PHOTO: Great Wolf Lodge is currently under construction in Garden Grove, Calif. (Photo by Janeen Christoff)
It may seem odd to open an indoor waterpark in California, the land of perpetual sunshine - especially in Southern California, where temperatures are warm almost year-round. But that's just what the Great Wolf Lodge folks are doing.
While on the surface, it may seem silly, California residents will probably relish the experience. After all, there are a number of water parks in the area that are larger and offer more slides and activities, but they are closed for two-thirds of the year.
Ultimately, families will come to Great Wolf Lodge for the water park and discover that there is more to the experience - much more. Take the MagiQuest for example. The interactive gaming experience is an exclusive feature of Great Wolf Lodge and literally takes children on a magical quest through the resort as they follow the guidance of the Book of Wisdom, gaining magic powers, befriending pixies and even battling a dragon. Kids can customize their experiences with a variety of add-ons such as wands and capes - and they can even take home their favorite characters.
Another highlight is sure to be the property's Main Street area where families will find eateries, a bowling alley, glow in the dark mini golf called Howl at the Moon and the uber-girly Scoops Kid Spa. There's a Dunkin Donuts, ice cream, Great Wolf Lodge's signature pizza and more. It's all topped off with the Northern Lights Arcade - open 24 hours, of course.
Families are sure to have plenty of space during their visit as, the suites are shaping up nicely. Top among them is the Wolf Den suite which has bunk beds in a special room for the kids as well as animated features that interact with the MagiQuest game. All rooms sleep at least five people and Great Bear suites can sleep as many as eight. On average, the rooms sleep six with two people sharing a pull-out sofa. Stays at the lodge also include admission to the water park in the room rate.
There is a plethora of dining options. The Lodge Wood Fired Grill is the property's a la carte restaurant in an intimate setting. The Loose Moose Family Kitchen is a buffet-style eating experience with an array of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hungry as a Wolf Pizza is located in the Main Street area as is Bear Paw Sweets & Eats for ice cream and homemade cakes, cookies and other treats. In-room dining will feature just pizza at the opening and will include a full menu in the future. The water park has two snack bars - one inside and one out.
One of the big focuses of Great Wolf Lodge in Southern California is convention and meetings. The resort features a large convention area well suited for family reunions, corporate meetings, weddings, bridal shows - and even a car show. There is 21,000 square feet of meeting space at the property that is technology rich and extremely functional.
There is so much more to say - and do - at the lodge, but we wouldn't want to spoil every single surprise. The resort opens on Feb. 19 and there is a special opening rate with savings up to 20 percent for bookings made before Feb. 7.
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