Hershey Park Great Wolf Lodge: A Comprehensive Guide

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Hershey Park Great Wolf Lodge is a common misconception. These are actually two separate attractions in different locations. Hershey Park is a chocolate-themed amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, while Great Wolf Lodge is a chain of indoor water park resorts with a location in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. This guide will clarify the differences and provide detailed information about both attractions, focusing on the Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos.

What is the difference between Hershey Park and Great Wolf Lodge?

hershey park great wolf lodge
Image ‘File:Waterpark 3g.jpg’ by Mike2478, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hershey Park and Great Wolf Lodge are distinct entities:

  1. Hershey Park:
  2. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania
  3. Chocolate-themed amusement park
  4. Outdoor attractions and roller coasters

  5. Seasonal operation (typically spring through fall)

  6. Great Wolf Lodge:

  7. Located in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
  8. Indoor water park resort
  9. Year-round operation
  10. Lodging and dining facilities on-site

What are the main attractions at Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains?

hershey park great wolf lodge
Image ‘File:Entrance at Hershey Park.jpg’ by Michael Gray, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains offers a variety of attractions:

  1. Indoor Water Park:
  2. 120,000 square feet of water attractions
  3. Multiple slides, including four-story waterslides
  4. Wave pool with zero-depth entry
  5. Lazy river

  6. Kiddie pools and play areas

  7. Dry-land Activities:

  8. MagiQuest interactive game
  9. Bowling alley
  10. Arcade
  11. Fitness center

  12. Yoga classes

  13. Dining Options:

  14. Multiple restaurants and cafes
  15. Character dining experiences
  16. In-room dining available

How does the Great Wolf Lodge water park compare to other indoor water parks?

Feature Great Wolf Lodge Aquatopia (Camelback) Kalahari Resort
Size 120,000 sq ft 125,000 sq ft 220,000 sq ft
Slides Multiple, including 4-story 13 water slides 20+ water slides
Wave Pool Yes, with zero-depth entry Yes Yes
Unique Features Water coaster, trapdoor slide Surf simulator FlowRider surf simulator

What are the accommodation options at Great Wolf Lodge?

Great Wolf Lodge offers various room types to suit different group sizes:

  • Standard Suites (sleeps 4-6)
  • Themed Wolf Den Suites (sleeps 4-6)
  • Premium Suites (sleeps 6-8)
  • Grand Bear Suites (sleeps up to 8)
  • Grizzly Bear Suites (sleeps up to 10)

All rooms include:
– Free Wi-Fi
– Flat-screen TVs
– Mini-refrigerators
– Coffee makers

How much does it cost to visit Great Wolf Lodge?

Pricing at Great Wolf Lodge varies based on several factors:

  1. Room Rates:
  2. Fluctuate based on season and demand
  3. Generally range from $200 to $500+ per night

  4. Include water park passes for all registered guests

  5. Day Passes:

  6. Available for non-guests (subject to availability)
  7. Prices vary by season and day of the week

  8. Typically range from $50 to $100 per person

  9. Additional Activities:

  10. Some dry-land activities may have separate fees
  11. Dining and merchandise are additional costs

What dining options are available at Great Wolf Lodge?

Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of dining options:

  1. Loose Moose Family Kitchen:
  2. Buffet-style restaurant

  3. Breakfast and dinner options

  4. Hungry as a Wolf:

  5. Pizza, pasta, and salads

  6. Takeout available

  7. Buckets Incredible Craveables:

  8. Poolside dining

  9. Burgers, hot dogs, and snacks

  10. Dunkin’ Donuts:

  11. Coffee and pastries

  12. The Watering Hole:

  13. Adult beverages and light fare

How does Great Wolf Lodge compare to Hershey Park’s lodging options?

While not directly related, it’s worth comparing the lodging options:

  1. Great Wolf Lodge:
  2. All-in-one resort experience
  3. Indoor water park included with stay

  4. Themed rooms and suites

  5. Hershey Park Lodging:

  6. The Hotel Hershey (luxury option)
  7. Hershey Lodge (family-friendly resort)
  8. Camping options at Hersheypark Camping Resort
  9. Separate admission required for Hershey Park

What are the best times to visit Great Wolf Lodge?

Consider these factors when planning your visit:

  1. Off-peak seasons:
  2. Lower rates typically in fall and early spring

  3. Avoid major holidays and summer weekends for better pricing

  4. Weekdays:

  5. Often less crowded and more affordable than weekends

  6. Special promotions:

  7. Check the Great Wolf Lodge website for seasonal deals and packages

Is there a connection between Hershey Park and Great Wolf Lodge?

Despite the common confusion, there is no direct connection between Hershey Park and Great Wolf Lodge:

  • They are separate companies
  • Located in different parts of Pennsylvania
  • No joint ticketing or package deals available

Visitors interested in experiencing both attractions would need to plan separate trips.

What are the nearby attractions to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos?

While not near Hershey Park, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is close to other attractions:

  1. Camelback Mountain Resort:
  2. Skiing in winter

  3. Mountain coaster and zip lines in summer

  4. The Crossings Premium Outlets:

  5. Shopping center with over 100 stores

  6. Pocono Raceway:

  7. NASCAR races and driving experiences

  8. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:

  9. Hiking trails and scenic drives

By understanding the distinction between Hershey Park and Great Wolf Lodge, visitors can better plan their Pennsylvania adventures. While not connected, both offer unique experiences for families and thrill-seekers alike.

References:
1. Great Wolf Lodge Poconos Resort
2. Hersheypark Official Website
3. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
4. Pennsylvania Tourism Office

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