April 7, 2009

Great Wolf Opens First Indoor Waterpark Resort in Southeast

Concord, N.C. -- Families looking for spring break fun have an entirely new option with the opening of the Great Wolf Lodge resort in Concord. This 475,000 square-foot northwoods-themed family indoor waterpark resort is a first of its kind attraction in the Southeast.

The $100-million Great Wolf Resort opened in time for spring break on March 31 and will hold its official grand opening later this month.

The main draw of this 400-room resort is an 80,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with tube rides, body slides, pools and an interactive water playground.

"I have children myself, and I know that by the time spring break rolls around, they're more than ready to shake off winter with a waterpark adventure," Great Wolf Resorts Chief Executive Officer Kim Schaefer. "We are excited that the 22 local contractors and staff could open the Lodge in time for the school vacation, giving families in the southeast their first taste of what our family resorts are all about."

The resort's indoor waterpark has attractions that appeal to all ages. At the center of the waterpark is Fort Mackenzie, a four-story water fort with 12 levels of interactive water features and topped with a giant, dumping water bucket.

There are also toddler-friendly pools, slides for the under four-foot bunch and thrilling attractions like the River Canyon Run family raft ride, Howlin' Tornado funnel tube ride and Mountain Edge Raceway side-by-side racing mat slides.

The waterpark is heated to a tropical 84 degrees and will operate year-round with regardless of weather outdoors.

Besides the water activities Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor 18-hole miniature golf course, video arcade with more than 100 games and the Cub Club children's activity center.

"Waterpark passes are included with the cost of the stay, good from the day you check in right through check-out day," said Schaefer.

The resort has more than 400 guest suites in nine different family friendly configurations.

There is also spa for adults and one for children and two themed on-property restaurants. Great Wolf Lodge also has a snack shop inside the waterpark and several fast food options including a Pizza Hut Express and Dunkin Donuts.

The official Grand Opening planned for April 24 will feature a concert by Walt Disney Records Recording Artist Mitchel Musso, known for his role as Oliver Oken on the Disney Channel sitcom, "Hannah Montana".

The concert and other festivities that evening will be open only to guests staying at the resort that night.

Great Wolf Lodge resort is located off Bruton Smith/Speedway Boulevard and I-85 at 10175 Weddington Road. For more information, see Great Wolf Lodge Concord.

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