JJ5

Yes, I'm going.

Group of 21 people, and it looks like it might be the Chula Vista Resort.

I haven't been at this location in any season in 25 years, but this one will be peak summer, mid-July for 4 days.

I would like any inputs you have re possible comparisons to tours, side trips on the WI River/Delton, waterparks in the area, etc.

It seems as if many of the biggest in the USA (waterparks) are in close proximity here. If you have been to several, please compare /give your opinions.

Restaurant rec's that welcome children would be appreciated too, as would any other logistics for summer drive from Chicago.

There are 5 kids from 5 to 13 included.

Thanks, so much.

I will probably take them all to Milwaukee for a Sox game on the way home.

JJ5

Not one answer?

Has no one been to Great Wolf or Noah's Ark or done any of the rafting, canoing routes?

bethke14

Of all the outdoor water parks in the area, I think Noah's Ark is the best, hands down (I've been to several.) It's certainly the biggest and IMO has the best water slides. It's just huge, and is a blast. There's also a lazy river and an adventure river, as well wave pools.

As far as indoor water parks, Kalahari is the best in the area, though Great Wolf is good too.

Devil's Lake State Park is nearby and is gorgeous. It has a beautiful lake and lots of hiking/climbing. It's great to take a picnic and spend the day there swimming, hiking, reading, playing Frisbee or football or cards or whatever, and just enjoying the outdoors.

I don't have any rec's on restaurants, because we always do picnics when we go to the Dells. If you go to an outdoor water park, I'd think about stashing some snacks and drinks in a cooler and leave it in the car so you can take a mid-afternoon break and not have to spend a bundle on sodas and bottles of water.

Enjoy your trip!

Kelly1212

I agree that Noah's Ark is the best waterpark. It's been several years since I've been, but it's always had the most & best waterslides and things to do.
Another thing we did when I was in the Dells was take a duck-boat tour of the Dells. You get to learn some history of the area, along with getting a little wet (if you're into that sort of thing.)I also agree completely with the last poster about Devil's Lake. It's an incredible place to hike.
I can't supply any restaurant recommendations, as I can't remember where we ate. But you might check this out: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/327879

Hope this helps. Have a fun trip!

JJ5

Thanks, Kelly. That is a good link.

I'm making the reservations next week. We are going to be at Chula Vista with the indoor park there because they have a good and large 3 bedroom Condo right on the WI River, but I think we will spend 1 day at Noah's Ark- especially if it is a hot, hot July day.

We are going to do the Ducks and some shows too. This is what my smallest grandkids want to do, and then the slightly older may take a canoe day with their Dad from some of the tributary outposts down into the River.

Now having been there is so long, I rather need to study the logistics a little more. But we will have cars, so I don't think it will be a problem, if we need to drive 10 miles or so every once in awhile.

Any more inputs are welcome, especially if you have stayed at Wilderness Lodge.

drivergirl

I'm planning a trip for my family of 22 for June age 2-60yrs.It hasnt been ez.Kudos!Everyone with a different $ to spend and kids of differnt ages.One family wants the cheapest,one the best,one with no opinion(til we get there),one want an all kiddie water park,one wants all big slids.Its our first all the family trip.
My immediate family loves chula vista and for convience and planning,we do all inclusive.I always get a balcony room on the river.We perfer big fun less people.Polynesian is good for everyone also.
As for side trips we liked Dungeon Quest(?),its on the strip.We also do the old time photos and a duck ride.A little modern and a little history.
For dinning we like Paul Bunyans and Pizza pub has a nice buffet if your looking to fill up.We bring non perishable food along to heat in the micro or lunch meat for sandwiches and juice boxes.Also don't forget to pick up the Dells coupon book its $20 and can pay for its self in 1 use.
Have a great trip!

JJ5

Do I request the Dells Coupon book by mail? I asked for something on line and never got it, but maybe you can pick them up in town?

I'm going to Baltimore in April, but I'm really looking forward to July and Chula Vista as well as summer lake weekends in MI.

Thanks, drivergirl, your post has helped me at this time, we are just deciding some last things on Easter next Sunday. Good timing, on this thread you brought up.

And I hear it is supposed to be a hot humid summer.

wiginn

The Wisconsin Dells is an often-requested summer destination for my family. We have stayed at the Kalahari, the Great Wolf and the Wilderness. The Wilderness has three separate indoor waterparks and multiple outdoor water parks. Plan to do alot of walking to go from one to the other. Great facility, though!

The Kalahari is my family's favorite - the indoor activities are all together - so even though it can be a hike from your room to the waterpark, once you're there, you don't have to walk between multiple indoor areas. Have never been there in the summer, though - so can't comment on the outdoor area, except that it looks nice.

Noah's Ark is a great time on a hot July day! Duck rides are a fun diversion.

Places to eat: Paul Bunyan's for breakfast (love those doughnuts)!
Moose Jaw for dinner - great arcade/game room in the lower level to keep the kids occupied while waiting for your food and the adults relax.

You can't buy dells coupon books in the dells...they offer them online at http://www.dellscoupons.com/
Check it out first though to see if the coupons are something you'd use - they vary each year.

Have fun!!!

frugaltraveler

I just came thru that area last weekend.. we spent some time and $$ at the Tanger Mall behind the Great Wolf Lodge. Also, Monk's Pub has a new restaurant just down the road ( you can't miss it). When we were there, there were several families of lots of kids in the non-smoking section - so its not really a bar atmosphere. The Dells area has really exploded and is much cleaner than what I remember as a kid. I have several friends that have stayed at Chula Vista in the last year and they think its wonderful. You will have a great time, the duck ride on the river is beautiful.

JJ5

Thanks for your replies. I located the coupon books online last week, and will get some.

Giving me those restaurant rec's helped too. My oldest friend is only 35 minutes away too in Wisconsin Rapids, so we are going to have a truly delightful week.