Great Wolf plans big water park near Disney

Great Wolf Resorts, a Wisconsin-based water park resort chain, is planning a huge new resort near Walt Disney World, its first resort in Florida.

Plans call for an 800-unit hotel on 50 acres just across Interstate 4 from Disney Springs. Zoning on the property allows up to 1,400 hotel and timeshare units.

The company told Orange County officials that it is in negotiations to acquire the property.

“We are currently reviewing several viable options across the country and the Orlando area remains an option,” said Su- san Storey, communications director at Great Wolf.

Great Wolf Resorts has 14 locations, mostly in colder climates where indoor water parks are big business, but the company may be planning an indooroutdoor park in Florida.

The resorts have a rustic log-cabin look, reminiscent of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and attractions such as five-story water slides, wave pools and multi-level tree houses. Its newest location is under construction in Colorado Springs.

Other attractions in the Great Wolf chain feature multiple restaurants, conference space, ropes and climbing, miniature golf, kids’ spas, and mini bowling.

The property is owned by New York-based Garrison Investment Group, in two parcels it bought from UBS Bank for $8.75 million in 2010, and marketed by CBRE.

Rooms at Great Wolf Lodges aren’t cheap; a check of room rates at the North Carolina location near Charlotte showed $200 to $439 per night.

According to discussions with county officials, Great Wolf might restrict water park visitors to only those who buy a hotel room, to satisfy possible transportation restrictions on the property.