So, a rite of passage has occurred. Like most parents, we have finally taken our kids to Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls to *relax* for the weekend.
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about going. I primarily thought that it would be tacky and a money grab like most things in Niagara Falls. But I was wrong. The hotel is in top notch condition and extremely well run. Naturally it is geared towards kids so be prepared to tolerate the idiotic clueless things that will happen when there’s a million kids running around. Most of them being raised by clueless parents.
Nonetheless, it is large enough that even though you cannot avoid kids, you’re not inundated with them all at once.
The waterpark is outstanding. From lazy rivers, to a wave pool, to little wading pools for the tots, to a multitude of water slides for various age groups. There is also beer.
We tired the kids and ourselves out most of the time in the waterpark. We were also able to find some time to hang with just the gang: Tina, Jay, Frank, Jo, Dave & Kirstin while we dumped the crew off at Cub Club for an hr. Yes, quite pricey, but well run, safe, and worth the downtime. We tacked on an extra hr for Olivia to attend the Pajama Party. I recommend taking advantage of these services at least one night of your stay.
The Room was a bit pricey but the Family Suites are well thought out and large enough to have a play area. I thought the food, etc. was going to gouge us but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they kept food, beer and souvenirs at a very reasonable price. $5.50 for a 20 oz beer for example. An added nicety was that the buffet food was actually *good*. They had very tasty beef ribs and lots of variety of pastas, pizzas, seafood, salads, etc.
We were impressed enough that we plan to go again this winter at some point. For me to want to do this again, it must have been pleasant. Everyone knows how cranky I can get with this stuff.