Is the Great Wolf Lodge Dining Package Worth It?
Ultimately, whether the Great Wolf Lodge dining package is worth it depends on your family’s eating habits and preferences, but in general, families who plan to eat the majority of their meals on-site at Great Wolf Lodge and enjoy buffet-style offerings will find the dining package a convenient and potentially cost-effective option, whereas those who prefer lighter meals or plan to explore local restaurants will likely find it not worth the price.
Understanding the Great Wolf Lodge Dining Package
Great Wolf Lodge resorts offer dining packages as an add-on to your stay. These packages typically include meals, usually breakfasts and dinners, served at the resort’s main buffet restaurant. The goal is to provide convenience and potentially save money compared to purchasing individual meals at the resort’s various dining locations. However, it’s crucial to evaluate whether the specific package offered aligns with your family’s dining needs and budget.
What Does the Dining Package Include?
The specifics of the dining package can vary slightly between Great Wolf Lodge locations and promotional periods, but they generally offer the following:
- Breakfast Buffet: Unlimited access to the breakfast buffet each morning of your stay.
- Dinner Buffet: Unlimited access to the dinner buffet each evening of your stay.
- Sometimes, a Beverage Package: Some packages may also include unlimited refills of select beverages like soda, juice, and coffee. Check the details carefully!
The inclusions depend on which Dining Plan you purchase, there are usually 3 options. Classic, Wolf and Paw. Each one includes increasingly more food options.
Benefits of Purchasing a Dining Package
There are several potential advantages to opting for a dining package:
- Convenience: Eliminates the need to search for off-site restaurants or wait in line at the resort’s other dining establishments.
- Budget Control: Provides a fixed cost for meals, making it easier to manage your vacation budget.
- Variety: The buffet offers a wide selection of food options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
- All-You-Can-Eat: Especially beneficial for families with hungry children or teenagers.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the dining package offers certain benefits, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides:
- Cost: The package can be expensive, especially for smaller families or those who don’t eat large meals.
- Limited Choices: The buffet may not appeal to everyone, and those with specific dietary restrictions may find limited options.
- Wasted Food: If your family doesn’t fully utilize the buffet, you may end up wasting food and money.
- Time Commitment: The buffet can be crowded during peak hours, requiring you to spend time waiting in line.
How to Determine if the Dining Package is Right for You
Before purchasing a dining package, consider the following factors:
- Family Size: Larger families typically benefit more from the package than smaller families.
- Eating Habits: Families who enjoy buffet-style meals and eat large portions will find the package more valuable.
- Dietary Restrictions: If anyone in your family has dietary restrictions, check the buffet’s offerings to ensure they can find suitable options.
- On-Site vs. Off-Site Dining: If you plan to eat most of your meals at the resort, the package is more likely to be worthwhile.
- Price Comparison: Compare the cost of the dining package to the estimated cost of purchasing individual meals at the resort’s restaurants.
You can compare the cost of items on the menu from the Lodge website for a more accurate cost estimate.
Common Mistakes When Buying the Dining Package
Avoid these common pitfalls when considering the dining package:
- Failing to Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the package details, including inclusions, exclusions, and restrictions.
- Assuming it’s Always the Best Deal: Don’t automatically assume the package is cheaper without comparing prices.
- Overestimating Your Family’s Appetite: Be realistic about how much your family will actually eat.
- Ignoring Dietary Needs: Make sure the buffet offers options for everyone in your family.
Comparing the Dining Package to A La Carte Options
To make an informed decision, compare the cost of the dining package to the estimated cost of purchasing individual meals at the resort’s various restaurants. Create a table to visualize the potential savings:
| Meal | Dining Package (Per Person) | A La Carte (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Included | $15 – $25 |
| Dinner | Included | $25 – $40 |
| Beverages | Included (Sometimes) | $3 – $5 per drink |
| Total (Per Day) | Varies based on package | $43 – $70+ |
This table helps visualize the potential cost savings if you utilize the dining package for every meal. Remember to add in the per-person cost of the dining package to properly compare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Great Wolf Lodge Dining Package
Here are 12 common questions and detailed answers to help you further decide about the dining package:
Is the dining package mandatory?
No, the dining package is completely optional. You can choose to purchase meals individually at the resort’s restaurants, or even bring your own food and beverages (within the resort’s guidelines).
Can I share my dining package with other guests?
Generally, no. The dining package is typically associated with each guest’s wristband and is not transferable. Sharing food from the buffet with someone who hasn’t purchased the package is usually prohibited.
What if my child is a picky eater?
The buffet usually offers a variety of kid-friendly options such as pizza, pasta, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese. However, if your child has extremely limited food preferences, you may want to consider a la carte dining instead.
Are beverages included in the dining package?
It depends. Some dining packages include unlimited refills of select beverages like soda, juice, and coffee, while others do not. Always check the specific details of the package you are considering.
Can I use the dining package on the day of arrival and departure?
Yes, typically you can use the dining package on both your arrival and departure days. However, confirm this with the resort to avoid any confusion.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
The buffet usually offers some gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Talk to the chef or a staff member to see what accommodations can be made for allergy concerns before purchasing the Dining Plan.
Is it cheaper to buy the dining package in advance?
Sometimes, purchasing the dining package in advance can offer a slight discount. Compare prices when booking your stay and closer to your arrival date.
What are the hours of operation for the buffet?
Breakfast and dinner buffet hours vary depending on the location and season. Check the resort’s website or app for the most up-to-date information.
What if I only want to eat breakfast at the buffet?
If you only plan to utilize one meal per day at the buffet, the dining package may not be worth the cost. Consider purchasing breakfast a la carte.
What if I’m not a guest at Great Wolf Lodge?
Unfortunately, you cannot use a Dining Plan if you are not a guest at the Lodge.
Can I upgrade my dining package after I purchase it?
Upgrading your Dining Plan is possible, but may depend on availability. Contact your reservation specialist to make the necessary changes.
What is the refund policy for the dining package?
Refund policies vary. Check with Great Wolf Lodge about their current policy. Generally, if you cancel your entire reservation, the dining package will be refunded as well.