We received a complimentary stay with Paw Passes at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg in exchange for this post. All opinions, and our love for travel and waterparks remain our own.
Great Wolf Lodge Review: A Family Adventure in Williamsburg
Summer Road Trip to Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg
Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg has been at the top of my kiddos’ bucket list for five years. Our adventure began during the Summer Road Trip of 2018, when we embarked on a three-hour-forty-seven-minute drive from the foothills of Virginia to Williamsburg.
Journey to Williamsburg
We started early, making a pit stop on the outskirts of Danville to fuel up.
The anticipation grew as we neared our ETA of 1 PM.
Almost the halfway mark, we stopped in Warfield, Virginia, at a Rest Stop to stretch our legs. The kiddos were chattering about what they would do first when we arrived.
Arrival at Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg
We arrived just before one o’clock, pulling into the parking lot. The kiddos shouted, “Follow the wolf prints!”
They cooed at the sight of the lodge. We had arrived! Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg was about to be crossed off their bucket list.
The van still hadn’t come to a complete stop when the doors opened, and it was like the kiddos were being shot out of a cannon. They ran for the giant Wolf Statues and posed for pictures.
Everything is themed. It’s an outdoor theme, like staying in a cabin in the woods. From the log cabin, look out the outside to the carved benches. We were giddy before even stepping inside.
Inside the Lodge
Entering the lodge was awe-inspiring. The 50-foot high ceiling supported by exposed beams, umbrellas dangling overhead, and the massive settlers’ cabin with Pocahontas-themed decorations, and a massive rock fireplace captivated our attention.
It was a magical introduction to Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg.
Checking In and Exploring
Upon check-in, the front desk attendant warmly greeted us and provided details about our room and lodge amenities.
A standout feature of Great Wolf Lodge is early access to the pool at 1 PM, even before room check-in at 4 PM. The front desk notified us via text once our room was ready.
While we were checking in, the kiddos were playing Rock. Paper. Scissors to see who was taking their picture with Oliver, one of the many characters you’ll find in the lobby at scheduled times for a meet and greet as well as photo opportunities.
Indoor Water Park Adventures
After changing into swimsuits, we ventured into the indoor water park. The centerpiece, Fort MacKenzie, dominated the scene with its giant bucket dumping 1000 gallons of water every four minutes.
The water rushes down the roof of Fort MacKenzie and onto the floor, and people below. There is spraying and splashing and cheers!
The kiddos climbed Fort MacKenzie.
They pulled on ropes, turned wheels, and more.
The kiddos joyously explored the multi-level fort, sliding down Totem Towers and enjoying the splashes and sprays.
Outdoor Fun and Activities
Despite drizzling weather, we enjoyed Racoon Lagoon, an outdoor paradise with zero-depth-entry pools and water slides. The kiddos tested their balance at Big Foot Pass, crossing giant lily pads in the water, each devising their own strategy for crossing.
One kiddo of ours made it across in 19 seconds. His strategy? He dropped to his hands and knees and scurried across.
The next kiddo had her own strategy. She would use the cargo net above the lily pads. It ate up time before she realized hands and knees were the way to go…she finished at 40 seconds.
All the kiddos met back up at Crooked Creek for a swim in the lazy river while they planned their next stop!
Thrilling Water Slides and Attractions
The highlight was the Howlin’ Tornado slide, a thrilling ride through a six-story funnel.
Additionally, the Wolf Rider Wipeout indoor surf simulator and the wave pool at Slap Tail Pond provided endless entertainment under the watchful eyes of trained lifeguards.
When the kiddos weren’t riding or climbing, they were swimming and playing in Slap Tail Pond. You just can’t go wrong with a wave pool!
Great Wolf Lodge has trained lifeguards on duty throughout the park. They are trained for water safety with your family as their priority.
Room Experience and Evening Activities
When our room was ready, we were welcomed by a cozy cabin-themed space, complete with simulated fire crackling on the TV. The room featured comfortable beds, a sitting area, and thoughtful amenities like a mini-fridge and balcony.
The room was very clean and carried the theme of an outdoor cabin. Each wristband is coded to open the door to your room. This was great because it made the room a great meeting place without leaving anyone waiting in the hall.
Our room featured two queen-sized beds that were comfortable to sleep on with an assortment of pillows from soft to firm.
It also had a sitting area with a small table, two chairs, and a couch that opened up into a double bed.
Dining and Entertainment
Throughout our stay, we enjoyed dining options like Bear Paws Sweets and Eats, where the kiddos indulged in ice cream and Dippin’ Dots. We explored Main Street, engaging in activities such as MagiQuest, a magical adventure through the lodge’s themed floors, and enjoying arcade games at Northern Lights Arcade.
While everyone showered, we read through the information book and planned our evening.
The waterpark is included with the room at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg. Every guest also receives Wolf Ears, which even my teenagers thought were fun.
The resort also offers “Pass” options that bundle more of the resort’s offerings for big savings on the fun.
We enjoyed the “Paw Pass”. We found that it offered far more than we could complete during our stay, and the variety meant that each of our four children found a favorite moment.
All activities, except the Howlers Peaks Ropes Course and MagiQuest, occur in the underground city or “Main Street.”
For MacKenzie, her favorite was the Great Wolf Kids Character at Creation Station with Clubhouse Crew Adventure Game.
Each Paw Pass holder can select a plush character (they are the Characters your child will see around Great Wolf Lodge) to have stuffed with fluff.
A Character Crew Scavenger Hunt is included with the Creation Character, which leads you through the resort to different stations, each with a fun activity.
The character includes a branded Great Wolf Lodge backpack bag.
Then, it’s time to stuff the character. The kiddos said they filled theirs with “wishes and love” and then handed it off to the expert, who added soft polyfill to plump the character plush to perfection!
My kiddos had so much fun picking out their character, naming it, and watching it fill with fluff.
Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg also offers an interactive scavenger hunt called MagiQuest. It involves magic wands and quests through two entire floors of the lodge. This was William’s Favorite.
Let me share our MagiQuest experience at Great Wolf Lodge. Initially, I was convinced my kids would be thrilled about MagiQuest. However, as we went to select their wands, one of them dismissed the game as “lame!”
Despite the initial resistance, I encouraged them to give it a try.
At the MagiQuest Marketplace, the expert explained they could choose either a wand or a topper. Intrigued by the toppers, the skeptical child teamed up with a sibling—one choosing a wand and the other a topper—to combine their “powers.”
This collaboration sparked a change of heart—maybe the game wasn’t so “lame” after all.
Once they began, the enthusiasm was undeniable. They dove into the quests, collaborated with other kids, and tackled challenges. They were soon collecting crystals and hunting for treasures, completely engrossed in the magical world of MagiQuest.
They unlocked treasure chests, uncovering hidden coins and lively animated animals scattered throughout the lobby. Two of my children even triumphed over the Goblin.
It’s worth noting that MagiQuest transforms into a lively, communal event at night, resembling a massive slumber party filled with families immersed in play. The game winds down at 10 pm, allowing everyone a chance to rest up for the next day.
When we returned to our room that evening, the child who had initially scoffed at MagiQuest apologized, admitting, “I’m sorry I called your game lame. It was actually really fun.” Energized by the adventure, he was the first to dash out the door the next morning, wand in hand, eager to tackle more quests.
Returning to our Main Street explorations:
Cooper’s top pick was Ten Paw Alley. Picture a miniature bowling experience with a smaller ball and a shorter lane.
This game was fun and fast-paced.
The kiddos watched the action before deciding they were ready.
Once they started bowling, they became crazy competitive. They were cheering each other on…watching the scores and perfecting their form.
Colby loved the Northern Lights Arcade. There are plenty of games for small and older children to enjoy!
We planned to stop in at Buckets Incredible Craveables for their signature Tipping Bucket, a family-sized treat layered with ice cream, brownies, cookies, candy, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream! We played too long, and they closed by the time the kiddos were ready.
Don’t worry; we got ice cream and dipping dots from Bear Paws Sweets and Eats.
Bear Paws Sweets and Eats has so many delicious choices!
The kiddos stayed out and played MagiQuest.
You can take advantage of this time with Food and Wine Pairings. Together with The Wine Group, Great Wolf Lodge has developed a delicious food and wine pairing menu—featuring both sweet and savory culinary treats complemented by specially selected varietals to enjoy in the comfort of your suite.
The kiddos finally decided they’d had all the fun they could handle. They came back to the room. It was quiet, and they enjoyed chattering about their day.
Then, everyone slowly migrated to their own area.
And then it was lights out.
The next morning, while the kiddos slept, we picked up coffee and a dozen donuts from the lobby at everyone’s favorite, Dunkin’ Donuts.
The kiddos were back out having fun and checking off activities from their Paw Pass.
Memorable Souvenirs and Departure
Before departing, we visited Buckhorn Exchange Gift Shop for souvenirs and The Name Shop for personalized bracelets, ensuring each kiddo left with a memorable keepsake. Check-out at 11 AM allowed us to continue enjoying the water park before heading home, with plans to return to Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg.
They stopped in at The Great Wolf Candy Company.
They each filled a cup with all the candy they could.
There were many different strategies, all of which worked out sweetly.
We made our way back to the Great Wolf Kids Store for some Glitter Glitz Tattoos. After selecting their designs, the kids chose their favorite glitter colors and settled into their seats, ready for the transformation.
The artistry of tattooing began shortly thereafter!
Everyone was thrilled with the sparkling results of their tattoos!
Next, we headed to The Name Shop for personalized bracelets. The kids were a bit anxious, as most have unique names like MacKenzie, Cooper, and Colby, which are often hard to find on pre-made items. They worried about finding their names or having them spelled correctly.
To their delight, The Name Shop offered on-the-spot customization. Each child dictated their name and preferred spelling, which was then expertly etched onto leather bracelets. Even William, who usually finds his name easily, chose to have his middle name etched, caught up in the excitement.
Although check-out was scheduled for 11 a.m., we were reminded that guests are welcome to enjoy the water park and facilities throughout the entire day.
There was still so much to explore, but eventually, it was time to pack up the van and head home.
As we drove away, the kids decided that Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg needed to remain on their bucket list—they were already eager to return.
Conclusion
Our experience at Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg exceeded expectations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. The lodge’s themed atmosphere, attentive service, and diverse activities made it an unforgettable destination for our family summer getaway.
Experience the Magic of Great Wolf Lodge-Williamsburg: Plan your family adventure today and create lasting memories at www.greatwolf.com/williamsburg.
Great Wolf Lodge
549 East Rochambeau Dr., Williamsburg, VA
www.greatwolf.com/williamsburg