I packed up the car, and picked up the kids from school early and we hit the road to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. A 5-hour trip was ahead of us, and all the kids were chirping away at what their expectations of the Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos were?
The adventure I thought we would take versus the adventure we were on was bigger than anything I had imagined and the magic of a getaway to the Great Wolf Lodge happens the minute you get into the car and set your GPS coordinates to your favorite Great Wolf Lodge location.
Lavishly live travel out loud and learn about a weekend getaway at the Great Wolf Lodge Poconos location so you too can indulge in experiences and smiles.
THE GREAT WOLF LODGE POCONOS
Complimentary lodging and activities were provided, however, story, images and thoughts are my own as I provide you the best of the best in locations to capture for your families.
Above is our arrival, a moment we just pulled over to enjoy as the big hotel and waterpark were awaiting our arrival and trust me the presentation of the grounds are grand.
Excitement brewed in the car, probably perfect because inside the Great Wolf Lodge was the starts of Howl-O-Ween festivities (costume parades, Trick-or-Treat Trails, scary-silly Story Times and Monster Bash Dance Parties.)
I pulled on up to the check-in lane and headed into the front desk for check-in.
As a world traveler and a MOM of children that have traveled to many waterparks, I need to tell you how EASY it was to check-in here and how professional the staff is. Yes, there were other people checking in but it was not mass chaos like we have experienced elsewhere. I personally loved this aspect and parents need to know this! P.S. checkout is just as easy!
Great Wolf Lodge Wolf Ears
From the moment I handed over the Great Wolf Lodge Ears, nothing was ever the same because the magic of the weekend getaway in the Poconos began. You all know I have teens, so perhaps this was an ‘iffy’ choice for a destination right? Wrong! My youngest is still just a new teen and this was his gig, while my daughter just loves to experience life. The kids were mesmerized by our room and why I mentioned the size and ages of families.
GRIZZLY BEAR SUITE
Three separate sleeping areas are just what we needed and just what we got! 2 bathrooms, a fireplace, a balcony and a kitchenette are all things you will find within this room. We loved that we could put snacks in there and the kids would grab something as we passed through to grab a change of clothes or whatever else from magic wands to phones.
Personal love to the safe in the room, making it easy to toss in anything we did not want to bring. A Grizzly Bear Suite is just what you need when you have more than 4 in a party or older kids and younger kids or grandparents and parents because everyone gets a little space!
This is our room, with a Master Suite that has a field of vision into the kid’s room and the family room (another bed), so that you can watch from afar while keeping it under control. The setup is perfect for parents with kids of any age from newborn (which we saw plenty of) to teens (which we were).
Great Wolf Park Wristband
Ease of entrance to a room, a waterpark and anything you want to purchase is all on your wrist. Need a beverage, head to a food and beverage station and use your room number to order. Need to get into the hotel use your wrist and motion it over the sensor and the magic of the Great Wolf Lodge happens. How many places have I traveled in the last few months and NOTHING has been this easy? Love it!
From outside entrances to room keys the wristband is all you need for a fabulous weekend. My kids were literally entering our room one at a time to all get a chance to use their wristband and remember they are TEENS!
GREAT WOLF LODGE WATERPARK
Inside the waterpark is just another part of the getaway to indulge in. My kids were all over and I enjoyed the hot tub. There is a lazy river, a wave pool, lily pads, plenty of tube rides, slide board rides, and rides to go on together (yes we did these too, even with my fear of heights!). At first, the park seems overwhelming, but walk it through and read the signs and everything just falls into place.
Don’t worry about towels they are provided in the park and never in shortage. The park was at 93% capacity and we always got fresh towels, so it is easy to dry off and relax.
Great Wolf Lodge Is Not Just A Waterpark
Like any other parents, you worry that you will run out of things to do while you are away, right? You certainly don’t want to be in the waterpark all day and you want to take a break and the Great Wolf Lodge will be your best friend, it was ours!
You might be wondering if there is anything to do for time outside of the waterpark without leaving the Great Wolf Lodge and I can say ‘yes’ 1oox over! Storytime happens in the main lodge and kids gather round from everywhere to hear the stories. There is a 24-hour arcade, aHowly Wood XD theater rollercoaster, a spa, ice cream and sweets station, bulk candy station, shops, Howl at the Moon Glow Golf, bowling and that is just the beginning. You want to read my article on the Great Wolf Lodge Wolf Pass to learn more.
GOOD EATS
The Great Wolf Lodge does a great job with allergen-friendly dining and making the chefs available to discuss your personal allergies. Niko discussed his allergies with Chef Stephen and we dined at the Loose Moose a few times. In between, I grabbed a pizza from the Hungry as a Wolf cafe by the waterpark, and we grabbed beverages from Starbucks in the main lobby. Don’t forget your rooms have a coffee maker!
For all those that love their libations, inside the waterpark, you will find a bar area, right by all the slides and next to the wave pool, here I grabbed a wine!
Family getaways are not the easiest getaway to plan because everyone has their idea of fun. Encompassing a little fun for everyone is the Mom objective. Families are often spread in age, and age differences are what makes family travel the most difficult. If you plan right and go to a destination that offers something for everyone, happiness will be found.
We loved our time at the Great Wolf Lodge and can not wait to visit the next location to continue the fun. Make sure to read my other articles on The Wolf Pass and Dining at the Great Wolf Lodge! I am sure The Great Wolf Lodge will become your best friend and you will lavishly live travel to each different destination out loud!
