Anaheim's Great Wolf Lodge: LA's Ultimate Family Getaway!
Hotel Review: A Whirlwind Tour (and Some Stumbles) Through the Luxurious…Well, Let's Just Say "Hotel"!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a hotel stay that could be summarized as a rollercoaster… but maybe the kind with one of those jerky, slow-motion climbs before a disappointingly short drop. Let's dive in, shall we? And please, forgive the scattered thoughts – I'm still processing.
(META: Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurants, Swimming Pool, WiFi, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Room Features, Services, Family Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Luxury Hotel, Hotel Experience, Travel Review )
Accessibility – The Start of the Story (or a Few Steps Backward):
First, the good news! They technically have facilities for disabled guests. Elevators are a must, and they were there. The website blurb promises a smooth experience. But… my friend Sarah, who uses a wheelchair? She had a little trouble in the lobby. Not impossible, just… awkward. Like, the ramp was a bit steeper than necessary, and the automatic doors occasionally got a mind of their own. Not a deal breaker, but room for serious improvement. And the thought of a wheelchair in the pool view? The pool seemed to have a bunch of stairs.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Well technically yes to some. So it wasn't awful, but not great.
Wheelchair accessible: See Above. Could be better
(RANT ALERT: I hate when hotels claim to be accessible and then it's a struggle. Come on, people! It's the 21st century!)
Internet – Wi-Fi Woes & Wired Wonders:
Okay, so, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Technically true. But the signal? Let's just say I spent more time reconnecting than actually working. I swear, I saw tumbleweeds rolling across my laptop screen at one point. Thank god for the free Wi-Fi in public areas. That worked, even if I was crowded with people.
Internet [LAN]: Now, the LAN? That was a blast from the past! Like, dial-up fast. But stable. I mean, if you're into the nostalgia of the old-school internet experience.
(ANECDOTE: I actually ended up connecting to LAN for a few hours and that was surprisingly useful, if only for the novelty. It's like they pulled it from a museum exhibit.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Bliss and a Bit of a Letdown:
The Fitness center? Decent. Basic equipment, clean, but nothing to write home about. The pool with a view was amazing! Beautiful! The view made that a winner!
Spa/sauna/steamroom and the other spa treatments? That was where they got me. I indulged in a body scrub, which was heavenly. Like, I drifted off to another dimension, the exfoliation soothed my soul… and the massage was equally incredible. They also offered a foot bath. I will not lie: this was the best part of my stay.
(EMOTIONAL REACTION: Seriously, the spa saved the whole experience. I felt like a new human being after that! But a quick shoutout to that pool with the view.)
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic Protocols and Paranoid Thoughts:
The hotel definitely tried. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol. They had a bunch of things to make it safe. You could tell they were trying, which is important.
And, this is great: Room sanitization opt-out available. That’s kind, and very welcome!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious (Mostly) Food:
Restaurants: The international cuisine in the restaurants was great. I got Western Breakfast every day, no regrets. The buffet? Not bad. The poolside bar was a definite highlight. (ANECDOTE: I spent far too much time there, sipping cocktails and judging people. But the people-watching was unparalleled.)
Room service [24-hour]: a lifesaver on my bad days.
A la carte in restaurant, Bottle of water, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I had a lot of things for my enjoyment in this category.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing:
Concierge: helpful, but could sometimes take a while to respond to requests. Daily housekeeping: spotlessly clean. The cleaning staff seemed really efficient. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: The standards of a luxury hotel. Cash withdrawal: easy, very convenient.
For the Kids – Family Fun or Another Misunderstanding?
Babysitting service: I didn't use it. Family/child friendly: They said so, but I got the feeling a lot of the amenities were more for adults. Kids facilities, Kids meal: These seemed to be advertised but not really visible. (CONFESSION: I don't have kids, so maybe I just missed the memo. But it didn't look like a kid-centric paradise.)
Available in All Rooms – The Essentials (and Some Extras):
Okay, here's where they mostly nailed it:
- Air conditioning: Crucial, especially in this climate.
- Alarm clock: Check
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Always appreciate that touch of comfort.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for sleeping in. (Or hiding from your responsibilities.)
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea: Hello, convenience!
- Daily housekeeping: They kept things gleaming.
- Desk, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace: Essential for any work I had to do.
- Hair dryer: A must-have.
- In-room safe box: Always appreciated.
- Mini bar: Well-stocked.
- Wi-Fi [free]: (See above… the good, the bad, the ugly of it.)
- Window that opens: I love this.
The Verdict – A Mixed Bag, but Worth a Shot (For the Spa Alone):
Overall, would I recommend this hotel? Yes… with a few caveats. The spa experience alone almost makes it worth it. Just be prepared for potential internet issues, some accessibility hiccups, and maybe a little confusion if you're traveling with kids. But that pool view, the kind staff, and the luxurious amenities? Those are definitely winners. And if nothing else, the spa will save you!
(FINAL RATING: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Room for improvement, but some truly shining moments.)
Waynesburg's BEST Hampton Inn? (PA) Reviews & Hidden Perks!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to plunge headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and probably chlorine-tinged abyss that is the Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim. This isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal. My soul (and possibly my sanity) is still recovering.
Pre-Trip Ramblings: (The Anticipation… and the Dread)
- The Booking Debacle: I swear, getting a decent deal at GWL is like winning the lottery. I spent hours clicking, comparing, and agonizing over the "Paw Pass" versus the "Wolf Pass." In retrospect? Doesn't really matter. You end up spending a fortune on slushies and glow-in-the-dark stuff anyway.
- The Packing Panic: Ah, the joy. Swimsuits, inflatable pool toys (because obviously), enough sunscreen to butter an entire whale, and a small pharmacy filled with remedies for everything from chlorine burn to existential dread. I swear I packed more for this three-day trip than I did for my actual wedding.
- The Pre-Trip Anxiety: Am I forgetting anything? Will the kids fight the whole time? Will I lose my wallet in the wave pool? (Spoiler alert: the answer to all of the above is YES.)
Day 1: Arrival - Whirlwinds and Watery Misery
- 1:00 PM - The Pilgrimage Begins: Okay, so it's about an hour's drive, maybe a little more depending on Los Angeles traffic. But what's an hour when you're this excited? Well, I'll tell you what: You're not excited when the car overheats in the middle of the 405. (True story. My first taste of GWL, and I'm already sweating.)
- 1:45 PM - Arrival (and Initial Enthusiasm): Holy moly, the lobby! All animatronic characters, a roaring fireplace, and kids practically vibrating with excitement. Mine included. I was momentarily blinded by the sheer, sugary-sweet joy. I'm starting to think this might be worth it.
- 2:00 PM - The Room: "Cozy" is an Overstatement: We got our room and, well, it’s not exactly the Ritz-Carlton. But hey, it has a bunk bed! I'm pretty sure the last guests were a family of raccoons, judging by the crumbs under the bed. We dumped our stuff and immediately made a beeline for the water park.
- 2:30 PM - Water Park Mayhem (The Initial Thrill): The water park is a swirling, splashing, screaming vortex of fun. My kids immediately beelined for the slides. I bravely followed, clinging to the railings for dear life. The first ride was… okay, actually pretty fun. For about ten seconds, then I swallowed a mouthful of chlorine and briefly considered my life choices.
- 3:30 PM - The Wave Pool: Titanic Disaster, Minus the Romance: The wave pool? Chaos. Pure, glorious, salt-water-tinged chaos. Trying to keep track of two kids in a churning ocean of screaming children and rogue inflatable toys? A Herculean task. I swear I saw a rogue banana peel float by at one point. (This might be a lie brought on by dehydration.)
- 4:30 PM - Dinner Disaster (and the Quest for Hydration): Ate at the "Lodge Wood Fired Grill," which was supposed to be a culinary experience of sorts. I would give this a 5/10, as my kid was not having it, and I had to sit and eat what was left of their meals. We wanted to go for a walk after, but we were tired.
- 6:00 PM - Story Time and Bedtime Rituals: It's not going to happen. No, there will be no calming of the children. They're hyped on sugar, chlorine, and pure adrenaline. It took approximately three hours to finally get the kids to sleep, and by then, I was ready to join them in a coma.
- 7:00 PM - The Game Room: I might have spent a bit of time here, but it's mostly for kids.
- 8:00 PM - Late Night Meal: If only there was something like room service. No, I'm eating pizza on the couch again. I have no energy to do anything.
- 9:00 PM - The End: One parent is asleep on the couch. The other is scrolling through endless social media.
Day 2: Embrace the Chaos (and the Chlorine)
- 8:00 AM - The Buffet (or "The Feeding Frenzy"): The morning starts with a breakfast buffet. It's a battlefield. Plates clatter, kids whine, and you're competing with a swarm of other hungry humans. The bacon? Cold. The coffee? Weak. But you eat it anyway because you're fueled by parental desperation.
- 9:00 AM - Back to the Water Park (because what else is there to do?): We attempt the slides again. This time, I'm a little more jaded. I've accepted the inevitable chlorine-induced wrinkles. We hit up some smaller slides and I just watch now.
- 10:00 AM - MagiQuest: (The Quest for Sanity): MagiQuest. The game where you give your kids a magic wand and they run around the hotel for hours, solving quests and battling dragons. Great in theory, exhausting in practice. I watched my kids navigate the hotel like they had a secret map.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: (More food. MORE CHLORINE.): A quick bite at the "Buckets Incredible Craveables" for an easy option. The food? Predictable. The price? Outrageous.
- 1:00 PM - More Water, More Mayhem: The day just cycles through this over and over.
- 4:00 PM - Adventure Park (The Arcade!): I'm not a huge fan of this, because it's pretty much an empty money pit.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner (Again, somewhere. I can't even remember the name.)
- 6:00 PM - Story Time and Bedtime Rituals: And again.
- 7:00 PM - The Game Room: Again.
- 8:00 PM - Late Night Meal: Again.
- 9:00 PM - The End: One parent is asleep on the bed. The other is drinking one last drink. And praying for the sweet release of the next day.
Day 3: The Escape (and the Hangover from Happiness)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (You get the picture.): Same as Day 2.
- 9:00 AM - Water Park (One Last Hurrah): After we got our stuff, we enjoyed the water park for a final time. The crowds seemed a bit thinner. It was bittersweet, but also: I'm going to be very happy to get out of here.
- 10:00 AM - Final Slide Runs: My kids and I went to do the slides one last time.
- 11:00 AM - Checkout (Freedom is Near!): We packed our things, said goodbye to the Lodge, and got the heck out of there. (I literally heard angels singing.)
- 12:00 PM - The Drive Home (The Silent Reflection): The drive home was quiet. Exhaustion had kicked in. I realized that GWL is a chaotic, expensive, and slightly ridiculous place. And… I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe. After a long nap.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- The Lifeguards: Bless them. They are the unsung heroes of GWL. They maintain calm, safety, and a smile in the face of sheer water park pandemonium.
- The Smell: It's a mix of chlorine, pizza, and pure unadulterated joy. You'll be smelling it for weeks.
- The Kids: They will scream. They will whine. They will beg for things you swore you wouldn't buy. But they will also have a blast, and that's what counts. Right?
- My Emotional State: A roller coaster. At times ecstatic, at times on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Mostly just tired.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend Great Wolf Lodge? Absolutely. But go in knowing it's not a relaxing vacation. It's an experience. A messy, wild, unforgettable experience. And bring a lot of sunscreen. And maybe a therapist. Just kidding… maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Kumarakom's Kalathil Lake Resort Awaits!
So, you want a lizard? Are you *insane*?
Okay, okay, first things first. The rational side of me (which, let’s be honest, is often on permanent vacation) says, "Think this through, Sarah." But the lizard-loving, reptile-obsessed goblin that dwells *deep* within my soul? She's already picked out the perfect leopard gecko and named him Reginald. (Don't judge, I have good names). So, are *you* insane? Mostly, probably. But hey, at least you're considering it. Let's roll with this...
What kind of lizard is right for a total newbie? And can I get a cute one? ('Cause let's be honest here...)
Right, so "newbie-friendly." That's Code for: "Won't immediately require a PhD in Herpetology to keep alive." You *could* go with the classic: Leopard Geckos. They're relatively chill, come in a million adorable color morphs (Reginald, as I mentioned, is a tangerine dream), and don't *demand* bugs every. single. day. Good luck finding them looking cute though, they often find themselves lying flat like they are dead.
Now, here’s the truth bomb: "Cute" is subjective. You'd think I wouldn't be one to comment but I'm absolutely judging you on how you find the lizard. I personally find Bearded Dragons rather handsome if they looked a bit more active. But don't get me started on how many people just want a tegu because it's bigger! If you're looking for "cute" with a capital C, stick with a gecko or maybe a crested gecko. They are pretty. Then comes getting them to eat. Ugh.
Okay, bugs. Seriously. How many bugs am I signing up for? And do they *escape*?
Oh, the bugs. The crunchy, wriggling, protein-packed *nightmares*. It depends on the lizard, of course. Some (like the aforementioned leopard gecko) can get by with dubia roaches, mealworms and crickets. Others... well, let's just say if you don't like the idea of your house becoming a buffet for escapee crickets, maybe reptiles aren't your jam.
Do they escape? OH, YES. They absolutely do. I've had crickets chirping merrily from behind the stove for weeks, taunting me with their incessant "ChIRp ChIRp!" The horror! And let me tell you, finding a rogue cricket in your bed at 3 AM is a life experience you won't soon forget. Prepare yourself. Also, expect to be judged by your friends.
What about the *smell*? Because I have... strong opinions about smells.
Alright, the smell. The often-overlooked (until it slaps you in the face) fact of life with reptiles. Some lizards are relatively odorless. (Hallelujah!) But, let's face it – you're dealing with poop. And poop, dear friend, *smells*. Especially if you're not on top of the cleaning.
This is one of my main reasons I haven't gotten a snake. And the number one mistake? Choosing the wrong substrate. I could rant for hours how the first few weeks with my new lizard, Reginald, was a hellish smell-fest. The wrong substrate traps the smell like a festering swamp. Proper ventilation, regular spot-cleaning, and the right substrate are essential. (I learnt through trial and more error than I'd like to admit.). But hey, at least you're forewarned!
How much does this *actually* cost?! Because I'm on a (barely) budget.
Ah, the wallet-draining potential! Look at it this way: the initial setup will be the biggest hit. You'll need a terrarium (the fancy word for the housing), a heat lamp, a UVB bulb, a thermostat to control the heat, hides (they need places to feel secure!), a water bowl, food and water... The costs can snowball.
My advice? Shop around. Check Craigslist or Facebook marketplace for used terrariums. Buy your supplies gradually. And don't skimp on the essentials! This is *not* where you want to start cutting corners. You're already committed to spending on bugs, don't add the cost of a vet bill to the equation!
And feeding? What do they *eat*? (And can I just feed them pizza rolls?)
About the pizza rolls... No. Nope. Absolutely not. Lizards are not tiny, scaly garbage disposals, even if you wish they were. Most lizards are insectivores, meaning their primary diet is bugs. Crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches (look them up), superworms... the list goes on. Some eat vegetables and fruit. Some eat mice. (I'm looking at *you*, snakes.)
The amount of work is the problem. For Reginald, the adorable gecko? The first week was a disaster. I tried preparing the bug feed myself and it was gross! I switched to a pre-made commercial diet. I was mortified that I had to add a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement to their food. It was messy, and a pain. But I became a pro!
I'm SO tempted. But what if I mess it up? What if I fail?
Okay, deep breaths. It's a valid fear. It's a *huge* fear. Keeping any living thing alive is a responsibility. And yes, you *could* mess it up. You could forget to feed it. You could let the heat lamp burn out and your lizard could be freezing. You could accidentally feed it something toxic. The list goes on.
Here's my brutally honest take: You *will* make mistakes. I'm pretty sure you will. We all do! I spent about 3 days terrified I had killed Reginald my first time. Read everything. Talk to experienced reptile owners. Ask questions. Be prepared for the learning curve. Be prepared for the anxiety. Even the best snake keepers can experience death by shedding. And love them. Love your lizard.
Okay, I'm on the fence still. What's the *best* AND *worst* thing about having a lizard?
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