Construction Begins on Virginia's New Great Wolf Lodge; Family Resort & Indoor Waterpark Coming to Williamsburg.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2003

Construction of the $50 million Great Wolf Lodge(R) indoor waterpark is officially underway.

Located just north of Williamsburg in York County, Great Wolf Lodge will serve as Virginia's premier family resort and indoor waterpark. The northwoods-themed, four-story, log-sided resort will be a destination in itself and will feature: a 70,000 square-foot indoor waterpark; 301 suites; a causal, themed, family restaurant; a 7,000 square-foot arcade; Aveda(R) Concept Spa, fitness center, outdoor recreation area and over 6,500 square feet of meeting space, including a tiered audio/visual symposium. The resort is scheduled to open spring, 2005.

The Great Lakes Companies, a Madison, Wis. based hotel and resort development company, purchased just over 83 acres of land just south Interstate 64 and State Highway 199 on East Rochambeau Drive. Great Wolf Lodge will be located on approximately 35 acres and plans are in place for Great Wolf Vacations, a condominium and potential timeshare project on a portion of the remaining land.

"Great Wolf Lodge will be more than a tourist stopover, it will be a family getaway experience. We are confident that travelers, as well as the local community, will respond with enthusiasm to a high-quality resort which combines a unique lodging experience with exciting indoor and outdoor water attractions and many other amenities," explained Eric Lund, senior vice president of sales and marketing at The Great Lakes Companies.

The resort's 301 suites include seven different suite configurations include Family Suite, Loft Fireplace, Jacuzzi Fireplace, Majestic Bear grand suites and more. Three themed kid configurations, KidCabin, KidKamp and WolfDen add to the fun, offering an in-suite private area equipped with bunk beds and Nintendo for younger children to enjoy their very own sleeping area.

The 70,000 square-foot, four-story, 84-degree indoor waterpark guarantees a warm, sunny day year-round. The waterpark includes seven waterslides, two recreation pools, two giant hot tubs, a lazy river, and one of the nation's largest indoor wave pools. A giant treehouse waterfort stands four stories tall in the center of the waterpark. A water-based fun center, the treehouse is interconnected with suspension bridges, cargo nets, web crawls and over 60 guest-activated water effects. Every few minutes the huge, 40-foot tall bucket on top fills with 1,000 gallons of water and dumps over the entire fort... and everyone below it.

Rates are based on suite configurations and vary depending on the time of year. Each suite includes up to six waterpark passes, each good for two full days regardless of checkout times, and access to guest exclusive amenities including children's activities, animated treehouse showings, arcade use, holiday special events and more. Specials are posted and frequently updated at www.greatwolflodge.com.

The waterpark is reserved for guest use only. This exclusive amenity keeps waterslide lines at a minimum, the waterpark at a comfortable capacity, and a more personalized service from lifeguards. Birthday and special occasion packages will be available based on resort occupancy.

This will be the sixth Great Lodge Family Resorts(TM) development, including sister property, Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center under construction in Sheboygan, Wis. The Great Lakes Companies will continue to develop Great Lodge Family Resorts in select markets throughout the country, and plan to begin construction in The Poconos Mountains, Pa early next year.

For more information about The Great Lakes Companies or to view existing resorts, log on to www.greatlakesco.com.