Construction at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland is nearly complete, with just a few weeks to go before trading hard hats for swimsuits.
The largest and newest Great Wolf Lodge waterpark, is located just off I-95 at 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway in Perryville, less than half an hour from Newark. The location is next to Perryville’s Hollywood Casino.
See an updated view of the site’s progress.
The funny thing
The lodge and water park are starting to come together as the grand opening approaches. The park now has running water in it, and the outdoor deck is fully developed with a beach-entry pool and hot tub.
Stations for the lodge’s “Magiquest” experience are also starting to take shape. Described as a “video game come to life”, users will use special wands provided by the lodge to save the enchanted forest that runs through the sprawling resort.
The 57,000 square foot adventure park now has six bowling lanes, 9-hole mini golf, an overhead ropes course and arcade set up, with adjoining food and beverage stations surrounding the perimeter of the lobby.
The water park slides are almost complete, once the official slide tester ensures their safety. To the right of the water park are the two new rides that were advertised in the months leading up to the opening, High Paw Howler and Forest Flume. There’s also the Mountain Edge Raceway, where four individuals can compete in a timed race to the bottom of the slide.
Also set up is the Wolf Tail ride, one of the staples of Great Wolf Lodge. Guests climb one by one into a capsule and carefully wait for the trap door at their feet to release and drop them 15 feet in a 270-degree loop around the outside of the building.
A lazy river, wave pool and children’s play area are also set up.
Food, drink and shopping
In terms of food and beverage options, the lodge includes a Dunkin’ next door creamery and a full service restaurant, the Barnwood Restaurant. The largest a’la carte dining experience in the resort’s portfolio, Barnwood Restaurant can hold 327 occupants and serve delicacies local to the area (remember this is in Maryland, so think crab).
The retail center will be finished in the next few weeks, but will include a floor-to-ceiling candy display and a Build-a-Bear workshop for visitors.
Rooms will also be available to rent for birthday parties, family reunions and corporate retreats. Birthday party reservations can start being made on June 16 for August 6 at the earliest. Guests do not need to stay overnight to rent a party or conference space.
Bookings and pricing
The resort will open limited reservations starting June 14, a week before its grand opening on June 29, with a new promotion for interested guests. Families can get 40% off a one-night stay or 50% off a multi-night stay when booking travel between June 14 and March 31, 2024. Guests can use the code “EARLYOPEN” at Great Wolf Lodge websiteand must book by May 17.
Bookings for the lodge have started filling up. According to Nadine Miracle, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, the 700 rooms will be opened gradually, depending on demand and how fast the opening weekend goes.
Amenities other than the water park including the adventure park and food and beverage options must be purchased separately or purchased in a pass package, all of which are listed on the resort’s website. Day passes won’t be available until mid-summer.
Prices for a typical 3-day, 2-night visit for a family of four average about $860, or $430 per night, without any discounts added. Finding a time during the week or in the fall when the resort is less busy can help avoid crowds and steep prices.
Contact Molly McVety at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @mollymcvety.
