We've stayed there twice now and love it! You can enjoy all of the water slides and pools at the water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells with a Day Pass. The only waterpark if traveling with a dog: Dogs are not allowed at any of the Dells waterparks, but here is a link to dog-friendly hotels in the Dells, many of which include day passes to waterparks. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This July we are going to try the Kalahari because it looks attractive visually, and it will be something different. I'm sure the prices are a lot more. Bennett Rooms. From Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin to Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, here's a roundup of five water parks you might want to consider visiting throughout the weary days of winter. The Great Wolf also has a a very nice indoor arcade. Wiley's indoor play area was so much fun and a great place to hang out when you get sick of water. Kalahari Resorts; Location: Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Pocono Mountains, and Round Rock: Coordinates, and . (Summer only). We've stayed at the Polynesian when the kids were little (5 & 3) and it was perfect for them. Youll find inspiration, itineraries and guides about all things adventure travel. The Kalahari is an Africa/safari themed hotel and resort. I'm looking at the Great Wolf, Kalahari,Chula Vista and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We'll match it! Both resorts have normal hotel rooms as well as themed rooms. We have 4 boys 8, 6, 4 and 1. Chula Vista Resort is the only pup-friendly waterpark resort in Wisconsin Dells! Wisconsin Dells Itinerary | Weekend Getaway To The Wisconsin DellsUSA, Things To Do In Wisconsin Dells in Winter | Wisconsin Dells Winter Getaway. Choosing the easiest-to-navigate waterpark is important when visiting with babies, toddlers and / or young kids. I thought the room at the Wilderness was a bit worn down and dirty; the Kalahari rooms are HUGE and well appointed with a large mini fridge and microwave. We have stayed at the Polynesion when my son was younger. 8.7 Excellent 1,184 reviews Price from. 3 raft slides including a water coaster (meaning the rafts can go UP hill as well as the typical gravity slide), 5 body slides (1 regular body slide, a toilet bowl slide with a drop into a 9ft deep pool and 3 vertical drop slides with disappearing floors!). Cabanas can be rented based upon availability. Buy Waterpark Passes. The waterpark with the "most bang for your buck":AMt. You might even decide a hotel with a pool and a few attractions are enough for this trip after all, young kids won't notice the difference and will love it the same regardless. Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of waterpark fun and other activities, making it one of the best Wisconsin Dells waterparks. Kalahari Resort, located in Round Rock, Texas, is similar in many ways to Great Wolf Lodge. Life-size animal statues adorn the outside. They may go sometime this winter like Feb or March for a weekend getaway so the indoor stuff is a major part of my decision. That's not to say Kalahari wouldn't be equally fun but given the age there is certainly plenty directed specifically to that age group at Great Wolf (even other activities beyond water as well). Indoor playground for children. Kalahari Resort. Two-bedroom suites can cost over $400 for . Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Wisconsin Dells: Lots of fun - See 3,422 traveler reviews, 1,138 candid photos, and great deals for Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Wisconsin Dells at Tripadvisor. Located in the Waterpark Capital of the World, its combination of great lodgings, attractions, activities and indoor water park was so popular, it was quickly expanded from 117 suites with 20,000 square feet of water park space to 437 suites with around . Apparently the way the roof is designed, you are able to get a tan year-round! Some have a huge resort tax, the nightly rate may look reasonable but it can easily double once you reach the checkout. The Kalaharis wave pool isnt as big as the one at the Wilderness, however tubes are allowed in it. They have several restaurants, gift shops, spa, candy shop, ice cream, play area and activities, a huge movie complex, a few bars and fast food places. All rights reserved, Indoor Water Park & Resort | Chicago Resort | Great Wolf Lodge, Norfolk Southern Train Derails in SW Ohio, Residents Asked to Shelter in Place as a Precaution, Illinois Secretary of State's Office Offers REAL IDs at World of Wheels This Weekend, Wilderness Water Park Resort in Wisconsin Dells - Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Waterparks | Lake Geneva, WI | Timber Ridge Lodge, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Buc-ee's, a Texas-Based Convenience Store Chain, Proposes First Wisconsin Location, Body of Missing Genoa Man Recovered From River: Authorities, These Starved Rock Tiny Cabins Are Perfect For a Weekend Getaway. 3.5-star family-friendly resort in a rural location. I loved the drop slides! Also, we are staying at the newer building, Glacier Canyon Lodge. For water park hours during your stay, please view our Indoor Water Park page. This site uses cookies. Skip Content. If you have children, not having many thrill slides may not be a problem, but as adults, its something worth considering to see what will give you the best value for money! Eating at any of these 3 hotels is expensive and nothing great, but there are plenty of good places to eat in the Dells away from the hotels. These cookies are used to provide you with useful information based on recent browser data. (Activities vary by location). The Kalahari is the Bomb! What are the water park hours at the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells? I firmly believe the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We will probably just stay at the resort. The only thing we might leave for is to ride the Ducks. In my mind, Kalahari works best if you have a family with kids of different ages so each can be active. Plus, you can relax and unwind with a . I really want what will be the most fun for a family of 4 with a 3 and a 1 year old. The water is warm, but not too hot. However, Great Wolf Lodge has a higher percentage of themed rooms available at a more reasonable price. These Wisconsin Dells resorts offer a number of water slides, swimming pools, cabanas, laser tag, and private villas. 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, United States, Indoor Water Park Thrill Slides: 9 (5 extreme). To find more, please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. This is good if you dont plan to spend every waking hour of your trip to the Wisconsin Dells in a water park! JavaScript is disabled. You never have to leave. Kalahari Resort has an African safari theme. Mount Olympus has quite cheap room rates HOWEVER, they do have a high resort tax rate which bumps the price up. Grand Bear is a rustic style resort lodge, located about a 90-minute drive from Chicago. 2023 Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. All rights reserved. Wingate by Wyndham Wisconsin Dells Waterpark has accommodations in Wisconsin Dells near Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells and Kalahari Indoor Waterpark. Polynesian Water Park Resort; Kalahari vs Wilderness The Kalahari. Update: December 6th, 2021. Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women. She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fairs Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019. I don't think that you will be disappointed in any of these hotels. This is almost as bad as planning for Disney. Kalahari and Chula Vista now that the "Flyin Mayan" ride is back are also good choices. We use cookies to improve your experience on this site, to show you personalized advertising, and to gather web traffic data. There are also lots of other resorts in Wisconsin to explore, including Mt. 4. These cookies are necessary for the site function. Which do you prefer? For example, at Great Wolf Lodge, the kid-themed rooms with room for four can be anywhere between $150 and $500 per night, depending on the time of year and availability. Thanks everyone! Half Day Passes start at $30 per person and Full Day Passes start at $40 per person. The room was nice and was very clean and new. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Wisconsin Dells: Great Place to stay! Seriously, this place is awesome! The main dry activity, however, is the MagiQuest interactive wand game. Start getting exclusive benefits by booking your trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Even though the Kalaharis indoor water park is just in one building, we felt that the amount and variations of thrill slides on offer knocked socks off the ones at the Wilderness! Also there are a LOT of different activities on site. Olympus featuring 9-foot tidal waves is just short of terrifying. Not surprisingly, the resort's indoor water park . I consider the Polynesian to be the budget end of the Dells 'luxury' hotels. There are three types of rooms available, including a 2-bedroom presidential . More Waterparks, More Space, MORE FUN! The Causes of Cracked Skin and the Best Ways to Treat It, Helpful Tips to Travel Long Distance With A Cat. Show more Show less. Which is better for his age? I've heard a lot more good though that there is plenty to do, they do not sell tickets to the public. . I've read so many conflicting reviews. Apparently Noahs Ark is the best outdoor one! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Winner: Kalahari Resort (especially for older kids and teens). They do have one extreme thrill ride: the Howlin' Tornado, which is similar . Maybe it's just the time you go. Wilderness Resort: Wilderness VS Kalahari - See 3,555 traveller reviews, 814 candid photos, and great deals for Wilderness Resort at Tripadvisor. The Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells includes unique rides and features, like the Flowrider, a wave simulator, and the MasterBlaster, a 570-foot water rollercoaster. Wisconsin Dells is home to many different waterparks, but which one will best fit your needs? Thanks for the replies everyone! After doing a few laps of the bowl, you drop through a hole into a splash poolif you can fall through the hole feet first, thats the best way to go! Great Wolf and Kalahari were about $289--same dates, same room type. You'd think I was purchasing a trip to Disney, but I just don't want them to be disappointed. May not be valid during holiday and blackout periods or combined with any other discount or promotional offers. With two locations near Chicago -- one in suburban Gurnee, and one in Wisconsin Dells -- family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge features several attractions, including hot springs, waterslides, and raft rides. For water park hours during your stay, please view our Indoor Water Park page. I have been to the Dells for the last 5 yrs and the Kalahari is worth every dime. Did you decide yet? My favourite was The Black Hole which was so FAST and what I like to call, a toilet bowl slide! It got too big too fast and that is it's downfall. Wilderness has several indoor and outdoor waterparks spread all over the place, so if you want to go to them all, it can get really tiring and confusing. In 2000, president and founder, Craig A . For just one four-year-old, I think Great Wolf is probably a better choice. However the metropolis's fame comes from its indoor waterparks. Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari & Camelback's Aquatopia resort are all located in the Poconos and are VERY close to each other! So the Kalahari and the Great Wolf have a slight edge, in my opinion, for entertainment when you are stuck indoors in the winter. A huge plus of the Kalahari is that they offer day passes to the water park. Which water park is best for older teenagers? Rio Condominiums. The best waterpark for small kids: Kalahari Resort or Great Wolf Lodge. Which is better for his age? If you want many different experiences from thrilling water rides to toddler pools to swim-up bars (for parents, of course) a larger park like The Wilderness Resort is ideal. Both are great. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5221157', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wilderness has a HUGE number of rooms coming online within the next month, a major expansion. It doesn't look too bad..I am sure it will be fine The Dells Fun Card really does have some good deals on it. However, for children the ages of your sons, the Great Wolf is the best bet. Wildnerness (and Kalahari, for that matter) might be overwhelming to the younger ones. The focus here at this reputable 3-star resort is, as you'd expect, very much on family fun and entertainment. The Lodge is a different building than the waterparks, but I think they are opening their own area of outdoor waterpark this summer. Read more Dive into the 11 Best Indoor Water Parks in Minnesota. This is for my son and his family and my son's friends go to the Dells about twice a year and like the Wilderness so for the price I'll go with them! Kalahari did a remodel on their indoor kid area about a year ago. This is our first trip to the Dells, me, DH, and DD(5). Now that the holidays are over and winter has begun to set in, families across the Chicago area may already be dreaming of warm weather and summer trips to the water park. Kalahari has one indoor and one outdoor area - both are huge (Kalahari's is one of the largest indoors in the US). Rooms & Suites. Guests are given a towel card which can be exchanged in the parks for 1 towel. Character appearances, kids' yoga sessions and the famed Great Clock Tower Show are all dry land experiences that add fun to a Great Wolf Lodge stay. The moment you join the GWL Voyagers Club, you can start earning exclusive rewards on every trip to Great Wolf Lodge. The centerpiece of this resort is the 80,000-square-foot indoor water park featuring thrilling slides and rides like Alberta Falls and Lookout Mountain. I have gone to the Dells for over 30 yrs a couple of times a year and this hotel is the best. My family has stayed in themed rooms at both resorts. I' m not concerned about price, can get a deal where they cost the same. My household has loved a handful of stays on the water park lodge Nice Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas (and one go to to the GWL in Southern California). Tip: Watch out for resort taxes on hotels. The waterpark is very fun. A Glimpse of 'Magic Happens' Pixie Dust from Disneyland! Even though it's located on bustling Hwy 12, it's nestled on 600 acres of land. 1400 Great Wolf Drive, Baraboo WI 53913, USA. As youve seen in this Kalahari vs Wilderness comparison, both parks have between 9 and 12 thrill slides, whereas Mount Olympus only has 4. I was amazed by the swimsuit extractor, which squeezes all of the water out of your swimming costume, so you dont have to pack it while its still dripping wet! However, water park access is limited to hotel guests only, the resort says. To find more, please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. How does it compare to Great Wolf Lodge? Kalahari Resort also has an adult spa and fitness center plus live music entertainment at the steak house and piano bar. Thanks! Get answers to your questions about Wisconsin Dells, Browse all 2,499 Wisconsin Dells topics , "Places To Eat In The Dells: Master List 2022)", Scenic drive from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Wisconsin Dells. 13 Travel Raincoats for Women to Keep You Comfy and Dry, Atlantis Bahamas Resort Food & Beverage Fest 2023, What to Wear in New Orleans to be Cool, Cute & Comfy, Atlantis Bahamas January Sale: Celebrate Like a Royal, Best Camping Gear Essentials for the Great Outdoors. I' m not concerned about price, can get a deal. Travelling as just adults with no kids, it was important for us to find a water park with enough thrill slides to keep us entertained. I would say that Kalahari is a little more "everything in one place" and probably a bit better for younger kids. Great Wolf Lodge have day passes available for the same price as the Kalahari, but like Mount Olympus, there are only 4 major thrill slides. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5237799', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wilderness. With multiple flexible rooms and more than 15,000 square feet of outdoor event space, our Wisconsin Dells resort has your next special occasion covered with: Once you're done having fun at our Wisconsin Dells resort, take some time to explore the rest of the city. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46246234', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wilderness are kind of overwhelming. 0.5 miles from Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Day pass guests are permitted from 12pm, a total of 10 hours! I can get Great Wolf for $116 per night and Kalahari $129 per night. The "Flyin' Mayan" at Chula Vista is also wild ride. To learn more about Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, see here: Indoor Water Park & Resort | Chicago Resort | Great Wolf Lodge. I personally like the Wilderness better..but my children are older, and we usually stay at the condos across the lake, and shuttle to the parks. We have accommodations for groups small or large with special features like patios, sleeper sofas, themed sleeping areas, and/or accessible bathrooms, so you can customize your stay to fit your family's needs. Kalahari is newer and more efficiently run. BOUNTIFUL, Utah It was a bizarre sight to see in one Bountiful neighborhood Friday morning when what neighbors thought was a small pothole revealed a 50-foot deep historic well. Winner: Great Wolf Lodge. more, Get answers to your questions about Wisconsin Dells, Browse all 2,499 Wisconsin Dells topics , "Places To Eat In The Dells: Master List 2022)", Scenic drive from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Wisconsin Dells. They do have one extreme thrill ride: the Howlin Tornado, which is similar to the Hurricane raft ride at The Wilderness. Great Wolf Lodge opened its first resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in 1997, with 117 suites and 20,000 square feet of water . And the lobby of the hotel is enchanting and the hotel has an entertaining storytime here every night. Noahs Ark, which is the largest outdoor waterpark in the country and only open in the summer time, is a great place for teens to roam and meet parents after a full day or even just a few hours. - Read 3,422 reviews, view 1,138 traveller photos, and find great deals for Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Wisconsin Dells at Tripadvisor. Olympus and the American Resort both have treehouse options that kids love. Top Rated. Wilderness Resort comes in second for a waterpark that celebrates natural elements. Specialties: Arrive as a family and leave as a pack at Great Wolf Lodge. Let me start by saying that we have visited the Great Wolf Lodge location in Fitchburg, MA on 2 separate occasions and had enjoyable visits each time. I think there is only 1 outdoor waterpark though, 3 indoor. Though hotel guests can access the resort for free, day passes are available to purchase. Great Wolf was the regular destination for all my children / grandchildren when the little ones were young. Sorry I'm confused. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Granite everywhere, knotty pine everywhere, two bathrooms, full kitchen. Wisconsin Dells obtained its identify from the dells that had been shaped when the glacier got here by way of tens of millions of years in the past. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I've stayed at both Wilderness Lodge and Kalahari - and I much prefer Kalahari!! The wolf mascots host a nightly dance party and pj story time. Re: Kalahari vs Great wolf lodge. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-3148804', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wilderness, It will suit the ages of you kids, they have several water parks. You can arrive as early as 1:00 pm on the day of your arrival to access the water park before room check-in at 4:00 pm. New DVC Promo Video For The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, Sneak Peek at Team Green Post-show in Tron Lightcycle / Run, The Best Kid-Friendly Attractions at Islands of Adventure, Upgrading/Changing 10 day park hopper - MDE rep said only paid price valued. and two 4-person raft slides. For easy to get around at Kalahari; plus a movie theatre and Cracker Barrel are right next door, and the big outlet mall (with a Disney store) is across the street. Trip type: Travelled with . I like having the option of several different indoor and outdoor waterpark areas because if one is too busy you can move to another. With multiple flexible rooms and more than 15,000 square feet of outdoor event space, our Wisconsin Dells resort has your next special occasion covered with: Adaptable event spaces for birthdays, weddings, cocktail receptions, conferences, meetings, and more. This year we are checking out Kalahari for the holiday. We are planning on going to the Dells early June. Join us throughout the day for free, fun and engaging family events. The hotel also has adult-only attractions, including a spa, golf club, and live entertainment. I noticed that Kalahari may have a larger toddler area but also read water is cold. However, if our kids were younger, Great Wolf Lodge would be more manageable due to its smaller size and its mascots that appeal to younger kids. For just one four-year-old, I think Great Wolf is probably a better choice. Join us March 3 April 30 for our annual celebration! HiI'm also looking for a Christmas gift stay for my kids. If you live nearby, come and stay here.slides in t. Most thrilling water adventure at a waterpark:In the winter, any of the parks with the "funnel" rides offer the most thrill, like the "Howlin' Toranado" at Great Wolf Lodge. Enjoy a variety of interactive events that are included in your stay at the resort. But, if or when we do return, I look forward to spending more time in that adults-only grotto. Great Wolf Lodges water park is 80,000 square feet, but Kalaharis is over 220,000 square feet. And they are indoors, so perfect during winter. Sounds like we made a good choice at the Wilderness. We got excellent rates in December (around $120 per night). In November 2020, a competitor to GWL opened in Texas. This is coming from a Dells Local so if you have any questions feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Everything is close together in the resort, so not much walking between areas. They always had a great time there. If anyone has any more advice I would sure appreciate hearing it. Something that I learnt quickly about the Wisconsin Dells is that you can easily spend a lot of money very quickly. Are we talking the Wilderness is not as nice or the Great Wolf is not as nice or both. All hotel facilities, other than the outdoor zip line course, are for hotel guests only (even the ones that cost extra apparently!). The indoor waterpark is smaller than the Great Wolf or Wilderness or Kalahari, but still nice with a couple of water slides and a small, enchanting lazy river. We went to Great Wolf in September and had a great time. Discount may vary by date. In addition to the arcade, there are six amusement park rides, including the Screamn Centipede roller coaster with 360-degree rotating cart.