Kalahari vs Splash Universe vs GWL

Updated on July 29, 2009
N.R. asks from Macomb, MI
14 answers

HI everyone,

My husband and I have decided to go away for a few days with the kids, but we can't decide where (big problem huh?!)
Last year we took my kids to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City and they loved it (they were 3 and 5 at the time). They went on every water slide and were there from open to close! We would like to try somewhere new this year but am concerned that other places would not be as good. Does anyone have experience at Kalahari or splash universe and would they be good for a 4 and 6 year old.

Thanks,

N.

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L.M.

answers from Detroit on

I've been to them all. GWL is great for younger kids, and Kalahari is good for older kids. It's much bigger and they have more slides. So I guess it's what you want. My kids love both. We like GWL because of the area too. You can't go wrong with Traverse City.

More Answers

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K.S.

answers from Detroit on

Hi N.,

I have 2 boys 6 and 12 they LOVE Kalahari. We have been going since my little one was 4. There are a few slides that you must be 48 inches but for the most part he can do what he wants. Find a special on their website though and save some $$.

K.

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L.K.

answers from Detroit on

Michigan Adventure might be a good choice. They have both rides and an entire waterpark area.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Lansing on

at 4 and 6 I think they would love MI Adventure, there's two parks for the price of one and they actually have stuff kids can do that age, kids water park play area and kids rides in the dry park. I do not have kids that age yet but know people who do and was told they had a wonderful time. Good luck :)

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M.P.

answers from Detroit on

To my knowledge Kalahari has height restrictions and may not be the best choice for your family.

Both places should have information on line that would help.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.K.

answers from Lansing on

I would definitely NOT recommend Splash Universe. We went there over spring break and were very disappointed. It had very limited choices and was not very clean. The walk ways were very slippery and lots of kids kept falling and scratching up their knees. I know several people who have been to Kalahari and they LOVE it. In fact, the Travel Channel just had a special on about the best water parks in the country and they were in the top 10. They are considered a destination vacation because of all they have. Check out their website - you will be amazed. They are a bit pricey, but for our next getaway that is where we will be going.

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S.N.

answers from Detroit on

We love Kalahari and have been going for Thanksgiving the past few years. It is awesome and I don't even do water slides! The lazy river is awesome and there is a huge splash zone with the big bucket that dumps. It is huge with alot of big slides, but I think the front part is mostly geared to the littler kids. Mine are 11 & 16 so I don't pay close attention to that part:) They also have this great play structure before you go into the water park. My 11 year old still loves playing on it and going through the tubes. They have recently added an animal kingdom, I haven't been to it so have no idea if it is worth the extra money. Have fun whatever you pick!!

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A.S.

answers from Detroit on

kalahari is much better then splash. it the same price mostly. we had the best time at kalahari, more slide, more stuff to do. been to both

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.W.

answers from Detroit on

We have been to GWL a lot-- and have heard from trusted sources that Kalahari is better. The splash area is just as good as GW---but apparently the beds at K are a lot more comfortable than the horrible foam mattresses at GW.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi N.
We have been to both. The first time we took our daughter she was 4, loved it, went down all the slides. As she has gotten older (now 7), she has developed the concept of fear. My brave girl would hardly go down anything at Kalahari last Nov. Kalahari is bigger and has more "advanced" slides as well as a wave pool. Super fun for most. For smaller kids and those who are lass daring, I would say GWL is the way to go. They are both great, can't go wrong with either. Never been to Splash Universe.
Have fun!
R.

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A.B.

answers from Detroit on

We just went to Splash Universe in Shipshewana, Indiana and it was a blast! Ours were 5 and 3 at the time. It's probably not as big as Great Wolf, but much cheaper and there's the Amish town of Shipshewana to browse and eat in.

Also, there's one in Frankenmuth that's really nice, too. It's closer and you can get the all-you-can-eat chicken dinner!

Have fun!
A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Detroit on

Kalahari was awesome! Although, I've never been to the other two for comparison points. We chose Kalahari b/c we heard enough from friends on how it was better than the others. I was not disappointed.

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D.M.

answers from Benton Harbor on

Hello N.,
Mother of a 5 yr daughter & 7yr son - We went to Wisconsin Dells over the 4th July holiday and had a great experience. While there, we saw the Kalahari Resort and visited. As a guest, you had to pay regular prices, but it was awesome. Needless to say, we are going back to stay at the Kalahari Resort, August 21st weekend. This is an awesome establishment, it has the indoor and outdoor waterparks, the indoor theme park (bowling on the second level, toodler rides, carousel, much more), IMax Theater attached, restaurants, and different rooms/floorplans. We are parking the van and not moving it until time to leave. You can go to KalahariResorts.com and they have some reasonable bundle packages for the family. I have not been to the one in Ohio but the Wisconsin is totally awesome.
If you like I could check with my travel company to see if there are any deals as well. If you are interested just send me a not back.

D. M

Kalahari® Resorts | Reservations: (877) 525-2427

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.

answers from Detroit on

Hi N.,

Well the easiest way to say it is... After going to Kalahari I would NEVER go back to GWL!!! Never been to Splash Universe though, so I can't comment. But Kalahari is a lot bigger than GWL and has a LOT MORE TO DO!! You and your family will not be dissapointed, believe me!! We took my kids, 2 and 5 at the time and they LOVED it!!Would they be happy with GWL if we took them there, of course, but if given a choice, Kalahari all the way...

Good Luck with your choice,
J.

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