Great Wolf Lodge, a Wisconsin-based indoor water resort chain, broke ground yesterday on a new outpost in Garden Grove—its first in California and only the second on the West Coast, reports the LA Times. The indoor resorts are a hit in places where there's often (or ever) snow or rain, but in the pleasant clime of Orange County, it doesn't seem that necessary. (Regardless, it looks fun.) What is necessary is regulating those crowds, and that's why the 100,000-square-foot water park will be available exclusively to overnight visitors of the resort's 600-room, suites-only hotel. "It's never overrun, never overcrowded, and there are always plenty of towels," says a rep for Great Wolf Resorts. That's a stark contrast to recent claims of untamable crowds at nearby Disneyland. Come 2016, when the park's scheduled to open, there will definitely be (manageable?) queues waiting to rocket through rides with incredible, wilderness-inspired names like the Howlin' Tornado slide (a signature ride that combines a giant funnel with a six-story drop) or the Wolf Tail slide, involving a 360-degree loop.
Inside the hotel, says the press release from Garden Grove, there will be a world of watery enchantment:
· Themed suites: "Kids will love the unique cave-themed Wolf Den and log cabin-themed KidCabin® suites created just for them. Complete with bunk beds these room styles offer kids a private and cozy place to sleep after a fun-filled day."
-Interactive games: "MagiQuest, a live-action, adventure game where kids use wands as they embark on quests throughout the resort, while battling dragons, collecting gold and saving pixies."
-Pedicures you'll want to eat: "Scooops® Kid Spa, perfect for ice cream-themed manicures and pedicures."
The development of the property, previously the site of a motel, a trailer park, and a bar, has taken years. Last fall, the city gave the $300-million project a $5 million-dollar subsidy; the city expects to make about $8 million a year in taxes from the resort.
· Hotel with exclusive indoor water park is rising near Disneyland [LAT]
· City of Garden Grove: Great Wolf Lodge Groundbreaking [Official Site]
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