This was to be the adventure of her lifetime as we embarked on a fun weekend to celebrate our daughter’s 8^th birthday.  It was a surprise weekend, and when she found out that we were going to Great Wolf Lodge, tears of joy sprung to her cheeks as she collapsed into a hug and thanked us for planning this trip.  Since returning, many have asked “How was it?” and “Would you go again?”  In short, it was great and yes, I will go again… though I will do things differently.

Wolf Pup Den Suite

I did enjoy this room for our family of three, though the bunk beds faced the sink area (the bathroom sink/vanity was in the room, not the bathroom) so this meant that we were not taking showers/getting ready while our daughter slept.

Passes – Note: Passes & Prices vary by park

Upon check-out, after you have spent money on your room, you can purchase an “adventure pass”.  If you are like me, you opt to spend $39.95 for a few extra items (Arcade, Candy, Ice Cream and Build-a-Bear) assuming your child will enjoy the FREE activities on-site (Water Park and a variety of Lodge Activities).

This was a mistake.  We paid $39.95 for a Pup Pass then $15.00 for Unlimited Ropes Course (which is outside the Wolf Pup Den Suites).  If you are good at math, you know you’re already at $54.95 (again, prices vary by location).

I wish I had gotten a Wolf Pass for $59.95 (which I ended up getting anyway) and here is what it comes with:

• 1 MagiQuest Game (Harry Potter-ish game where you have to find items in the resort with a wand)
• 1 Classic MagiQuest Wand (needed for the game)
• 1 Round Mini Golf
• 1 Unlimited Pass to the Ropes Course
• 1 Climb on the Climbing Wall
• 1 Bowling Game
• Arcade Points
• Candy
• Ice Cream
• (Note: It does not come with a Build-A-Bear)

The point is…if you and your family are new to GWL, perhaps wait to get the pass after you check out the fun and then decide which one is right for your kids. J

What you need to bring

The beauty of GWL is that you don’t need to bring anything and they hook your credit card up to your wristband (also lets you into your room) which is super convenient to charge food, arcades, drinks, etc.

What you want bring

As my daughter is somewhat a picky-eater, I always pack food I know she will eat (and it certainly came in handy).  We also brought our own adult-beverages (and corkscrew) as their wine list was fairly limited.  There is a “rule” of no outside of the resort food/beverages in the common areas though we saw bags and coolers packed and carried into the waterpark areas.  We opted for using souvenir cups so we were blatantly breaking the rules. J

Have fun!