Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom vs Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom | Great Wolf Lodge Poconos |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | ||
| Arcade |
Only at Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom
- picnic areas
- season passes
Only at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
- hot tubs
- Arcade
- splash pad
- wifi
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom
Pennsylvania
Wildwater Kingdom sits right next to Dorney Park's amusement park in Allentown, and honestly, the combo ticket is the way to go if you're planning a full day. This outdoor water park has that classic Pennsylvania summer vibe - it gets busy on hot weekends, but the shade trees scattered throughout actually make it more comfortable than some of the concrete jungle water parks I've visited. The wave pool here is solid, with waves that are strong enough to be fun but not so intense that parents worry about their kids. The lazy river winds around a good portion of the park, and I always grab a tube early because they do run out during peak times. The slide complex has a nice mix - some family raft rides where everyone can go together, plus a few body slides that'll get your heart pumping without being terrifying. The kids' area is well-designed with smaller slides and interactive water features that keep the little ones entertained while parents can actually relax nearby. What I really like about Wildwater Kingdom is how it feels integrated with the main park. You can hop between the water park and the roller coasters, which is perfect for families where some people want to cool off while others chase thrills on dry land. The food options are typical theme park fare, but there are plenty of shaded eating areas. My advice: arrive when they open if you're visiting on a weekend, rent a locker early, and…
Read the full Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom guide →Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
Pennsylvania
Great Wolf Lodge Poconos brings indoor water park fun to the mountains of Pennsylvania, making it a perfect year-round destination regardless of weather. The centerpiece is their massive indoor water park with a huge multi-level play structure that'll keep your kids busy for hours - think water buckets, slides, climbing nets, and interactive features all packed into one giant jungle gym. The lazy river here is actually relaxing (unlike some places where it's more like bumper boats), and the wave pool creates just enough waves to be fun without being intimidating for smaller kids. They've got several body slides and tube slides that range from mild to moderately thrilling - nothing too extreme, but enough to get your adrenaline going. The toddler area is thoughtfully designed with mini slides and shallow water that actually feels safe for the little ones. What sets Great Wolf Lodge apart is the full resort experience. You're not just visiting a water park; you're staying in a themed hotel with activities beyond the water. The MagiQuest game has kids running around the lodge with magic wands, and there are scheduled activities throughout the day. The food situation is better than most water parks - you've got multiple restaurants in the lodge, though prices are definitely resort-level. Book a cabana if you can swing it; having a home base makes the day so much easier, especially with kids. The water stays a comfortable temperature year-round, which is clutch during Pennsylvania winters. Arrive right when the water…
Read the full Great Wolf Lodge Poconos guide →Ready to visit Dorney Park Wildwater Kingdom?