We never imagined we’d be debating the merits of two equally appealing Great Wolf Lodges. Our family’s visits to Williamsburg, VA, and Perryville, MD, revealed just how uniquely delightful each resort can be. Here’s our detailed breakdown to help your family choose the perfect spot.
Two Great Wolf Lodges, Twice the Adventure
When planning a family getaway, Great Wolf Lodge is consistently at the top of our list. This year, we decided to try two locations: Williamsburg in June, followed by Perryville in July. Each lodge offered its own flavor of family fun, making our choice far tougher than expected.
Williamsburg: Making Waves with Waterpark Wonders
The Williamsburg waterpark immediately felt like an inviting aquatic playground. The standout feature for our family was the expansive wave pool. It felt deeper, giving even older kids plenty of room to dive, float, and splash. Seating around the pool was abundant, comfortable, and well-placed, offering perfect sightlines for watchful parents.
Yet the true highlight was Williamsburg’s gigantic tipping bucket. Its colossal splash turned waiting moments into pure excitement. Our kids stood eagerly each time, squealing as gallons of water cascaded down, creating lasting memories of pure joy.
The layout of the water attractions felt natural and easy to navigate. From lazy rivers to thrilling slides, everything flowed smoothly, allowing maximum enjoyment with minimal stress.
Perryville: Dry Adventures and Magical Quests
Perryville surprised us with its impressive collection of dry activities. Our kids couldn’t stop talking about the indoor rope course. Suspended high above, it challenged their courage and boosted their confidence. We also spent hours in the mini ten-pin bowling alley, where friendly competition made for lots of laughter.
MagiQuest in Perryville offered a little extra magic, too. Wandering through enchanted hallways with interactive challenges kept the kids entertained well into the evening. The mirror maze provided an additional unexpected delight, as we navigated endless reflections and playful confusion.
One downside: Perryville lacked laser tag and virtual reality, two activities our kids loved in Williamsburg. Still, the activities here were more than enough to keep everyone busy and happy.
Dining Delights at Both Lodges
Food at both locations was consistently tasty. We appreciated the variety—from quick snacks to sit-down dinners. Williamsburg had one small advantage: slushies were included with the soda sipper cup, whereas Perryville charged extra. This small detail became a notable perk during hot afternoons.
Detailed Family Fun Ratings

| Activity | Williamsburg | Perryville | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave Pool | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Williamsburg |
| Giant Bucket | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Williamsburg |
| MagiQuest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perryville |
| Rope Course | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perryville |
| Bowling | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perryville |
| Laser Tag | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | N/A | Williamsburg |
| Virtual Reality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | N/A | Williamsburg |
| Mirror Maze | N/A | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perryville |
| Overall Layout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Williamsburg |
Williamsburg emerged as our slight favorite due to its unmatched water features, but Perryville made a compelling case with its engaging dry adventures. Both locations offer frequent discounts and specials, ensuring a fantastic family vacation without overspending.
Our Top Tips for a Perfect Stay
- Always check for online discounts before booking your lodge stay.
- Opt for MagiQuest at either location. It’s a memorable experience your family won’t regret.
- Williamsburg’s soda sipper cup with included slushies is a must-have for families.
- Pack swimming goggles for the wave pool. We almost forgot ours but found these great goggles on Amazon at the last minute, and they saved the day: Best Family Swim Goggles.
- Don’t miss story time and dance parties—these unexpected moments made our evenings extra special.
Ultimately, whether your family prefers waterpark adventures or dry-land excitement, both Williamsburg and Perryville promise fantastic memories.
Does your family lean toward splashing in Williamsburg’s wave pool or conquering Perryville’s ropes course?

