YOGI BEAR'S JELLYSTONE PARK - FEATURING the WATERPARK

Waller, TX
www.campjellystone.com

As I was finishing up my last post on Jellystone Park with tons of pictures of all the fun things we had done, I realized I was running out of room for the best thing that I had saved for last.  So, instead of adding to an already too-long post, I decided to start a new one, specifically featuring the waterpark at Jellystone park.  And here it is!  (If you missed the original post on the park, you can check it out by clicking HERE.)

I like to think of the waterpark in 4 sections and this is the one in which we spent the most time.  Not only are there these two fun slides, but also 2 straight slides on the backside and a huge dumping bucket up top that pours down to the beach-entry area.  With only 18 inches of water, it was easy for my kiddos to splash down one slide and then high-step it through the water, back up the stairs, and down another slide.  At one point during the afternoon there was a short line at the top of the stairs, but nothing too long.  Never did we feel crowded which I can only say must be due to so many other activities being offered throughout the park that not everyone is in the pool at the same time.  

Gotta love it when they are getting along and having a great time together.

The next section of the waterpark is the pool pictured below.  It's nothing spectacular but offers some deeper water and a basketball net.  We didn't spend much time in here as it was over my 4 yr old's head, but plenty of others were enjoying it.  Around both of these pools there are numerous lounge chairs and a handful of large umbrellas which create a good amount of shade.  We never had trouble finding a seat to dump our stuff before we hit the pool.

The newest addition to the waterpark is the lazy river and toddler area.  This section literally opened just days before we arrived and we were so excited to test it out.  Although it was relaxing, I have to say it is the laziest of all lazy rivers.  I'm not sure if it is suppose to be that way or if the jets to create a current hadn't been activated or what.  But there were times I was wishing I had a paddle.  And it was the only time I've ever been happy to see teenagers being rowdy in the pool as they created a small wave pool that pushed us along a wee bit faster.  On the upside of things, there were plenty of tubes to choose from and my preschooler was relieved that there were a few double tubes with one side having a netting on the bottom so she wouldn't fall through.

Grandma enjoying the lazy river in her "funny" swimsuit, as she calls it.  

I'm just glad she's protecting herself from a chance at getting cancer a 4th time.

Toddler area surrounded by the lazy river.

Check out all those toddlers having the time of their lives at the toddler area!!!  Yeah, I don't see them either and unfortunately that's because this area really isn't very toddler friendly.  My 4 yr old is a pretty cautious little kiddo and I felt so bad when I talked her into trying out the orange slide and then she came shooting out the end, flying over the cushioned landing pad, and sliding down a slick mat that basically acted as a slip and slide on concrete.  She was not happy with me.  Eventually I coaxed her into trying the yellow slide where I could hold her hands and she loved that, but I thought my arms were going to be ripped out of socket while trying to keep her from sliding off into the lazy river (only a slight exaggeration but you get the picture).  Anyhow, this area definitely needs some improvement, but certainly has potential to be a lot of fun.

And now...*drum roll please*...our favorite part of the watermark.  Check out these bad boys behind us!

My kid was being a turd and wouldn't smile for the camera.

There are two really fun rides; first, the yellow and blue slide is the Pine Tree Plunge and second, the red and green 4-man tube slide is the Serpent Water Slide.

We tried the Pine Tree Plunge first.  Or, I should say, I tried the Plunge first.  Everyone else was too chicken, but I knew my 7 yr old was going to love it.  So I put my big girl bikini bottoms on and squealed my head off all the way to the bottom to prove how fun it was. 

I wasn't totally crazy about mangling my pedicure since I forgot to bend my knees and instead dragged my toes all the way down, but I did go a few more times and really had a good time.  As for my 2nd grader, I pretty much had to push her off the top (don't worry, she was saying No but I knew she really meant Yes) and then we couldn't get her off this thing for the next 2 days.  

 Here she is racing Grandpa to the bottom.

This is one of those rides that is loved by all ages.  We saw kids as young as 4 (as long as they are 42 inches tall) giggling their way down this slide, as well as grown men totally loving it as they lifted their mat after coming off the second hump in order to catch some serious air.  It was pretty cool!

The Serpent was a slightly more mild ride, but still full of great family fun.  There was virtually no wait for this ride...but I'm pretty sure I know why...

...there's only one way up...

...with this tube on your back.

Carrying this 4-person tube up 5 long flights of stairs nearly put Grandpa into cardiac arrest.  

And if you think he looks tired, you should have seen me and my mom trying to carry this bad boy.  We were so pathetic that the lifeguard actually ran down 2 flights of stairs, stating that we looked like we needed a little help, and then single-handedly muscled it up the rest of the stairs for us.  Moral of the story...bring some muscles with you for this ride and then expect to thank them immensely 'cause it's quite a trek (or look completely helpless and pathetic and hope some fine gentleman gives you some help, but don't count on it).

And then...

 ...enjoy the ride!

And that sums up the waterpark at Jellystone.  

But, there is one more water-filled fun activity to share with you.  And that's the Wet-n-Wild Hey Wagon.  A few days a week, a tractor-drawn wagon arrives outside the activity center to take guests on a ride just as the name implies...Wet-n-Wild!  Guests are encouraged to load up their favorite, high-capacity water gun and join them for a ride around the property.  Campers that remain at their campsites are also encouraged to participate by hooking up their garden hoses to a water source and then taking aim at the wagon riders.  Craziness ensues from there.

Armed and ready.

Soaked from head to toe after the ride. 

The water fun even continued once we got back to our site.

My kiddo had a blast on the Wet-nWild ride.  She was ready to reload and go again!  Grandpa, on the other hand, had his fill of fun and was ready to hit the sack for a nap.

After two days of water-logged fun at Jellystone my kids were begging to return even before we pulled Molly the Motorhome out of the park.  With a location in such close proximity to our home and such affordable prices, we are sure to be back real soon.

**************

What is your favorite, most affordable vacation?  

GREAT WOLF LODGE (GWL)

Grapevine, TX

www.greatwolf.com 

You've heard all about it.  Your friends are raving about it. So WHAT are you waiting for?!  It's time to plan a trip to Great Wolf Lodge - best known for their massive, 84-degree indoor water-park!  (There are 11 locations nationwide but I'll be specifically reviewing from Grapevine, TX.)

WHATCHA GONNA THINK: From the moment we drove into the parking lot, we knew that the folks at Great Wolf Lodge have gone to great lengths to impress.  Pulling in we were able to see several water-slides that exit and then re-enter the building.  One of those being the Howlin' Tornado, a giant cylindrical structure that does not disappoint when it comes to thrills. At the entrance we were greeted with towering wolf statues that stand guard just outside the covered loading/unloading zone.  We were immediately greeted by bellmen offering valet luggage and parking service, but since we declined they kindly showed us where to find our own luggage cart so we could drag in all the junk our family just HAD to bring with us.  

The wolf greeting us at the entrance.

Our first impressions really set the stage for what we were about to experience and every aspect of GWL held up to the same standard of excellence!

WHERE YA GONNA SLEEP: GWL offers a wide variety of rooms, accommodating couples on up to multi-families vacationing together (when making your reservation, a staff person will assist in choosing the best room for you.  Understand that themed rooms will cost more and that non-themed rooms are available at a lower cost and will accommodate the same number of people). Since we were staying with my brother-in-law, along with his wife and two kids (that's a total of 4 adults and 4 kids), we chose the Loft Suite.  This room has a base occupancy of 6 and a maximum occupancy of 8.  We were totally comfortable with 8 of us in the room.  We had 2 queen beds, and a full bath on the first level.  Also on this level, a three-quarter wall created a semi-private living area with a full-size sleeper sofa. Upstairs (what kid doesn't love an upstairs!) featured a queen bed and half bath.  Some special features we enjoyed were the 3 TVs (one upstairs and two downstairs), microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker, and the all important FREE wi-fi.  To sum it up, the room was comfy, spacious, clean, up-to-date with "lodgy" furnishings, and came with all the necessities.

If you've got the extra cash and really want to "wow" the kiddos, you're gonna want to reserve a themed room.  Of course you're still going to get all the comfort, space, and necessities, but the kids will have their own area with either a cabin, tent, or cave theme.  It's totally awesome!  They even have their own tv inside. Say What?!  And that means they won't be watching your tv. *dancing around and humming a happy song*  I promise they will love you forever...or at least until the trip is over and you have to take them home, back to their uncool room that's not all tricked out. 

WHATCHA GONNA DO:  Duh, you're gonna go to the water-park and get wet!  But, once you've baked yourself long enough in the sun or white-knuckled enough thrilling water-slides, you may want to dry off and try a few other unique attractions GWL has to offer. (But first let me tell you about the park itself.)

            Water-park - Multiple water slides (ranging from toddler size on up to stomach-dropping, squealing fun), a wave pool, toddler pool and slides, lazy river, tree house with enormous dumping bucket, and activity pool with basketball and agility challenge - and that's only on the inside!  More water slides can be found outside along with another agility challenge, a wolf tower that sprays water every few minutes at the sound of a howling wolf, and a large zero-entry pool with pop up-fountains that transitions very gradually to 4 feet (that means there is a VERY large area for the little guys to wade around in without you worrying about them going under). I'm so not doing the water-park justice with only those few lines so check-out the website and prepare to be wowed! (link at the top of the page)

My littlest one having a great time in the toddler area.

Jumping some waves in the wave pool.

            MagiQuest - It's a live-action adventure game where kids explore an enchanted kingdom by traveling from one hotel floor to another, wielding their magic wand in order to accomplish multiple quests.  Every year we see tons of kids taking part in the MagiQuest, and not until this year did my sister-in-law give in and try it for her boys.  I was still thinking it was a waste of money, but boy was I wrong.  The kids LOVED it!  And, it really helped pass some time when we were done at the park for the day.  I figured it would only take a half hour or so to complete the quest, but wrong again I was.  There are nine quests included and it probably took the kids a few hours to complete.  I believe my sister-in-law said it cost $70-$80 for two wands (and quests) and the Compass Quest (which is an additional, more challenging quest once you've completed the MagiQuest).  And, if you plan to return to GWL at a later date, the wands are reusable. You just have to pay for the quest.

            This is one of those things that is completely unique to GWL, so if you're up to purchasing anything outside the water-park this one will surely win you the "Best Mom EVER" award.

            Scoops Spa - It's an ice cream themed spa just for girls. I wish I could give you some exact prices but we've never tried it.  I'm sure it's great (just like everything else at GWL), but I believe my girls are just a little too young for this one.

            Cub Club -  Created especially for little wolf pups in your party, it's packed with activities and crafts designed just for them. You're kiddos will enjoy free crafts and activities and if you so desire can create custom souvenirs (ranging from $5 - $15). It's a great diversion that will give those cute, pruney little hands a break from the water park fun.

            Be sure to also check out the Northern Lights Arcade, Laser Frenzy (an arcade-style lazer maze), and Howleywood (a motion simulated thrill ride). 

            Story time - Finally, something totally free!!  Every evening kiddos are encouraged to wear their pj's for the Clock Tower show followed by Story Time, located in the main lobby of the lodge.  My girls love this!  And our whole family sings the theme song for weeks after our trip...*sung in deep voice* "There's nothing to be scared of here. Trust in Mother Nature..."  We usually howl for a few weeks too cause there is a lot of that going on at story time. Afterwards, Wiley the Wolf made an appearance for hugs and pictures.  It was the perfect night-cap for our little ones.

Hugs from Wiley after Story Time.

It will be no surprise to you that all of these things line the long walkway that leads you from the elevator to the water-park.  It's the only way in and the only way out, so be prepared!  And even more importantly, prepare your children.  Otherwise, they will be begging for every sparkly thing they see.

Even though the lodge offers PLENTY to do for a weekend/short stay, it's worth noting that the town of Grapevine is loaded with fun things to do as well.  A quick internet search will supply you with all the info you need, but a few kid-friendly things the town boasts about are: Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Lego Land, and the Aquarium (all within just a couple miles of GWL).

WHO'S GONNA LOVE IT: 

• TODDLERS - YES!
• SCHOOL-AGE KIDDOS - YES!
• TEENAGERS - YES!
• PARENTS - YES!
• GRANDPARENTS - YES!
• those traveling with fido - NO!
• those who like to keep face/hair dry - NO!
• those wanting peace and quiet - NO!

The handful of times I've been to GWL, I've seen all ages (literally from a few months old to those keeping up with the grandkids), all sizes, and all styles.  There are big enough thrills for the adventure seekers and plenty of space for the those looking to have some low-key fun in the sun. You're just gonna love it...no matter who you are!

WHAT'S IT GONNA COST YA: Two arms, one leg, your first born, and the equivalent of one-third your mortgage. I'm kidding friends - totally kidding.  But it may feel that way if you haven't done your homework and made a budget...so get to work!

Room prices will seem outrageous at first glance (you're looking at approx. $400-$500 and up a night for a family of 4...DURING THE SUMMER), but remember that includes your water-park passes each day, along with early entry on day of check-in AND all-day entry on day of check-out.  That means once you have checked out at 11am you are free to stay the rest of the day.  

Room rates are extremely reasonable during the non-summer months (as low as $199 a night) and of course your best rates can be landed during the early half of the week (Monday and Tuesday especially) instead of on a weekend. Check out the "deals" tab on the website to find out how to save the most.

Now here's where it's gonna add up...all those fun things I told you about in the "Whatcha Gonna Do" section...they all come at a price and while some are quite reasonable (like the hair extensions, glitter tattoos, crafts at the Cub Club, and story time *this one is free*), others are gonna make you cringe as your youngster tugs at you while pleading about how much they NEED each and every one.  Have I not warned you to make a budget?  And I'm giving you permission right now to say 'No' when the budget has been maxed out.  My children are frequently reminded of the privilege of simply being there and I will reassure you that they are both still alive and didn't die like they thought they would when we said 'No' to a spa treatment for our 6 and 3 year olds.  This time around they were each treated to one hair extension (only about 8 bucks for both) and one glitter tattoo (about 15 bucks for both).  And, they got to run around with their cousins on the MagiQuest and thankfully they have really sweet cousins who shared their wands once in a while so they could work their own magic a few times.

WHATCHA GONNA EAT: Maybe a little, maybe a lot.  The good news is you've got options.  Personally, this isn't the place where I like to splurge on food, but that's only because I'm wearing a swimsuit for nearly 10 hours of the day and I'd rather not have to worry about sucking in my gut while trying to avoid looking like I'm 5 months pregnant.  So, we eat pretty light and thankfully GWL gives us that option along with some healthy choices.

Here's what we like to do in order to spare the waistline and save a bit of dough: first, we pack our own breakfast since it's usually not a huge meal for us anyway.  This includes: cereals, milk, fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal, along with disposable bowls and spoons.  We also pack lots of healthy snacks, mostly fruit.  Since a lot of these foods need to be refrigerated, we tote along a large wheeled ice chest and once in the room we store it all in the mini fridge.  For lunch, since we are usually at the pool at this time, we just hop out and dine in our swimming attire at the Spirit Island Snack Shop.  The name is a bit misleading as this is way more than a snack shop.  There are burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, plus a whole lot more.  The prices here are very reasonable, the food tastes great, portion sizes are plenty big, and they offer a fair amount of kid-friendly options.  Sometimes we even have dinner here if our appetites aren't too great. Other times at dinner we order a couple of meals to-go from Camp Critter Bar and Grill and then split them.  The prices here are a little higher, but you can expect the same excellent quality whether you order a specialty burger or traditional sandwich or salad.

Maybe your family loves the dining experience and you want to taste it all.  Then for breakfast you'll want to load up your plate at the Loose Moose Cottage buffet.  I believe the price per person (for anyone over age 3) is $13 and you will have plenty to choose from in order to get your moneys worth.  And I would bet your pallet will be pleased as well.  During the summer months, Loose Moose also offers a dinner buffet. 

Another breakfast option is Wake Up With Wiley at Camp Critter Bar and Grill (think Disney-style character breakfast) where you and the family eat breakfast with Wiley the Wolf and friends.  Adults: $17.99  Children (4-12): $14.99.  Reservations are suggested as space is limited and be sure to call ahead, especially during non-peak months, to verify which days of the week it is offered.

And there are still more options: How about Pizza Hut Express?  They have all the delicious choices you are used to including the pizza, breadsticks, and buffalo wings.  Or, not feeling like dragging the whole family out of the room?  Hungry As A Wolf offers fresh-from-the-oven homemade pizza and bread sticks to bring back to your suite and feed your pack.  From the reviews I've read, this is some pretty good grub.

When it's time to top it all off with a sweet treat, head to Bear Paw Sweets & Treats.  Specialty coffees, fresh baked pastries, ice cream and frozen treats, lodge-made fudge and fresh fruit are just a few of the items to tempt your tummy.  Can't live without your Starbucks?  They've got that too! 

WHAT MAKES 'EM SPECIAL: Just about everything...the massive water-park, the wolf theme that is incorporated into all aspects of the lodge, and all the unique "extra" things to do. 

• One of my favorite things...there are no room keys here.  GWL keys are coded into your water-park wristband (that everyone must wear).  And if you don't want the kiddos having a key then they don't get one (they just get a wristband to get them in the park, but they'll never know the difference).  You know what else is coded into that fancy wristband of yours? Your credit card (but only if you want to and only those individuals that you want to have it).  So how convenient is that?! You can head to the pool without worry of losing your key or someone snatching your money (do people really do that?!). 

• GWL has this great feature where you can "play all day".  That means once you have checked out of your room at 11am, you are free to stay the rest of the day.  Cool, right?!  Simply pack a small bag with only your necessities then store it in a locker while you catch all your favorite slides one last time.  Showers are available in the spacious water-park restrooms once you're ready to call it a day.

• Here's a special feature for ya...the water-park is open YEAR ROUND! Yep, they're open even during the winter since most of the park is indoors and temperatures can be  regulated so you can splash, squirt, and slide till your heart's content no matter what the weather is like outside.

************************

So, pack up your most figure-flattering swimsuit (you'll be wearing it A LOT), throw in a bunch of yummy snacks, charge up your waterproof camera, and make sure you've increased the limit on the credit card.  It's time to have a slip-sliding, splish-splashing, lazy river riding good time!  I promise, the kids are gonna remember this one for a long time.