossed and turned all night unfortunately. I rarely sleep well in hotels – I am always too hot! In the morning Thomas brought us coffee and donuts from the on-site Dunkin’ Donuts which was cheaper than going to the breakfast buffet. (I think it was $15 for adults and $10 for kids – a little too much since no one was that hungry.) The donuts were yummy and held us over till lunch.
MagiQuest
At 8 we went to the MagiQuest and bought Mazen the special wand so he could play the resort’s interactive adventure game. It was quite confusing to figure out at first (even for us adults who can read well!) but a nice boy gave us a tutorial and then it started making sense. Thomas and Mazen ran back and forth down the halls looking for crystals while I pushed Birch in the stroller for a short nap. I think the game is best suited for older kids, but Mazen still loved making the objects light up with his wand.
Water Park Round II
The water park opened at 9, and our goal was to get there early so we could hit up some of the big slides before the crowds. Unlike the day before, on Sunday it was pleasantly uncrowded and we were able to sit at a table and relax. Mazen loved the wave boogie board ride, the obstacle course, and the wave pool. There were parts of the park we didn’t even dip into (like the hot tubs!)
If only we’d had another hour or two! We had to check out at 11am (and take showers). There is a 2pm late checkout option, but it was fully booked for the day we left. In the future, I would not come without getting it. 1pm on one day to 2pm on the second was a great amount of time. (I’m not sure I would have wanted to spend two full nights. Mazen would have.)
Lunch
Our final stop was lunch at The Huntsman’s Grill, the restaurant I mentioned across the parking lot. (I don’t think it’s affiliated with the resort.) If we return, we might try to do dinner here instead of the buffet because we prefer to order off a menu. The food was good, and I had a great spinach salad with salmon, potatoes and bacon.
Planning Our Next Visit
Mazen spent Sunday night with Matt, and I got a text from Matt after bedtime that said he heard Mazen crying in his room and when Matt went to comfort him Mazen was crying because he missed Great Wolf so much. <3 Our main motivation of going was to see the joy on his face, and I’d say, mission accomplished.
We will definitely go back, probably on a weekday and probably in the summer when we can see more of the outdoor attractions (like mini golf and ropes course). We also didn’t even see the bowling alley, 4D theater ride, or finish the MagiQuest (I am going to hold onto that wand so we can hopefully use it again next time!) My tips: save the water park for off-peak times, bring your own breakfast in the mini fridge, and take advantage of early arrival and late check out to maximize your time.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The park looks soooo fun! Especially the water park! 😀
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Pat says
Looks like fun! We love GWL. Totally confused over your comment about breast fed babies wearing swim diapers! Many women nurse their babies and put them in swim diapers. I nursed both my kids for 18 months and they were both in pools many times during that time. How would it be different than a formula fed baby wearing s swim diaper?
KathEats says
I mean that the exclusively breast fed (or exclusively formula fed – all milk, no solid foods yet) – poop is so liquidy I think it would just seep out of a swim diaper which doesn’t really do much for liquids. Once you do solids at 5-6 months, then the swim diaper would catch it as a solid. I never put Mazen in a diaper until after that so I don’t know. The last thing I wanted to do was contaminate a giant water park pool with a leaking swim diaper. I guess I could have just kept his regular one on but they get so full of water, I don’t know if that would have kept it inside either!
Gina says
they have swim diaper covers that you use with baby swim diapers, so it keeps everything in.
KathEats says
I did look at one of those – like spandex?
KathEats says
Ordering it!
Kathleen Bowman says
This is great information! What great timing! We are planning a trip to a GWL in our area. You have many useful tips and I’m going to use the advice. I too can’t sleep in hotels.. I bring my favorite pillow, blanket and air purifier (because I’m used to the sound). My grandson is 9 and uses forearm clutches. I’m hoping he will be able to navigate without much issue and that this will be something he’ll thoroughly enjoy! Thank you for your tips!
Lisa says
We just stayed at one too. Know that you can stay on the water park all day even after checking out. There are lockers and restrooms with showers!
KathEats says
We were wondering if we could stay later too!
Kate says
Ah, I loved this post! I’ve been wanting to go to Great Wolf Lodge! In your opinion, do you think 3 is too young to enjoy some of the park ( I know obviously not all would be age appropriate!)
KathEats says
I don’t think too young at all and in my mind I can think of at least 4 to 5 different water attractions for that age. I think the only downside is you will have to be guiding them hands on the whole time because they can’t do much on their own …like swim 🙂
Sara says
When we went for the first time my son was 3–going on 4. He still had a lot of fun! But I think just one night might be good enough! You can make stuffed animals, there’s a bowling alley etc. (At least for the one in Williamsburg. Lots to do!)
Irene says
What is a “code-shaped tube”? I’m trying to envision this, but having difficulty. I’m so curious! Thanks.
KathEats says
CONE! That should read cone. Fixed! A code tube – maybe that would have 0s and 1s on the walls 🙂
Denise says
Birch looked tiny on that big bed! It looks like a lot of fun, but I can honestly say I am so glad I do not have to go do that with my kids! Oh, the noise, and lines, and and and ha ha ha! My age is showing!
KathEats says
Haha!!
samantha says
I love GWL! We always go to Captain George’s seafood buffet for dinner- it’s a little classier than most buffets (and they have crab legs)!! The 4D theater is a must for your next trip.
I always bring a small plug in fan with me when we travel anywhere or I won’t sleep at all. It’s also a good source for white noise!
KathEats says
I don’t think we have that option in Williamsburg, but I love seafood!
Tunstall says
I think she was actually talking about the GWL in Williamsburg…there’s a captain George’s a couple miles away from GWL there.
KathEats says
Ohhhh gotcha. Well maybe next time!!
Michele says
Yes you can save your wand for next time. And we usually stay 2 nights so we don’t have to feel so rushed on checkout day, and yes late checkout is must for us. We usually don’t even go to the water park that day and do bowling or goofy golf !
My son was 3 when we first brought him and as we were packing the car to leave he was crying and asking why we had to leave. I said we have to leave buddy, the Great Wolf Lodge is closed. And she said though tears “ No! The Great Woof Lodge is open!”
Now that my kids are older (14 & 8) we love Kalahari. Not sure if you have that down south. We live an hour and a half from the poconos in PA and there are three different indoor water parks to choose from!
KathEats says
Awww!!
Renee says
We’ve been to GWL several times. In the off-season, when you’re stuck inside, one night can seem like enough (for the adults). But if you go in the warmer months, staying longer is a blast. I need fresh air breaks from all the indoor chlorinated pools! Also, if you can get a grandparent or two to go with you or another family, it’s a huge relief to trade off kid-duties and sit poolside. They have suites with individual rooms that you can share with another adult.
YES to packing food! We pack all our breakfasts and even lunch items to bring to the pool with us. And tons of snacks! My kids eat practically double because they work up such an appetite with all the waterslide stair climbing and swimming.
Another advantage to staying longer are the activities offered each day. My kids participate in story times and yoga classes, but may not if we were only there one day and wanted to relax more.
For MagiQuest, always turn to an older kid who looks like he knows what he’s doing, even next time though you’ll have done it before. We were only able to accomplish things quickly because some of these kids are professionals, haha. But they’re always willing to show off their knowledge and it’s much better when you know what to do upfront rather than guessing.
KathEats says
Great tips!
Cathy says
This looks so fun! You always do such a good job going out of your way to plan fun trips for M. You mentioned thinking it was overpriced — what’s the cost like? Did GWL comp or invite you? I would love to go if I could figure out an affordable way!
KathEats says
No they didn’t comp or invite me. Our room was over $600 – yikes! I think you’ll get the best deal on a weeknight and probably if you book far out and use a special. We definitely paid the price of booking last minute, but that’s why we maximized our 24 hours there and didn’t do a second night.
Beth says
Did you go to the one in Williamsburg It looks like you did. Even though you had to checkout you could still swin for the day. Also Groupon has great deals on greatwolf lodge you just have to keep checking.
KathEats says
Yes we were in Williamsburg.
We couldn’t stay the day because Thomas had soccer, but hopefully next time we’ll be able to put more planning into the trip and get some deals and stay an extra night. I’d love to try one of the other locations too – maybe the one near Charlotte.
Sara says
We love Great Wolf Lodge. My son, Luke, is just a few months younger than Mazen. We went twice in 2017 and didn’t go at all last year. This year I asked Luke what he wanted to do for his bday (in May). A bday party or trip? He said GREAT WOLF LODGE. So we booked it. If you book 60 days ahead of time you can save money (and go during the off season times). We’re going a Sunday to Monday (I hated to take him out of school but it saves $140). Our trick is to usually pack breakfast and we eat at Pierce’s BBQ for one of the meals 🙂 Glad you guys had fun. The arcade is one of the highlights for sure. You can get a Paw Pass too that includes making a stuffed animal and the magi-quest and other things. 🙂 Can’t wait for our trip in May! (Oh and we stayed two nights the first time we went and honestly one night is plenty, maybe with the late checkout too.) YAY SO FUN!
Chiara says
Great write-up. Stopping in to comment how happy and impressed I am with your, Matt and Thomas’ parenting! Mazen is thriving! And as a child of divorced parents I give you guys so much credit for navigating it all so gracefully and lovingly.
KathEats says
Thank you so much
Sandra Arcus says
What a thoughtful and I’m sure well received comment Chiara
Christy Cormons says
We were literally there 5 weeks ago and it looks like your room was WAYYY renovated compared to ours. We heard they were about to start a huge $40M? renovation so yaaay that you got a redone room (well minus the weird paint strip).
KathEats says
The def need a reno! Our decor was very cute but the bones were old.
T says
You should look into the water park at Massanutten. It is close enough to you that you could go for the day or you could get a room close by that is a whole lot less than Great Wolf. My kids love the attractions there just as much if not more than GWL.
KathEats says
That’s on our list!!
Lana says
FYY…….GWL does offer a military discount for any military families on here.
Ttrockwood says
I would be cautious about taking the baby into the water at a waterpark, they have to have a fairly harsh Ph balance to the water to keep it safe considering the volume of people – baby sensitive skin may not like that. (My sister- in her 30s- has very sensitive skin and can’t go to water parks because she gets a rash all over her body, however regular swimming pools are fine. Her dermatologist said it’s due to the Ph situation)
Looks like a fun family getaway in this neverending winter!
Whitney S says
We visited the Grapevine location on a family retreat with our church back in September. It was SO FUN! We spent 2 nights, which was 1 too many. Your ‘early check in/late check out’ is our thought for next time. There were also showers down in the water park we used to rinse off. I think Wednesday’s are discount days? And they are frequently on Groupon. We will make it back this summer, I am sure! My (then) 4 year old also cried when we left!
Anna says
I’m a big-time swimmer/water person and when my son was born, we had just moved to South Texas. It was so hot and I knew he (and I) would love cooling off in the water. After a long search, I found a company called Beau and Belle Littles that makes reusable swim diapers for babies as little as 8lbs. The swim diapers are almost like fabric in cute prints so they can be worn solo. They work wonderfully at keeping things contained if that occurs. I got two so in case there was a mess, I could just change him into a new swim diaper and we could keep playing. Nothing sponsored just thought you’d like to know! https://beauandbellelittles.com/
KathEats says
Thank you!