Grand lodge water park, is it really that bad?

We plan on spending a weekend there only to enjoy the water park. Is it really thayt bad? would you go there again? Any tips?

Grand lodge water park, is it really that bad?

There are other waterparks in Minnesota that I think are better. We%26#39;ve stayed at waterparks in Brainerd, Otsego, Alexandria, and another one in the cities. I was least impressed by the MOA waterpark. First off, somebody never bothered to take into consideration that this is Minnesota and we have some cold winters. Two of the waterslides were shut down because of ice inside the slides. Plus, the waterpark was freezing. It was fine for older kids (the temperature I mean), but our toddler was miserable. I considered taking our son back in the waterpark the next day, but the air temp was even colder the second day, and the water temp wasn%26#39;t much better.

Next, we booked with three other families. We were all quoted different prices for the same package. Their packages come with UP TO four waterpark passes. We only needed three, but I made sure to ask for four in case someone else in our party needed one. Otherwise, purchasing waterpark passes separately is outrageously priced on weekends.

The zero depth area is great...for older kids. Our toddler was ran over repeatedly by bigger kids. The kids weren%26#39;t acting out of control, they were just having a good time. Plus, the bucket of water that dumps over every couple of minutes would easily knock over a small child. I really didn%26#39;t think that this hotel provided an area for younger kids where they wouldn%26#39;t be mauled by older kids. Other waterparks seem to have areas that attract older kids more, leaving the zero depth area more accessible for preschool kids. This zero depth area seemed to attrack older kids, leaving no area for preschoolers to have fun without running the risk of injury...keep in mind I was within a arms reach of my child the entire time.

The rooms were decent and came with a fridge and microwave. Some rooms also had bunk beds.

Maybe it%26#39;s just me, but it seemed like the tax and fees were higher than what we%26#39;ve experienced at other hotels in the twin cities. So, keep that in mind if you are on a budget.

I%26#39;ve read several reviews, and continue to read that this hotel isn%26#39;t worth the money. I would have to agree. Regardless, if you go, your kids will have fun. However, I just think there are waterparks in Minnesota that are a better value. Just because the MOA waterpark is bigger doesn%26#39;t mean it%26#39;s better.

Grand lodge water park, is it really that bad?

I haven%26#39;t been to the hotel/waterpark, but viewing from the interstate, their water (tube) slides actually run outside of the building. They don%26#39;t look too insulated either. They go out and then come right back into the building. I can see why they would have ice problems.

~JS

Now you have got me scared. I live in WI and work for a large waterpark here. My 9 year old son really wants to visit the park in MN. We are in the beginning stages of planning for the 1 week of April. Is it spring break there? How much are the passes if we dont stay there? Any tips or advise would be great.

tzim, if you haven%26#39;t made reservations yet (or if you have and can cancel), there are at least two other indoor water parks in the Twin Cities of which I am aware. There is the Grand Rios Indoor Water Park Hotel, which I can attest is wonderful.

http://www.grandrios.com/

There is also The Depot in downtown Minneapolis, which has two hotels and an indoor water park.

http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/

Finally, there is a Residence Inn in Edina (a suburb southwest of Minneapolis) that is next door to Edinborough Park, which has a pool and a large playground with a climbing wall. I%26#39;m not sure if there is a water park or not in connection with the pool, but you could certainly contact them to find out.

marriott.com/hotels/…

edinboroughpark.com/content/…

The Depot in downtown Minneapolis is a short walk to the light rail, which can take you to the Mall Of America, if you are so inclined.

Grand Rios is owned by Wirth Companies, which owns The Grand Hotel and The Waterpark of America. Also owned is The Grand, a 4 star hotel downtown Minneapolis. Or so it claims to be a 4 star.

Thanks! Prices at the Grand Lodge are crazy for Spring Break so I am doing some reconsideration. Has very limited hours Sun-Thurs if they are open at all. Not worth the price in my book. I live in the Waterpark Capitol of the WORLD. Thanks for the web site i will check them out. Thinking of staying at the Days Inn , can you buy tickets to the Depot waterpark without staying? How much are the tickes? We love MN sooo nice up there!!!!

Non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass for $20, but they are available only on a limited basis. They recommend calling to verify availability.

More information is on the website:

thedepotminneapolis.com/newSite/waterpark.asp

It is spring break for k-12 the first week of April

I%26#39;m booking a room for a night during spring break for $165 of a Deluxe King with bunk beds! Go to www.hotel-rates.com/us/minnesota/bloomington/ and look for Grand Lodge. Tickets alone to the park are $40/person during the sping break week, so may as well get the room to go with it!

Gran rios has so much chlorine in the water,It smells of chemicals. I had an allergic reaction and had to go to the hospital to get a shot of steroids so I could open my eyes. It%26#39;s crowded and dull and not good if yout kids are over 9. My 7 year old got bored. Bloomington waterpark is much much much better. There are more things to do- basketball, slides, surfing, young people play area. More athletic activies that involve a little muscle stimulation. Not at gran Rios. My 18 , 16 , 12 and 7 year were all happy and so was I. Lower chlorine levels and very clean.

Please give it a try. Great winter break.