Great Wolf Lodge is dedicated to fulfilling the amusement of every child, providing a fun-filled environment based around a huge indoor water park.
The Our Kids reviewers (2 adults, 2 nine year old boys), recently spent two happy nights at the lodge, enjoying the attractions and amenities.
Here we cover everything you’d want to know before you go.
Covered Here:
The Lodge
Water Park
Attractions & Activities
Tickets, Prices & Rates
Discounts, Promos & Coupons
Hours & When to Go
Food & Drink
Great Wolf Lodge Map
What to Bring
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to Know Before You Go
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The Lodge
Check-in is not officially until 4 p.m. but guests are allowed to check-in early, get a wrist band at the front desk and enjoy the water park until a room is ready.
Included in your stay are:
- Water Park Passes
- 1pm access to the water park on the day of your arrival
- Kids activities
Types of Accommodations
As a family-friendly resort, the lodge has several interesting room configurations catering to families. The lodge has approximately 400 rooms on 4 floors which are situated down very long hallways at the back of the building.
The rooms can accommodate from 4 to 8 people and the least expensive room has a queen sized bed and a full sized sleeper sofa.
The larger suites, which can accommodate up to eight people, includes a 2-level suite with queen sized beds on both levels and 1.5 baths.
SAVINGS ALERT: Save 55% Off a Family Suite at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Perhaps the most popular set up for the young at heart are the KidCabinâ„¢ and KidKampâ„¢ suites which include a semi-private room with a bunk bed, day bed and television set, separated from the main sleeping room which houses a queen sized bed and full sleeper sofa.
I’ve been here several times, and always receive terrific service. The rooms are comfortable, and they have several food options. There are tons of activities for kids to enjoy. I brought my daughter for the first time this past Wednesday and she had an absolute blast. She especially enjoyed the slides at the toddler pool!
– Sam P.
All of the suites are equipped with:
- Microwave
- Small refrigerator
- Wet bar
- Coffee maker
- Ice bucket
- Plastic cups
The room is extremely spacious and included a gas fireplace, wooden table and 2 chairs, 4 drawer chest, sofa, coffee table, small balcony and a quietly humming dehumidifier.
See our Good to Know Section for more tips on room selection.
Water park
The 67,000-square-foot indoor water park is an amazing attraction for families and kids of all ages. The temperature is kept at a constant 84 degrees regardless of the time of year.
Lifeguards are plentiful and take their positions seriously. One of the guards told us he switches positions every 30 minutes to keep active and alert.
Abundant, clean towels are stacked near the front entrance.
RELATED: A 4-Day Long Weekend Williamsburg Itinerary
Attractions at the Water Park
Looming four stories high, a clanging bell alerts patrons to the onset of a bucket getting ready to dump 1,000 gallons of water on anyone in its path below. Totem Towersâ„¢, twin three foot slides share a home inside Ft. MacKenzieâ„¢ where young ones delight in the quick trip that ends up in an enclosed pool where they exit.
For The Little Ones
While there is a height restriction of 48″ to ride the larger slides, there are plenty of activities for toddlers. Ft. MacKenzieâ„¢ is a treehouse with a splash zone on the bottom, rope nets and interactive spray stations. Ft. MacKenzieâ„¢ is the dominant attraction situated in the middle of the park.
A small slide, built specifically for the under 48″ child, Whooping Hollowâ„¢ provides a fun experience.
The zero depth entry kiddie pool, known as the Cub Pawâ„¢ pool, is one foot, six inches at its deepest, and has interactive spray toys.
For The Bigger Ones
River Canyon Runâ„¢ is a two to four person slide which is the longest water slide in the park.
Known for its quick speed, and fast drops, the slide empties out into a landing pool. Alberta Fallsâ„¢, two identical slides tempts riders with either sitting in a single or double inner tube which swerves inside and outside the building before plunging into a dedicated splash pool.
We had so much fun with our 5 year-old! The lifeguards are very alert and friendly. All of the staff were friendly and seemed to care about their guests. While it felt like there were thousands of people there, we didn’t usually have to wait more than a minute or two to ride the slides. We signed up for the Wolf pass which includes lots of extras like a free builds bear and Magi Quest game.
– April F.
A nice break from the slides is the relaxing Lazy River, also known as Crooked Creekâ„¢ where swimmers can walk or ride in single or double rafts and meander through the park.
The Chinook Cove Activity Poolâ„¢ allows swimmers to play basketball while in the water. A floating snake and log beckon climbers to play.
The brave and courageous will want to experience Howlin’ Tornadoâ„¢ where a huge funnel drops riders six feet, but not before experiencing the side to side motion going up both sides of the funnel!
Adventure at the Water Park
The Wolf Rider Wipeoutâ„¢ is a surf and body boarding simulator which uses pulsating, fast moving water to mimic the power of the ocean.
You will instantly see why it is called the “Wipeout” as you watch numerous people get thrown off their boards from the pressure of the water.
One of our favorite pools is the Wave pool or Beaver Tail Pondâ„¢ where three foot waves bob swimmers up and down.
The wave machine is turned on for ten minutes, then turned off for ten minutes to give swimmers a rest. Rafts are also allowed in this pool. This pool has a zero entry area where young ones can splash in the spray fountains.
Raccoon Lagoonâ„¢ was built to appeal to the entire family with zero entry areas, water sports, geysers and spray toys.
The Outdoor Pool
The outside pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tables and chairs are scattered throughout the water park. There are also lounge chairs near the surf simulator and in front of the wave pool. An upper hot tub is reserved for those twenty one and older, while the lower hot tub accommodates adults accompanying children twelve and over.
Attractions & Activities
There are numerous activities to enjoy at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg.
Here we’ll share some of the most popular ones you’ll be excited to try out.
Attractions Included in Your Stay
- Alberta Falls: a tandem tube ride from 4 stories up
- For Mackenzie: a 4-story interactive water fort treehouse
- Racoon Lagoon: swim, slide and play outdoors (only open in the summer)
- Slap Tail Pond: the wave pool!
- River Canyon Run: the park’s family raft ride
- Whooping Hollow: a smaller splash park for little ones
- Club Paw Pool: another pool for the little ones
- Crooked Creek: float down the park’s lazy river and relax
- Chinook Cove: shoot some hoops in water basketball in a 4-foot deep pool
- Totem Towers: the water slides at the top of the fort treehouse (Fort MacKenzie)
- Big Foot Pass: test your balance crossing the large, floating lily pads if you can with only cargo nets to help you
- North Hot Springs: escape to the quieter section of the indoor water park in the adult only pool
- South Hot Springs: A family-friendly poo to relax away from the water park
- Howlin’ Tornado: speed through a large funnel from 6-stories up with 2-4 riders. Best for teens and up
This is the perfect place to take your kids! There is SO much to do here. We signed up for the meal plan the first time we went. It’s fun/easy, but definitely not necessary. It’s a great “experience” gift for Christmas instead of buying toys/items. The rooms all have cool set-ups.
– Vanessa D.
- Wolf Rider Wipeout: try out the surf simulator
- Character Appearances: Great Wolf characters roam around the lodge and you just might bump into them
- Story Time: just before bedtime, relax with a family friendly story time
- Yoga Tails: for family-friendly yoga time
- Dance Party: bring your moves for a not so late night family dance party
- Arts & Crafts: plenty of hand-ons projects for the kids. Children can choose from a large variety of things to make, color and create.
- Great Games: a collection of fun games for the whole family
Attractions Included in Packages
Note: there is an additional fee for some of the activities, however, the cost of the water park is included with your room.
The following activities are also available at an additional cost with an upgraded package so make sure to decide which attractions and activities are most important to you before you go.
- MagiQuestâ„¢ is an interactive fantasy scavenger hunt where players use specially purchased wands to complete several different quests throughout the property.
Wands begin at $17.99 which can get pricey if you add on the new Topper Powers, magical wand toppers that allow users to customize their game. Each game is $13.99 and can last from 4 to 6 hours. The fee covers use of the game during your entire stay.
- Oliver’s Mining Sluice is where you can go to find gemstones, minerals and more by panning and sifting your way through paydirt. What you find you can take home in a bag with a gemstone identification card.
- Ten Paw Alleyâ„¢ is a recent addition to GWL. Comprised of ten bowling lanes, each lane is half the size of a regular bowling lane and uses small hand held five pound bowling balls. Games are $5 per person, per game, you don’t need special shoes to play and scores are fully automated. The OK team had a blast bowling here.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop where you can create (and keep!) your own Great Wolf character to remember your adventure here.
- Northern Lightsâ„¢ Arcade has over 100 games including skeet ball, basketball, video games and games of chance. Players earn tickets which can be redeemed for prizes. This is a very popular venue after the water park closes at 9pm.
- Laser Trail is an interactive laser tag experience for the adventurous ones in your group.
- Howlers Peak Rope Course is where you go to overcome a challenge and enjoy the satisfaction of accomplishing something new after overcoming obstacles, balancing on ropes, crossing high-up bridges and more.
You may want to consider purchasing a package that includes the attractions you want to participate in during your stay.
Tickets, Prices & Rates
To visit Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, you can stay and play or purchase a half-day or full-day pass.
Day Passes
The half-day pass starts at $40 per person and the full-day pass starts at $50 per person. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
You can purchase day passes here.
Lodging
Room prices include admission to the water park and are at their highest rates during holiday weekends and during major school breaks.
Monday through Thursday during non-holiday weekends are the least crowded and can yield significant room savings. You can see your lodging options and pricing here.
Staying during the week will have less crowds and it will also give you the best rates.
Wristbands
Great Wolf Lodge now issues a wristband embedded with a chip which also serves as a cashless, keyless system.
The wrist band is a room key and can be used anywhere in the lodge instead of cash. This cash free system makes it very easy to spend money on the various activities offered throughout the resort.
Discounts, Promos & Coupons
If you’re looking to save at Great Wolf Lodge, here are a few tips and options:
- Check the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg website deal page to check for current deals
- Check this Groupon deal for current availability
- If you find a better rate anywhere else, contact Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg and they’ll match it
- Summer month rates are less expensive than the cold, winter months
- Staying on a weekday (Monday – Thursday) costs less than the weekend
Hours & When to Go
The water park opens at 9am and closes between 7-9pm depending on the day. To check the hours on the day you are staying, check this.
When you book a room, you are able to access the water park at 1pm on the day of your arrival until you are able to check-in at 4pm.
Staying during the week will have less crowds and it will also give you the best rates.
Food & Drink
The Loose Moose Bar and Grill
Adults were $15.99 per person and kids from 3 to 12 are $9.99 per person.
In addition to made to order omelets there is a good variety of hot foods (bacon, turkey sausage, grits, oatmeal, pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes) as well as yogurt, fresh fruit and cereal.
Buckets Incredible Craveables
Hours: 11am – 8pm
Buckets Incredible Craveables is located inside the water park, offers pizza, burgers, hot pretzels, salads and various other snacks.
Hungry as a Wolf
Hours: 11am – 10pm
Hungry As a Wolf offers various types of pizzas, sandwiches and salads.
Located on the lower level, this carry out only dining option offers a few different family sized meals which can be taken back to your room.
Freshwoods Market
Hours: 11am – 10pm
If you’re looking for some grab-and-go food, Freshwoods Markets is the place to pick up ready-to-go meals.
Dunkin Donuts’
If you can’t pass up your donuts and coffee in the morning, Dunkin’ Donuts is on site and they have you covered.
Great Wolf Lodge Map
You can download a copy of the map here.
What to Bring
It always helps to be prepared so you have the most fun. Here are a few things you may want to consider bringing with you:
- Sunscreen (if you plan to use the outdoor pool)
- Swim shoes (it’s advisable to wear them inside the water park)
- Swim diapers for little ones who aren’t potty trained
- Food & snack (to eat in your room if you don’t want to eat out)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is good to stay at Great Wolf Lodge?
Most families find 2 days to be the right amount of time to stay.
Can you bring your own food to Great Wolf Lodge?
Yes, you definitely can. You cannot bring outside food into the water park, however, the rooms do have a mini fridge and microwave so you can eat in your room or in the lobby.
Can I wear at shirt at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park?
Yes, you are welcome to wear cover-ups or shirts over your bathing suits.
Are the pools heated at Great Wolf Lodge?
Yes, the pools are heated.
Can you bring a toddler floating device?
Yes, you can bring your own and they provide them as well.
Do the rooms have WiFi?
Yes, the rooms do have WiFi.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free at Great Wolf Lodge.
Good to Know Before You Go
- If you are looking for quiet rooms and don’t mind the walk, ask for rooms located near the rear end of the hallways.
- Avoid rooms closest to the elevator on floors 3 and 4 as this is where the MagiQuestâ„¢ activities take place and can be very noisy.
- Designated quiet times are from 11pm to 7am
- Life jackets in a variety of sizes are available for free
- Non-potty trained guests are required to wear swim diapers.
- If you forget to pack something, the conveniently located Bear Essentialsâ„¢ store carries everything from swim diapers to flip flops and everything else to make your stay enjoyable
- Outside food is not permitted inside the park
- You can bring food with you and keep in your room
- Great Wolf Lodge does not use or serve peanut or tree nut products, but some of our products may be manufactured in facilities that also process nuts
Getting There
Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg is located at: 549 E Rochambeau Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Things to Do Near Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Since you’re in Williamsburg, why not see some other local attractions? Here are some great options…
- Go shopping at Williamsburg Premium Outlets (10 minutes away)
- You can’t complete a trip to Williamsburg without visiting Colonial Williamsburg (11 minutes away)
- Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum & 4D Theater (11 minutes away)
- Take the adventure course at Go Ape Tree Top Adventures (14 minutes away)
- Enjoy another full day of fun at the Euro-theme Busch Gardens of Williamsburg (16 minutes away)
- See the Alpacas at Fox Wire Farm Alpacas (19 minutes away)
- Enjoy Chickahominy Riverfront Park, a 140-acre riverfront with boat rentals (21 minutes away)
Bottom Line
The staff at Great Wolf Lodge are extremely accommodating and friendly. There are many new activities to enjoy since our last visit, and according to an employee, new interactive games are in the making for patrons to enjoy.
Although we did not get to experience everything the resort has to offer, two nights was a sufficient amount of time to spend at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg.
We highly recommend Great Wolf Lodge to families and children who want to have fun!
