Originally Posted By doombuggy Reports started back in April but given the past 4 years of false start dates I wanted to see it with my own eyes. Was very happy to see the land buzzing with activity, they are hoping for a Dec 2015 opening.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Wow. I'm really surprised that it actually happened. It will be interesting to see how this all works out. Is this the first GWL in an urban area? Most of the ones I've seen are fairly secluded from the nearby cities
Originally Posted By doombuggy "Is this the first GWL in an urban area?" Yes, all the others are pretty much out in the boonies.
Originally Posted By doombuggy I keep forgetting the lodge by Kings Island park which really isn't in the boonies.
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I would never stay there. I'd never be able to get my kids out of the pool to go to the parks, and I'd never pay their rates to stay there if we weren't even using the water park stuff much. I suppose if someone wanted to extend their visit by a day or two and stay there a night before or after visiting the parks at a closer hotel it'd be okay, but that sounds like a lot of effort.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>I keep forgetting the lodge by Kings Island park which really isn't in the boonies.<< There's also one near Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. It's only a couple miles from the attractions, but due to that area's (largely intentional) undeveloped areas and greenbelt it feels really remote
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance "*faints*" I was fully expecting you'd pass out when you read this thread, Hans, so I put a pillow under you to break your fall.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt Thank you CC. I won't be the only one fainting when the taxpayers in GG come to their senses in a few years after squandering their money on this boondoggle.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I know this has been asked and answered in the past, but it's been awhile and I can't recall the answer. What is the distance between GWL and DLR?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>What is the distance between GWL and DLR?<< If it's going on the site I'm thinking of (empty lot on the west side of Harbor Blvd, just before the road zig-zags), it looks like it's exactly 2 miles to the Harbor Blvd bus drop-off location. It's close enough that a shuttle ride would be pretty quick, but far enough away that it's not really associated with DLR in any meaningful way
Originally Posted By Dabob2 If they're smart enough to do a dedicated shuttle (and if the Candy Cane can have one, GWL certainly should with the rates they charge), they could create a nice niche for themselves. A shuttle from there to the drop-off area could take no longer than a tram from M&F when you add in the loading and waiting associated with the latter. Price-wise they could fill a middle niche between the cheaper but generic/unthemed Harbor Blvd. places and the more expensive Disney properties. You get the lodge-themed hotel itself, plus of course the water park. The GWL formula has proven successful with tourists and families both in out of the way areas and near major tourist areas like Williamsburg. If they get a dedicated shuttle and price themselves below Disney, they have a chance to be successful, I'd think.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA For those just joining us, GWL is Great Wolf Lodge. See more at <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.greatwolf.com">http://www.greatwolf.com</a>
Originally Posted By doombuggy There will be a shuttle there was never a doubt about that. One of the ideas they have is seeing if they can work some deal with ART or some other company where people just need to show their wrist bands.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I doubt they would be able to use ART (Anaheim Resort Transit), since they're outside of the Anaheim Resort District. Heck, they're outside Anaheim city limits, so that would make it even more difficult to use anything operated by Anaheim. They could use an OCTA bus, but their schedules probably wouldn't align with GWL's needs
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt It all sounds so convoluted and peculiar to me. I don't have kids, so perhaps I'm not getting it because I'm not in the demographic their going after. Why would anyone want to vacation there? It isn't really close enough to DLR to walk and GG isn't exactly what you'd call a top tier vacation destination. Maybe they're hoping to appeal to locals?
