My Gingerbread House Birthday
At Great Wolf Lodge
What A Great Surprise
What A Great Surprise
 |
| The Gingerbread House at GWL Poconos. When my hubby approached me a few weeks ago about my upcoming 50th birthday, he gave me an open book on how I would like to celebrate it. Although I live right on the border of NYC, my heart kept going back to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. There is something truly magical about that resort that I just cannot shake. I love the coziness and the sight of all the families and children just being together and having fun. I could have chosen dinner out or a night away for just the two of us, but I was really looking for something much more low key. I go out all the time to different events, so I really just wanted to be somewhere where I could relax and blend in. Little did I know there were a few surprises in store for me! I had told hubby the perfect birthday would be to go to the Great Wolf Lodge, grab some Starbucks, some Bubble Gum fudge(my favorite), and relax in the lobby. The kids thought it would be fun to go bowling at the new Ten Paw Alley and I could not disagree. I was not sure until days before that I was actually going to GWL. Hubby is quite a secret keeper-along with the kids, and even GWL director of rooms (Michael De Julia) was in on the secret surprise! So, let’s get to the fun! My birthday was yesterday and I was thrilled to not have a formal party, or a big hosting event. I knew my close friends would take me out, so I was not worried about not seeing them on my official birthday.In the early afternoon, we headed to Great Wolf Lodge. It was a perfect day! The weather was great and as we entered PA, there were even snow flurries. I was so excited about arriving at Great Wolf Lodge! |
My husband never expected me to want to go back to GWL after just spending a weekend in December there. Little does he know, it’s one of my favorite places to go. My birthday arrived and it was off to GWL!
As soon as I entered the lobby, I knew I made the right choice. We headed right to the Starbucks! Yes!
I was amazed to see the Gingerbread House still up in the lobby. I was under the impression it would be taken down after Christmas, only to find out it would be up until the end of January. Each and every Great Wolf Lodge has built their own unique gingerbread house. When we visited earlier in December, I don’t think there was a person I ran into who I did not tell about that gingerbread house! I just loved it!
I had no idea of what the rest of the day would bring!
It wasn’t long before we met up with Bill Colavito(general manager) and Michael De Julia(director of rooms). Seems they had a surprise of their own in store for me, as they treated our family to bowling, MagiQuest and a giant box of bubble gum fudge! Yum! The people at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos are just wonderful.
We headed off for some bowling at Ten Paw Alley. Sadly, I came in 4th out of 5th. Well, at least my 5 year old let me ahead of her on my birthday, right? Last time we checked out Ten Paw Alley only the kids played, but this time Larry and I joined the fun and I can honestly say it is a game for everyone!
We checked out the Northern Lights Arcade and then walked around as Emily enjoyed Magi Quest!
I was having such a wonderful that I could not imagine the day could get any better. Then I got an even bigger surprise: My family announced that we were going to have my birthday dinner inside the Gingerbread House! I was shocked and thrilled! I had wanted to dine inside the Gingerbread House during our last stay, but there was no availability. What a surprise! I mean, I was sold at the Starbucks and Bubble Gum fudge, but this was just amazing! I also found out that two of my long time friends would be joining us at dinner. That brought me to tears of happiness.
Although I did not want a party, I did want to share the day with my family and friends.
At 5 pm we headed to the main lobby where we were greeted by our personal waitress. She opened the gate and let us into the giant handmade Gingerbread House. It felt incredible to be inside of a gingerbread house. I was delighted to be surrounded by gingerbread walls decked out with fruit slices, peppermints, kisses, licorice, rock candy, and gumdrops of many colors. The doorway in was lined with gingerbread men! There was also a fireplace inside, including reddish graham crackers. I just had to sit and take it all in. I loved the huge lollipops in planters and the monster sized red gummy bear! This was something very special and I wanted to make it last forever.
Our waitress was very attentive and served our meal home style. The food was delicious as usual.
My hubby even brought along a flower cake centerpiece!
As for dessert, a group of table servers entered the gingerbread house singing and clapping and carrying a festive plate overfilled with goodies and adorned with lit candles of all colors. I was really taken back by the entire experience, since I am usually the planner and not on the other end of things.
It was a wonderful birthday and I am very thankful that for all of it.
The Gingerbread House at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos will be open for dining until the end of January 2012. It has open reservations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you have a chance to dine inside the gingerbread house, you will not regret it. It’s a very charming and one of a kind treat.
Thank you Larry, Louie, Adam, Emily, MaryAnne, Connie and Great Wolf Lodge for
giving me the best birthday ever! I will never forget it! Click here to find out more about Great Wolf Lodge!
The night ended as with the magical snow in the lobby!
Magic! Birthday Magic!
Disclosure: Special Thanks to Great Wolf Lodge for the great birthday treats!
All opinions are that of 3decades3kids/DianeSullivan.
Leave a Reply