As a large family, one of the biggest battles is actually getting to a destination and checking in.  The preparation, planning, driving, etc…you get the idea. So, I did what any mom who doesn’t travel much does…put out a call on Facebook and Twitter for suggestions on planning and packing for the trip.

There’s one response I received more than any other…bring snacks – loads and loads of snacks.  So I did.  But, I’m getting ahead of myself here.  Let’s start with a few basics…you should understand though that my recommendations are based on our trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA so things may vary from location to location…

When you are planning a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, you’ll definitely want to start with the website.  Once you’re there, choose the destination you’ll be going to, then you will choose the room you want as well as having access to information on all the amenities and activities that particular location offers (each of them offers something unique).

Things to think ahead about:

• What time you would like to arrive and leave (you can pre-register and begin using the waterpark at 1pm…likewise, although you check out by 11am the day you leave you can still use the facilities until 9pm that evening)
• Exactly what activities you plan on allowing your children to do…keeping in mind that there are many extra activities offered at Great Wolf Lodge for an extra fee.  If you know ahead of time that you will be allowing your children to do many extra activities, then you’ll definitely want to consider getting a Paw Pass (call for more information on pricing and what is included).  This will save you a considerable amount of money and frustration.
• Meals: plan exactly which ones you will eat out and bring food to keep in your room for the rest of the meals.  Check the area surrounding Great Wolf Lodge, you’re likely to find many less expensive options if your budget is tight.
• Arrive before 4pm so you don’t wait in a long line to check in…likewise, I was shocked at how long the check-in lines were on Sunday so don’t hesitate to ask the staff when the best times/days to check in/out are!

Once you have your trip planned, you’ll be on your way.  Here’s my list of  “don’t forget to pack”

• Do NOT under any circumstances forget a camera!
• lots of “wet” clothes – ie. swimsuits
• a bag to put it all in when you bring it home
• plenty of drinking water for the entire family (mom and dad can get dehydrated too)
• swim diapers for the littlest ones
• sunblock (for playing in the outdoor area or going into town)
• snacks (feel free to bring microwaveable and refrigerated items…there’s a microwave and mini fridge in every room)
• flip flops (or any type of shoe that can be easily removed and won’t be ruined if it gets wet)

But Shera…I don’t see how this is frugal.  Well, it is and it isn’t (LOL).  It all depends on how you look at it.  If you want a convenient local vacation that will cost you far less than going across the country and you’ve been saving up for a while to really make it worth it…then this would be perfect.  If you like to stay home, let your kids run through the sprinkler, go to the beach a few times and make a few trips to local attractions then this may not be the trip for you.

How can we make it more affordable?  Well, other than some of the ideas I mentioned above (like eating in town), consider going there mid-week during the off season.  There are many ways to get discounts, you just have to be flexible.  Plan a big group trip there…if you are part of a moms group or are planning a family reunion this is an EXCELLENT location for an event (group rates start when you have more than 10 or 12 rooms).  Just be sure to call them and ask when you can get the best possible deal.  Also, if you don’t have a theme room your stay will be a lot less expensive.

I can tell you this though, your family WILL have fun, you will have GREAT memories from your adventure, the staff is AMAZING (our check in and out was super smooth).  They make it as safe and convenient for families as possible.

Coming up, I’ll be sharing all about our stay there,  the activities we did while there, a few more details about their safety procedures, etc.  In the meantime, feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments or if you have been there, share your planning tips.

Oh, and one last thought about planning…DO NOT plan on getting a lot of rest while you are there, just sayin’.

Related posts:

1. Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Finding fun family activities this time of year that don’t...
2. Great Wolf Lodge Part 2 – What To Do In this part of my Great Wolf Lodge informtional post...
3. Preparing To Travel Remember last spring when I was getting ready to go...

This entry was written by Shera on Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 2:25 pm and is filed under Reviews, travel, vacation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.