According to the Wall Street Journal, the tradition of families taking annual trips to amusement parks like Disney or Universal is dwindling, with millennial parents opting for smaller trips throughout the year instead. This shift in travel habits is leading people to explore more local road trips rather than traveling to big-name theme parks. One alternative destination that is growing in popularity is Great Wolf Lodge, known for its indoor water parks that are kept at a comfortable 84 degrees year-round. With over 20 locations in the US and Canada, and more on the way, about 90% of the US population will live within a four-hour drive of a Great Wolf Lodge.
Great Wolf Resorts is expanding its franchise with new locations set to open in Houston, Texas and Naples, Florida this year, and another planned for 2025 as part of the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. The company’s chief executive, John Murphy, highlighted the accessibility of the resorts to the majority of the US population, making it a convenient and desirable destination for families. Josh Martin, president and creative director of Martin Aquatic, a design and engineering firm, praised Great Wolf Lodge for its branding as a true destination and bringing the destination experience directly to guests with its expansion efforts.
One of the key selling points of Great Wolf Lodge is the convenience of having everything in one location. Families can enjoy a variety of water-based activities such as waterslides and lazy rivers, as well as other attractions like ropes courses, mini golf, bowling alleys, mirror mazes, and Build-A-Bear Workshops. The resorts also offer a range of dining options, eliminating the need for families to venture outside for meals. For parents like John Shaw, who frequent Great Wolf Lodge with his wife and three kids, the convenience of having all the fun activities in one place without the need to drive around is a major factor in choosing the resort for their family vacations.
With the rising costs of park tickets, hotel stays, airfare, gas, and food at popular theme park destinations, families are finding Great Wolf Lodge to be a more affordable and convenient alternative for their vacations. The trend of opting for smaller, more frequent trips over one big annual vacation seems to be catching on with millennial parents who are looking for budget-friendly options closer to home. The success of Great Wolf Lodge’s branding as a family-friendly destination and the convenience of having all amenities in one location are key factors driving its popularity and expansion across the US and Canada.
In conclusion, the shift in family travel habits towards smaller, more frequent trips and local road trips is evident in the decline of annual visits to big-name theme parks like Disney and Universal. The increasing popularity of Great Wolf Lodge as a convenient, affordable, and family-friendly destination is a testament to this trend. With its expansion efforts bringing more locations closer to a majority of the US population, Great Wolf Resorts is catering to the changing needs and preferences of modern families. By offering a wide range of indoor water-based activities, attractions, dining options, and the convenience of having everything in one location, Great Wolf Lodge is positioning itself as a desirable vacation destination for families looking for a magical experience without the hefty price tag.
