The temperatures are beginning to plummet here in the Pacific Northwest, as they tend to do in winter around these parts. With frost every morning, cold noses, and chilly feet no matter how many pairs of wool socks you adorn, it seems nearly impossible to warm up! Well, have I got news for you – it’s bathing suit weather in Grand Mound. Yes, you heard me, bathing suit weather. And if you’re anti-bathing suits, it’s most definitely shorts and t-shirts weather inside Great Wolf Lodge where the winter festivities are in full swing!
This past weekend, Great Wolf Lodge, our favorite close to home place to go, invited local bloggers (Kathryn, Jenny, , Angie, Carrie, Leslie, Stacey, Liz, Linda, Carrie, Alexis, Kristin, Erin, Shera and Shannon) to stay at a special media rate (hello! bargain!) and take in all the winter wonder for the first time. There were trees sparkling with thousands of tiny white lights, giant snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and yes folks, it even SNOWED inside the lobby. Sure, it was a harmless, odorless concotion that evaporated within minutes, but it was still snow. With the temperatures holding fast in the low thirties during the day, I’ll take nice, warm, fake snow over the real stuff anyday. Besides, it’s easier to drive in.
That was a nod to you, Washington State DOT. You’re welcome.
I’ve only been to Great Wolf Lodge once before, and that was for the Grand Opening Celebration in 2008. Well, I am surprised and elated to tell you that the place is holding up very well. In fact, they have even added a few more “perks,” if you will, since I was last there – including the River Canyon Run, which was one of our favorites. My kids range in age from 6 to 12 and often times, my little one will feel left out because she can’t do all the things her brothers can, well, because she’s 6 and not yet the required 48 inches to ride the Howlin’ Tornado (that’s the huge funnel you can see from the freeway). Being able to go on one of the “big rides” was a huge deal to her. Between that and the wave pool, where she alternated between “lifejacket” (you don’t have to bring your own, they provide them for you) and “no lifejacket” just to keep her parents on their toes! I mean, what else are 6 year olds for right? If not to keep their parents on their toes.
Our room was clean, comfy and spacious – providing more than enough room for our family of 5. And as usual (now this is my most favorite part) it was outfitted with the most deliciously scented toiletries in the world! Bubble gum scented body wash for the kids (don’t mind if mommy borrows some of that) and vanilla scented lotion and soaps for the adults. I was hungry everytime I washed my hands. Which must be on purpose because the food at the lodge is pretty good too. Now, I normally would not recommend eating every meal there unless you want to deplete your savings account, but one or two meals during a one-night stay is okay. There are several dining options to choose from depending upon your mood and if it’s too late to bedtime because you spent all your time enjoying the water park or collecting tickets in the arcade, there is always room service! Oh, sweet, sweet room service. Let me count the ways…
Oh, and the Starbucks is open, can’t forget that!
We mommybloggers gotta have our Starbucks.
![December 09 116 Mommybloggers bonding at Great Wolf Lodge](/flinger/flinger.us/smb/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/December-09-116-300x225.jpg)
Mommybloggers bonding at Great Wolf Lodge
It was wonderful to be able to experience Great Wolf Lodge in the winter (which is the BEST time to experience the balmy indoor temperatures when it’s freezing outside) with our families and our friends, everyone had so mch fun. While many of the kids (and Dads) either conked out from riding the slides all day or hung out in the acrade and the g8space “club” for those over 12, us moms got to spend a little time together talking about blogging, parenting and the community that draws us each to one another. I realized, as I sat a table surrounded by new friends and old, what an incredible gift it is to be able to share this with each other, and with you, our community, during a very cold Pacific Northwest winter. Our families were treated to breakfast the following morning by John Poole, Director of Sales and Marketing for Great Wolf Lodge, where he went table to table, asking us questions and fielding ours. It’s an incredible feeling to have a voice “out there” that companies want to appeal to and I feel that our experience as families, first and foremost, was indicative of the quality, care and expertiese that goes into each decision that is made at the lodge. I have no doubt that my family will be back!
Currently, Great Wolf Lodge is running “Snowland” specials through the month of February. During this time, special rates (at almost half off the regular booking prices) are available (enter code: SNOWLAND while making reservations) and it’s no better time to visit the lodge. Whether you’ve been before or this will be your first time, you are sure to be amazed by the transformation into winter right inside the gigantic front doors. Your toes will be warm, your smiles will be big and your family will have a blast! It’s the perfect getaway – or even Christmas gift – for everyone.
**EDIT: The “Snowland” promotion ends December 30, 2009. From January 3 – February 11, 2010 use the code: WINTER to receive amazing deals on your stay at The Great Wolf Lodge!
Carrie can be found writing her way through parenthood at Stop Screaming I’m Driving, where she tries to hold onto her sanity, one vanilla latte extra foam, at a time.