Hear that howl? The Talking Stick Entertainment District is making a splash with the grand opening of Great Wolf Lodge. Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. is North America’s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts.
"Great Wolf Lodge Arizona will provide families in the Southwest with a unique and fun-filled resort experience, from the waterpark to our Adventure Park and wide array of dining options," says general manager Brian Johnson. "Scottsdale is the ideal first location in the region for Great Wolf Resorts, our 84-degree waterpark will bring joy to families year-round, no matter the desert weather! Whereas some resorts may see families looking to escape the cold, Great Wolf Lodge Arizona will be the place to beat the heat."
More than two acres of action-packed family fun awaits with a visit to The Lodge. Activities include the following:
Talking Stick Treehouse: Great Wolf Lodge’s signature, multi-level water play structure features suspension bridges, slides, spray stations and other water elements. Atop of Talking Stick Treehouse sits a massive, 1,000-gallon tipping bucket that pours out every three-four minutes, to the glee of the guests waiting below. Attached to the play structure are five water slides, two that originate from the top of the structure for more adventurous young ones and three at a lower-level for more of the toddler set.
Wolf Tail: This is a thrill-seekers delight. Guests step into a launch pod and listen to the rhythmic sound of a heartbeat as they wait for the floor to drop out from underneath, hurling them into a nearly vertical, 20-foot free fall, followed immediately by a 360-degree, high-speed loop.
Howlin’ Tornado: An exhilarating family raft-ride sends guests down a steep 15-foot drop and into a massive funnel. It’s called the tornado because the raft twists and swirls as it careens up one side of the giant funnel to the next, while guests howl with joy.
Alberta Falls: This one or two-person tube slide features drops, chutes and serpentine 180-degree and 360-degree banked curves. It’s the perfect slide for parents and kids to enjoy together, or for siblings to have fun racing each other to the bottom.
River Canyon Run: This rollicking family raft ride sends up to four riders on a white-water adventure down one of the park’s longest slides. With no steep drops, this is the perfect slide for parents and the kids to enjoy together.
Slap Tail Pond: The audio cue of a howling wolf brings this gigantic wave pool to life with waves reaching up to three feet in height. The active surf rolls through every five minutes, to the giggling delight of the children in the pool. It's a family favorite.
Crooked Creek: In this reprieve from the more active attractions in the waterpark, guests can relax and float on tubes down the winding lazy river located in the middle of the park.
Chinook Cove: This is a perfect activity pool featuring basketball hoops, floating obstacles and other more action-oriented elements for children.
Big Foot Pass: Unique water obstacle challenge where kids and adults balance on floating logs and lily pads while traversing the pool. Cargo netting hangs down to help guests cross from one side to the other.
Whooping Hollow: A special section of the waterpark designed exclusively for toddlers and younger guests, this play pool is filled with perfectly sized water slides featuring gentle slopes and tiny turns, making them the go-to attractions for the “under 42 inches” set. Adjacent is a zero-depth entry pool with water fountain features and spray-and-play adventures.
The resort will also feature an oversized outdoor resort pool so families can take advantage of the Arizona weather. Near the outdoor pool, Great Wolf Lodge will offer an adult-only oasis with relaxing chaise lounge chairs and a private hot tub.
Culinary excellence has not been overlooked at The Lodge, and mouthwatering selections can be found across the resort. Start the day at Campfire Kitchen, an interactive a la carte cafe located inside the resort’s Adventure Park, featuring their signature wolf paw-shaped waffles.
Feeding your pack doesn’t get easier than a visit to Hungry as a Wolf, where made-to-order handcrafted pizzas are waiting for families looking to refuel after a fun-filled day at the water park.
Barnwood features a fresh and seasonal menu in a rustic-themed setting with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The menu will feature an ever-changing array of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and reflect what is fresh and in-season. An extensive cocktail menu is available as well.
To satisfy hunger quickly, on-the-go guests can visit Freshwoods Market, a grab-and-go market designed for a quick bite.
Or, for a South of the Border feel, Timbers focuses on Southwest fares such as nachos, soups, salads and a la carte street tacos.
An overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona includes two days of indoor water park enjoyment with access starting after 1 p.m. on check-in day and the ability to stay until park close on the day of check-out. Standard rates start at $179.99 per night.
Photo Renderings: Due to the unique concept specifically crafted for the Arizona market, these are renderings of the look and feel Scottsdale is fortunate to house. Actual photos will not be released until post grand opening; however, a visit to the resort will reveal the exciting custom look and feel that is accurately captured in these renderings.
