A brand new Great Wolf Lodge opened in Spring of 2025 in Mashantucket, Connecticut. It is on the Foxwoods property but not physically attached. We’ve been there twice now, so here is the low down!
Similar to the Fitchburg Location
You can expect to find the same fun activities that are at the Fitchburg, Massachusetts location, such as:
- Waterpark
- Build-A-Bear
- MagiQuest
- Mini Golf
- Gem mining
- Bowling
- Ropes course
- Arcade
- Virtual reality
- Lobby activities (yoga, crafts, dance party, story time, and character meet & greets)
New & Different
Despite the similarities, there are some notable differences:
Waterpark Layout
The waterpark in Connecticut (CT) is all in one large space, whereas at the Massachusetts (MA) location, the waterpark is divided into two spaces. I prefer the one large waterpark in CT. It makes it so you don’t have to move your belongings across a hallway and find a new seat whenever your kids want to switch sections. I also find it easier to keep track of family/friends in CT where there is only one water area.
Arcade Positioning
The arcade in CT is a specific room that you have to enter by choice (or by your child pulling you). In MA, the arcade is spread out on both sides of the walking path to the waterpark and other activities. In MA, you cannot avoid the arcade and it is very much in your face throughout the day. If you’re ordering pizza, you’re walking through the arcade. Getting ice cream? Walking through the arcade. I MUCH prefer the arcade location in CT!
No Forest Friends Show
The CT location does not have the animatronic Forest Friends show in the lobby. My 4 year old was disappointed but it was easy to redirect her to everything else that is going on there.
No Birthday Wishes
The CT location does not have a screen where you can get your birthday wish listed. In MA, I was able to ask them to put Happy Birthday with my daughter’s name up on a screen in the lobby. She loved this! However, this was not an option at the Mashantucket location.
(Free) Parking Options
Both Great Wolf locations charge for parking. However, in CT, you do have the option to park at Foxwoods Casino Rainmaker Garage for free. It is a bit of a walk and does not have a walking path so it may not be safe for families. It worked out great for my husband to park there when he met us later in the day, while I parked in the convenient GWL lot. You could also be dropped off at the front lobby and then another adult could park the car in the free lot and walk.
Tons of Food Options
Because the CT location is on Foxwoods properly, there are countless food options. You can eat in GWL or walk over to Foxwoods where you can eat at the Sugar Factory, Wahlburger’s, Hell’s Kitchen, etc. On the contrary, the MA location is in a rural area and you would have to drive off site if you didn’t want to eat at the resort.
Build-A-Bear Location
The Build-A-Bear in the CT location is inside the gift shop (back right). The Build-A-Bear in MA is it’s own store.
Shiny & New
With the CT location being open for only one year, it feels very clean, modern, and updated in comparison to MA.
Both Great Wolf locations offer fun family memories and so much joy! You can’t go wrong if you’re taking your pack to GWL!
