Great Wolf Lodge Debuts Facebook Photo Sharing via RFID

Great Wolf Resorts is debuting a new social media technology, the Great Wolf Connect, which allows guests to link the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in their waterpark wristbands with their Facebook accounts to automatically share photos from photo-friendly Paw Posts throughout the resort. Great Wolf Connect is launching first at Great Wolf Lodge – Grand Mound.

 

This new use of RFID technology will allow guests to have photos taken, which are then automatically posted to their Facebook page throughout their visit. Capturing this instant "wish you were here" moment was a challenge in the past with guests not bringing the necessary technology into the waterpark.

 

"Family vacations are what memories are made of, with photos lining the fronts of refrigerators and pages of albums for years," says Steve Shattuck, corporate director of communications at Great Wolf Resorts. "Today, our guests use Facebook as both a virtual post card and a photo album. With technology we already had in place, we were able to make sharing one step easier."

 

Built by Fish Technologies, Great Wolf Connect uses the RFID technology imbedded in the waterpark's wristbands, which also serve as guests' room keys and in-house charge accounts. After check-in, guests can register their wristband at the Great Wolf Connect kiosks and link it directly to their Facebook account. Then, at five Paw Posts located throughout the resort, guests simply scan their wristband and smile for the digital camera at each spot. That photo – or a general photo of each attraction – and a caption are then automatically posted on the guests' Facebook wall.

 

"Guests have been asking us for photo sharing functionality for quite some time. Great Wolf Connect allows us to expand our technology infrastructure in a way that enhances their stay," sys Great Wolf Chief information officer Rajiv Castillino. "In Grand Mound, we've already seen our guests embrace this new experience. And as guests see others capturing memories at the Paw Posts, they're trying it out for themselves, too."

 

The Paw Post locations include the most popular photo opportunities throughout the resort, including the resort's signature Tipping Bucket as well as a full view of the of the waterpark from an elevated balcony inside the waterpark, the Great Clock Tower in the lobby, the statue of Sprinkles the Bear outside Bear Paw Sweets & Eats, and Pixi's Perch, part of the MagiQuest game.