GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2005
Registration No. 333-122208


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


POST-EFFECTIVE

AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.

(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  7011
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  51-0510250
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
122 West Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 251-6400
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
J. Michael Schroeder
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
122 West Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 251-6400
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code of Agent For Service)


With a Copy to:

Alan J. Prince
King & Spalding LLP
191 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 572-4600


     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. þ
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
                 


Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum
Title Of Each Class Of Securities Amount To Be Offering Price Aggregate Amount of
To Be Registered Registered Per Share(1) Offering Price(1) Registration Fee(2)

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
  14,032,896 Shares   $21.34   $299,462,001   $35,247


(1)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act, based upon the average of the high and low sales prices of the Registrant’s common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on January 14, 2005.
 
(2)  Previously Paid.


     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.




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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 11, 2005

PROSPECTUS

(GREAT WOLF RESORTS LOGO)

14,032,896 Shares

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.

Common Stock


         This prospectus relates to 14,032,896 shares of our common stock being sold by the selling stockholders named in this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance or sale of these shares.

         The selling stockholders may offer their shares of common stock from time to time through public or private transactions, in the over-the-counter markets, on any exchanges on which our common stock is traded at the time of sale, at prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. The shares may be sold directly or through agents or broker-dealers acting as principal or agent, or in block trades or through one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. The selling stockholders may engage underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents, who may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders. We will pay substantially all of the expenses incident to the registration of the shares, except for sales commissions and other seller’s compensation applicable to sales of the shares.

         The selling stockholders and any underwriters, agents or broker-dealers that participate with the selling stockholders in the distribution of the common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the common stock may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.

         Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “WOLF.” On May 9, 2005, the last reported sales price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $22.69.


         Investing in our common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12.

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


The date of this prospectus is                     , 2005


      You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.


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 EX-23.2 CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 EX-23.3 CONSENT OF RUBIN, BROWN, GORNSTEIN & CO. LLP

      We own, or claim ownership rights to, a variety of trade names, service marks and trademarks for use in our business, including Biko the Bear, Blue Harbor Resort, Boathouse Suite, Breaker Bay, Crew Club, Cub Club, Great Wolf Lodge, Great Wolf Resorts, KidAquarium Suite, KidCabin and Wiley the Wolf in the United States and, where appropriate, in foreign countries. This prospectus also includes product names and other tradenames and service marks owned by us and other companies. The tradenames and service marks of other companies are the property of such other companies.

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SUMMARY

      This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus, including “Risk Factors,” the audited financial statements of our predecessor companies and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, carefully before making an investment decision. References in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company” refer to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation, together with our consolidated subsidiaries.

Our Business

      We are a family entertainment resort company that provides our guests with a high-quality vacation at an affordable price. We are the largest owner, operator and developer in the United States of drive-to family resorts featuring indoor waterparks and other family-oriented entertainment activities, based on the number of resorts in operation. We provide a full-service entertainment resort experience to our target customer base: families with children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 years old that live within a convenient driving distance from our resorts. Our resorts provide a consistent and comfortable environment throughout the year where our guests can enjoy our various amenities and activities. We are a fully integrated resort company with in-house expertise and resources in resort and indoor waterpark development, management, marketing and financing.

      We own and operate five existing Great Wolf Lodge® resorts, our signature northwoods-themed resorts, and one Blue Harbor Resort, a nautical-themed property. In addition, we own one Great Wolf Lodge resort that is under construction and scheduled to open for business during 2005. We are also the licensor and manager of an additional Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario that is owned and under development by an affiliate of Ripley Entertainment Inc., or Ripley’s. We are currently evaluating 12 to 14 additional markets for potential future development of Great Wolf Lodge resorts, six of which are in active site negotiation. We anticipate that most of our future resorts will be developed under our Great Wolf Lodge brand, but we may develop additional nautical-themed resorts in other appropriate markets.

      We deliver value to our guests by providing an affordable and fun family vacation experience. Our resorts are located within a convenient driving distance of our target customer base, providing our guests with a less expensive, more convenient alternative to air travel. In addition, our resorts generally include the following features:

  Suites: approximately 270 to 400 family suites that sleep from six to ten people and each include a wet bar, microwave oven, refrigerator and dining and sitting area.
 
  Waterpark: an approximately 34,000 to 82,000 square-foot indoor waterpark highlighted by our signature 12-level treehouse water fort. Our water fort is an interactive water experience for the entire family and features over 60 water effects, including spray guns, fountains, valves and hoses, has cargo netting and suspension bridges, and is capped by an oversized bucket that dumps between 700 and 1,000 gallons of water every five minutes. Our waterparks also feature high-speed body slides and inner tube waterslides that wind in and out of the building into a splash-down pool, a lazy river, activity pools and large free-form hot tubs. Our room rates include use of the waterpark by four to six guests, depending on the type of room.
 
  Food and Beverage: themed restaurants, such as our: Camp Critter Bar & Grille, which features a two-story realistic tree with a canopy of leaves and canvas-topped booths with hanging lanterns, giving guests the impression that they are dining in a northwoods forest camp; Bear Claw Café ice cream shop and confectionery; and waterpark snack shop.
 
  Amenities and Activities: our Youkon Jack’s and Northern Lights game arcades, full-service Aveda® concept spa, Buckhorn Exchange gift shop, Iron Horse fitness center, two-story animated clocktower, Cub Club children’s activity program, meeting rooms and seasonal, holiday and other special activities.

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      We were formed in May 2004 to succeed to the family entertainment resort business of our predecessor companies, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc, which we sometimes refer to in this prospectus as the management company, and a number of its related entities. We refer to these entities collectively as Great Lakes. Great Lakes developed and operated hotels between 1995 and 2004. In 1999, Great Lakes began its resort operations by purchasing the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and developing the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio, which opened in 2001. In 2003, Great Lakes opened two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts, one in Traverse City, Michigan and the other in Kansas City, Kansas. In June 2004, Great Lakes opened the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering of common stock, which we refer to in this prospectus as the IPO or the initial public offering, Great Lakes had two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts under construction, one in Williamsburg, Virginia and the other in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. In March 2005, we opened the Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg in Virginia. Our Poconos resort is scheduled to open in October 2005.

      On December 20, 2004, in connection with the closing of the initial public offering, we acquired each of these resorts and the resorts currently under construction, as well as certain resort development and management operations, in exchange for an aggregate of 14,032,896 shares of our common stock and $97.6 million in a series of transactions we refer to in this prospectus as the formation transactions. We also realized net proceeds of $248.7 million from the sale of 16,100,000 shares of our common stock in the initial public offering.

      Our management team possesses substantial expertise in all aspects of family entertainment resort and indoor waterpark development, management, marketing and financing. We have safely and successfully managed the operational complexity of our current resorts and intend to operate our future resorts similarly. We operate our business from our headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. We believe that the experience of our senior management team, particularly their development and operational experience, as well as our centralized reservations center, provide an infrastructure that will allow us to continue to increase the number of resorts that we develop and operate without proportionately higher overhead costs. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately 120 corporate employees, including our central reservations center employees, and approximately 1,600 full and part-time resort-level employees.

      Our principal executive offices are located at 122 West Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, and our telephone number is (608) 251-6400. Our website can be found on the internet at www.greatwolfresorts.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus.

Our Competitive Strengths

      Our competitive strengths include:

  Unforgettable Family Resort Experience. Our indoor waterpark resorts provide activities that the entire family can enjoy, including themed restaurants, an Aveda concept spa, a game arcade, ice cream shop and confectionery, gift shop, animated clocktower and fireside bedtime stories.
 
  Value, Comfort and Convenience. On average, a two-night stay for a family of four in one of our conveniently located resorts costs approximately $600.
 
  Favorable Market Trends. We believe recent vacation trends favor our Great Wolf Lodge concept as the number of families choosing to take shorter, more frequent vacations that they can drive to has increased over the past several years.
 
  •  Market Presence and Barriers to Entry. We believe that we benefit from the significant barriers to entry, including operational complexity, substantial capital requirements, availability of suitable sites in desirable markets and a difficult, multi-year permitting process.

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  Focus on Safety. We invest heavily in safety measures in the design and operation of our resorts, including our state-of-the-art air quality and water treatment systems.
 
  •  Experienced Management Team. Our senior management team has an average of approximately 14 years of experience in the hospitality, family resort and real estate development industries and has significant expertise in operating complex, themed resorts featuring indoor waterparks.

Business and Growth Strategies

      Our primary internal growth strategies are to:

  Increase Total Resort Revenue. We intend to increase total resort revenue by increasing our average room rate, average occupancy and other revenue.
 
  Leverage Our Economies of Scale. We intend to take advantage of our economies of scale by capitalizing on our increased purchasing power and centralizing certain of our services.
 
  Build Upon Brand Awareness and Loyalty. Our Great Wolf Lodge brand is symbolized by our distinctive and easily identifiable theming and recognizable logos and merchandise, which have fostered strong customer and brand loyalty, as evidenced by our high levels of repeat and referral guests.

      Our primary external growth strategies are to:

  Capitalize on First-Mover Advantage. We intend to be the first to develop and operate family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks in our selected target markets.
 
  Focus on Development and Strategic Growth Opportunities. Family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks are a relatively new concept and a growing segment of the resort and entertainment industries. We intend to focus on this growth opportunity by building in target markets, licensing our resort concept internationally, forming strategic partnerships and expanding and enhancing existing resorts.
 
  Continue to Innovate. We intend to leverage our in-house expertise, in conjunction with the knowledge and experience of our third-party suppliers and designers, to develop and implement the latest innovations in family entertainment activities and amenities, including waterpark attractions.

Summary Risk Factors

      Our ability to capitalize on our competitive strengths and implement the business and growth strategies described above may be affected by matters discussed under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12, which you should carefully consider prior to deciding whether to invest in our common stock, including:

  our ability to develop new resorts or further develop existing resorts on a timely or cost efficient basis;
 
  our ability to compete with other family vacation travel destinations and resorts;
 
  our ability to manage our expected growth;
 
  potential accidents or injuries in our resorts and competing resorts;
 
  our ability to achieve or sustain profitability;
 
  changes in family vacation patterns and consumer spending habits, downturns in our industry segment and extreme weather conditions;
 
  our ability to attract a significant number of guests from our target markets;

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  increases in operating costs and other expense items and costs;
 
  uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance coverage; and
 
  our ability to protect our intellectual property and the value of our brands.

Properties

      We have six family entertainment resorts that are currently operating and one additional resort that is under construction, and we will manage one resort that is under construction and is owned by a third-party licensee. We also have identified additional target markets for future resort development and are in negotiations with respect to sites in six of these markets. The following table presents an overview of our existing portfolio of resorts:

                                                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2004(1)

Other Total
Indoor Average Revenue per Revenue per Revenue per
Opened/Target Entertainment Daily Available Occupied Occupied
Location Opening Rooms Area(2) Occupancy Rate Room(3) Room Room(4)









(Approx. ft2) (%) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Existing Resorts:
                                                               
Wisconsin Dells, WI
    May 1997(5)       309 (6)     64,000       62.2       188.76       117.47       78.44       267.20  
Sandusky, OH(7)
    March 2001       271       41,000       68.0       231.45       157.50       94.33       325.78  
Traverse City, MI
    March 2003       281       51,000       69.4       223.43       155.04       97.25       320.68  
Kansas City, KS
    May 2003       281       49,000       64.4       196.18       126.31       89.67       285.85  
Sheboygan, WI(8)
    June 2004       183 (9)     54,000       58.3       190.35       110.93       161.26       351.61  
Williamsburg, VA
    March 2005       301       66,000                                
Resorts Under Construction:
                                                               
Pocono Mountains, PA
    Fall 2005       400       91,000                                
Niagara Falls, ONT(10)
    Spring 2006       404       94,000                                


  (1)  Information for our Sheboygan resort reflects operating results from the resort’s opening in June 2004 through December 31, 2004.
 
  (2)  Our indoor entertainment areas generally include our indoor waterpark, game arcade, children’s activity room and fitness room, as well as our Aveda concept spa, 3D virtual reality theater, Wiley’s Woods and party room in the resorts that have such amenities.
 
  (3)  Revenue per available room represents the total room revenue per total available rooms for the year ended December 31, 2004, calculated by multiplying the occupancy by the average daily rate.
 
  (4)  Total revenue per occupied room is calculated by adding the average daily rate and other revenue per occupied room.
 
  (5)  Great Lakes purchased this property in November 1999.
 
  (6)  Our Wisconsin Dells property also features 77 condominium units currently under construction.
 
  (7)  Prior to May 2004, we operated this resort as a Great Bear Lodge.
 
  (8)  Our Sheboygan property is branded as a Blue Harbor Resort. This resort is subject to a 98-year and 11-month ground lease with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan.

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  (9)  Our Blue Harbor Resort also features 64 individually owned two and four bedroom condominium units.

(10)  An affiliate of Ripley Entertainment, Inc., our licensee, which we refer to as Ripley’s, owns this resort. We are assisting Ripley’s with construction management and other pre-opening matters related to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. We have granted Ripley’s a license to use the Great Wolf Lodge name and other intellectual property for this resort for ten years after opening. We have agreed to enter into a management agreement, pursuant to which we expect to operate the resort on behalf of Ripley’s for five years, and a central reservation services agreement. In conjunction with this project, we expect to receive a one-time construction fee and ongoing license, central reservation services and management fees.

Structure and Formation of Our Company

Formation Transactions

      Each of the six existing resorts and the one resort under construction that are owned and operated by us were, prior to the consummation of the initial public offering and the formation transactions, owned by a separate limited liability company. We refer to these limited liability companies as resort-owning entities. One member in each of these resort-owning entities was a separate limited liability company of which the management company was the managing member or manager. We refer to these entities as sponsor entities. In addition, investors had an ownership interest in the resort-owning entity of our Sandusky resort through a limited liability company that we refer to as Sandusky Investor LLC.

      Pursuant to the formation transactions, among other things:

  The management company contributed its hotel management and multifamily housing management and development assets, which were unrelated to the resort business, to two subsidiaries of the management company and then distributed the interests in such subsidiaries to the former shareholders of the management company.
 
  •  We sold an aggregate of 16,100,000 shares of our common stock in the initial public offering, and we used the net proceeds from the initial public offering to accomplish the steps listed below and also to (1) pay an aggregate of $97.6 million of the cash consideration in connection with the formation transactions; (2) repay certain indebtedness existing prior to the closing of the initial public offering and the formation transactions in the aggregate amount of approximately $76.0 million; and (3) fund $75.4 million of our future resort development costs.
 
  We effected, through GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P., our wholly owned operating partnership, the acquisition of each resort-owning entity, sponsor entity, Sandusky Investor LLC and the management company.
 
  Pursuant to these acquisitions, members of the resort-owning entities, sponsor entities and Sandusky Investor LLC received cash, unregistered shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and unregistered shares of our common stock. Also, shareholders of the management company received unregistered shares of our common stock pursuant to the merger of the management company with and into Great Lakes Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the operating partnership, which we refer to as Great Lakes Services.
 
  We issued an aggregate of 130,949 shares of unregistered common stock to holders of tenant in common interests in our Poconos and Williamsburg resorts that were, immediately prior to the consummation of the formation transactions, convertible into our common stock.

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  Concurrently with the consummation of the initial public offering and the formation transactions, we:

  repaid an aggregate of approximately $76.0 million of Great Lakes’ mortgage indebtedness on two of our resorts from the net proceeds of the initial public offering;
 
  •  refinanced existing mortgage indebtedness on two of our resorts with a total outstanding principal balance at the date of the IPO of $72.4 million; and
 
  entered into a $75.0 million revolving credit facility that is secured by two of our resorts. Based upon the financial and debt service ratios that are contained in the revolving credit facility, as of the date of this prospectus, approximately $55.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not drawn any amounts under this facility. We expect to use the revolving credit facility to fund our future growth and resort development, to provide for working capital and for other corporate purposes.
 
  The former employees of the management company became employees of Great Lakes Services.

      Eric S. Lund, Bruce D. Neviaser, Craig A. Stark, Marc B. Vaccaro and Kimberly K. Schaefer, each of whom was a shareholder of the management company, entered into indemnity agreements with us pursuant to which they made certain representations and warranties to us relating to the formation transactions and the status of the properties operated by the resort-owning entities. Pursuant to these indemnity agreements, these shareholders have agreed to indemnify us for a period of one year following the closing of the formation transactions if those representations and warranties are not accurate. With respect to each shareholder, the maximum indemnification obligation under these agreements will not exceed 35% of the value of the number of shares of our common stock received by that shareholder in the formation transactions based on the initial public offering price of $17.00 per share. The maximum amount of the indemnification obligations under these agreements equals approximately $45.2 million in the aggregate. These shareholders may fulfill the indemnity obligations under the agreements solely through delivery of shares of our common stock that they own, valued at the time of delivery, or with an equivalent amount of cash. However, if any of these shareholders chooses to fulfill the indemnity obligation under the agreement through the delivery of shares, the maximum number of shares such shareholder will be obligated to deliver is 35% of the number of shares such shareholder received in the formation transactions.

      Immediately following the completion of the initial public offering, Messrs. Lund and Neviaser received personal loans from an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (which served as lead underwriter in connection with the initial public offering). These loans are full-recourse and are secured by a pledge of all the shares of our common stock received by each in the formation transactions. While some of these shares may be released from the pledge over time, they may not be available as an alternative means to satisfy an indemnification obligation under the agreements.

 
Consequences of the Initial Public Offering and the Formation Transactions

      At the completion of the initial public offering and the formation transactions:

  We directly or indirectly own a fee simple interest in all of our resorts, except for a leasehold interest in our Sheboygan resort. We also are the licensor and manager of a Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario owned by Ripley’s that is currently under construction.
 
  Purchasers of our common stock in the initial public offering own approximately 53.2% of our outstanding common stock.
 
  We had, as of December 31, 2004, an aggregate of $142.7 million of total indebtedness outstanding.

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Benefits to Related Parties

      In connection with the formation transactions, the shareholders of the management company received material benefits, including:

  an aggregate of 8,087,151 unregistered shares of our common stock as consideration in the formation mergers; and
 
  the release of personal guarantees to repay approximately $167.1 million of indebtedness relating to the resort- owning entities. Approximately $76.0 million of this indebtedness was repaid with the proceeds of the initial public offering, approximately $72.4 million was refinanced and the remaining portion was assumed by us in connection with the formation transactions.

As of the date of this prospectus, the founding shareholders of Great Lakes beneficially own approximately 25.1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

Recent Developments

 
First Quarter 2005 Results

      On May 5, 2005, we announced unaudited results for the three months ended March 31, 2005. For the three months ended March 31, 2005, we reported total revenues of approximately $30 million, operating loss of approximately $3.1 million, net loss of approximately $2.3 million and net loss per share of $0.08. At March 31, 2005, we had total cash and cash equivalents of approximately $67 million and approximately $157 million of indebtedness at a weighted average cost of 7.3%.

 
Kings Island Development

      On May 4, 2005, we entered into a joint venture with Paramount Parks to develop a Great Wolf Lodge resort at Paramount’s Kings Island, in Mason, Ohio (just north of Cincinnati). This resort will occupy a 39-acre site and the development cost is estimated to exceed $100 million. We will operate the resort under our Great Wolf Lodge brand and will maintain the majority equity position in the development. Paramount’s Kings Island, a unit of Viacom Inc., will have a minority equity interest in the development by contributing the land needed for the resort. Amenities at this four-story, 404-suite resort will include a 75,000 square-foot indoor waterpark, a 40,000 square-foot conference center, family restaurants, an arcade, a gift shop, a confectionery, an AvedaTM Spa, a fitness center and an outdoor recreation area. Construction on the 450,000 square-foot building is scheduled to begin in Summer 2005 with opening scheduled for late 2006.

The Offering

      All of the shares offered hereby are being offered by the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the offering. See “Use of Proceeds,” “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution” herein.

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Summary Financial Data

      The following table sets forth summary consolidated financial and operating data on a historical basis for Great Wolf Resorts, on a combined historical basis for our predecessor entity, termed Great Lakes Predecessor or the Predecessor, and on an unaudited pro forma basis for Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. The Predecessor was the predecessor accounting entity to Great Wolf Resorts. We have not presented historical information for Great Wolf Resorts prior to December 20, 2004, the date on which we closed the initial public offering, because we did not have any material corporate operating activity during the period from our formation until the closing of the initial public offering.

Great Lakes Predecessor Financial Information

      The Predecessor’s combined historical financial information included the following:

  •  The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including development of, ownership interests in, and management contracts with respect to, resorts and certain non-resort hotels and multifamily housing development and management assets;
 
  •  the entities that owned our Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan operating resorts; and
 
  •  the entities that owned our Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts that, as of December 31, 2004, were under construction.

      The Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts opened in March 2003, May 2003 and June 2004, respectively. Therefore, the Predecessor’s historical results of operations only reflected operating results for the Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts for those periods after the resort opening dates, and only through the closing of the initial public offering (that is, through December 20, 2004).

      The Predecessor’s financial statements did not include the entities that owned the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky operating resorts as those entities were controlled by affiliates of AIG SunAmerica.

Great Wolf Resorts Financial Information

      Great Wolf Resorts’ consolidated historical financial information includes:

  •  our corporate entity that provides resort development and management services;
 
  •  our Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan operating resorts; and
 
  •  our Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts that, as of December 31, 2004, were under construction.

      The summary financial information for the Predecessor as of December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the period from January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and for Great Wolf Resorts as of December 31, 2004 and for the period from December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004 are derived from, and are qualified in their entirety by, the Great Lakes Predecessor and Great Wolf Resorts financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report with respect thereto is included elsewhere in this prospectus. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future. You should read the following summary financial data together with “Business,” “Selected Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Great Lake Predecessor, Great Wolf Resorts and Dells/Sandusky financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

Pro Forma Financial Information

      The unaudited summary consolidated pro forma financial data for the year ended December 31, 2004 has been prepared to give pro forma effect to the initial public offering and the formation transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004. The unaudited summary consolidated pro forma financial data is for informational

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purposes only and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the initial public offering and the formation transactions actually been consummated on January 1, 2004 and do not purport to indicate results of operations as of any future date or for any future period. You should read the summary consolidated pro forma data in conjunction with “Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries Pro Forma Financial Information — Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical Great Wolf Resorts, Great Lakes Predecessor and Dells/Sandusky financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

      The following data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

                                                           
December 21,
Year Ended 2004- January 1,
December 31, December 31, 2004- Year Ended December 31,
2004 2004 December 20,
Consolidated Great Wolf 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Pro Forma Resorts Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor







(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations:
                                                       
Revenues:
                                                       
 
Rooms
  $ 62,188     $ 3,261     $ 31,438     $ 18,801     $     $     $  
 
Food, beverage and other
    28,769       1,289       16,110       9,439             312        
 
Management and other fees
    79       79       3,157       3,109       3,329       3,022       4,070  
 
Other revenue from managed properties(1)
                14,553       14,904       14,889       13,286       9,456  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total revenues
    91,036       4,629       65,258       46,253       18,218       16,620       13,526  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                                                       
Departmental expenses
                                                       
 
Rooms
    9,389       298       4,917       3,265                    
 
Food, beverage and other
    23,934       958       13,678       8,580                    
Other operating expenses:
                                                       
 
Selling, general and administrative
    29,540       7,372       18,613       11,376       4,159       3,853       5,168  
 
Property operating costs
    15,153       295       8,810       5,283       631              
 
Depreciation and amortization
    21,809       1,897       12,925       7,744       212       73       51  
 
Other expenses from managed properties(1)
                14,553       14,904       14,808       13,286       9,456  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating expenses
    99,825       10,820       73,496       51,152       19,810       17,212       14,675  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (8,789 )     (6,191 )     (8,238 )     (4,899 )     (1,592 )     (592 )     (1,149 )
Interest income
    (188 )     (66 )     (224 )     (55 )     (88 )     (76 )     2  
Interest expense
    6,952       280       6,748       4,413       217       366       578  
(Gain) loss on sale of investments and securities
                (1,653 )           13       (96 )     (11 )
Interest on mandatorily redeemable shares
                1,761       (3,136 )     4,479       390        
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (15,553 )     (6,405 )     (14,870 )     (6,121 )     (6,213 )     (1,176 )     (1,718 )
Income tax benefit
    (6,222 )     (2,563 )                              
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (9,331 )     (3,842 )     (14,870 )     (6,121 )     (6,213 )     (1,176 )     (1,718 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
                1,928       1,118       (542 )     332       (1,037 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

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December 21,
Year Ended 2004- January 1,
December 31, December 31, 2004- Year Ended December 31,
2004 2004 December 20,
Consolidated Great Wolf 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Pro Forma Resorts Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor







(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (9,331 )     (3,842 )     (12,942 )     (5,003 )     (6,755 )     (844 )     (2,755 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                      460             (333 )      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (9,331 )   $ (3,842 )   $ (12,942 )   $ (4,543 )   $ (6,755 )   $ (1,177 )   $ (2,755 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Basic loss per share
    (0.31 )   $ (0.13 )                                        
Diluted loss per share
    (0.31 )   $ (0.13 )                                        
Weighted average common shares outstanding —
                                                       
 
Basic
    30,132,896 (2)     30,132,896 (2)                                        
 
Diluted
    30,132,896 (2)     30,132,896 (2)                                        
Cash Flows:
                                                       
Cash flows from:
                                                       
Operating activities
          $ 762       6,049     $ 8,126     $ 376                  
Investing activities
            (95,575 )     (66,884 )     (64,280 )     (46,276 )                
Financing activities
            172,151       61,424       54,854       49,797                  
                                                         
December 21,
Year Ended 2004- January 1,
December 31, December 31, 2004- Year Ended December 31,
2004 2004 December 20,
Consolidated Great Wolf 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Pro Forma Resorts Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor







(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
                                                       
Total assets
          $ 592,414             $ 173,494     $ 106,751     $ 54,191     $ 51,342  
Total long-term debt
          $ 142,665             $ 93,733     $ 37,710     $ 9,466     $ 5,679  
Long-term debt secured by assets of spun-off entities
                          12,108       5,054       5,177       5,100  
Long-term debt secured by assets held for sale
                        $ 14,220     $ 31,564     $ 34,193     $ 33,084  
Non-GAAP financial measures:
                                                       
EBITDA
  $ 13,020 (3)   $ (4,294 )(3)   $ 7,559 (3)   $ 12,439 (3)   $ 334(3 )   $ 6,287     $ 431  


(1)  Reflects reimbursement of payroll, benefits and costs related to the operations of properties managed by the Predecessor.
 
(2)  We currently have 30,262,308 shares of our common stock outstanding. Included in that total are 129,412 shares held in a trust that holds the assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. Under applicable accounting rules, the shares of common stock held in that trust are treated as treasury stock for purposes of our earnings per share computations and are therefore excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.
 
(3)  We use EBITDA as a measure of our operating performance. EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is commonly defined as net income plus (a) interest expense, (b) income taxes and (c) depreciation and amortization.

EBITDA as calculated by us is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDA (a) does not represent net income or cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP; (b) is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund our cash flow needs; and (c) should not

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be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or our other financial information as determined under GAAP.

We believe EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:

  •  a significant portion of our assets consists of property and equipment that are depreciated over their remaining useful lives in accordance with GAAP. Because depreciation and amortization are non-cash items, we believe that presentation of EBITDA is a useful measure of our operating performance;
 
  •  it is widely used in the hospitality and entertainment industries to measure operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization; and
 
  •  we believe it helps investors meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of items directly resulting from our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization, from our operating results.

  Our management uses EBITDA:

  •  as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of items directly resulting from our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization, from our operating results;
 
  •  for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget;
 
  •  as a valuation measure for evaluating our operating performance and our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business; and
 
  •  as one measure in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions.

  Covenants in our revolving credit facility also require us to meet financial tests based upon EBITDA as adjusted for certain items.
 
  Using a measure such as EBITDA has material limitations. These limitations include the difficulty associated with comparing results among companies and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, which directly affect our net income or loss. Management compensates for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently, as well as in connection with its analysis of net income.
 
  The tables shown below reconcile net loss to EBITDA for the periods presented.
                                           
Great Wolf
Resorts Predecessor


Period Period
Year Ended December 21, January 1,
December 31, 2004 2004 Year Ended
2004 through through December 31,
Consolidated December 31, December 20,
Pro Forma 2004 2004 2003 2002





Net loss
  $ (9,331 )   $ (3,842 )   $ (12,942 )   $ (4,543 )   $ (6,755 )
Adjustments:
                                       
 
Interest expense, net
    6,764       214       7,394       6,542       2,920  
 
Income tax benefit
    (6,222 )     (2,563 )                  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    21,809       1,897       13,107       10,440       4,169  
     
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ 13,020     $ (4,294 )   $ 7,559     $ 12,439     $ 334  
     
     
     
     
     
 

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RISK FACTORS

      Investment in our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to other information contained in this prospectus before purchasing the common stock offered by this prospectus. The occurrence of any of the following risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to Our Business

 
  We may not be able to develop new resorts or further develop existing resorts on a timely or cost efficient basis, which would adversely affect our growth strategy.

      As part of our growth strategy, we intend to develop additional resorts and to further expand our existing resorts. Development involves substantial risks, including the following risks:

  •  development costs may exceed budgeted or contracted amounts;
 
  •  delays in completion of construction;
 
  •  failure to obtain all necessary zoning, land use, occupancy, construction, operating and other required governmental permits and authorizations;
 
  •  changes in real estate, zoning, land use, environmental and tax laws;
 
  •  unavailability of financing on favorable terms;
 
  •  failure of developed properties to achieve desired revenue or profitability levels once opened;
 
  •  competition for suitable development sites from competitors that may have greater financial resources or risk tolerance than we do; and
 
  •  the incurrence of substantial costs in the event a development project must be abandoned prior to completion.

In particular, resort construction projects entail significant risks, including shortages of design and construction expertise, materials or skilled labor, unforeseen engineering, environmental or geological problems, work stoppages, weather interference, floods and unanticipated cost increases. There are also a limited number of suppliers and manufacturers of the equipment we use in our indoor waterparks. We may not be able to successfully manage our development to minimize these risks, and there can be no assurance that present or future developments will perform in accordance with our previous developments or our expectations.

 
We compete with other family vacation travel destinations and resorts.

      Our resorts compete with other forms of family vacation travel, including theme, water and amusement parks and other recreational activities. Our business is also subject to factors that affect the recreation and leisure and resort industries generally, such as general economic conditions and changes in consumer spending habits. We believe the principal competitive factors of a family entertainment resort include location, room rates, name recognition, reputation, the uniqueness and perceived quality of the attractions and amenities, the atmosphere and cleanliness of the attractions and amenities, the quality of the lodging accommodations, the quality of the food and beverage service, convenience, service levels and reservation systems.

      We anticipate that competition within some of our markets will increase in the foreseeable future. A number of other resort operators are developing family entertainment resorts with indoor waterparks that will compete with some or all of our resorts. In particular, one of our current competitors is constructing a resort in the Sandusky market. We compete for guests and for new development sites with certain of these entities that

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may have greater financial resources than we do and better relationships with lenders and sellers of real estate. These entities may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage and may have greater marketing and financial resources. Further, there can be no assurance that new or existing competitors will not significantly reduce their rates or offer greater convenience, services or amenities, significantly expand or improve resorts, including the addition of “thrill rides,” in markets in which we operate. Such events could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
 
We may not be able to manage our expected growth, which could adversely affect our operating results.

      Since 1999, we have experienced substantial growth as we have grown from operating one resort to currently owning and operating six resorts with an additional owned resort scheduled to open in Fall 2005 and a licensed resort that we will manage scheduled to open in Spring 2006. We intend to continue to develop additional resorts and manage additional licensed resorts owned by third parties. Our anticipated growth could place a strain on our management, employees and operations. Our growth has increased our operating complexity and the level of responsibility for new and existing management. Our ability to compete effectively and to manage our recent and future growth effectively will depend on our ability to implement and improve financial and management information systems on a timely basis and to effect changes in our business, such as implementing internal controls to handle the increased size of our operations and hiring, training, developing and managing an increasing number of experienced management-level and other employees. Unexpected difficulties during expansion, the failure to attract and retain qualified employees or our inability to respond effectively to recent growth or plan for future expansion, could adversely affect our results of operations.

 
  Accidents or injuries in our resorts, particularly in our waterparks, may subject us to liability, and accidents or injuries at our resorts or at competing resorts with waterparks could adversely affect our safety reputation and attendance, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

      There are inherent risks of accidents or injuries at family entertainment resorts, including accidents or injuries at waterparks, particularly for small children if their parents do not provide appropriate supervision. Despite our emphasis on safety, the lifeguards in our indoor waterparks and our other resort staff cannot prevent every accident or injury. Potential waterpark accidents and injuries include falls, cuts or other abrasions, sickness from contaminated water, injuries resulting from equipment malfunctions and drownings. One or more accidents or injuries at any of our waterparks or at other waterparks could reduce attendance at our resorts, adversely affect our safety reputation among our potential customers, decrease our overall occupancy rates and increase our costs by requiring us to take additional measures to make our safety precautions even more visible and effective.

      If accidents or injuries occur at any of our resorts, we may be held liable for costs related to the injuries. We maintain insurance of the type and in the amounts that we believe are commercially reasonable and that are available to businesses in our industry, but there can be no assurance that our liability insurance will be adequate or available at all times and in all circumstances to cover any liability for these costs. Our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected to the extent claims and associated expenses resulting from accidents or injuries exceed our insurance recoveries.

 
Our predecessor entities have a history of losses and we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability.

      Our predecessor entities incurred net losses in the period ended December 20, 2004 and in each of the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. We cannot guarantee that we will become profitable. Given the increasing competition in our industry and capital intensive nature of our business, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our business and financial condition.

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Our business is dependent upon family vacation patterns, which may cause fluctuations in our revenues.

      Since most families with small children choose to take vacations during school breaks and on weekends, our occupancy is highest on the weekends and during months with prolonged school breaks, such as the summer months and spring break weeks in March and April. Our occupancy is lowest during May and September as children return to school following these prolonged breaks. As a result of these family vacation patterns, our revenues may fluctuate. We may be required to enter into short-term borrowings in slower periods in order to offset such fluctuations in revenues and to fund our anticipated obligations. In addition, adverse events occurring during our peak occupancy periods would have an increased impact on our results of operations.

 
  We may not be able to attract a significant number of customers from our key target markets, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

      Our strategy emphasizes attracting and retaining customers from the local, or drive-to, markets within a convenient driving distance from each of our resorts. Any resorts we develop in the future are similarly likely to be dependent primarily on the markets in the immediate vicinity of such resorts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to attract a sufficient number of customers in our local markets to make our resort operations profitable. If we fail to do so, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

 
  Because we concentrate in a single industry segment, we may be adversely affected by a downturn in that industry segment.

      Our assets and operations are concentrated in a single industry segment — family entertainment resorts. Our current strategy is to expand the number of our resorts and improve our existing resorts. Therefore, a downturn in the entertainment, travel or vacation industries, in general, and the family entertainment resort segment, in particular, could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 
  Changes in consumer spending habits may affect our growth, financial condition and results of operations.

      The success of our operations depends to a significant extent upon a number of factors relating to discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as employment, business conditions, interest rates and taxation. There can be no assurance that consumer spending will not be adversely affected by economic conditions, thereby impacting our growth, financial condition and results of operations.

 
  Increases in operating costs and other expense items could reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our growth, financial condition and results of operations.

      Increases in operating costs due to inflation and other factors may not be directly offset by increased room and other revenue. Our most significant operating costs are our labor, energy, insurance and property taxes. Many, and in some cases all, of the factors affecting these costs are beyond our control.

      Labor is our primary resort-level operating expense. As of December 31, 2004, we employed approximately 1,600 hourly-wage and salaried employees in our resorts. If we face labor shortages or increased labor costs because of increased competition for employees, higher employee turnover rates or increases in the federal minimum wage or other employee benefits costs (including costs associated with health insurance coverage), our operating expenses could increase and our growth could be adversely affected. Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including resort managers, lifeguards, waterpark maintenance professionals and resort staff, necessary to keep pace with our expansion schedule. The number of qualified individuals needed to fill these positions is in short supply in some

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areas. Although we have not yet experienced any significant problems in recruiting or retaining employees, any future inability to recruit and retain sufficient individuals may delay the planned openings of new resorts. Competition for qualified employees could also require us to pay higher wages to attract a sufficient number of employees.

      Energy costs also account for a significant portion of our total resort-level operating expenses. The price of energy is volatile, and shortages sometimes occur. Significant increases in the cost of energy, or shortages of energy, could interrupt or curtail our operations and lower our operating margins.

      The costs for maintaining adequate insurance coverage fluctuate and are generally beyond our control. If insurance rates increase and we are not able to pass along those increased costs to our customers through higher room rates and amenity costs, our operating margins could suffer.

      Each of our resorts is subject to real and personal property taxes. The real and personal property taxes on our resorts may increase or decrease as tax rates change and as our resorts are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. If property taxes increase and we are unable to pass these increased costs along to our customers through higher room rates and amenity costs, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 
  Uninsured losses or losses in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition and our cash flow, and there are a limited number of insurers that will underwrite coverage for resorts with indoor waterparks.

      We maintain comprehensive liability, fire, flood (where appropriate) and extended coverage insurance with respect to our resorts with policy specifications, limits and deductibles that we believe are commercially reasonable for our operations and are available to businesses in our industry. Certain types of losses, however, may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable, such as losses due to earthquakes, riots, acts of war or terrorism. Should an uninsured loss occur, we could lose both our investment in, and anticipated profits and cash flow from, a resort. If any such loss is insured, we may be required to pay a significant deductible on any claim for recovery of such a loss prior to our insurer being obligated to reimburse us for the loss or the amount of the loss may exceed our coverage for the loss. In addition, we may not be able to obtain insurance in the future at acceptable rates, or at all, and insurance may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all, including insurance for the construction and development of our resorts, especially since there are a limited number of insurance companies that underwrite insurance for indoor waterparks.

 
  We will be required to make certain capital expenditures to maintain the quality of our resorts, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

      Our resorts have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements, including periodic replacement of furniture, fixtures and equipment. The cost of such capital improvements could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Such renovations involve certain risks, including the possibility of environmental problems, construction cost overruns and delays, the possibility that we will not have available cash to fund renovations or that financing for renovations will not be available on favorable terms, if at all, uncertainties as to market demand or deterioration in market demand after commencement of renovation and the emergence of unanticipated competition from other entities. If we are unable to meet our capital expenditure needs, we may not be able to maintain the quality of our resorts.

 
  We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our business.

      The success of our resorts depends in part on our brands, logos and branded merchandise. We rely on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets and similar intellectual property rights to

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protect our brands, logos, branded merchandise and other intellectual property. The success of our growth strategy depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks in order to increase brand awareness and further develop our brand in both domestic and international markets. We also use our trademarks and other intellectual property on the Internet. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are not adequate, or if any third party misappropriates or infringes on our intellectual property, either in print or on the Internet, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the failure of our brands, logos and branded merchandise to achieve and maintain market acceptance.

      We have licensed our Great Wolf Lodge brand and intend to further license the brand in domestic and international markets. While we try to ensure that the quality of our brand is maintained by our current licensee, and will be maintained by any future licensees, we cannot assure you that these licensees will not take actions that adversely affect the value of our intellectual property or reputation.

      We have registered certain trademarks and have other trademark registrations pending in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. There is no guarantee that our trademark registration applications will be granted. In addition, the trademarks that we currently use have not been registered in all of the countries in which we do, or intend to do, business and may never be registered in all of these countries. We cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately protect our trademarks or that our use of these trademarks will not result in liability for trademark infringement, trademark dilution or unfair competition.

      We cannot assure you that all of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the United States and foreign countries will be adequate. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.

 
Our operations may be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions and the impact of disasters.

      We currently operate, and in the future intend to operate, our resorts in a number of different markets, each of which is subject to local weather patterns and their effects on our resorts, especially our guests’ ability to travel to our resorts. Extreme weather conditions can from time to time have an adverse impact upon individual resorts or particular regions. Our resorts are also vulnerable to the effects of destructive forces, such as fire, storms, high winds and flooding and any other occurrence that could affect the supply of water or electricity to our resorts. Although our resorts are insured against property damage, damages resulting from acts of God or otherwise may exceed the limits of our insurance coverage or be outside the scope of that coverage.

 
  Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other governmental regulations and changes in governmental rules and regulations may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

      Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, all public accommodations are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. While we believe that our resorts are substantially in compliance with these requirements, we have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our resorts to determine our compliance. A determination that we are not in compliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the ADA.

      The resort industry is also subject to numerous federal, state and local governmental regulations including those related to building and zoning requirements, and we are subject to laws governing our relationship with our employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions and work permit requirements. In addition, changes in governmental rules and regulations or enforcement policies affecting the use and operation of our resorts, including changes to building codes and fire and life safety codes, may occur. If we were required to make substantial modifications at our resorts to comply with the ADA, other

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governmental regulations or changes in governmental rules and regulations, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
  We face possible liability for environmental cleanup costs and damages for contamination related to our properties, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

      Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources and worker health and safety, including laws and regulations governing and creating liability relating to the management, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and other regulated materials. Our properties are also subject to various environmental laws and regulations that govern certain aspects of our on-going operations. These laws and regulations control such things as the nature and volume of our wastewater discharges, quality of our water supply and our waste management practices. The costs of complying with these requirements, as they now exist or may be altered in the future, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

      Because we own and operate real property, various federal, state and local laws may impose liability on us for the costs of removing or remediating various hazardous substances, including substances that may be currently unknown to us, that may have been released on or in our property or disposed by us at third-party locations. The principal federal laws relating to environmental contamination and associated liabilities that could affect us are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; state and local governments have also adopted separate but similar environmental laws and regulations that vary from state to state and locality to locality. These laws may impose liability jointly and severally, without regard to fault and whether or not we knew of or caused the release. The presence of hazardous substances on a property or the failure to meet environmental regulatory requirements may materially adversely affect our ability to use or sell the property, or to use the property as collateral for borrowing, and may cause us to incur substantial remediation or compliance costs. In addition, if hazardous substances are located on or released from one of our properties, we could incur substantial liabilities through a private party personal injury claim, a claim by an adjacent property owner for property damage or a claim by a governmental entity for other damages, such as natural resource damages. This liability may be imposed on us under environmental laws or common-law principles.

      We obtain environmental assessment reports on the properties we own or operate as we deem appropriate. These reports have not revealed any environmental liability or compliance concerns that we believe would materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. However, the environmental assessments that we have undertaken might not have revealed all potential environmental liabilities or claims for such liabilities. It is also possible that future laws, ordinances or regulations or changed interpretations of existing laws and regulations will impose material environmental liability or compliance costs on us, that the current environmental conditions of properties we own or operate will be affected by other properties in the vicinity or by the actions of third parties unrelated to us or that our guests could introduce hazardous or toxic substances into the resorts we own or manage without our knowledge and expose us to liability under federal or state environmental laws. The costs of defending these claims, complying with as yet unidentified requirements, conducting this environmental remediation or responding to such changed conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

      Some of our resort properties may have contained, or are adjacent to or near other properties that have contained or currently contain underground storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. If hazardous or toxic substances were released from these tanks, we could incur significant costs or, with respect to tanks on our property, be liable to third parties with respect to the releases.

      On occasion, we may elect to develop properties that have had a history of industrial activities and/or historical environmental contamination. Where such opportunities arise, we engage third-party experts to evaluate the extent of contamination, the scope of any needed environmental clean-up work, and available

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measures (such as creation of barriers over residual contamination and deed restrictions prohibiting groundwater use or disturbance of the soil) for ensuring that planned development and future property uses will not present unacceptable human health or environmental risks or exposure to liabilities. If those environmental assessments indicate that the development opportunities are acceptable, we also work with appropriate governmental agencies and obtain their approvals of planned site clean-up, development activities and the proposed future property uses. We have followed that process in connection with the development of our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin where the City of Sheboygan has arranged for environmental clean-up work and ongoing groundwater monitoring and we have agreed to the use of a barrier preventing contact with residual contamination and implementation of a deed restriction limiting site activities. To our knowledge, our work at our Sheboygan resort has been conducted in accordance with requirements imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Based on these efforts, we are not aware of any environmental liability or compliance concerns at our Sheboygan resort that we believe would materially adversely affect our financial conditions or results of operations. It is possible, however, that our efforts have not identified all environmental conditions at the property or that environmental conditions and liabilities associated with the property could change in the future.

      Future acquisitions of properties subject to environmental requirements or affected by environmental contamination could require us to incur substantial costs relating to such matters. In addition, environmental laws, regulations, wetlands, endangered species and other land use and natural resource issues affecting either currently owned properties or sites identified as possible future acquisitions may increase costs associated with future site development and construction activities or business or expansion opportunities, prevent, delay, alter or interfere with such plans or otherwise adversely affect such plans.

 
  Regulation of the marketing and sale of condominiums, including a prior offer of condominiums at our Blue Harbor Resort, could adversely affect our business.

      Our marketing and sales of condominium units are subject to extensive regulation by the federal government and the states in which our condominiums are marketed and sold. On a federal level, the Federal Trade Commission Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or competition in interstate commerce. Other federal legislation to which we are or may be subject includes the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Practices Act and the Fair Housing Act. In addition, many states have adopted specific laws and regulations regarding the sale of condominiums. For example, certain state laws grant the purchaser the right to cancel a contract of purchase within a specified period following the earlier of the date the contract was signed or the date the purchaser has received the last of the documents required to be provided by the seller. No assurance can be given that the cost of qualifying under condominium regulations in all jurisdictions in which we desire to conduct sales will not be significant. The failure to comply with such laws or regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

      There can be no assurance that prior or future sales of our condominium units will not be considered offers or sales of “securities” under federal law or the state law in the states where we desire to, or do, conduct sales or in which our properties are located. If such interests were considered to be securities, we would be required to comply with applicable state and federal securities laws, including laws pertaining to registration or qualification of securities, licensing of salespeople and other matters. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the applicable state and federal securities requirements, and if the offers or sales of our condominium units are deemed to be offers or sales of securities, such a determination may create liabilities or contingencies that could have an adverse effect on our operations, including possible rescission rights relating to the units that have been sold, which, if exercised, could result in losses and would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

      In particular, it is possible that the prior offer of condominiums at our Sheboygan resort by Blue Harbor Resort Condominium, LLC, a former subsidiary of Great Lakes that we refer to as Condo LLC, may not have

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been in compliance with federal and state securities laws. Prior to the initial public offering and the completion of the formation transactions, interests in Condo LLC held by Great Lakes were distributed to Great Lakes’ shareholders. We did not acquire Condo LLC as a part of the formation transactions. Although Condo LLC has taken steps to correct any potential securities laws issues in connection with these offers, we cannot assure you that we would not be held liable to some extent for the offers made by Condo LLC or that the indemnification obligations of the Great Lakes’ principals to us would be sufficient to cover any such liabilities.
 
  The illiquidity of real estate may make it difficult for us to dispose of one or more of our resorts.

      We may from time to time decide to dispose of one or more of our real estate assets. Because real estate holdings generally, and family entertainment resorts like ours in particular, are relatively illiquid, we may not be able to dispose of one or more real estate assets on a timely basis or at a favorable price. The illiquidity of our real estate assets could mean that we continue to operate a facility that management has identified for disposition. Failure to dispose of a real estate asset in a timely fashion, or at all, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risk Factors Related to Our Capital Structure

 
  The covenants in our revolving credit facility and mortgage loan agreement impose significant restrictions on us.

      The terms of our revolving credit facility impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries and require us to meet certain financial tests. These restrictions could also have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations by significantly limiting or prohibiting us from engaging in certain transactions, including:

  •  incurring or guaranteeing additional indebtedness;
 
  •  paying dividends or making distributions or certain other restricted payments;
 
  •  making capital expenditures and other investments;
 
  •  creating liens on our assets;
 
  •  issuing or selling capital stock of our subsidiaries;
 
  •  transferring or selling assets currently held by us;
 
  •  repurchasing stock and certain indebtedness;
 
  •  engaging in transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  entering into any agreements that restrict dividends from our subsidiaries; and
 
  •  engaging in mergers or consolidations.

      The failure to comply with any of these covenants could cause a default under our other debt agreements. Furthermore, our revolving credit facility contains certain financial covenants, including establishing a maximum leverage ratio and requiring us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio, which, if not maintained by us, would cause us to be in default under the revolving credit facility. Any of these defaults, if not waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt, in which case the debt would become immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may not be able to repay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it.

 
  We may not be able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, if at all.

      We expect that we will require additional financing over time, the amount of which will depend on a number of factors, including the number of resorts we construct, additions to our current resorts and the cash

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flow generated by our resorts. The terms of any additional financing we may be able to procure are unknown at this time. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends, in part, on:

  •  general market conditions;
 
  •  the market’s perception of our growth potential;
 
  •  our then-current debt levels;
 
  •  our then-current and expected future earnings;
 
  •  our cash flow; and
 
  •  the market price per share of our common stock.

Any future debt financing or issuances of preferred stock that we may make will be senior to the rights of holders of our common stock, and any future issuances of common stock will result in the dilution of the then-existing stockholders’ proportionate equity interest.

Risk Factors Related to the Ownership of Our Company

 
Certain of our insiders exercise considerable influence over the company.

      As of the date of this prospectus, our executive officers and directors, as a group, beneficially own approximately 16.3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock (taking into account the resignations of two of our executive officers effective March 31, 2005). By reason of such holdings, these stockholders acting as a group will be able to exercise significant influence over our affairs and policies, including the election of our board of directors and matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders such as mergers and significant asset sales, and their interests might not be consistent with the interests of other stockholders.

 
We may have assumed unknown liabilities in connection with the formation transactions.

      As part of the formation transactions, we acquired our predecessor companies subject to existing liabilities, some of which may have been unknown at the time of the closing thereof. Unknown liabilities might include liabilities for cleanup or remediation of undisclosed environmental conditions, claims of vendors or other persons dealing with the entities prior to the closing of the formation transactions (that had not been asserted or threatened prior thereto), tax liabilities and accrued but unpaid liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business. The founding shareholders of our predecessor companies agreed to indemnify us with respect to claims for breaches of representations and warranties brought by us within one year following the completion of the IPO and the formation transactions, subject to certain limitations. Many liabilities may not be identified within the one-year period and we may have no recourse against the founding shareholders or these entities for such liabilities.

      With respect to each founding shareholder, the maximum indemnification obligation under these agreements will not exceed 35% of the value of the shares of our common stock received by that founding shareholder in the formation transactions based on the IPO price of $17.00 per share. The maximum amount of the indemnification obligations under these agreements equals approximately $45,200 in the aggregate. To the extent required, these founding shareholders may fulfill the indemnity obligations under the agreements solely through delivery of shares of common stock that they own, valued at the time of delivery, or an equivalent amount of cash. However, if any of these founding shareholders chooses to fulfill the indemnity obligation under the agreement through the delivery of shares, the maximum number of shares such shareholder will be obligated to deliver is 35% of the number of shares such founding shareholder received in the formation transactions. As a result, there may be a significant shortfall in relation to the actual costs incurred from the indemnifiable event for which we will have no recourse against these founding shareholders. Three of the founding shareholders received personal loans that are secured by a pledge of all the shares of our common

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stock received by each such founding shareholder in the formation transactions. Accordingly, as these shares may not be available to these founding shareholders, these founding shareholders may be required to satisfy any indemnification obligations under these agreements in cash. There is no assurance that the founding shareholders will have adequate cash resources to satisfy their indemnification obligations under these agreements if necessary.
 
  We may issue partnership interests in the future that may be dilutive to, and may have preferential rights over, our common stockholders.

      We have formed a wholly owned operating partnership to serve as the parent entity of each of the surviving resort-owning entities. We are the limited partner of the partnership and the sole general partner of the partnership is a new wholly owned subsidiary that we have formed for that purpose. We formed the operating partnership to provide flexibility for future transactions as we execute our growth strategy. We believe that the ability to issue partnership units will enable us to acquire assets from sellers seeking certain tax treatment. While we do not anticipate issuing any interests in the operating partnership in the foreseeable future, we may issue such interests in the future. These additional interests may include preferred limited partnership units. Any partnership interests that we issue may be entitled to distributions of available cash that might otherwise be allocated to the execution of our business plan or generally available for future dividends, if any. In addition, any partnership interests may be convertible into our common stock, thus having a dilutive impact to our common stockholders, and may have voting or other preferential rights relative to those of our common stockholders.

Risks Related to this Offering

Our stock price may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

      On December 20, 2004, we completed the initial public offering. Trading markets shortly after an initial public offering have been extremely volatile. The following factors could cause the price of our common stock in the public market to fluctuate significantly:

  variations in our quarterly operating results;
 
  changes in market valuations of companies in the resort industry, generally, and the family entertainment resort segment, specifically;
 
  fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;
 
  issuances of common stock or other securities in the future;
 
  the addition or departure of key personnel; and
 
  announcements by us or our competitors of new properties, acquisitions or joint ventures.

      Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent investors from being able to sell their common stock at or above our initial public offering price or the price an investor pays for our common stock in this offering. In the past, class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of those companies’ common stock. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and company resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

      As of the date of this prospectus, we have outstanding 30,262,308 shares of common stock. Of these shares, the 16,100,000 shares sold in the initial public offering are freely tradable. The 14,032,896 shares issued

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in connection with our formation transactions and to which the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part relates are subject to lock-up provisions in our bylaws that prohibit the sale of any shares until June 18, 2005, without the prior written consent of our board of directors or chief executive officer. Subject to certain restrictions, after the end of the lock-up period and following the effectiveness of this registration statement, all of these shares are freely tradable. If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of shares of common stock in the public market, including the shares issued in connection with our formation transactions registered hereby, or upon the exercise of outstanding options, or if the market perceives that these sales could occur, the market price of our common stock could decline. These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate, or to use equity as consideration for future acquisitions.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, employment agreements and Delaware law have anti-takeover effects that could prevent a change in control that could be beneficial to our stockholders, which could depress the market price of our common stock.

      Our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, employment agreements and Delaware corporate law contain provisions that could delay, defer, increase the costs of or prevent a change in control of us or our management that could be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions might also discourage a potential acquisition proposal or tender offer, even if the acquisition proposal or tender offer is at a price above the then current market price for our common stock. These provisions:

  authorize our board of directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock and determine the powers, preferences and privileges of those shares without prior stockholder approval;
 
  prohibit the right of our stockholders to act by written consent;
 
  limit the calling of special meetings of stockholders;
 
  impose a requirement that holders of 50% of the outstanding shares of common stock are required to amend the provisions relating to actions by written consent of stockholders and the limitations of calling special meetings; and
 
  provide for payments to certain of our executive officers upon termination of employment within certain time periods before or after a change of control.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      Certain information included in this prospectus contains, and other materials filed or to be filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, contain or will contain, forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, among others, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, projected levels of growth, projected costs and projected financing needs, are forward-looking statements. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and members of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “should” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to our management that could cause actual results to differ

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materially from those in forward-looking statements include those set forth above under the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

      We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time unless required by law.

STRUCTURE AND FORMATION OF OUR COMPANY

Formation Transactions

      Each of the six existing resorts and the one resort under construction that are owned and operated by us were, prior to the consummation of the initial public offering and the formation transactions, owned by a separate limited liability company. We refer to these limited liability companies as resort-owning entities. One member in each of these resort-owning entities was a separate limited liability company of which the management company was the managing member or manager. We refer to these entities as sponsor entities. In addition, investors had an ownership interest in the resort-owning entity of our Sandusky resort through a limited liability company that we refer to as Sandusky Investor LLC.

      Pursuant to the formation transactions, among other things:

  The management company contributed its hotel management and multifamily housing management and development assets, which were unrelated to the resort business, to two subsidiaries of the management company and then distributed the interests in such subsidiaries to the former shareholders of the management company.
 
  •  We sold an aggregate of 16,100,000 shares of our common stock in the initial public offering, and we used the net proceeds from the initial public offering to accomplish the steps listed below and also to (1) pay an aggregate of $97.6 million of the cash consideration in connection with the formation transactions; (2) repay certain indebtedness existing prior to the closing of the initial public offering and the formation transactions in the aggregate amount of approximately $76.0 million; and (3) fund $75.4 million of our future resort development costs.
 
  We effected, through GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P., our wholly owned operating partnership, the acquisition of each resort-owning entity, sponsor entity, Sandusky Investor LLC and the management company.
 
  Pursuant to these acquisitions, members of the resort-owning entities, sponsor entities and Sandusky Investor LLC received cash, unregistered shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and unregistered shares of our common stock. Also, shareholders of the management company received unregistered shares of our common stock pursuant to the merger of the management company with and into Great Lakes Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the operating partnership, which we refer to as Great Lakes Services.
 
  We issued an aggregate of 130,949 shares of unregistered common stock to holders of tenant in common interests in our Poconos and Williamsburg resorts that are convertible into our common stock.
 
  Concurrently with the consummation of the initial public offering and the formation transactions, we:

  repaid an aggregate of approximately $76.0 million of Great Lakes’ mortgage indebtedness on two of our resorts from the net proceeds of the initial public offering;

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  •  refinanced existing mortgage indebtedness on two of our resorts with a total outstanding debt balance at the date of the IPO of $72.4 million; and
 
  entered into a $75.0 million revolving credit facility that is secured by two of our resorts. Based upon the financial and debt service ratios that are contained in the revolving credit facility, as of the date of this prospectus, approximately $55.0 million of the revolving credit facility is available. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not drawn any amounts under this facility. We expect to use the revolving credit facility to fund our future growth and resort development, to provide for working capital and for other corporate purposes.
 
  The former employees of the management company became employees of Great Lakes Services.

      Messrs. Lund, Neviaser, Stark and Vaccaro and Ms. Schaefer, each of whom was a shareholder of the management company, entered into indemnity agreements with us pursuant to which they made certain representations and warranties to us relating to the formation transactions and the status of the properties operated by the resort-owning entities. Pursuant to these indemnity agreements, these shareholders have agreed to indemnify us for a period of one year following the closing of the formation transactions if those representations and warranties are not accurate. These representations relate, among other things, to the following matters concerning Great Lakes:

  capital structure as of the time of the formation transactions;
 
  compliance with laws and possession of required authorizations;
 
  possession of all required consents and approvals;
 
  no breach of organizational documents or material agreements;
 
  no material tax dispute or claim;
 
  no payment of brokers’ or finders’ fees;
 
  no bankruptcy events;
 
  no material legal proceedings;
 
  reasonable insurance coverage for properties;
 
  liens and options and rights with respect to underlying properties;
 
  no labor disputes or unfair labor practices;
 
  ownership of real property and improvements thereto;
 
  no material environmental liabilities;
 
  no material defect in the condition of the properties;
 
  accuracy of financial statements;
 
  no material undisclosed liabilities, contracts or obligations;
 
  no damage or loss to its underlying properties in excess of $1 million; and
 
  ownership of intellectual property rights.

In addition, these shareholders agreed to indemnify us for a period of one year against liabilities or obligations relating to claims asserted under federal or state securities laws arising out of the offer or sale of condominiums on or before the closing of the formation transactions by the management company or any affiliated entity of the management company. With respect to each shareholder, the maximum indemnification obligation under

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these agreements will not exceed 35% of the value of the number of shares of our common stock received by that shareholder in the formation transactions based on the initial public offering price of $17.00 per share. The maximum amount of the indemnification obligations under these agreements equals approximately $45.2 million in the aggregate. These shareholders may fulfill the indemnity obligations under the agreements solely through the delivery of shares of our common stock that they own, valued at the time of delivery, or with an equivalent amount of cash. However, if any of these shareholders chooses to fulfill the indemnity obligations under the agreement through the delivery of shares, the maximum number of shares such shareholder will be obligated to deliver is 35% of the number of shares such shareholder received in the formation transactions.

      Immediately following the completion of the initial public offering, Messrs. Lund and Neviaser received personal loans from an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (which served as the lead underwriter in connection with the initial public offering). These loans are full-recourse and are secured by a pledge of all the shares of our common stock received by each in the formation transactions. While some of these shares may be released from the pledge over time, they may not be available as an alternative means to satisfy an indemnification obligation under the agreements.

      In addition, GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P. serves as the parent entity of each of the surviving resort-owning entities. In an effort to minimize our exposure to possible liability arising from our resort properties, we serve as the limited partner of the partnership and a wholly owned subsidiary, GWR OP General Partner, LLC, serves as the general partner of the partnership. We formed the operating partnership to provide flexibility for future transactions as we execute our growth strategy, in particular the flexibility to enter into transactions for the acquisition of property or assets where there may be tax or other advantages to the sellers of those properties or assets if we issue units in the operating partnership as consideration rather than shares of our common stock. We have not issued any interests in the operating partnership, other than interests issued to us and to GWR OP General Partner, LLC.

Consequences of the Initial Public Offering and the Formation Transactions

      At the completion of the initial public offering and the formation transactions:

  We directly or indirectly own a fee simple interest in all of our resorts, except for a leasehold interest in our Sheboygan resort. We also are the licensor and manager of a Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario owned by Ripley’s that is currently under construction.
 
  Purchasers of our common stock in the initial public offering own approximately 53.2% of our outstanding common stock.
 
  We had, as of December 31, 2004, an aggregate of $142.7 million of total indebtedness outstanding.

Benefits to Related Parties

      In connection with the formation transactions, the shareholders of the management company received material benefits, including:

  an aggregate of 8,087,151 unregistered shares of our common stock as consideration in the formation mergers; and
 
  the release of personal guarantees to repay approximately $167.1 million of indebtedness relating to the resort- owning entities. Approximately $76.0 million of this indebtedness was repaid with the proceeds of the initial public offering, approximately $72.4 million was refinanced and the remaining portion was assumed by us in connection with the formation transactions.

As of the date of this prospectus, the founding shareholders of Great Lakes beneficially own approximately 25.1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

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      The former shareholders of Great Lakes currently hold the following positions with us:

         
John Emery
    Chief Executive Officer and Director
Eric S. Lund
    Mr. Lund does not hold a position with us, but holds approximately 2.8% of our shares
Bruce D. Neviaser
    Chairman of the Board
Kimberly K. Schaefer
    Chief Operating Officer
Craig A. Stark
    Mr. Stark does not hold a position with us, but holds approximately 5.6% of our shares
Marc B. Vaccaro
    Director
Thomas W. Sather
    Mr. Sather does not hold a position with us, but holds approximately 2.6% of our shares.

      Prior to the formation transactions, these shareholders exercised managerial control over most of the resort-owning entities and the sponsor entities and had significant voting control over such entities.

      In addition, pursuant to their current employment arrangements, three members of our management received approximately $2.3 million of bonus payments in the form of lump sum cash payments effective upon the completion of the initial public offering. Approximately $2.2 million of these bonus payments were made to members of management who have joined the company in the last year. These bonuses were offered to enable us to attract these executives and to incentivize them to successfully complete the initial public offering. Approximately $2.2 million of these bonus payments were deferred pursuant to our deferred compensation plan. Pursuant to elections by these members of management to have these bonus payments track the performance of our common stock, we contributed 129,412 shares of our common stock (based on the initial public offering price of $17.00 per share) to a trust that holds assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. These deferred bonuses will be deemed to be investments in shares of our common stock. As a result, the amount of cash ultimately paid from the deferred bonuses will increase and decrease as the price of our common stock increases and decreases.

      Immediately following the completion of the initial public offering, loans in an aggregate amount equal to $11.5 million were made by an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (which served as lead underwriter in connection with the initial public offering) to certain founders of Great Lakes, including a loan of $6.5 million to Mr. Neviaser, a loan of $3.5 million to Mr. Lund, and a loan of $1.5 million to Mr. Sather. These loans are two-year revolving commitments with principal due at maturity. However, Mr. Neviaser’s and Mr. Lund’s loans are subject to mandatory partial prepayment on or before the date that is seven months after the closing of the loan facility if borrowings are over a specified amount. Interest, payable monthly, accrues under the loans at the prime interest rate. These loans are full-recourse to each borrower and are directly secured by a pledge of all of the shares of our common stock received by each borrower in the formation transactions. Because we do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock, these individuals entered into these loans for personal liquidity purposes. These purposes may include the repayment or refinancing of indebtedness previously incurred by these individuals in connection with their investments in Great Lakes, tax payment obligations and general working capital purposes since they no longer receive distributions that were paid on their Great Lakes investments.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

      All of the shares offered hereby are being offered by the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the offering.

MARKET PRICE INFORMATION

      Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “WOLF.” The following table sets forth the high and low sales price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the periods presented. Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market on December 15, 2004.

                 
Period High Low



2005
               
Second Quarter*   $ 25.25     $ 19.38  
First Quarter   $ 25.88     $ 20.07  
2004
               
Fourth Quarter
  $ 23.00     $ 18.65  


Through May 9, 2005.

      As of May 3, 2005, there were 520 record holders of our common stock. On May 9, 2005, the last reported sales price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $22.69.

DIVIDEND POLICY

      We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We are prohibited from paying cash dividends under covenants contained in the credit facility. We currently intend to retain our earnings, if any, for future growth. Future dividends on our common stock, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our operations, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

      The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial and operating data on a historical basis for Great Wolf Resorts, on a combined historical basis for Great Lakes Predecessor (or the Predecessor) and on an unaudited pro forma basis for Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. The Predecessor was the predecessor accounting entity to Great Wolf Resorts. We have not presented historical information for Great Wolf Resorts prior to December 20, 2004, the date on which we closed the initial public offering, because we did not have any material corporate operating activity during the period from our formation until the closing of the initial public offering.

Great Lakes Predecessor Financial Information

      The Predecessor’s combined historical financial information included the following:

  •  The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including development of, ownership interests in, and management contracts with respect to, resorts and certain non-resort hotels and multifamily housing development and management assets;
 
  •  the entities that owned our Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan operating resorts; and
 
  •  the entities that owned our Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts that, as of December 31, 2004, were under construction.

      The Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts opened in March 2003, May 2003 and June 2004, respectively. Therefore, the Predecessor’s historical results of operations only reflected operating results for the Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts for those periods after the resort opening dates, and only through the closing of the initial public offering (that is, through December 20, 2004).

      The Predecessor’s financial statements did not include the entities that owned the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky operating resorts as those entities were controlled by affiliates of AIG SunAmerica.

Great Wolf Resorts Financial Information

      Great Wolf Resorts’ consolidated historical financial information includes:

  •  our corporate entity that provides resort development and management services;
 
  •  our Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan operating resorts; and
 
  •  our Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts that, as of December 31, 2004, were under construction.

      The selected financial information for the Predecessor as of December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the period from January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and for Great Wolf Resorts as of December 31, 2004 and for the period from December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004 are derived from, and are qualified in their entirety by, the Great Lakes Predecessor and Great Wolf Resorts financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report with respect thereto is included elsewhere in this prospectus. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future. You should read the following selected financial data together with “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Great Lakes Predecessor, Great Wolf Resorts and Dells/Sandusky financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

Pro Forma Financial Information

      The unaudited selected consolidated pro forma financial data for the year ended December 31, 2004 has been prepared to give pro forma effect to the initial public offering and the formation transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004. The unaudited selected consolidated pro forma financial data is for informational

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purposes only and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the initial public offering and the formation transactions actually been consummated on January 1, 2004 and do not purport to indicate results of operations as of any future date or for any future period. You should read the selected consolidated pro forma data in conjunction with “Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries Pro Forma Financial Information — Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical Great Wolf Resorts, Great Lakes Predecessor and Dells/Sandusky financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

      The following data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

                                                           
December 21,
Year Ended 2004- January 1,
December 31, December 31, 2004- Year Ended December 31,
2004 2004 December 20,
Consolidated Great Wolf 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Pro Forma Resorts Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor







(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Statement of Operations:
                                                       
Revenues:
                                                       
 
Rooms
  $ 62,188     $ 3,261     $ 31,438     $ 18,801     $     $     $  
 
Food, beverage and other
    28,769       1,289       16,110       9,439             312        
 
Management and other fees
    79       79       3,157       3,109       3,329       3,022       4,070  
 
Other revenue from managed properties(1)
                14,553       14,904       14,889       13,286       9,456  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total revenues
    91,036       4,629       65,258       46,253       18,218       16,620       13,526  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses:
                                                       
Departmental expenses
                                                       
 
Rooms
    9,389       298       4,917       3,265                    
 
Food, beverage and other
    23,934       958       13,678       8,580                    
Other operating expenses:
                                                       
 
Selling, general and administrative
    29,540       7,372       18,613       11,376       4,159       3,853       5,168  
 
Property operating costs
    15,153       295       8,810       5,283       631              
 
Depreciation and amortization
    21,809       1,897       12,925       7,744       212       73       51  
 
Other expenses from managed properties(1)
                14,553       14,904       14,808       13,286       9,456  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating expenses
    99,825       10,820       73,496       51,152       19,810       17,212       14,675  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (8,789 )     (6,191 )     (8,238 )     (4,899 )     (1,592 )     (592 )     (1,149 )
Interest income
    (188 )     (66 )     (224 )     (55 )     (88 )     (76 )     2  
Interest expense
    6,952       280       6,748       4,413       217       366       578  
(Gain) loss on sale of investments and securities
                (1,653 )           13       (96 )     (11 )
Interest on mandatorily redeemable shares
                1,761       (3,136 )     4,479       390        
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (15,553 )     (6,405 )     (14,870 )     (6,121 )     (6,213 )     (1,176 )     (1,718 )
Income tax benefit
    (6,222 )     (2,563 )                              
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    (9,331 )     (3,842 )     (14,870 )     (6,121 )     (6,213 )     (1,176 )     (1,718 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
                1,928       1,118       (542 )     332       (1,037 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

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December 21,
Year Ended 2004- January 1,
December 31, December 31, 2004- Year Ended December 31,
2004 2004 December 20,
Consolidated Great Wolf 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Pro Forma Resorts Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor







(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (9,331 )     (3,842 )     (12,942 )     (5,003 )     (6,755 )     (844 )     (2,755 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                      460             (333 )      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (9,331 )   $ (3,842 )   $ (12,942 )   $ (4,543 )   $ (6,755 )   $ (1,177 )   $ (2,755 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Basic loss per share
    (0.31 )   $ (0.13 )                                        
Diluted loss per share
    (0.31 )   $ (0.13 )                                        
Weighted average common shares outstanding —
                                                       
 
Basic
    30,132,896 (2)     30,132,896 (2)                                        
 
Diluted
    30,132,896 (2)     30,132,896 (2)                                        
Cash Flows:
                                                       
Cash flows from:
                                                       
Operating activities
          $ 762       6,049     $ 8,126     $ 376                  
Investing activities
            (95,575 )     (66,884 )     (64,280 )     (46,276 )                
Financing activities
            172,151       61,424       54,854       49,797                  
                                                         
December 21,
Year Ended 2004- January 1,
December 31, December 31, 2004- Year Ended December 31,
2004 2004 December 20,
Consolidated Great Wolf 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Pro Forma Resorts Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor Predecessor







(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
                                                       
Total assets
          $ 592,414             $ 173,494     $ 106,751     $ 54,191     $ 51,342  
Total long-term debt
          $ 142,665             $ 93,733     $ 37,710     $ 9,466     $ 5,679  
Long-term debt secured by assets of spun-off entities
                          12,108       5,054       5,177       5,100  
Long-term debt secured by assets held for sale
                        $ 14,220     $ 31,564     $ 34,193     $ 33,084  
Non-GAAP financial measures:
                                                       
EBITDA
  $ 13,020 (3)   $ (4,294 )(3)   $ 7,559 (3)   $ 12,439 (3)   $ 334(3 )   $ 6,287     $ 431  


(1)  Reflects reimbursement of payroll, benefits and costs related to the operations of properties managed by the Predecessor.
 
(2)  We currently have 30,262,308 shares of our common stock outstanding. Included in that total are 129,412 shares held in a trust that holds the assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. Under applicable accounting rules, the shares of common stock held in that trust are treated as treasury stock for purposes of our earnings per share computations and are therefore excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.
 
(3)  See reconciliation to net income (loss) in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation — Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Where appropriate, the following discussion includes analysis of the effects of, the formation transactions and related refinancing transactions and certain other transactions. We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward-looking statements, see the section in this prospectus entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.” Certain risk factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion. For a discussion of such risk factors, see the sections in this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.” All dollar amounts in this discussion, except for per share data and operating statistics, are in thousands.

Overview

      Formation. The terms “Great Wolf Resorts,” “us,” “we” and “our” are used in this section refer to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Through our controlling interest in Great Wolf Resort Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P., or the “Operating Partnership,” of which we are the sole general partner, and the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, we develop, own and operate family entertainment resorts.

      We were formed to succeed to certain businesses of the Great Lakes Predecessor (the Predecessor), which was not a legal entity but rather a combination of numerous entities. The Predecessor consisted of the following, all of which were under common management:

  •  The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. (GLC) and its consolidated subsidiaries;
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of Traverse City, LLC;
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City, LLC;
 
  •  Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC;
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg, LLC; and
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of the Poconos, LLC

      The Predecessor financial statements did not include entities that owned Great Wolf Lodges in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and Sandusky, Ohio. These entities, although they were managed by GLC, were controlled by affiliates of AIG SunAmerica, Inc.

      The Predecessor developed and operated hotels since 1995. In 1999, the Predecessor began its resort operations by purchasing the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and developing the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio, which opened in 2001. In 2003, the Predecessor opened two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts, one in Traverse City, Michigan and the other in Kansas City, Kansas. In June 2004, the Predecessor opened the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Subsequently, the Predecessor had two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts under construction, one in Williamsburg, Virginia and the other in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania, and had licensed a resort owned by a third party that was under construction in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). In March 2005, we opened our resort previously under construction in Williamsburg, Virginia.

      We were incorporated in May 2004 as a Delaware corporation in anticipation of our initial public offering of common stock (the IPO). The IPO closed on December 20, 2004, concurrently with the completion of various formation transactions (the Formation Transactions).

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      Pursuant to the Formation Transactions:

  •  The Predecessor contributed its hotel management and multifamily housing management and development assets, which were unrelated to the resort business, to two subsidiaries of the Predecessor and then distributed the interests in those subsidiaries to the former shareholders of the Predecessor.
 
  •  We effected, through our Operating Partnership, the acquisition of GLC and each resort-owning entity. Pursuant to these acquisitions, investors of GLC and the resort-owning entities received cash, unregistered shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and unregistered shares of our common stock. We issued 13,901,947 shares of our common stock and paid approximately $97,600 in cash in connection with these acquisitions.
 
  •  We issued an aggregate of 130,949 shares of unregistered common stock to holders of tenant in common interests in two of our resorts.

These transactions consolidated the ownership of our resort properties and property interests to Great Wolf Resorts. During the period from our formation until we commenced operations upon closing of our IPO on December 20, 2004, we did not have any material corporate activity.

      The IPO consisted of the sale of 16,100,000 shares of common stock at a price per share of $17.00, generating gross proceeds of $273,700. The net proceeds to us were approximately $248,700 after deducting an aggregate of $19,200 in underwriting discounts and commissions paid to the underwriters and $5,800 in other expenses incurred in connection with the IPO.

      As of December 31, 2004, we developed, owned and operated four Great Wolf Lodge resorts, our signature northwoods-themed resorts, and one Blue Harbor Resort, a nautical-themed property. In addition, at such time, we owned two Great Wolf Lodge resorts that are under construction and scheduled to open for business during 2005. We are also the licensor and manager of an additional Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario that is owned and under development by an affiliate of Ripley Entertainment Inc., or Ripley’s. In March 2005, we opened our resort previously under construction in Williamsburg, Virginia.

      Business. We are a family entertainment resort company that provides our guests with a high-quality vacation at an affordable price. We are the largest owner, operator and developer in the United States of drive-to family resorts featuring indoor waterparks and other family-oriented entertainment activities. We provide a full-service entertainment resort experience to our target customer base: families with children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 years old that live within a convenient driving distance from our resorts. Our resorts are open year-round and provide a consistent and comfortable environment where our guests can enjoy our various amenities and activities.

      We provide our guests with a self-contained vacation experience and focus on capturing a significant portion of their total vacation spending. We earn revenues through the sale of rooms, which includes admission to our indoor waterpark, and other revenue-generating resort amenities. Each of our resorts features a combination of the following revenue-generating amenities: themed restaurants, an ice cream shop and confectionery, full-service spa, game arcade, gift shop and meeting space. We also expect to generate revenues from licensing arrangements, management fees and construction fees with respect to properties owned by third parties, such as the licensing agreement we have entered into and management arrangement we have agreed to enter into with Ripley’s in connection with the Niagara Falls, Ontario resort.

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      The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of operating resorts and resorts under construction at December 31, 2004 (including the Niagara resort that will be owned by a third party licensee):

                         
Indoor
Opened/Target Entertainment
Location Opening Rooms Area(1)




(Approx. ft2)
Existing Resorts:
                       
Wisconsin Dells, WI
    May 1997(2)       309 (3)     64,000  
Sandusky, OH(4)
    March 2001       271       41,000  
Traverse City, MI
    March 2003       281       51,000  
Kansas City, KS
    May 2003       281       49,000  
Sheboygan, WI(5)
    June 2004       183 (6)     54,000  
Resorts Under Construction:
                       
Williamsburg, VA
    March 2005(7)       301       66,000  
Pocono Mountains, PA
    Fall 2005       400       91,000  
Niagara Falls, ONT(8)
    Spring 2006       404       94,000  


(1)  Our indoor entertainment areas generally include our indoor waterpark, game arcade, children’s activity room and fitness room, as well as our Aveda concept spa, 3D virtual reality theatre, Wiley’s Woods and party room in the resorts that have such amenities.
 
(2)  We purchased this property in November 1999.
 
(3)  Our Wisconsin Dells property also features 77 condominium units currently under construction.
 
(4)  Prior to May 2004, we operated this resort as a Great Bear Lodge.
 
(5)  Our Sheboygan property is branded as a Blue Harbor Resort. This resort is subject to a 98-year and 11-month ground lease with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan.
 
(6)  Our Sheboygan resort includes an additional 64 individually owned two and four bedroom condominium units.
 
(7)  In March 2005, we opened our resort previously under construction in Williamsburg, Virginia.
 
(8)  Ripley’s, our licensee, owns this resort. We are assisting Ripley’s with construction management and other pre-opening matters related to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. We have granted Ripley’s a license to use the Great Wolf Lodge name for this resort and other intellectual property for ten years after opening. We have agreed to enter into a management agreement, pursuant to which we expect to operate the resort on behalf of Ripley’s for five years, and a central reservations agreement. In conjunction with this project, we expect to receive a one-time construction fee and ongoing license, central reservation and management fees.

      Industry Trends and Outlook. While no standard industry definition for a family entertainment resort featuring an indoor waterpark has developed, we generally consider resorts with at least 200 rooms featuring indoor waterparks larger than 25,000 square feet, as well as a variety of water slides and other water-based attractions, to be competitive with our resorts. The concept of a family entertainment resort with an indoor waterpark was first introduced in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and has evolved there over the past 15 years. We believe those resorts have historically outperformed standard hotels in that market. We believe that the rate premiums and increased market share in Wisconsin Dells have been significant and that no other operator or developer other than Great Wolf Resorts has established a regional portfolio of family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks. We intend to continue to expand our portfolio of owned resorts throughout the United States and to selectively seek licensing and management opportunities domestically and internationally. The resorts we are currently constructing and plan to develop in the future require significant industry

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knowledge and substantial capital resources. We believe that a number of other resort operators are developing or considering the development of family entertainment resorts that will compete directly with our resorts. In particular, one of our current competitors is constructing a resort in Sandusky and another competitor is constructing a resort near Traverse City.

      We believe there are characteristics of the domestic travel and leisure industry that indicate families favor frequent, short, drive-to vacations. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, or TIA, from 1994 to 2003 the number of domestic leisure trips taken by families grew from approximately 96 million trips in 1994 to 154 million trips in 2003. In 2003, approximately 45% of leisure trips lasted one to two nights. The primary mode of transportation for 77% of the overnight leisure trips in 2003 was by automobile. We believe these statistics provide evidence that our segment of the travel and leisure industry has strong demand characteristics that make our family entertainment resorts attractive to leisure travelers.

      Our primary business objective is to increase long-term stockholder value. We believe we can increase stockholder value by executing our internal and external growth strategies. Our primary internal growth strategies are to: maximize total resort revenue; minimize costs by leveraging our economies of scale; and build upon our existing brand awareness and loyalty in order to compete more effectively. Our primary external growth strategies are to: capitalize on our first-mover advantage by being the first to develop and operate family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks in our selected target markets; focus on development and strategic growth opportunities by seeking to develop and open at least two new owned resorts in target markets each year for the next several years and target selected licensing opportunities; and continue to innovate by leveraging our in-house expertise, in conjunction with the knowledge and experience of our third-party suppliers and designers.

      In attempting to execute our internal and external growth strategies, we are subject to a variety of business challenges and risks. These challenges include: development and licensing of properties; increases in costs of constructing, operating and maintaining our resorts; competition from other entertainment companies, both within and outside our industry segment; and external economic risks, including family vacation patterns and trends. We seek to meet these challenges by providing sufficient management oversight to site selection, development and resort operations, concentrating on growing and strengthening awareness of our brand and demand for our resorts, and maintaining our focus on safety.

      Revenue and Key Performance Indicators. We seek to generate positive cash flows and net income from each of our owned resorts. Our rooms revenue represents sales to guests of room nights at our resorts, and is the largest contributor to our cash flows and profitability. Rooms revenue accounted for approximately 67% of our total resort revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004. We employ sales and marketing efforts to increase overall demand for rooms at our resorts. We seek to optimize the relationship between room rates and occupancies through the use of yield management techniques that attempt to project demand in order to selectively increase room rates during peak demand. These techniques are designed to assist us in managing our higher occupancy nights to achieve maximum rooms revenue, and include such practices as: monitoring our historical trends for occupancy and estimating our high occupancy nights; offering the highest discounts to previous guests in off-peak periods to build customer loyalty and enhance our ability to charge higher rates in peak periods; structuring rates to allow us to offer our previous guests the best rate while simultaneously working with a promotional partner or offering internet specials; monitoring sales of room types daily to evaluate the effectiveness of offered discounts; and offering specials on standard suites and yielding better rates on larger suites when standard suites sell out. In addition, we seek to maximize the amount of time and money spent on-site by our guests by providing a variety of revenue-generating amenities.

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      We have several key indicators that we use to evaluate the performance of our business. These indicators include the following:

  •  occupancy;
 
  •  average daily room rate, or ADR;
 
  •  revenue per available room, or RevPAR;
 
  •  total revenue per available room, or Total RevPAR;
 
  •  total revenue per occupied room, or Total RevPOR; and
 
  •  EBITDA.

      Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR are commonly used measures within the hospitality industry to evaluate hotel operations and are defined as follows:

  •  Occupancy is calculated by dividing total occupied rooms by total available rooms.
 
  •  ADR is calculated by dividing total rooms revenue by total occupied rooms.
 
  •  RevPAR is the product of occupancy and ADR.

      Occupancy allows us to measure the general overall demand for rooms at our resorts and the effectiveness of our sales and marketing strategies. ADR allows us to measure the effectiveness of our yield management strategies. ADR and RevPAR only include rooms revenue. Total RevPOR and Total RevPAR include both rooms revenue and other revenue derived from food and beverage and other amenities at our resorts. We consider Total RevPOR and Total RevPAR to be key performance indicators for our business because we derive a significant portion of our revenue from food and beverage and other amenities. For the year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 33% of our total resort revenues consisted of non-rooms revenue.

      We use RevPAR and Total RevPAR to evaluate the blended effect that changes in occupancy, ADR and Total RevPOR have on our profitability. We focus on increasing ADR and Total RevPOR because those increases can have the greatest positive impact on our profitability. In addition, we seek to maximize occupancy, as increases in occupancy generally lead to greater total revenues at our resorts, and maintaining certain occupancy levels is key to covering our fixed costs. Increases in total revenues as a result of higher occupancy are, however, typically accompanied by additional incremental costs (including housekeeping services, utilities and room amenity costs). In contrast, increases in total revenues from higher ADR and Total RevPOR are typically accompanied by lower incremental costs, and result in a greater increase in profitability.

      We also use EBITDA as a measure of the operating performance of each of our resorts. EBITDA is a supplemental financial measure, and is not defined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for further discussion of our use of EBITDA and a reconciliation to net income.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

      The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and our financial reporting process involve the use of accounting estimates based on our current judgments. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to our consolidated financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting them may differ from our current judgments.

      Investments in Property and Equipment. We record investments in property and equipment at cost. Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity or improve the efficiency of the asset. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

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      Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

         
Buildings and improvements
    40 years  
Land improvements
    15 years  
Fixtures and equipment, including waterpark equipment
    3-10 years  

      We are required to make subjective assessments as to these useful lives for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation and amortization to record annually with respect to our investments in property and equipment. These assessments have a direct impact on our net income because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our investments in property and equipment we would depreciate and amortize such investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation and amortization expense and lower net income on an annual basis. We periodically review the estimated useful lives we have assigned to our depreciable assets to determine whether those useful lives are reasonable and appropriate.

      When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate the carrying values of a long-lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. We make estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income.

      We are required to make subjective assessments as to the fair value of assets and liabilities in connection with purchase accounting adjustments recorded related to real estate we acquire, including the resorts acquired through the Formation Transactions which are accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Purchase accounting requires allocation of the acquisition value among the property and equipment and identifiable intangible assets acquired.

      Carrying Value of Goodwill. As a result of the Formation Transactions, we recorded approximately $218,727 of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet. On an annual basis, we perform an analysis to determine any impairment of the carrying value of goodwill. To test goodwill for impairment, we analyze the fair value of the individual resort to which the goodwill is assigned to the carrying value of that resort. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is less than the fair value of the individual resort, we compare the implied fair value of the resort’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of the goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the individual resort to all the assets and liabilities of that resort as if it had been acquired in a business combination. The excess of the fair value of the individual resort over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements

      In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), that requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options, discounts on employee stock purchase plans and the similar awards. Under SFAS 123R, share-abased payment awards result in compensation expense that will be measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. SFAS 123R is effective for years beginning after July 1, 2005, and applies to all outstanding and unvested share-based payment awards at the adoption date. We have not completed our evaluation of the impact of adopting SFAS 124R.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      We use EBITDA as a measure of our operating performance. EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is commonly defined as net income plus (a) interest expense, (b) income taxes and (c) depreciation and amortization.

      EBITDA as calculated by us is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDA (a) does not represent net income or cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP; (b) is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund our cash flow needs; and (c) should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or our other financial information as determined under GAAP.

      We believe EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:

  •  a significant portion of our assets consists of property and equipment that are depreciated over their remaining useful lives in accordance with GAAP. Because depreciation and amortization are non-cash items, we believe that presentation of EBITDA is a useful measure of our operating performance;
 
  •  it is widely used in the hospitality and entertainment industries to measure operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization; and
 
  •  we believe it helps investors meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of items directly resulting from our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization, from our operating results.

      Our management uses EBITDA:

  •  as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as it removes the impact of items directly resulting from our asset base, primarily depreciation and amortization, from our operating results;
 
  •  for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget;
 
  •  as a valuation measure for evaluating our operating performance and our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business; and
 
  •  as one measure in determining the value of other acquisitions and dispositions.

Covenants in our revolving credit facility also require us to meet financial tests based upon EBITDA as adjusted for certain items.

      Using a measure such as EBITDA has material limitations. These limitations include the difficulty associated with comparing results among companies and the inability to analyze certain significant items, including depreciation and interest expense, which directly affect our net income or loss. Management compensates for these limitations by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently, as well as in connection with its analysis of net income.

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      The tables shown below reconcile net loss to EBITDA for the periods presented.

                                   
Great Wolf
Resorts Predecessor


Period Period
December 21, January 1,
2004 2004 Year Ended
through through December 31,
December 31, December 20,
2004 2004 2003 2002




Net loss
  $ (3,842 )   $ (12,942 )   $ (4,543 )   $ (6,755 )
Adjustments:
                               
 
Interest expense, net
    214       7,394       6,542       2,920  
 
Income tax benefit
    (2,563 )                  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    1,897       13,107       10,440       4,169  
     
     
     
     
 
EBITDA
  $ (4,294 )   $ 7,559     $ 12,439     $ 334  
     
     
     
     
 

Results of Operations

 
General

      Our and the Predecessor’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are not directly comparable due primarily to the impact of the IPO and the Formation Transactions, our new debt and the repayment of debt upon the consummation of the IPO. To facilitate a meaningful analysis of the results of operations, amounts for the year ended December 31, 2004, are labeled as “Company” and include both the historical operations of the Predecessor in 2004 (for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004) and our operations since the IPO (for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004). The Company results are compared to Predecessor results from prior years. The Predecessor results were combined with our results in 2004 because we believe that a discussion of our results for the eleven-day period from December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004 would not be meaningful.

 
Great Lakes Predecessor Financial Information

      The Predecessor combined historical financial information included the following:

  •  The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including development of, ownership interests in, and management contracts with respect to, resorts and certain non-resort hotels and multifamily housing development and management assets;
 
  •  the entities that owned our Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan operating resorts; and
 
  •  the entities that owned our Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts that, as of December 31, 2004, were under construction.

      The Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts opened in March 2003, May 2003 and June 2004, respectively. Therefore, Predecessor’s historical results of operations only reflected operating results for Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan for those periods after the resort opening dates.

      The Predecessor’s financial information did not include the entities that own the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky operating resorts as those entities were controlled by affiliates of AIG SunAmerica.

      Revenues. The Predecessor’s revenues consisted of the following:

  •  lodging revenue, which consists of rooms, food and beverage and other department revenues from its consolidated and combined hotels and resorts;

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  •  management fee revenue from both resort activity and non-resort activity, which includes fees received under its management agreements; and
 
  •  other revenue, which consists of accounting fees, development fees, central reservation fees, construction management fees and other fees.

      The Predecessor employed the staff at its managed properties. Under its management agreements, the hotel and resort owners reimbursed Predecessor for payroll, benefits and certain other costs related to the operations of the managed properties. Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, Issue No. 01-14, “Income Statement Characteristics of Reimbursements for Out-of-pocket Expenses, (EITF 01-14)” establishes standards for accounting for reimbursable expenses in Predecessor’s income statement. Under this pronouncement, the reimbursement of payroll, benefits and costs is recorded as revenue on Predecessor’s statements of operations, with a corresponding expense recorded as “other expenses from managed properties.”

      Operating Expenses. The Predecessor’s departmental operating expenses consisted of rooms, food and beverage and other department expenses.

      The Predecessor’s other operating expenses included the following items:

  •  selling, general and administrative expenses, which were associated with the management of hotels and resorts and which consist primarily of expenses such as corporate payroll and related benefits, operations management, sales and marketing, finance, legal, information technology support, human resources and other support services, as well as general corporate expenses;
 
  •  property operation and maintenance expenses;
 
  •  depreciation and amortization; and
 
  •  other expenses from managed properties, which are recorded as an expense in accordance with EITF 01-14.
 
Great Wolf Resorts Financial Information

      Great Wolf Resorts’ financial information includes:

  •  our corporate entity that provides resort development and management services;
 
  •  our Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan operating resorts; and
 
  •  our Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts that, as of December 31, 2004, were under construction.

      Revenues. Our revenues consist of lodging revenue, which includes rooms, food and beverage, and other department revenues from our resorts.

      Operating Expenses. Our departmental operating expenses consist of rooms, food and beverage and other department expenses.

      Our other operating expenses include the following items:

  •  selling, general and administrative expenses, which are associated with the management of resorts and which consist primarily of expenses such as corporate payroll and related benefits, operations management, sales and marketing, finance, legal, information technology support, human resources and other support services, as well as general corporate expenses;
 
  •  property operation and maintenance expenses; and
 
  •  depreciation and amortization.

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  Year Ended December 31, 2004 for the Company Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2003 for the Predecessor

      The Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts opened in March 2003, May 2003 and June 2004, respectively. We acquired the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts as part of the IPO in December 2004. As a result, comparisons of changes in total revenue, rooms revenue and other revenue between the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2004 (during which two resorts were open for the entire period, one resort opened, and we purchased two resorts) and December 31, 2003 (during which two resorts opened) are not meaningful.

      Revenues. Total revenues increased $23,634 to $69,887 for 2004 compared to $46,253 for 2003. This increase was primarily due to:

  •  The commencement of operations at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan, which opened in March 2003. This resort had revenues of $22,885 for 2004 compared to $18,232 for 2003, an increase of $4,653;
 
  •  The commencement of operations at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas, which opened in May 2003. This resort had revenues of $18,929 for 2004 compared to $9,971 for 2003, an increase of $8,958; and
 
  •  The commencement of operations at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, which opened in June 2004. This resort had revenues of $8,350 for 2004.

      Operating expenses. Total departmental expenses increased $8,006 to $19,851 for 2004 compared to $11,845 for 2003, primarily due to the opening of the Traverse City, Kansas City and Sheboygan resorts in March 2003, May 2003 and June 2004, respectively.

      Total other operating expenses increased $25,158 to $64,465 for 2004 compared to $39,307 for 2003. This increase was primarily due to:

  •  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $14,609 to $25,985 for 2004 compared to $11,376 for 2003, primarily due to the effect of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts opening in 2003 and the Sheboygan resort opening in 2004, the effect of additional labor costs at GLC due to increases in staffing, and $6,413 of IPO-related expenses incurred in 2004.
 
  •  Property operating costs increased $3,822 to $9,105 for 2004 compared to $5,283 for 2003, primarily due to the effect of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts opening in 2003 and the Sheboygan resort opening in 2004.
 
  •  Depreciation and amortization expense increased $7,078 to $14,822 for 2004 compared to $7,744 for 2003. This increase resulted from:

  •  the purchases or placement into service of property and equipment during 2003, primarily at the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts that opened in 2003, and the related increase in depreciation taken on those assets; and
 
  •  the purchases or placement into service of property and equipment in 2004, primarily at the Sheboygan resort that opened in 2004, and the related increase in depreciation taken on those assets.

      Operating loss. Operating loss for 2004 increased $9,530 to $(14,429) from $(4,899) for 2003.

      Net loss. Net loss increased $12,241 to $(16,784) for 2004 from ($4,543) for 2003. This increase was due to the increase in operating loss, as explained above, as well as the effect of the following:

  •  Net interest expense increased $2,380 to $6,738 for 2004 from $4,358 for 2003. This increase was due primarily to increased debt levels as a result of finishing construction of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts during 2003 and the Sheboygan resort in 2004.

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  •  Interest on mandatorily redeemable ownership interests increased $4,897 to $1,761 for 2004 from $(3,136) for 2003. This increase was due to an increase in the redemption value of certain mandatorily redeemable equity interests in 2004. The Predecessor treated the following as mandatorily redeemable financial instruments:

  •  Class A and Class B shares of GLC that were obligated to be redeemed in cash if a shareholder died or incurred certain triggering events. The redemption price was calculated based on a formula with GLC’s net operating income and a multiple based on the type of triggering event. The shares contained restrictions on transfers and sales by the shareholders.
 
  •  Class B Units of Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City, LLC that were required to be redeemed in cash no later than the fifth anniversary date of the operating commencement date of the Kansas City resort. The redemption price was based on the greater of fair value or an internal rate of return.

  •  A cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $460 related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Debt and Equity” (SFAS 150) was recorded in 2003. This gain resulted from recording at fair market value the value of certain mandatorily redeemable equity interests.

      This increase was partially offset by:

  •  A net gain on sale of real estate of $1,653 in 2004 due to the sales of land owned in Ontario, Canada and Beckley, West Virginia.
 
  •  An income tax benefit of $2,563 recorded in 2004 related to the net loss incurred since the IPO date. The Predecessor was not a taxable entity and therefore had no income tax provision recorded prior to the IPO.
 
  •  Income from discontinued operations increased $810 to $1,928 in 2004 from $1,118 in 2003, due to lower minority interest expense in 2004.
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2003 for the Predecessor Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2002 for the Predecessor

      Revenues. Total revenues increased $28,035 to $46,253 for 2003 compared to $18,218 for 2002. This increase was primarily due to:

  •  the commencement of operations at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan, which opened in March 2003. This property produced revenues of $18,232 in 2003; and
 
  •  the commencement of operations at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas, which opened in May 2003. This property produced revenues of $9,971 in 2003.

      Operating expenses. Total departmental expenses for 2003 were $11,845 as a result of the commencement of operations of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts during 2003. The Traverse City resort had $7,167 of rooms, food and beverage and other expenses in 2003. The Kansas City resort had $5,054 of similar departmental expenses in 2003. There were no comparative departmental expenses in 2002.

      Total other operating expenses increased $19,497 to $39,307 for 2003, compared to $19,810 for 2002. This increase was primarily due to:

  •  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $7,217 to $11,376 for 2003 from $4,159 for 2002, primarily due to the effect of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts commencing operations in 2003.

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  •  Property operating costs increased $4,652 to $5,283 for 2003 from $631 in 2002, primarily due to the effect of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts commencing operations in 2003.
 
  •  Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $7,532 to $7,744 for 2003 from $212 for 2002. This increase resulted from the purchases or placement into service of property and equipment during 2003, primarily at the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts that commenced operations in 2003, and the related increase in depreciation taken on those assets.
 
  •  Other expenses from managed properties increased $96 to $14,904 for 2003 from $14,808 for 2002 due to increased payroll costs at managed properties.

      Operating loss. Operating loss for 2003 increased $3,307 to $(4,899) from $(1,592) for 2002.

      Net loss. Net loss decreased $2,212 to $(4,543) in 2003 from $(6,755) in 2002. This decrease was primarily due to the following:

  •  Interest on mandatorily redeemable ownership interests decreased by $7,615 to $(3,136) in 2003 and $4,479 in 2002, due to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 on July 1, 2003 and the marking to fair value of the derivative instruments related to the mandatorily redeemable ownership interests.
 
  •  Income (loss) from discontinued operations increased $1,660 to $1,118 for 2003 from $(542) for 2002. SFAS No. 144 requires the net activity of assets held for sale or disposed of during a fiscal period to be classified as discontinued operations. The income from discontinued operations increased significantly in 2003 as a result of gains on the sales of the Manassas Country Inn & Suites, the Manassas Fairfield Inn and the Hampton Inn & Suites Warwick during 2003.
 
  •  A cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $460 related to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 was recorded in 2003. This gain resulted from recording at fair market value the value of certain mandatorily redeemable equity interests.

      This decrease was partially offset by the increase in operating loss, as well as:

  •  Net interest expense increased $4,229 to $4,358 in 2003 from $129 in 2002. This increase was due primarily to increased debt levels as a result of finishing construction of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts during 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      As of December 31, 2004, we had total indebtedness of $142,665 summarized as follows:

           
Mortgage Debt:
       
 
Senior credit facility
  $  
 
Mortgage Loan
    75,000  
 
Sheboygan Construction Loan
    29,475  
 
Williamsburg Construction Loan
    19,011  
 
Poconos Construction Loan
    5,598  
 
Other
    1,523  
Other Debt:
       
 
City of Sheboygan bonds
    8,063  
 
City of Sheboygan loan
    3,995  
     
 
    $ 142,665  
     
 

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      Senior Credit Facility — Upon closing the IPO, we entered into a $75,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks. The loan is secured by our Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts and is not drawn as of December 31, 2004. Future borrowings under this facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.00% depending upon our leverage ratio from time to time. The maximum amount of indebtedness we may incur under the facility is equal to 3.75 multiplied by the combined EBITDA (adjusted for non-recurring items, unusual items, infrequent items and asset impairment charges) of the two resorts securing the facility plus up to $5,400 relating to enhancements to the waterpark facility for the Wisconsin Dells property. The facility has customary bank covenants including limiting the maximum level of total debt, the minimum level of interest coverage, and the minimum level of fixed charge coverage. As of March 1, 2005, based on the financial and debt service ratios contained in the revolving credit facility, approximately $50,000 of the facility is available for borrowing. The facility also includes an annual unused commitment fee of 0.5%.

      Mortgage Loan — Upon closing the IPO, we entered into a $75,000, ten-year loan secured by our Traverse City and Kansas City resorts. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.96% and is subject to a 25-year principal amortization schedule. The loan has customary financial and operating debt compliance covenants, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio, representing the combined EBITDA (adjusted for non-recurring items, unusual items, infrequent items and asset impairment charges) of the two resorts divided by their combined annual interest expense and principal amortization. The loan also has customary prohibitions on our ability to prepay the loan prior to maturity.

      Sheboygan Mortgage Loan — The Sheboygan mortgage loan is secured by our Sheboygan resort. The loan matures in January 2008 and bears interest at a floating rate of prime plus 200 basis points and is subject to a 20-year principal and amortization schedule. The loan has customary covenants associated with a single asset mortgage. There are no prohibitions or fees associated with the repayment of the loan principal.

      Williamsburg Construction Loan — The Williamsburg construction loan was incurred to construct the Williamsburg resort property. In February 2005, after drawing an additional $10,242 on this loan, we retired the loan in full using cash on hand.

      Poconos Construction Loan — The Poconos construction loan was incurred to construct the Poconos resort property. In March 2005, after drawing an additional $13,550 on this loan, we retired the loan in full using cash on hand and the proceeds of junior subordinated debentures we issued in March 2005.

      City of Sheboygan bonds — The City of Sheboygan (the City) bonds amount represents the face amount of bond anticipation notes (BANs) issued by the City in November 2003 in conjunction with the Predecessor’s construction of the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In accordance with the provisions of EITF Issue No. 91-10 “Accounting for Special Assessments and Tax Increment Financing”, we have recognized as a liability the obligations for these BANs. The notes bear interest at 3.95% and mature in 2008. The notes are not a general obligation of the City and are payable from (a) the proceeds of bond anticipation notes or other funds appropriated by the City for the payment of interest on the BANs and (b) the proceeds to be delivered from the issuance and sale of securities by the City. We have an obligation to fund payment of these BANs. Our obligation to fund repayment of the notes will be satisfied by certain minimum guaranteed amounts of room tax payments to be made by the Blue Harbor Resort through 2028.

      City of Sheboygan loan — The City of Sheboygan loan amount represents a loan made by the City in 2004 to the Predecessor in conjunction with the Predecessor’s construction of the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The loan is noninterest-bearing and matures in 2018. Our obligation to repay the loan will be satisfied by certain minimum guaranteed amounts of real and personal property tax payments to be made by the Blue Harbor Resort through 2018.

      Junior Subordinated Debentures — Subsequent to year-end, we completed a private offering of $50,000 of trust preferred securities by Great Wolf Capital Trust I (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust which is our subsidiary. The securities pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate which is fixed at 7.80%

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through March 2015 and then floats at LIBOR plus 310 basis points. The securities mature in March 2035. In addition, we invested $1,500 in the trust’s common securities, representing 3% of the total capitalization of the trust.

      The Trust used the proceeds of the offering and our investment to purchase from us $51,500 of our junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the trust securities. The cost of the trust preferred offering totaled $1,600, including $1,500 of underwriting commissions and expenses and $100 of costs incurred directly by the Trust. The Trust paid these costs utilizing an investment from us. The proceeds from our debenture sale, net of the costs of the trust preferred offering and our investment in the Trust, were $48,400. We used the net proceeds to retire the Poconos construction loan.

 
  Short-Term Liquidity Requirements

      Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay operating expenses including:

  •  recurring maintenance, repairs and other operating expenses necessary to properly maintain our resorts;
 
  •  property taxes and insurance expenses;
 
  •  interest expense and scheduled principal payments on outstanding indebtedness; and
 
  •  general and administrative expenses.

      Historically, we have satisfied our short-term liquidity requirements through operating cash flows, proceeds from borrowings and equity contributions from investors. In the future, we believe that cash provided by our operations, together with borrowing capacity under our line of credit, will be sufficient to fund our requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt service for the next twelve months.

 
  Long-Term Liquidity Requirements

      Our long-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for scheduled debt maturities, renovations, expansion and other non-recurring capital expenditures that need to be made periodically to our resorts as well as the costs associated with the development of new resorts. We expect to meet these needs through existing working capital, cash provided by operations and a combination of mortgage financing on properties being developed, additional borrowings under our revolving credit facility, and the issuance of equity instruments, including common stock, or additional or replacement debt, if market conditions permit. We believe these sources of capital will be sufficient to provide for our long-term capital needs.

      Our revolving credit facility and secured mortgage financing are material sources to satisfy our long-term liquidity requirements. As such, compliance with their financial and operating debt compliance covenants is material to our liquidity. Non-compliance with the covenants would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity.

      As we develop future resorts, we expect to finance a portion of the total construction cost of each resort through a stand-alone construction loan on the resort. We expect to fund the remainder of the total construction cost through cash provided from a combination of sources, including our revolving credit facility, cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities. We expect to consider converting stand-alone construction loans to longer-term permanent financing after each resort commences operations.

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Contractual Obligations

      The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004:

                                         
Payment Terms

Less Than More Than
Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5 Years





Long-Term Debt Obligations(1)
  $ 142,665     $ 27,794     $ 4,069     $ 30,290     $ 80,512  
Operating Lease Obligations
    1,944       371       824       749        
Construction Contracts
    45,282       45,282                    
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total
  $ 189,891       73,447     $ 4,893     $ 31,039     $ 80,512  
     
     
     
     
     
 


(1)  Includes $8,063 of fixed rate debt recognized as a liability related to certain bonds issued by the City of Sheboygan and $3,995 of fixed rate debt recognized as a liability related to a loan from the City of Sheboygan. These liabilities will be satisfied by certain future minimum guaranteed amounts of real and personal property tax payments and room tax payments to be made by our Sheboygan resort.
 
  Working Capital

      We had $79,417 of available cash and cash equivalent assets and $11,034 of working capital (current assets less current liabilities) at December 31, 2004, compared to the Predecessor’s $3,490 of cash and cash equivalents and its working capital deficit of $(15,231) at December 31, 2003. This increase to cash and working capital, as compared to Predecessor historical amounts, are primarily due to net cash provided by the IPO.

Cash Flows

 
  Comparison of Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2004 for the Company to Year Ended December 31, 2003 for the Predecessor
                         
Increase
2004 2003 (Decrease)



Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 6,811     $ 8,126     $ (1,315 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (162,459 )     (64,280 )     (98,179 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    233,575       54,854       178,721  

      Operating Activities. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2003, resulted primarily from an increase in net loss in 2004.

      Investing Activities. The increase in net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2003, resulted primarily from the purchase of the resorts as part of the IPO and increased capital expenditures in the 2004 period as compared to the 2003 period, offset by a decrease in equity escrow and an increase in proceeds from sales of assets in the 2004 period.

      Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2003 primarily due to the IPO and additional borrowings incurred in 2004.

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  Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2003 for the Predecessor to Year Ended December 31, 2002 for the Predecessor
                         
Increase/
2003 2002 (Decrease)



Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 8,126     $ 376     $ 7,750  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (64,280 )     (46,276 )     (18,004 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    54,854       49,797       5,057  

      Operating Activities. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared the year ended December 31, 2002, resulted primarily from higher levels of depreciation and amortization in 2003, and a smaller net loss in 2003.

      Investing Activities. The increase in net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, resulted primarily from higher levels of capital expenditures in 2003 compared to 2002.

      Financing Activities. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, was primarily due to increased amounts of proceeds from long-term debt in 2003 compared to 2002.

Inflation

      Our resort properties are able to change room and amenity rates on a daily basis, so the impact of higher inflation can often be passed along to customers. However, a weak economic environment that decreased overall demand for our products and services could restrict our ability to raise room and amenity rates to offset rising costs.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

      Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments are dependent upon prevailing market interest rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. In the future, we intend to use derivative financial instruments to manage or hedge interest rate risks related to our borrowings. We do not intend to use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and anticipate entering into derivative contracts only with major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings.

      As of December 31, 2004, we had total indebtedness of approximately $142,665. This debt consisted of:

  •  $75,000 of fixed rate debt secured by two of our resorts. This debt bears interest at 6.96%.
 
  •  $29,475 of variable rate debt secured by one of our resorts. This debt bears interest at a floating rate equal to prime plus 200 basis points. The total rate was 7.25% at December 31, 2004.
 
  •  $8,063 of fixed rate debt (effective interest rate of 10.67%) recognized as a liability related to certain bonds issued by the City of Sheboygan and $3,995 of noninterest bearing debt recognized as a liability related to a loan from the City of Sheboygan. These liabilities will be satisfied by certain future minimum guaranteed amounts of real and personal property tax payments and room tax payments to be made by the Sheboygan resort;
 
  •  $19,011 of variable rate debt secured by our Williamsburg resort that, as of such date, was under construction;

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  •  $5,598 of variable rate debt secured by our Pocono Mountains resort that is under construction; and
 
  •  $1,523 of other fixed rate debt.

      As of December 31, 2004, the fair values of the mortgage loans and other secured loans approximate the carrying values as the terms are similar to those currently available to us for debt with similar risks and remaining maturities.

      In February and March 2005, we retired the Williamsburg and Poconos construction loans, respectively. In March 2005, we also issued $51,500 of junior subordinated debentures, bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7.80% through 2015. Giving pro forma effect to the retirements of the Williamsburg and Poconos construction loans and the issuance of the junior subordinated debentures, we had $169,556 of total debt, of which 83% was subject to fixed interest rates and 17% was variable rate debt.

      If the prime rate were to increase by 100 basis points, the increase in interest expense on our variable rate debt (giving effect to the repayment of the Williamsburg and Poconos construction loans in 2005, as discussed above) would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $295 annually. If the prime rate were to decrease by 1% or 100 basis points, the decrease in interest expense on our variable rate debt would be approximately $295 annually.

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BUSINESS

Overview and Development

      As used in this section, the terms “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries.

      We are a family entertainment resort company that provides our guests with a high-quality vacation at an affordable price. We are the largest owner, operator and developer in the United States of drive-to family resorts featuring indoor waterparks and other family-oriented entertainment activities, based on the number of resorts in operation. We provide a full-service entertainment resort experience to our target customer base: families with children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 years old that live within a convenient driving distance from our resorts. Our resorts provide a consistent and comfortable environment throughout the year where our guests can enjoy our various amenities and activities. We are a fully integrated resort company with in-house expertise and resources in resort and indoor waterpark development, management, marketing and financing.

      We own and operate five existing Great Wolf Lodge® resorts, our signature northwoods-themed resorts, and one Blue Harbor Resort, a nautical-themed property. In addition, we own one Great Wolf Lodge resort that is under construction and scheduled to open for business during Fall 2005. We are also the licensor and manager of an additional Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario that is owned and under development by an affiliate of Ripley Entertainment Inc., or Ripley’s. We are currently evaluating 12 to 14 additional markets for potential future development of Great Wolf Lodge resorts, six of which are in active site negotiation. We anticipate that most of our future resorts will be developed under our Great Wolf Lodge brand, but we may develop additional nautical-themed resorts in other appropriate markets.

      We were formed in May 2004 to succeed to the family entertainment resort business of our predecessor companies, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., and a number of its related entities. We refer to these entities collectively as Great Lakes. Great Lakes developed and operated hotels between 1995 and December 2004. In 1999, Great Lakes began its resort operations by purchasing Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and developing the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio, which opened in 2001. In 2003, Great Lakes opened two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts, one in Traverse City, Michigan and the other in Kansas City, Kansas. In June 2004, Great Lakes opened the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering of common stock, which we refer to in this section as the IPO, Great Lakes had two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts under construction, one in Williamsburg, Virginia and the other in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. In March 2005, we opened the Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg in Virginia. Our Poconos resort is scheduled to open in Fall 2005.

      On December 20, 2004, in connection with the closing of the IPO, we acquired each of these resorts and the resorts currently under construction, as well as certain resort development and management operations, in exchange for an aggregate of 14,032,896 shares of our common stock and $97.6 million, in the formation transactions. We also realized net proceeds of $248.7 million from the sale of 16,100,000 shares of our common stock in the IPO.

Recent Developments-Kings Island

      On May 4, 2005, we entered into a joint venture with Paramount Parks to develop a Great Wolf Lodge resort at Paramount’s Kings Island, in Mason, Ohio (just north of Cincinnati). This resort will occupy a 39-acre site and the development cost is estimated to exceed $100 million. We will operate the resort under our Great Wolf Lodge brand and will maintain the majority equity position in the development. Paramount’s Kings Island, a unit of Viacom Inc., will have a minority equity interest in the development by contributing the land needed for the resort. Amenities at this four-story, 404-suite resort will include a 75,000 square-foot indoor waterpark, a 40,000 square-foot conference center, family restaurants, an arcade, a gift shop, a confectionery, an AvedaTM

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Spa, a fitness center and an outdoor recreation area. Construction on the 450,000 square-foot building is scheduled to begin in Summer 2005 with opening scheduled for late 2006.

Properties — Overview

      We have six family entertainment resorts that are currently operating and one additional resort that is under construction, and we will manage one resort under construction that is owned by a third-party licensee. We also have identified additional target markets for future resort development and are in negotiations with respect to sites in six of these markets. The following table presents an overview of our existing portfolio of resorts:

                                                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2004(1)

Other Total
Indoor Average Revenue per Revenue per Revenue per
Opened/Target Entertainment Daily Available Occupied Occupied
Location Opening Rooms Area(2) Occupancy Rate Room(3) Room Room(4)









(Approx. ft2) (%) ($) ($) ($) ($)
Existing Resorts:
                                                               
Wisconsin Dells, WI
    May 1997(5)       309 (6)     64,000       62.2       188.76       117.47       78.44       267.20  
Sandusky, OH(7)
    March 2001       271       41,000       68.0       231.45       157.50       94.33       325.78  
Traverse City, MI
    March 2003       281       51,000       69.4       223.43       155.04       97.25       320.68  
Kansas City, KS
    May 2003       281       49,000       64.4       196.18       126.31       89.67       285.85  
Sheboygan, WI(8)
    June 2004       183 (9)     54,000       58.3       190.35       110.93       161.26       351.61  
Williamsburg, VA
    March 2005       301       66,000                                
Resorts Under Construction:
                                                               
Pocono Mountains, PA
    Fall 2005       400       91,000                                
Niagara Falls, ONT(10)
    Spring 2006       404       94,000                                


  (1)  Information for our Sheboygan resort reflects operating results from the resort’s opening in June 2004 through December 31, 2004.
 
  (2)  Our indoor entertainment areas generally include our indoor waterpark, game arcade, children’s activity room and fitness room, as well as our Aveda concept spa, 3D virtual reality theater, Wiley’s Woods and party room in the resorts that have such amenities.
 
  (3)  Revenue per available room represents the total room revenue per total available rooms for the year ended December 31, 2004, calculated by multiplying the occupancy by the average daily rate.
 
  (4)  Total revenue per occupied room is calculated by adding the average daily rate and other revenue per occupied room.
 
  (5)  Great Lakes purchased this property in November 1999.
 
  (6)  Our Wisconsin Dells property also features 77 condominium units currently under construction.
 
  (7)  Prior to May 2004, we operated this resort as a Great Bear Lodge.
 
  (8)  Our Sheboygan property is branded as a Blue Harbor Resort. This resort is subject to a 98-year and 11-month ground lease with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan.

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  (9)  Our Blue Harbor Resort also features 64 individually owned two and four bedroom condominium units.

(10)  An affiliate of Ripley Entertainment, Inc., our licensee, which we refer to as Ripley’s, owns this resort. We are assisting Ripley’s with construction management and other pre-opening matters related to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. We have granted Ripley’s a license to use the Great Wolf Lodge name for this resort for ten years after opening. We have agreed to enter into a management agreement, pursuant to which we expect to operate the resort on behalf of Ripley’s for five years, and a central reservation services agreement. In conjunction with this project, we expect to receive a one-time construction fee and ongoing license, central reservation services and management fees.

      Northwoods Lodge Theme. Each of our Great Wolf Lodge resorts has a northwoods lodge theme, with a rustic log exterior and cultured stone veneer that provides a dramatic and authentic log cabin appearance. Our three-story, approximately 5,000 to 7,800 square-foot atrium lobbies are designed in a northwoods cabin motif with exposed timber beams, massive stone fireplaces, mounted wolves and other northwoods creatures, Native American art and an animated two-story clocktower that provides theatrical entertainment for our younger guests. Throughout the common areas and in each guest suite, we use sturdy, rustic furniture that complements the northwoods theme. We believe that this consistent theme throughout our resorts creates a comfortable and relaxing environment and provides a sense of adventure and exploration that the entire family can enjoy.

      Guest Suites. All of our guest suites are themed luxury suites ranging in size from approximately 385 square feet to 1,900 square feet. Substantially all of our rooms also include a private deck or patio. Our resorts offer up to nine room styles to meet the needs and preferences of our guests, including a selection of rooms with lofts, jacuzzis and fireplaces. Our standard rooms include two queen beds and a third queen bed in the sleeper sofa, a wet bar, microwave oven, refrigerator and dining and sitting area, and can accommodate up to six people. Our specialty rooms can accommodate up to seven people and provide a separate area for children, including our KidCabin Suites that feature a log cabin bunk bed room, our Wolf Den Suites that feature a themed den enclosure with bunk beds and our KidKamp Suites that feature bunk beds in a themed tent enclosure. We also offer larger rooms, such as our Majestic Bear Suite, which has a separate bedroom with a king bed, a large dining and living area and can accommodate up to eight people. Our guest suites have wallpaper, artwork and linens that continue the northwoods theme and provide for full room service, pay-per-view movies and pay-per-play video games.

      Indoor Waterparks. Our existing Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterparks are maintained at a warm and comfortable temperature, range in size from approximately 34,000 to 55,000 square feet and have a northwoods, totemic theme, including four-story totem poles, decorative rockwork and plantings, all of which is contained in a five-story wooden beam structure. The focus of each Great Wolf Lodge waterpark is our signature 12-level treehouse water fort. The fort is an interactive water experience for the entire family that features over 60 water effects, including spray guns, fountains, valves and hoses, has cargo netting and suspension bridges and is capped by an oversized bucket that dumps between 700 and 1,000 gallons of water every five minutes. Our Blue Harbor Resort has a 43,000 square-foot Breaker Bay waterpark including our 12-level Lighthouse Pier water fort featuring a 1,000 gallon tipping ship. Our waterparks also feature high-speed body slides and inner tube waterslides that wind in and out of the building into a splash-down pool, smaller slides for younger children, zero-depth water activity pools for small children with geysers, a water curtain, fountains and tumble buckets, a lazy river, additional activity pools for basketball, open swimming and other water activities and two large free-form hot tubs, one of which is for adults-only. Each waterpark is constructed with a special nonslip floor surface for maximum traction and has ample deck space and good sight lines to enhance parental oversight. Our resort under construction will have an indoor waterpark of approximately 82,000 square feet with additional attractions such as wave pools and water rollercoasters.

      Approximately one million gallons of water are cycled through each of our waterparks every hour in order to ensure cleanliness. Our primary operating equipment includes standard water pumps, tanks and filters, located in separate spaces to allow for quick repairs or replacement. The water and air quality of our waterparks is

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continuously monitored by computerized water and air treatment systems and highly trained technicians in order to ensure a clean and safe environment. We seek to minimize the use of chlorine. Most of the water purification is performed by an advanced ozone water treatment system, which ensures the highest water quality and an absence of the typical chlorine odor found in indoor pools. In addition, the water within each area circulates every hour to maximize hygiene. Each waterpark area has its own water system so that a problem with any one area can be quickly contained and does not affect the operations of the rest of the waterpark.

      We expect recurring annual capital expenditures for each resort to be approximately 3-4% of the resort’s revenues, including the repair and maintenance of our waterpark equipment. As much of the equipment used in our waterparks is designed for outdoor application and capable of withstanding intense physical use and the elements year-round, wear and tear is minimal and we believe our equipment has a long useful life. In addition, our water purification system minimizes airborne chemicals and their potentially corrosive effects on materials and equipment and helps extend the life of our equipment.

      The safety of our guests is a primary focus in our waterparks. Our lifeguards receive one of the highest levels of training and certification in the industry, provided by Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc., an international aquatic safety consulting company. Ellis & Associates conducts quarterly unannounced safety inspections at each of our resorts to ensure that proper safety measures and procedures are maintained. All of our on duty lifeguards perform daily training exercises under the supervision of a certified instructor. We also encourage our lifeguards to obtain EMT certification, and we reimburse them for the costs of the training.

      Our indoor waterparks are open from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week and admission is generally only available to resort guests. Our general guests-only policy, at all of our resorts other than our Sheboygan resort, allows our guests to avoid the long lines and other inconveniences of daily admission-based waterparks.

      Amenities. Each of our existing resorts features, and each of our resorts under construction will feature, a combination of the following amenities. Our Blue Harbor resort amenities have similar appropriate nautical-themed names.

  •  Themed Restaurants. Our resorts feature one or more full-service, themed restaurants and a themed bar and grille that serves alcoholic beverages and sandwiches. Our themed restaurants include the Gitchigoomie Grill, with a life-sized sea plane suspended over the dining area, Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty, the Loose Moose Bar & Grill, and the Camp Critter Bar & Grille, which features a two-story realistic tree with a canopy of leaves and canvas-topped booths with hanging lanterns, giving guests the impression that they are dining in a northwoods forest campsite. Our Blue Harbor Resort features our On the Rocks Bar & Grille and Rusty Anchor Buffet.
 
  •  Ice Cream Shop and Confectionery. Each of our Great Wolf Lodge resorts, with the exception of our Sandusky resort, has a Bear Claw Café ice cream shop and confectionery that provides sandwiches, Starbucks® coffee, pastries, ice cream, candies, home-made fudge and other snacks that families can share together. Our Blue Harbor Resort has a Sweetshop Landing confectionery.
 
  •  Snack Bar. Each of our waterparks has a snack bar that offers a variety of sandwiches, pizzas and similar foods with ample seating so that our guests do not have to leave the warmth and comfort of the waterparks.
 
  •  Gift Shop. Each of our resorts has a Buckhorn Exchange or Precious Cargo gift shop that provides unique themed gifts, including Great Wolf Lodge logo merchandise, souvenirs, collectibles and stuffed animals. The gift shop also offers resort toys, swimwear and personal necessities.
 
  •  Full-Service Spa. Each of our resorts, with the exception of our Sandusky resort, has an Aveda concept or Cameo spa that provides a relaxing get-a-way with a full complement of massages, facials, manicures,

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  pedicures and other spa treatments, as well as yoga classes and a wide selection of Aveda products. We intend to add an Aveda concept spa to our Sandusky Great Wolf Lodge resort.
 
  •  Game Arcade. Our Youkon Jack’s or Northern Lights game arcades range in size from approximately 3,900 to 7,000 square feet, have over 70 games of skill and are divided into distinct areas with video and skill games that appeal to children of different ages. Tickets won from the games may be exchanged for a wide selection of merchandise that appeals to our younger guests.
 
  •  Cub Club. Our Cub Club rooms are professionally staffed children’s activity rooms with programmed activities, including arts and crafts, games and nature hikes. Cub Club is a frequent guest program for our younger guests. Cub Club membership is open to all children who have stayed at one of our resorts and includes a periodic newsletter, exclusive offers, rewards for each stay and a free meal and dessert when members visit during their birthday month. We currently have more than 10,000 Cub Club members. Our Blue Harbor Resort features a Crew Club frequent guest program and activities that are similar to our Cub Club.
 
  •  Animated Clocktower. Each of our Great Wolf Lodge resorts, with the exception of our Sandusky resort, has a two-story animated clocktower located in the resort’s main atrium lobby. The clocktower provides daily theatrical entertainment through talking and singing trees, animals and northwoods figures. Our Blue Harbor Resort features a 2,000 gallon water fountain featuring a hand-blown glass sculpture and a music and light show located in its main atrium lobby.
 
  •  Outdoor Water Amenities. Outdoor water amenities complement our indoor waterpark facilities and allow our guests to take advantage of favorable weather conditions. Our outdoor water amenities include activity pools and a large deck or patio area and are generally open from May until September. Our Wisconsin Dells resort also has outdoor waterslides.
 
  •  Fitness Room. Our fitness rooms contain aerobic exercise equipment and weight-lifting machines with numerous televisions for active viewing.
 
  •  Meeting Space. Our resorts offer meeting rooms ranging from approximately 3,000 to over 7,000 square feet that are available for guest meetings, including a 99-seat, state-of-the-art, symposium-style room at our Traverse City resort.
 
  •  Conference Facility. Our Blue Harbor Resort features an approximately 21,000 square-foot attached conference facility that provides spaces ranging from approximately 1,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet for a number of different types of conferences and conventions.
 
  •  Biko’s 3D Theatre. Our 3D theatres, located at our Wisconsin Dells and Traverse City resorts, provide a 12-minute virtual reality adventure for children and their parents.
 
  •  Wiley’s Woods. Wiley’s Woods is an interactive indoor live video game in a four-story, approximately 16,000 square-foot structure located at our Wisconsin Dells resort. Children ages three and older wear electronic wrist bands and gain points by navigating slides, bridges, nets and mazes and performing a variety of tasks on over 60 machines and gadgets. Admission to Wiley’s Woods is free for all resort guests and is open to the public for a fee of $6 for children and $9 for adults, with free admission for children under the age of three.

Operating Properties

      Our operating resorts are currently located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Michigan; Kansas City, Kansas; Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Williamsburg, Virginia.

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Great Wolf Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

      Our Great Wolf Lodge, located on 25 acres in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, was originally constructed in 1997 and acquired by Great Lakes in 1999.

      Wisconsin Dells is a renowned family vacation destination that features a number of entertainment options, including amusement parks, museums, live entertainment and other indoor waterparks. According to its Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Wisconsin Dells area attracts over two and a half million visitors each year and in 2003 attracted over $840 million of vacation-related expenditures. Wisconsin Dells is within a one-hour drive from Madison, Wisconsin; a two-hour drive from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and a three and one-half hour drive from Chicago, Illinois. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 16.0 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      Great Wolf Lodge of Wisconsin Dells has 309 guest suites and an approximately 38,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that includes our signature treehouse water fort. The resort offers a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including a themed restaurant, Loose Moose Bar & Grill, Bear Claw Café ice cream shop and confectionery, Youkon Jack’s game arcade, Buckhorn Exchange gift shop, full-service Aveda concept spa, Wiley’s Woods, Biko’s 3-D virtual reality adventure theater and meeting rooms. The resort also includes non-revenue-generating amenities, such as an animated two-story clocktower, Cub Club room and Iron Horse fitness center. In September 2004, we began construction of 77 condominium units. In connection with this project, we intend to expand our indoor waterpark accordingly, which we expect would be complete in 2005. In Summer 2005, we expect to begin construction on enhancements to our indoor waterpark at this resort to add a wave pool and other new attractions.

 
Great Wolf Lodge of Sandusky, Ohio

      In March 2001, we opened our Great Bear Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio, which has the same theming as each of our Great Wolf Lodge resorts and was re-named the Great Wolf Lodge of Sandusky in May 2004. Sandusky is a family destination near Cleveland, Ohio that is well known for its amusement parks. According to the Sandusky/ FIB Erie County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Sandusky attracts approximately seven million visitors each year. Sandusky is within a one-hour drive from Cleveland, Ohio; a two-hour drive from Detroit, Michigan; a two and one-half-hour drive from Columbus, Ohio; and a three-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 23.7 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      Great Wolf Lodge of Sandusky is located on approximately 15 acres and has 271 guest suites and an approximately 34,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that includes our signature treehouse water fort, tube slides, body slides, hot tubs and a lazy river. The resort offers a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including our Gitchigoomie Grill and Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty themed restaurants, Northern Lights game arcade, Buckhorn Exchange gift shop and meeting rooms. The resort also includes non-revenue-generating amenities such as our Cub Club room and Iron Horse fitness center.

 
Great Wolf Lodge of Traverse City, Michigan

      In March 2003, we opened our Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan. Traverse City is a traditional family vacation destination with skiing and lake activities. According to the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Traverse City attracts approximately two million visitors each year. Traverse City is within a three-hour drive from Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Saginaw/ Flint, Michigan area and a four-hour drive from Detroit, Michigan. This resort also draws guests from Northern Indiana and Ohio. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 7.6 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      Great Wolf Lodge of Traverse City is located on approximately 48 acres and has 281 guest suites and an approximately 40,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that includes our signature treehouse fort and Howling Wolf

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family raft. The resort offers a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including our Camp Critter Bar & Grille and Loose Moose Cottage themed restaurants, Northern Lights game arcade, full-service Aveda concept spa, Bear Claw Café ice cream shop and confectionery, Biko’s 3D virtual reality adventure theater, Buckhorn Exchange gift shop and meeting rooms. The resort also includes non-revenue-generating amenities such as our animated two-story clocktower, Cub Club room and Iron Horse fitness center.
 
Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City, Kansas

      In May 2003, we opened our Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas as part of the Village West tourist district that includes a Cabela’s superstore, Nebraska Furniture Mart and the Kansas Nascar Speedway. According to the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kansas City attracts approximately five million visitors each year. Kansas City is within a one-hour drive from Topeka, Kansas; a two and one-half hour drive from Jefferson City, Missouri; and a three-hour drive from Lincoln, Nebraska. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 7.0 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City is located on approximately 17 acres and has 281 guest suites and an approximately 40,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that includes our signature treehouse water fort. The resort offers a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including our Camp Critter Bar & Grille themed restaurant, Bear Claw Café ice cream shop and confectionery, full-service Aveda concept spa, Northern Lights game arcade, Buckhorn Exchange gift shop and meeting rooms. The resort also includes non-revenue-generating amenities such as our animated two-story clocktower, Cub Club room and Iron Horse fitness center.

 
Blue Harbor Resort of Sheboygan, Wisconsin

      In June 2004, we opened our Blue Harbor Resort on an approximately 12-acre property on the shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Sheboygan is a traditional family vacation destination featuring lake activities and golf. Due to the nature of Sheboygan as a family vacation destination on the water, we decided that a nautical theme would be more appropriate than our typical northwoods lodge theme. This resort is modeled after a grand beach resort and decorated in a manner consistent with that theme, including a nautical themed lobby and specialty rooms such as the KidAquarium Suite with bunk beds surrounded by walls of deep blue sea and schools of fish and the Boathouse Suite with rowboat bunk beds. According to the Sheboygan Convention and Visitors Bureau, visitors to Sheboygan spent approximately $260 million in 2002. Sheboygan is within a one-hour drive from Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin; a two-hour drive from Madison, Wisconsin; a three-hour drive from Chicago, Illinois; and a four-hour drive from Dubuque, Iowa. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 18.4 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      Blue Harbor Resort has 183 guest suites, with an additional 64 individually-owned, two and four bedroom condominium units located adjacent to the resort, and an approximately 43,000 square-foot Breaker Bay indoor waterpark with a 12-level Lighthouse Pier water fort. The resort offers a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including our nautical-themed On the Rocks Bar & Grille and Rusty Anchor Buffet restaurants, Sweetshop Landing ice cream shop and confectionery, full-service Aveda concept spa, Northern Lights game arcade and Precious Cargo gift shop. This resort also has an approximately 21,000 square-foot attached conference facility capable of seating 1,000 people. The resort offers non-revenue-generating amenities such as our 2,000 gallon hand-blown glass water fountain featuring a music and light show, Crew Club for kids and Ship Shape Place fitness center. Admission to the indoor waterpark is available to residents of Sheboygan County for a fee. We currently manage the rental of substantially all of the condominium units at this resort. We receive a rental management fee of approximately 40% of net room revenue after the deduction of certain expenses. In addition, we receive reimbursement of certain waterpark expenses through the condominium association.

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Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg, Virginia

      In March 2005, we opened our Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia on a 83-acre site. Williamsburg is a popular family vacation destination with amusement parks and waterparks and other entertainment attractions. Williamsburg is a one-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia; a two and one-half-hour drive from Washington, D.C.; a three-hour drive from Baltimore, Maryland and a three and one-half-hour drive from Raleigh, North Carolina. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 16.7 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      The resort occupies approximately 36 acres of the site. We may sell up to 11 acres of the excess land as out-lots and plan to retain the remaining acreage to support future expansion of the resort.

      Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg has 301 guest suites and an approximately 55,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that includes our signature treehouse water fort. We have constructed a relatively large indoor waterpark in Williamsburg because we believe that the demand for this resort will support an expansion, including an additional number of rooms, over the next several years. The resort offers a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including themed restaurants, a full-service Aveda concept spa, game arcade, Bear Claw Café ice cream shop and confectionery, gift shop and approximately 7,000 square feet of meeting rooms. The resort also includes non-revenue-generating amenities such as a two-story animated clocktower, Cub Club room and fitness center.

Properties Under Construction

 
Great Wolf Lodge of the Pocono Mountains

      In April 2004, we began construction of a Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains on a 95-acre site near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The Pocono Mountains area is a popular family vacation destination featuring family-oriented attractions and recreational activities. According to the Official Convention and Visitors Bureau of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, the Pocono Mountains region attracts approximately three million visitors each year. The resort will be located within a one and one-half-hour drive from New York, New York; a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a three and one-half hour drive from Baltimore, Maryland and a four-hour drive from Washington, D.C. According to Third Wave Research, there are approximately 43.6 million people who live within 180 miles of the resort.

      Upon completion, Great Wolf Lodge of the Pocono Mountains will have 400 guest suites and an approximately 78,000 square-foot indoor waterpark that includes our signature treehouse water fort. The resort will offer a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including a themed restaurant and bar and grille, full-service Aveda concept spa, game arcade, gift shop and approximately 7,900 square feet of meeting rooms. The resort will also include non-revenue-generating amenities such as a two-story animated clocktower, Cub Club room and fitness center. We anticipate that this resort will open in the Fall of 2005.

 
Great Wolf Lodge of Niagara Falls, Ontario

      In January 2004, Great Lakes entered into a license agreement with Ripley’s that authorizes Ripley’s to develop and operate a Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In addition, the agreement allows Ripley’s to use certain licensed trademarks, such as “Cub Club,” “KidCabin,” “Wiley’s Woods” and “Great Wolf Lodge.” The term of the license agreement is ten years, with the possibility of up to four successive five-year automatic renewals. Under the license agreement, Ripley’s is required to pay a monthly license fee, a brand marketing fee that we are obligated to contribute to a marketing program and a fee related to furniture, fixtures and equipment start-up costs. We may terminate the license agreement at any time, upon notice, if Ripley’s fails to meet its material obligations under the agreement. These obligations require Ripley’s to meet payment obligations in a timely manner, maintain and operate the resort in a manner consistent with our operating standards and obtain our approval prior to the use of any of our licensed trademarks. In addition,

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these material obligations restrict Ripley’s to selling only products, goods and services that we approve and from developing or managing a hotel with an indoor waterpark within the United States until, at the earliest, January 2016.

      We have also entered into a construction consulting agreement in connection with Ripley’s construction of the resort. Under the agreement, we are providing construction management and consulting services for a fee. In addition, we are currently negotiating a management services agreement and a reservation system agreement for this resort under which we will manage the resort and provide central reservation systems services.

      Ripley’s began construction of the Niagara Falls resort in September 2004. Niagara Falls is a popular family vacation destination. According to the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario website, Niagara Falls attracts over 14 million visitors each year. Niagara Falls is less than a one hour drive from Buffalo, New York; a one and one-half-hour drive from Toronto, Ontario; and a two and one-half-hour drive from Syracuse, New York. Pursuant to the management services agreement, we will operate the resort once it is completed.

      Upon completion, Great Wolf Lodge of Niagara Falls will have 404 guest suites with an approximately 82,000 square-foot indoor waterpark. The resort will offer a number of revenue-enhancing amenities, including themed restaurants, ice cream shop and confectionery, full-service Aveda concept spa, game arcade, gift shop and meeting space. The resort will also include non-revenue-generating amenities such as a two-story animated clocktower, Cub Club room and fitness center. We anticipate that this resort will open in the Spring of 2006.

Business and Growth Strategies

      Our primary business objective is to increase long-term stockholder value by executing our internal and external growth strategies. Our primary internal growth strategies are to:

  •  Increase Total Resort Revenue. We intend to increase total resort revenue by increasing:

  •  Average Room Rate: We plan to increase our average room rate over time by driving demand for our resorts and focusing on yield management techniques. We intend to increase demand through aggressive sales and marketing and increased visibility and by enhancing our brand image. We plan to employ our yield management techniques to project demand in order to effectively direct our sales and marketing efforts and selectively increase room rates. We believe that our focus on optimizing the relationship between room rates and occupancies will allow us to maximize profitability.
 
  •  Average Occupancy: We intend to maintain high occupancy levels during peak times and will focus on increasing our off-peak occupancies. Our off-peak occupancy levels generally occur in May, September and during the middle of the week. Our occupancy levels are affected by school calendars, with the summer months, spring break period and other school holidays achieving the highest occupancy levels. We will continue to seek to improve off-peak occupancy levels by holding special events and targeting group sales and conferences.
 
  •  Other Revenue: We provide our guests with a self-contained vacation experience and attempt to capture a significant portion of their spending on food and beverage, entertainment and merchandise. Each Great Wolf Lodge generally contains at least one themed restaurant, an ice cream shop and confectionery, snack shop, an Aveda concept spa, gift shop and game arcade. The average non-room revenue, including the revenue from these amenities, was approximately $95 per occupied room night for the year ended December 31, 2004. By providing these additional revenue-generating amenities, we seek to maximize the amount of time and money spent on-site by our guests. We have also entered into a number of co-marketing agreements with strategic partners and will enter into additional co-marketing agreements in the future in order to increase other revenue.

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  •  Leverage Our Economies of Scale. We will take advantage of the following economies of scale:

  •  Increased Purchasing Power: We intend to capitalize on our increased purchasing power with respect to operating supplies, food and beverage, insurance and employee benefits. As the number of resorts we own and operate increases, we expect to be able to leverage our increased buying volume and power to obtain more advantageous and predictable pricing on commodity goods and services. In addition, we intend to manage increases and fluctuations in the cost of electricity, water and natural gas for each of our resorts by entering into volume-based contracts.
 
  •  Centralized Services: By centralizing certain of our services, we will focus on decreasing our per unit costs, increasing our control over those services and be in a position to deliver a greater quality of service to our customers. For example, our central reservations call center operates every day of the year, has approximately 75 full and part-time employees and accepts reservations for all of our resorts. The call center also has the capacity to efficiently handle high call volumes and will require only limited additional incremental costs over the next several years as we increase our portfolio of resorts.

  •  Build Upon Our Existing Brand Awareness and Loyalty. Our Great Wolf Lodge brand is symbolized by our distinctive and easily identifiable theming, from our captivating northwoods log cabin exterior, to our Native American totemic waterpark theme and signature treehouse water fort, to our mascots and recognizable logos and merchandise. We believe we have fostered strong customer and brand loyalty, which is evidenced by our high levels of repeat and referral guests. We will continue to focus on ensuring that each of our guests associates the Great Wolf Lodge brand with a memorable and consistent family vacation experience.

      Our primary external growth strategies are to:

  •  Capitalize on First-Mover Advantage. We intend to be the first to develop and operate family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks in our selected target markets. We intend to continue to leverage our development expertise, existing platform and model and our access to capital to take advantage of the significant barriers to entry associated with the development of large family entertainment resorts with indoor waterparks like our Great Wolf Lodge resorts. We will seek to set the standard for quality, build on visible sites and capitalize on the opportunity to be located near other popular local attractions that draw our target customers. We believe that the combination of our first mover advantage and the significant barriers to entry in our target markets provide us with a competitive advantage.
 
  •  Focus on Development and Strategic Growth Opportunities. Family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks are a relatively new concept and a growing segment of the resort and entertainment industries. We intend to focus on this growth opportunity by:

  •  Building in Target Markets: We intend to develop and open at least two new owned resorts each year for the next several years. We have already identified potential development locations in 12 to 14 of these target markets that meet our other criteria for successful development. We are in negotiations for sites in six of these markets that, if appropriate, will provide ample land for us to expand or sell out-lots in the future for complementary uses. A new resort, from market selection to opening, can take over four years to develop and build. We believe that our experience will enable us to more efficiently develop and build new resorts in our target markets.
 
  •  Licensing Our Resort Concept Internationally: We plan to selectively seek licensing and management opportunities internationally. Similar to our arrangement with Ripley’s in Niagara Falls, Ontario, we intend to enter into license and management agreements with reputable companies that have local market knowledge in order to increase revenues and expand the reach of our Great Wolf Lodge brand.

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  •  Forming Strategic Partnerships: We will consider strategic partnerships on a selective basis. For example, we have had discussions with several established companies that control superior sites in certain of our target markets and have indicated an interest in jointly developing a Great Wolf Lodge at or near one of their existing entertainment venues.
 
  •  Expanding and Enhancing Existing Resorts: We intend to focus on growth opportunities at our existing resorts by adding revenue-enhancing features that drive ancillary vacation spending to certain of our resorts and meet our target returns, including non-water based attractions. We also intend to pursue incremental revenue-generating opportunities, such as expanding the number of rooms and adding condominium units at certain of our resorts. In addition, we will consider adding conference centers at existing resorts to capture convention and other business travel revenue.

  •  Continue to Innovate. We intend to leverage our in-house expertise, in conjunction with the knowledge and experience of our third-party suppliers and designers, to develop and implement the latest innovations in family entertainment activities and amenities, including waterpark attractions. We have received numerous industry awards for our guests’ experiences, our operations, innovative development, sales and marketing initiatives and materials, and employee retention.

Our Competitive Strengths

      We are the market leader for family entertainment resorts that feature indoor waterparks and other family-oriented amenities in the United States. Our competitive strengths include:

  •  Unforgettable Family Resort Experience. Each of our resorts provides a welcome opportunity for families to spend quality time together, relax and reconnect. In addition to our indoor waterparks, our resorts provide other activities and amenities that the entire family can enjoy together. Our family amenities and activities include themed restaurants, a game arcade, ice cream shop and confectionery, gift shop, snack shop, animated clocktower and fireside bedtime stories. We also have amenities and activities tailored to each member of the family, including our full-service Aveda concept spa, Cub Club for kids and fitness room. Our resorts also offer special events, including seasonal and holiday activities, wild animal and nature educational programs and other special events. We believe that our focus on delivering an unforgettable family resort experience appeals to our target customers and results in repeat visits and referrals. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we generated approximately 48% of our room revenue from repeat visitors and referral guests.
 
  •  Value, Comfort and Convenience. Guest rooms at each of our resorts are spacious and comfortable suites that generally range in size from approximately 385 square feet to 1,900 square feet and include a wet bar, microwave, refrigerator and dining and sitting area. Many of the suites have specific themes that are geared toward enhancing our younger guests’ experience, including our KidCabin® and Wolf Den Suites, which have a partitioned room with bunk beds designed as log cabins and northwoods forest dens, respectively. All of our resorts are within a convenient driving distance of our large target customer bases. Because our indoor waterparks and our other amenities generally are not impacted by weather conditions, we offer our guests a reliable experience. On average, a two-night stay at our resorts costs a family of four approximately $600, making it a very affordable family vacation option.
 
  •  Favorable Market Trends. We believe recent vacation trends favor our Great Wolf Lodge concept as the number of families choosing to take shorter, more frequent vacations that they can drive to has increased over the past several years. We believe that these trends will continue and that we are well positioned to take advantage of them. We believe our resorts are less affected by changes in economic cycles, as drive-to destinations are less expensive and more convenient than destinations that require air travel. In addition, we have identified over 50 markets in the United States that, according to Third Wave

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  Research, each have populations in excess of five million people located within a convenient driving distance.
 
  •  Market Presence and Barriers to Entry. We are the largest owner and operator of family entertainment resorts with indoor waterparks in the United States based on the number of resorts in operation. We believe this market presence gives us a significant competitive advantage in attracting guests and efficiently developing additional resorts. We believe our closest competitor has one operating themed indoor waterpark resort and another under construction. In addition, we believe the significant barriers to entry present in our industry segment, including operational complexity, substantial capital requirements, availability of suitable sites in desirable markets and a difficult, multi-year permitting process, discourage other companies in the lodging and entertainment industries from developing similar family entertainment resorts. A new Great Wolf Lodge resort typically takes from one to three years to develop, which includes market selection, site selection and permitting, an additional 15 to 18 months to build and costs approximately $60.0 million to $100.0 million.
 
  •  Focus on Safety. We invest heavily in safety measures in the design and operation of our resorts. For example, we specifically design our waterparks with attention to sightlines and safety precautions and use one of the most respected training methods in the water safety industry to train each of our lifeguards. We design and construct our indoor waterparks with state-of-the-art air quality and water treatment systems. We also maintain and periodically upgrade our facilities to ensure that we provide our guests with best-in-class safety measures and systems.
 
  •  Experienced Management Team and Committed and Motivated Staff. Our senior management team has an average of approximately 14 years of experience in the hospitality, family resort and real estate development industries and has significant expertise in operating complex, themed, family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks. In addition, we have a team of skilled, loyal and committed employees at each of our resorts. We offer our resort employees a number of benefits, including a pleasant and rewarding work environment, career-oriented training, the ability to obtain consistent year-round work, which is uncommon in the resort industry, and career growth opportunities. As a result, we believe our employees are committed to delivering a superb customer experience and personally assuring that our guests fully enjoy their family vacation.

Industry Overview

      We operate in the family entertainment resort segment of the travel and leisure industry.

      The concept of a family entertainment resort with an indoor waterpark was first introduced in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and has evolved there over the past 15 years. In an effort to boost occupancy and daily rates, as well as capture off-season demand, hotel operators in the Wisconsin Dells market began expanding indoor pools and adding waterslides and other water-based attractions to existing hotels and resorts. The success of these efforts prompted several local operators to build new, larger destination resorts based primarily on this concept, including the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, Treasure Island, Raintree Resort, Kalahari and the Great Wolf Lodge (formerly known as the Black Wolf Lodge), which Great Lakes purchased in 1999.

      We believe that these properties, which typically are themed and include other resort features such as arcades, retail shops and full food and beverage service in addition to the indoor waterpark, have historically outperformed standard hotels in the market. According to United States Realty Consultants, Inc., or USRC, the six largest waterpark resorts in the Wisconsin Dells had a premium of 15 occupancy points and an ADR premium of $110 in 2003 as compared to the franchised non-waterpark hotels in the market. We believe that the rate premiums and increased market share in the Wisconsin Dells for hotels and resorts with some form of an indoor waterpark can be attributed to several factors, including the ability to provide a year-round vacation destination without weather-related risks, the wide appeal of water-based recreation and the favorable trends in

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leisure travel discussed below. Although the rate premiums and increased market share in Wisconsin Dells have been significant, no operator or developer other than Great Lakes has established a regional portfolio of family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks.

      No standard industry definition for a family entertainment resort featuring an indoor waterpark has developed. A recent USRC survey identified a total of 45 hotels with indoor waterpark facilities in the United States and Canada, of which 17 meet USRC’s definition of an indoor waterpark destination resort. We do not believe that the non-destination resorts in the USRC survey offer a comparable experience and quality level to compete with our resorts. Most of our resorts are located in well-established, traditional drive-to family vacation destinations, which allows us to leverage the popularity of these destinations by offering a complementary entertainment option to existing venues and a high-quality family resort alternative. In addition, many of these destinations offer beaches, theme parks, waterparks, amusement parks and many other forms of outdoor activities that are only available on a seasonal basis. Within our enclosed resort environment, our guests can enjoy a total resort experience year round, regardless of weather conditions.

      We believe there are characteristics of the domestic travel and leisure industry that indicate families favor frequent, short, drive-to vacations. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, or TIA, from 1994 to 2003 the number of domestic leisure trips taken by families grew from approximately 96 million trips in 1994 to 154 million trips in 2003. In 2003, approximately 45% of leisure trips lasted one to two nights. The primary mode of transportation for 77% of the overnight leisure trips in 2003 was by automobile. We believe these statistics provide evidence that our segment of the travel and leisure industry has strong demand characteristics that make our family entertainment resorts attractive to leisure travelers. As a result, we expect these demand characteristics to continue to support the expansion of the indoor waterpark concept. According to USRC, the indoor waterpark resort concept is expanding outside of its traditional base in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Resort Operations

      Each resort employs a general manager who is responsible for the operations of the particular resort and who typically has 20-25 years of experience in the hospitality or family entertainment industry. Our general managers oversee a staff of approximately 300 resort employees and are assisted by an assistant general manager and directors for each of human resources, food and beverage, housekeeping, aquatics, maintenance, sales and marketing and front office. A corporate-level liaison for each department ensures consistency throughout our resorts while allowing a particular resort to tailor its operations to best meet the needs of its guests.

      Prior to assuming responsibility for a resort, general managers and assistant general managers undergo a management training program designed to familiarize each trainee with various facets of our management, operations and development programs. The program also emphasizes our guest service policies and provides hands-on operating experience at the resort level. Our management training program is intended to train assistant managers to become future general managers.

      We strive to provide our guests with a fun and convenient experience in a warm and family-friendly environment from the first day a new resort opens. To achieve this, a team of experienced management members from our existing resorts, along with corporate liaisons, begins training personnel at our new resorts one month prior to a resort’s opening and is on site at the new resort for a month after opening. We believe that this process ensures that the opening of a new resort is efficient and that our culture of high quality and friendly customer service is carried over to our new resorts, including our guests’ interactions with our front desk, housekeeping, waterpark, restaurant and other staff members. In addition, we train our maintenance personnel to minimize any operational problems that occur during the opening of a new resort, including the operation of our waterparks. We believe that these efforts help to minimize any problems associated with opening a new resort and give our first guests a favorable, memorable experience that will build brand loyalty.

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Training and Development

      We believe that our ability to provide a warm family atmosphere where families can relax, play and reconnect begins with our people and their ability to deliver quality customer service. We seek to recruit, train and retain employees who will make sure that our guests enjoy their stay, and we seek to promote from within our company. Each new resort employee undergoes a week-long orientation program and is paired with a more veteran employee for a month so that the new employee can learn more about our resorts, our culture and how we strive to provide the best possible customer service. Our employees are invested in our success and focused on ensuring a memorable experience for each of our guests. We believe that our high level of customer service sets us apart and promotes valuable referrals and repeat visits.

 
  Sales and Marketing

      We place a significant emphasis on the sales and marketing of our unique, family-focused resorts. We work together with a third-party consulting firm to analyze the demographics of our markets and to identify potential guests for targeted marketing, both within our primary market areas and beyond those areas to attract occasional or seasonal travelers. We market to these potential customers through a combination of television, radio, newspaper and direct mail advertising, including advertising through local chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus. We also rely upon repeat guests and guest referrals, as well as brand recognition and the visibility of the resorts themselves, which are located along major highways in high traffic areas. In addition, our engaging website offers detailed information about our resorts, including virtual tours and room layouts.

      For new resorts, our marketing efforts begin before construction commences and we establish sales offices to generate advance bookings. Reservations may be made at our resorts, through our web site or through our central reservations call center. Our call center and highly trained staff allow us to offer consistent specials throughout our resorts, better track room occupancy levels and room rates and handle the high volume of calls that are usually associated with the opening of a resort.

      We maintain an in-house sales force and graphic arts department comprised of 10 employees. Our experienced staff develops products and promotions for use in merchandising and marketing promotions. We also engage in cross-marketing, promotions and co-marketing arrangements with major vendors. We have received numerous awards for our general advertising, website, print media, radio commercials and sales presentations.

      We have developed Cub Club, a frequent guest program for children. Membership is available to all children who have stayed at one of our resorts. The benefits of the program include coupons and other incentives, a periodic newsletter, access to the Cub Club activity rooms at each of our resorts and special offers to children who visit during their birthday month. Our Blue Harbor Resort features a Crew Club program for children similar to the Great Wolf Lodge resorts’ Cub Club.

 
  Maintenance and Inspections

      Each of our resorts has an aquatics manager who is trained in all aspects of water quality and safety. Our waterparks are frequently inspected by on-site maintenance personnel. These inspections include safety checks of the equipment in the waterpark, as well as analyses of water and air quality. Our water quality levels are constantly monitored and tested by computers and by a full-time aquatics maintenance engineer, who works with an additional assistant during our busiest months. Our air quality system is designed to minimize humidity and moisture build-up, which materially reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, we use Ellis & Associates as water safety consultants at our resorts in order to train lifeguards and audit safety procedures.

      Our senior management and the individual resort personnel evaluate the risk aspects of each resort’s operation, including potential risks to the public and employees and staff. Each resort has six full time

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maintenance employees on staff that ensure building quality and three fulltime aquatics maintenance employees that ensure the ride safety and air and water quality inside the resort’s indoor waterpark. We use a state of the art filtration system and ozonators to balance the water and air quality within the waterpark in order to accommodate fluctuating quantities of visitors.

Development Criteria

      We choose sites for the development of new resorts based upon a number of factors, including:

  •  Large target customer base. We select development sites that generally have a minimum of five million target customers within a convenient driving distance. Because we offer an affordable vacation experience, we appeal to families in a variety of income ranges.
 
  •  Recognized tourist destination. We focus on drive-to destinations that attract a large number of tourists, including traditional family vacation markets. We believe we can charge premium rates in these markets due to the high quality of our resorts and our family-oriented amenities and activities. In addition, the indoor nature of many of our amenities and activities allows us to reduce the impact of seasonality that negatively affects other attractions in these areas. These areas also often have active and effective local visitors and convention bureaus that complement our marketing and advertising efforts at little or no cost to us.
 
  •  Highly visible and large sites. We develop resorts in highly visible locations along major roadways. Visibility from highways enhances easy drive-to access, provides marketing benefits due to high volumes of traffic and often produces synergies from adjacent land uses or complementary developments. We generally choose sites that have enough acreage to allow for potential expansions and future sales of out-lots.

      Based upon these criteria, we have identified over 50 markets that have populations of at least five million people located within a convenient driving distance. We have already identified potential development locations in 12 to 14 of these target markets that meet our other criteria for successful development. We are in negotiations for sites in six of these markets. In addition, our licensee, Ripley’s, is developing a Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario that we will operate pursuant to our license and management agreement with Ripley’s.

      Once we have identified a market that meets our development criteria, we search for potential sites, which may be difficult to find in some areas. We then perform initial analyses of the permitting process and access to utilities, before acquiring a sufficient amount of land from one or more landowners. Based upon the target customer base of the market, we develop initial specifications for the resort, such as the number of guest suites and size of the indoor waterpark and other amenities. We also formally begin the potentially lengthy and difficult process of obtaining the necessary approvals and permits from the appropriate local governmental bodies, including the necessary water rights and environmental permits. Once the permitting process is complete, we secure financing for the project and begin construction on the resort. This overall development process typically takes from two and one-half to four years.

Our Customers

      Our target customer base consists of families with children ranging in age from 2 to 14 years old who live within a convenient driving distance from our resorts. We believe that most families choose our resorts either for taking a primary vacation during the year or for weekend or holiday getaways. According to research conducted by Third Wave Research at our Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts, families choosing us as their primary vacation destination account for approximately 60% of our annual room nights and approximately 40% of our total revenue, while families choosing us for weekend and holiday getaways account for approximately

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25% of our annual room nights and approximately 30% of our total revenue. Although we have not had studies performed at our other resorts, we believe our other resorts would have similar statistics.

      In addition, meeting facilities at our resorts allow us to attract other types of customers, such as small companies, business groups and social clubs. We believe that the 21,000 square foot conference center located at our Sheboygan resort will allow us to attract larger companies and industry groups to that resort.

Competition

      Our resorts compete with other forms of family vacation travel, including theme parks, waterparks, amusement parks and other recreational activities, including other resorts located near these types of attractions. Our business is also subject to factors that affect the recreation and leisure and resort industries generally, such as general economic conditions and changes in consumer spending habits. We believe that the principal competitive factors of a family entertainment resort include location, room rates, name recognition, reputation, the uniqueness and perceived quality of the attractions and amenities, the atmosphere and cleanliness of the attractions and amenities, the quality of the lodging accommodations, the quality of the food and beverage service, convenience, service levels and reservation systems.

      A recent US Realty Consultants, Inc. (USRC) survey identified 24 existing properties in the United States and Canada meeting their definition of an indoor waterpark destination resort that are currently open and 14 additional destination resorts expected to open in 2005. Two additional waterparks are identified as under construction and expected to open in 2006 and additional resorts currently in development are considered likely to begin construction in 2005 and open in 2006. Based on the USRC survey, our eight resorts that we expect to be open at the end of 2005 will comprise approximately 21% of the supply of existing destination waterpark resorts in this market segment.

      As a result of our market presence and our management team’s substantial experience, we believe we have an opportunity to capitalize on our first-mover advantage in this industry segment and to achieve significant brand recognition. While we believe that our first-mover advantage is very beneficial to us, it does provide our competitors with an opportunity to monitor our success in our chosen markets. As such, a competitor may choose not to enter one of our markets based on our performance, or may subsequently develop a resort in our markets that is newer, has additional amenities, or offers more, larger or more exciting waterpark attractions than our resorts.

      In most of our markets, there are few, if any, other family entertainment resorts featuring indoor waterparks. However, in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, where indoor waterparks were first introduced, there are approximately 16 other resorts and hotels with some type of indoor water-related activity or amenity. As a result, we face significant competition from both lower priced unthemed waterparks and larger, more expensive waterparks with thrill rides and other attractions in the Wisconsin Dells market. While the Wisconsin Dells market has a significant number of resorts with indoor waterparks, we believe the competitive landscape in that small, regional market is not representative of the competition we may face as we further expand our portfolio of resorts. The vast majority of indoor waterpark resorts in Wisconsin Dells are family-owned or privately operated businesses that have yet to develop additional resorts outside of Wisconsin Dells. In addition, we believe our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive market will enable us to more effectively compete in other markets where we may not be the only family entertainment resort.

      We anticipate that competition within some of our markets will increase in the foreseeable future. We believe that a number of other resort operators are developing or considering the development of family entertainment resorts with indoor waterparks, which will compete with our resorts. One of these resorts is being constructed by a competitor in Sandusky and another resort is being constructed by a competitor near Traverse City.

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Governmental Regulation

      The ownership and management of our resorts, as well as our development and construction of new resorts, subjects us to comprehensive federal, state and local laws regulating zoning, land development, land use, building design and construction, and other real estate-related laws and regulations. In addition, a number of states regulate the permitting and licensing of resorts by requiring registration, disclosure statements and compliance with specific standards of conduct. Our failure to maintain or acquire the requisite licenses, permits and authorizations required by such laws and regulations, as well as any failure on our part to comply with registration, disclosure and standards of conduct required by such laws and regulations could impact the operation, profitability and success of our current resorts or the development, completion and success of any resorts we may develop in the future.

      We believe that each of our resorts has the necessary permits and approvals to operate its business and is in material compliance with all applicable registration, disclosure and conduct requirements. We intend to continue to obtain such permits and approvals for any resorts we may develop in the future or additions or renovations to current resorts and to ensure that such resorts and additions or renovations comply with applicable registration, disclosure and conduct requirements.

      We are also subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, working conditions and work permit requirements. An increase in the minimum wage rate, employee benefit costs or other costs associated with employees could increase our overall labor costs.

      The operation of our waterparks subjects us to state and local regulations governing the quality of the water we use in our waterparks, including bacteriological, chemical, physical and radiological standards. In addition to inspections we conduct on our own, state and local authorities may also conduct inspections of our waterparks to determine our compliance with applicable standards. If we are found to be in violation of such regulations we could be subject to various penalties, including, but not limited to, monetary fines and the temporary closure of our waterparks. Changes in state or local regulations could impose more stringent standards with which we would have to comply.

      We are subject to both federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing the discharge of water from our waterparks. Specifically, under the requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act, we must obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits from the Environmental Protection Agency or from the state environmental agency to which the permit program has been delegated for discharges into waterways and comply with the permit terms regarding wastewater quality and discharge limits. Such permits must be renewed from time-to-time, as required by regulation and additional capital expenditures for wastewater treatment systems associated with the renewal of our water discharge permits may be required. Importantly, changes in federal or state legislation or regulations could impose more stringent release standards with which we would have to comply. Currently, our development in the Pocono Mountains is our only property subject to such laws and regulations governing the discharge of water and we intend to comply with these laws and regulations as we develop that property.

      As a place of public accommodation, our resorts are subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which we refer to as the ADA. As such, our resorts are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. While we believe that our resorts are substantially in compliance with these requirements, we have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our resorts to determine our compliance. Further, federal legislation or regulations may amend the ADA to impose more stringent requirements with which we would have to comply.

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Environmental Matters

      Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources and worker health and safety, including laws and regulations governing and creating liability relating to the management, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and other regulated materials. Our properties are also subject to various environmental laws and regulations that govern certain aspects of our on-going operations. These laws and regulations control such things as the nature and volume of our wastewater discharges, quality of our water supply and our waste management practices. The costs of complying with these requirements, as they now exist or may be altered in the future, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

      Because we own and operate real property, various federal, state and local laws may impose liability on us for the costs of removing or remediating various hazardous substances, including substances that may be currently unknown to us, that may have been released on or in our property or disposed by us at third-party locations. The principal federal laws relating to environmental contamination and associated liabilities that could affect us are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; state and local governments have also adopted separate but similar environmental laws and regulations that vary from state to state and locality to locality. These laws may impose liability jointly and severally, without regard to fault and whether or not we knew of or caused the release. The presence of hazardous substances on a property or the failure to meet environmental regulatory requirements may materially adversely affect our ability to use or sell the property, or to use the property as collateral for borrowing, and may cause us to incur substantial remediation or compliance costs. In addition, if hazardous substances are located on or released from one of our properties, we could incur substantial liabilities through a private party personal injury claim, a claim by an adjacent property owner for property damage or a claim by a governmental entity for other damages, such as natural resource damages. This liability may be imposed on us under environmental laws or common-law principles.

      We obtain environmental assessment reports on the properties we own or operate as we deem appropriate. These reports have not revealed any environmental liability or compliance concerns that we believe would materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. However, the environmental assessments that we have undertaken might not have revealed all potential environmental liabilities or claims for such liabilities. It is also possible that future laws, ordinances or regulations or changed interpretations of existing laws and regulations will impose material environmental liability or compliance costs on us, that the current environmental conditions of properties we own or operate will be affected by other properties in the vicinity or by the actions of third parties unrelated to us or that our guests could introduce hazardous or toxic substances into the resorts we own or manage without our knowledge and expose us to liability under federal or state environmental laws. The costs of defending these claims, complying with as yet unidentified requirements, conducting this environmental remediation or responding to such changed conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

      Some of our resort properties may have contained, or are adjacent to or near other properties that have contained or currently contain underground storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances. If hazardous or toxic substances were released from these tanks, we could incur significant costs or, with respect to tanks on our property, be liable to third parties with respect to the releases.

      On occasion, we may elect to develop properties that have had a history of industrial activities and/or historical environmental contamination. Where such opportunities arise, we engage third-party experts to evaluate the extent of contamination, the scope of any needed environmental clean-up work, and available measures (such as creation of barriers over residual contamination and deed restrictions prohibiting groundwater use or disturbance of the soil) for ensuring that planned development and future property uses will not present unacceptable human health or environmental risks or exposure to liabilities. If those environmental assessments indicate that the development opportunities are acceptable, we also work with appropriate governmental agencies

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and obtain their approvals of planned site clean-up, development activities, and the proposed future property uses. We have followed that process in connection with the development of our Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin where the City of Sheboygan has arranged for environmental clean-up work and ongoing groundwater monitoring and we have agreed to the use of a barrier preventing contact with residual contamination and implementation of a deed restriction limiting site activities. To our knowledge, our work at our Sheboygan resort has been conducted in accordance with requirements imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Based on these efforts, we are not aware of any environmental liability or compliance concerns at our Sheboygan resort that we believe would materially adversely affect our financial conditions or results of operations. It is possible, however, that our efforts have not identified all environmental conditions at the property or that environmental conditions and liabilities associated with the property could change in the future.

      Future acquisitions of properties subject to environmental requirements or affected by environmental contamination could require us to incur substantial costs relating to such matters. In addition, environmental laws, regulations, wetlands, endangered species and other land use and natural resource issues affecting either currently owned properties or sites identified as possible future acquisitions may increase costs associated with future site development and construction activities or business or expansion opportunities, prevent, delay, alter or interfere with such plans or otherwise adversely affect such plans.

Insurance

      We believe that our properties are covered by adequate fire, flood and property insurance, as well as commercial liability insurance with what we believe are commercially reasonable deductibles and limits for our industry. Changes in the insurance market since September 11, 2001 have caused significant increases in insurance costs and deductibles, and have increased the risk that affordable insurance may not be available to us in the future.

      While our management believes that our insurance coverage is adequate, if we were held liable for amounts and claims exceeding the limits of our insurance coverage or outside the scope of our insurance coverage, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Intellectual Property

      We have registered, applied for the registration of or claim ownership of a variety of trade names, service marks, copyrights and trademarks for use in our business, including Biko the Bear, Blue Harbor Resort, Boathouse Suite, Breaker Bay, Crew Club, Cub Club, Great Wolf Lodge, Great Wolf Resorts, KidAquarium Suite, KidCabin and Wiley the Wolf in the United States and, where appropriate, in foreign countries. There can be no assurance that we can obtain the registration for the marks where registration has been sought. We are not aware of any facts that would negatively impact our continuing use of any of the above trade names, service marks or trademarks. We consider our intellectual property rights to be important to our business and actively defend and enforce them.

Employees

      As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately 120 corporate employees, including our central reservations center employees, and approximately 1,600 resort employees, approximately 700 of whom were part-time employees. Unlike more seasonal resorts and attractions, we are open year-round and are able to attract and retain high quality employees throughout the year. However, we do have fewer part-time employees during the winter months. None of our employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

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Offices

      We lease approximately 13,800 square feet of office space for our corporate headquarters office and approximately 2,500 square feet of office space for our central reservations call center operations in Madison, Wisconsin. We also lease approximately 3,800 square feet of office space in Falls Church, Virginia. We believe these facilities are adequate for our current needs.

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

      Our board of directors currently consists of eight directors, five of whom are independent directors under applicable regulations. Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Subject to rights pursuant to any employment agreements, officers serve at the pleasure of our board of directors.

      The following table sets forth certain information concerning our directors and executive officers:

             
Name Age Position



Bruce D. Neviaser
    49     Chairman of the Board
John Emery
    41     Chief Executive Officer and Director
Elan Blutinger
    49     Director(1)
Randy Churchey
    44     Director(2)(3)
Michael M. Knetter
    44     Director(1)(2)
Alissa N. Nolan
    42     Director(1)(3)
Howard Silver
    50     Director(2)(3)
Marc B. Vaccaro
    41     Director
James A. Calder
    42     Chief Financial Officer
Kimberly K. Schaefer
    39     Chief Operating Officer
Hernan R. Martinez
    52     Executive Vice President of Development
J. Michael Schroeder
    37     General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Alexander P. Lombardo
    36     Treasurer


(1)  Member of the nominating and corporate governance committee.
(2)  Member of the audit committee.
(3)  Member of the compensation committee.

      Bruce D. Neviaser has served as Chairman of the Board since we commenced operations in May 2004. Mr. Neviaser co-founded our predecessor companies and from 1992 until completion of the initial public offering, served as the Co-Chairman of Great Lakes and its predecessor companies, where he was involved in selecting development sites, designing deal structures and raising capital. Mr. Neviaser has over 20 years of experience in hotel and commercial real estate management, development and acquisition. Mr. Neviaser was recently appointed to the Advisory Board of the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business and is an active community leader.

      John Emery has served as our Chief Executive Officer and director since we commenced operations in May 2004. From January 2004 until completion of the initial public offering, Mr. Emery served as the Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes. From 1995 to December 2003, Mr. Emery served in a number of management positions at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a public company and the nation’s largest independent third-party hotel management company, most recently as president and chief operating officer. Additionally, from 1995 to November 2002, Mr. Emery served in a number of management positions at MeriStar Hospitality Corporation, a public company and one of the nation’s largest hotel real estate investment trusts, most recently as president and chief operating officer. Mr. Emery is a former member of the board of directors of Interstate Hotels & Resorts and MeriStar Hospitality. He currently serves on the Pamplin College of Business advisory council at Virginia Tech and is executive director of the Stone Circle Foundation, a private, non-profit organization.

      Elan Blutinger has been a managing director of Alpine Consolidated, LLC, a merchant bank specializing in consolidating fragmented industries, since 1996. Mr. Blutinger served as a director of Hotels.com, an online

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booking service of hotels and other travel-related services, from 2001 until its sale in 2003. Mr. Blutinger was a founder and director of Resortquest International, a leading public vacation property management and realty company, from 1997 until its sale in 2003, a founder and director of Travel Services International, a consolidator of specialized travel services, from 1996 until its sale in 2001, and a director of Online Travel Services, a U.K.-based online travel and technology company, from 2000 until its sale in 2004. Mr. Blutinger is a trustee of the Washington International School. Mr. Blutinger currently serves as one of our independent directors and as chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee.

      Randy Churchey has been a private investor since the sale of RFS Hotel Investors, Inc., a public hotel real estate investment trust in July 2003. From November 1999 until July 2003, Mr. Churchey served as president and chief operating officer and a director of RFS Hotel Investors, Inc. From 1997 through October 1999, Mr. Churchey was senior vice president and chief financial officer of FelCor Lodging Trust, a public hotel owner and operator. For nearly 15 years prior to joining FelCor, Mr. Churchey held various positions in the audit practice of Coopers & Lybrand, LLP, where he most recently served as partner and as chairman of the firm’s Hospitality and Real Estate practice for the Southwestern United States. Mr. Churchey is a certified public accountant. Mr. Churchey is a director and chairman of the audit committee of Innkeepers USA Trust, a hotel real estate investment trust, and Education Realty Trust, a student housing real estate investment trust. Mr. Churchey currently serves as one of our independent directors, chair of our audit committee and as a member of our compensation committee.

      Michael M. Knetter joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business as its dean in July 2002. From June 1997 to July 2002, Dean Knetter was associate dean of the MBA program and professor of international economics in the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Dean Knetter has served as a senior staff economist for the President’s Council of Economic Advisors for former presidents George H.W. Bush and William Jefferson Clinton and has been a consultant to the International Monetary Fund. Dean Knetter is a research associate for the National Bureau of Economic Research and a Trustee of Lehman Brothers/First Trust Income Opportunity Fund and the Lehman Brothers Liquid Assets Trust. Dean Knetter currently serves as one of our independent directors and as a member of our audit committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

      Alissa N. Nolan is a long time entertainment/attractions industry analyst and development consultant. Since January 2001, she has served as director of strategic planning and development to The Tussauds Group, a visitor attractions company. Prior to joining Tussauds, Ms. Nolan was a director and principal with Economics Research Associates, a specialist advisor to global attractions and leisure developers and leisure investors, from 1993 to 1999. After leaving Economics Research Associates and prior to joining Tussauds, Ms. Nolan served as a private consultant. Ms. Nolan currently serves as one of our independent directors and as a member of our compensation committee and our nominating and corporate governance committee.

      Howard Silver is the president and chief executive officer of Equity Inns, Inc., a public self-advised and self-administered real estate investment trust. Mr. Silver joined Equity Inns in May 1994 and has served in various capacities including: executive vice president of finance, secretary, treasurer, chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Mr. Silver has been a certified public accountant since 1980. Mr. Silver is a director of Capital Lease Funding, Inc., a public triple net lease real estate investment trust, and serves on its audit committee as chairman, as well as serving on the nomination and investment committees. Mr. Silver is also on the board of managers of GHII, LLC, a national hotel furniture and equipment provider. Mr. Silver currently serves as one of our independent directors and as chair of our compensation committee and as a member of our audit committee.

      Marc B. Vaccaro has served as a director since we commenced operations in May 2004. Mr. Vaccaro co-founded our predecessor companies and from 1992 until completion of the initial public offering, served as the Co-Chairman of Great Lakes and its predecessor companies. Mr. Vaccaro has over 16 years of experience in a wide array of commercial property acquisitions, developments and redevelopments, including hotel, shopping

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center, office and land projects. Mr. Vaccaro holds a Bachelors of Art degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Vaccaro sits on several foundation boards, including the Menasha Corporations Foundation and the Theda Clark Smith Foundation.

      Kimberly K. Schaefer has served as our Chief Operating Officer since March 2005. Prior to that, she served as our Chief Brand Officer since we commenced operations in May 2004. From May 1997 until completion of the initial public offering, Ms. Schaefer served as Senior Vice President of Operations of Great Lakes and its predecessor companies. At Great Lakes, Ms. Schaefer was involved in site selection and brand development and oversaw all resort operations. Ms. Schaefer has over 15 years of hospitality experience and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. Ms. Schaefer is also involved with charitable work and sits on the advisory board for Edgewood College Business School. Ms. Schaefer is a certified public accountant.

      James A. Calder has served as our Chief Financial Officer since we commenced operations in May 2004. From September 1997 to April 2004, Mr. Calder served in a number of management positions with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a public company, and its predecessor company, serving most recently as chief financial officer. Additionally, from October 2001 to November 2002, Mr. Calder served as chief accounting officer of MeriStar Hospitality Corporation, a public company. From May 1995 to September 1997, Mr. Calder served as senior vice president and corporate controller of ICF Kaiser International, Inc., a public consulting and engineering company. Prior to that time, from 1984 to May 1995, Mr. Calder worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP in various capacities, serving most recently as senior manager for the real estate industry. Mr. Calder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Calder is a certified public accountant and is president and treasurer of the Thomas W. Hetrick Memorial Scholarship Fund, a private, non-profit organization.

      Hernan R. Martinez has served as our Executive Vice President of Development since we commenced operations in May 2004. During April 2004, Mr. Martinez served as Executive Vice President of Development of Great Lakes. From September 2002 to April 2004, Mr. Martinez was principal for Urbana Partners, a real estate advisory and development company serving international, private and institutional investors. From June 2000 to August 2002, Mr. Martinez served as chief operating officer for American Skiing Company Resort Properties and Executive Vice President of its parent American Skiing Company, a public company. Mr. Martinez holds a Diploma in Architecture from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Urban Development Planning, Development Planning Unit from the University College, London, U.K. and a Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University.

      J. Michael Schroeder has served as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since we commenced operations in May 2004. From November 1999 until completion of the initial public offering, Mr. Schroeder served in several senior management positions for Great Lakes, most recently as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. From September 1993 to November 1999, Mr. Schroeder was associated with several law firms in New York, New York and Greenwich, Connecticut where he specialized in real estate, real estate finance and corporate law, with a focus on the hospitality industry. Mr. Schroeder holds a Juris Doctor degree from Duke University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Colorado.

      Alexander P. Lombardo has served as our Treasurer since August 2004. From August 1998 to August 2004, Mr. Lombardo served in a number of positions with Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a public company, and its predecessor company, serving most recently as vice president of finance. Additionally, from August 1998 to December 2002, Mr. Lombardo served in a number of positions with MeriStar Hospitality Corporation, a public company, serving most recently as assistant treasurer. From August 1996 to August 1998, Mr. Lombardo served as cash manager of ICF Kaiser International, Inc., a public company. Mr. Lombardo holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from James Madison University.

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Board Committees

      Our board of directors has appointed an audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. The board of directors has adopted a written charter for each of these committees, copies of which are posted on our web site at www.greatwolfresorts.com. The inclusion of our web site address in this prospectus does not incorporate by reference the information on our web site into this prospectus.

      Under our committee charters, the composition of each committee must comply with the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market, as amended or modified from time to time. Each of these committees has at least three directors and is composed exclusively of independent directors. Our committee charters define “independent director” by reference to the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market, which generally deem a director to be independent if the director has no relationship to us that may interfere with the exercise of his or her independence from management.

      Audit Committee. The audit committee helps ensure the integrity of our financial statements, the qualifications and independence of our independent auditors and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors. The audit committee selects, assists and meets with the independent auditors, oversees each annual audit and quarterly review, establishes and maintains our internal audit controls and prepares the report that federal securities laws require be included in our annual proxy statement. Mr. Churchey has been designated as chair and Messrs. Silver and Knetter have been appointed as members of our audit committee. Mr. Churchey has been designated as an “audit committee financial expert.”

      Compensation Committee. The compensation committee reviews and approves the compensation and benefits of our executive officers, administers and makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding our compensation and incentive stock plans and produces an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in our proxy statement. Mr. Silver has been designated as chair and Ms. Nolan and Mr. Churchey have been appointed as members of our compensation committee.

      Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee will adopt a code of ethics, adopt policies with respect to conflicts of interest, monitor our compliance with corporate governance requirements of state and federal law and the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market, establish criteria for prospective members of our board of directors, conduct candidate searches and interviews, oversee and evaluate our board of directors and management, evaluate from time to time the appropriate size and composition of our board of directors and recommend, as appropriate, increases, decreases and changes in the composition of our board of directors and formally propose the slate of directors to be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders. Mr. Blutinger has been designated as chair and Mr. Knetter and Ms. Nolan have been appointed as members of our nominating and corporate governance committee.

      Our board of directors may from time to time establish certain other committees to facilitate the management of our company.

Corporate Governance Profile

      In addition to the independent directors serving on our board committees, we have structured our corporate governance in a manner we believe closely aligns our interests with those of our stockholders. The corporate governance initiatives that we have enacted include the following:

  •  Our board of directors is not staggered, with all of our directors subject to annual re-election;
 
  •  Of the eight directors who serve on our board, five have been determined by us to be independent for purposes of the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market;
 
  •  We do not have a stockholder rights plan; and

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  •  Our independent directors meet regularly without the presence of any inside directors or our senior management.

Compensation of Directors

      Each of our directors who is not an employee of our company or any of our subsidiaries receives an annual fee of $40,000 for services as a director. Non-employee directors receive $1,000 for each board or committee meeting attended in person and $500 for each meeting of the board or a committee attended telephonically, other than committee meetings that occur on the same day as board meetings. The chair of the audit committee receives an additional annual fee of $10,000, and the chair of each other committee receives an additional annual fee of $5,000. Employees of our company or our subsidiaries do not receive compensation for their services as directors.

      Upon the consummation of the initial public offering, we made grants of stock options to independent directors under our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, and intend to make future grants under this plan. On the date of the closing of the initial public offering, each independent director received options to purchase 7,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the initial public offering price of $17.00 per share. The compensation committee, in administering the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, has provided that: (1) each independent director who is initially elected to our board of directors will receive options to purchase 7,500 shares of our common stock on the date of such initial election and (2) independent directors will receive options to purchase 5,000 shares of our common stock on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders at which the independent director is reelected to our board of directors. The exercise price will be equal to 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The options granted to independent directors will be exercisable in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant of the option, subject to accelerated vesting as described below.

Executive Officer Compensation

      The following table sets forth the annual base salary and other compensation paid in 2004 to our Chief Executive Officer and our four other most highly compensated executive officers, whom we refer to as our named executive officers. All compensation amounts include amounts paid by us or by our predecessor entities prior to the initial public offering.

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Summary Compensation Table

                                                                   
Long Term
Compensation Awards

Other Securities
Annual Compensation Annual Restricted Underlying LTIP All Other

Compensation Stock Options/ Payouts Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) ($) Awards ($) SARs (#) ($) ($)









John Emery
    2004       354,230       2,000,000 (1)     0       0       350,000       0       0  
 
Chief Executive Officer
                                                               
Craig A. Stark
    2004       194,231 (2)     0       0       0       200,000       0       0  
 
President
                                                               
Hernan R. Martinez
    2004       214,154       0       0       0       150,000       0       0  
 
Executive Vice President of
                                                               
 
Development
                                                               
Kimberly K. Schaefer
    2004       177,308       0       0       0       100,000       0       0  
 
Chief Operating Officer
                                                               
James A. Calder
    2004       95,192       200,000 (1)     0       0       100,000       0       0  
 
Chief Financial Officer
                                                               
J. Michael Schroeder
    2004       240,385       75,000 (1)     0       0       75,000       0       0  
 
General Counsel and
                                                               
 
Corporate Secretary
                                                               


(1)  Pursuant to their employment arrangements prior to the initial public offering, Messrs. Emery and Calder received $2,000,000 and $200,000, respectively, in the form of lump sum cash payments upon consummation of the initial public offering. These cash payments have been deferred pursuant to our deferred compensation plan. Pursuant to elections by these members of management to have these bonus payments track the performance of our common stock, we contributed 129,412 shares of common stock (based on the initial public offering price) to a trust that holds assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. These deferred bonuses are deemed to be investments in shares of our common stock. As a result, the amount of cash ultimately paid from the deferred bonuses payments will increase and decrease as the price of our common stock increases and decreases. Pursuant to his employment arrangement in place prior to the initial public offering, Mr. Schroeder received $75,000 in the form of a lump-sum cash payment upon the consummation of the initial public offering. This amount was paid in January 2005.
 
(2)  On March 9, 2005, Mr. Stark notified us of his resignation as our president, effective March 31, 2005.

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Stock Option Grants

      We provide below information regarding stock option granted to the named executive officers. The fiscal year used in the table below is the period from the IPO through December 31, 2004. No options were granted prior to the IPO.

                                                 
Percentage
of Total Potential Value at
Number of Options Assumed Annual Rates of
Securities Granted to Stock Price Appreciation
Underlying Employees Exercise for Option Term
Options in Fiscal or Base Expiration
Name Granted (#) Year Price Date 5% 10%







John Emery
    350,000       21.1 %   $ 17.00       12/15/2014     $ 3,741,923     $ 9,482,768  
Craig A. Stark
    200,000       12.1 %   $ 17.00       12/15/2014       (1)       (1)  
Hernan R. Martinez
    150,000       9.0 %   $ 17.00       12/15/2014     $ 1,603,681     $ 4,064,043  
Kimberly K. Schaefer
    100,000       6.0 %   $ 17.00       12/15/2014     $ 1,069,121     $ 2,709,362  
James A. Calder
    100,000       6.0 %   $ 17.00       12/15/2014     $ 1,069,121     $ 2,709,362  
J. Michael Schroeder
    75,000       4.5 %   $ 17.00       12/15/2014     $ 801,841     $ 2,032,022  


(1)  On March 9, 2005, Mr. Stark notified us of his resignation as our president, effective March 31, 2005. At the date of his resignation, none of his options granted were exercisable.

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Year-End Option Values

      We provide below information regarding unexercised options at December 31, 2004. None of the named executive officers exercised any options during 2004. The following table sets forth information concerning the year-end number and value of unexercised options with respect to each of these persons as of December 31, 2004.

                                 
Number of Shares Value of
Underlying Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at Options at
Shares Fiscal Year-End Fiscal Year-End(1)
Acquired Value

On Exercise Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable
Name (#) ($) Unexercisable Unexercisable(1)





John Emery
                0/350,000     $ — /$1,869,000  
Craig A. Stark
                0/200,000 (2)   $ — /$1,068,000  
Hernan R. Martinez
                0/150,000     $ — /$  801,000  
Kimberly K. Schaefer
                0/100,000     $ — /$  534,000  
James A. Calder
                0/100,000     $ — /$  534,000  
J. Michael Schroeder
                0/75,000     $ — /$  400,500  


(1)  Value of unexercisable in-the-money options is based on a market price of $22.34 per share, which was the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2004.
 
(2)  These options were granted to Mr. Stark subject to certain vesting conditions, including requirements regarding Mr. Stark’s continuation of employment with us. As a result of Mr. Stark’s resignation, these options will lapse prior to vesting.

401(k) Plan

      We maintain a retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, to cover our eligible employees. The plan allows eligible employees to defer, within

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prescribed limits, up to 20% of their compensation on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the plan. We intend to match each eligible participant’s contributions, within prescribed limits, with an amount equal to 50% of such participant’s initial 4% tax-deferred contributions. In addition, we reserve the right to make additional discretionary contributions on behalf of eligible participants. Our employees are eligible to participate in the plan if they meet certain requirements, including a minimum period of credited service. Any matching and discretionary company contributions may be subject to certain vesting requirements.

2004 Incentive Stock Plan

      Our board of directors has adopted our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, pursuant to which we may grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other incentive awards to employees and directors of our company. Only company employees are eligible to receive incentive stock options under the plan. We have reserved a total of 3,380,520 shares of our common stock for issuance pursuant to the plan, subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the plan. Of this amount, options to purchase 1,656,300 shares were issued upon consummation of the initial public offering.

      Effective as of the consummation of the initial public offering, our board of directors delegated general administrative authority of the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan to its compensation committee. The plan provides that the compensation committee has the authority to designate recipients of awards and to determine the terms and provisions of awards, including the exercise or purchase price, expiration date, vesting schedule and terms of exercise. The plan provides that the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards granted any individual in any calendar year will not exceed 350,000. Similarly, the maximum number of shares that may be subject to stock appreciation rights granted to any individual in any calendar year may not exceed 350,000. In addition, the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan provides a $5,000,000 limit on stock grants and stock unit grants to any individual in any calendar year, and restricts the number of nonforfeitable shares issuable pursuant to stock grants to 750,000.

      The exercise price of nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options granted under the plan must be at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code must have an exercise price of at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to optionees who own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock on the date of grant (considering certain attribution rules) must have an exercise price that is at least 110% of our outstanding common stock on the grant date. Incentive stock options granted under the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan will expire no later than ten years after the date of grant, or five years after the date of grant with respect to optionees who own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock on the grant date. The purchase price, if any, of other awards will be determined by the compensation committee.

      In the event of certain changes in our corporate structure or capitalization, the plan administrator may make appropriate adjustments to:

  the maximum number, kind and class of shares issuable under the plan;
 
  the number and class of shares subject to outstanding awards; and
 
  the grant or exercise price of each outstanding award.

      In addition, in the event of a change in control (as defined in the plan), all conditions (other than payment conditions) to the exercise of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights and all outstanding issuance and forfeiture conditions (other than payments conditions) on stock grants and stock unit grants shall be deemed 100% satisfied. The board of directors will have the right, to the extent expressly required as part of such transaction, to cancel options and other awards after providing the award holder a reasonable period of time to

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exercise his or her options and stock appreciation rights and to take such other actions as necessary to receive the stock subject to the stock grants and the cash payable under any stock unit grants.

      The board of directors may at any time amend or revise the terms of the 2004 Incentive Stock Plan; provided, however, that without the approval of our stockholders, no amendment may effect any change that would require stockholder approval under applicable law or the rules of the stock exchange on which the stock is listed, and no amendment may be made on or after a change of control which might adversely affect any rights which would otherwise vest on the related change effective date (as defined in the plan). In addition, any alteration or impairment of any outstanding award requires consent of the affected holder absent certain corporate events. No grants under the plan may be made after the earlier of the expiration of ten years from the date that it is adopted by our stockholders (in which case the plan otherwise continues until all outstanding options and stock appreciation rights have been exercised in full or are no longer exercisable and all stock issued under any stock grants have been forfeited or have become non-forfeitable, and all stock unit grants have been forfeited or paid) or the date on which all of the stock reserved under the plan has been issued or is no longer available for use under the plan.

Deferred Compensation Plan

      Effective upon consummation of the initial public offering, our board of directors adopted our Deferred Compensation Plan. Under this non-qualified plan, our senior executives and other highly compensated employees may elect to defer the receipt and taxation of up to 100% of their annual base salary and/or their bonus. We will credit a participant’s deferred compensation to a deferral bookkeeping account and also may credit participants’ accounts with matching and/or profit-sharing contributions in additional amounts that we determine provided the participant is an eligible employee on the last day of the year. Until changed by our chief executive officer, the matching contribution will not exceed 100% of a participant’s deferred compensation up to 4% of a participant’s aggregate compensation. We select investments for purposes of determining the rate of return to be credited on amounts deferred under the plan, one of which will be a deemed investment in our common stock. Participants may select from these investments for purposes of determining the rate of return to be credited on all their deferral accounts. Participants will be at all times fully vested in any amount they defer, and will become vested in any additional amounts that we credit to their deferral account equally over five years. No participant or beneficiary has any right under the plan to any of our assets which is greater than the right of a general and unsecured creditor of ours.

      Upon completion of the initial public offering, bonus payments in the aggregate amount of $2.2 million to Messrs. Emery and Calder were placed in our deferred compensation plan. Pursuant to elections by these members of management to have these bonus payments track the performance of our common stock, we contributed 129,412 shares of common stock (based on the public offering price) to a trust that holds assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. These deferred bonuses will deemed to be investments in shares of our common stock. As a result, the amount of cash ultimately paid from the deferred bonuses will increase and decrease as the price of our common stock increases and decreases.

Employment Agreements

      We entered into employment agreements, effective upon consummation of the initial public offering, with Messrs. Emery, Martinez, Calder and Schroeder and Ms. Schaefer. The employment agreements provide for Mr. Emery to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martinez to serve as our Executive Vice President of Development, Mr. Calder to serve as our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Schroeder to serve as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and Ms. Schaefer to serve as our Chief Brand Officer. In March 2005, Ms. Schaefer was promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer.

      Each employment agreement has a term of three years and provides for automatic one-year extensions thereafter, unless either party provides at least 120 days notice of non-renewal.

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      The employment agreements provide for:

  •  an annual base salary of $400,000 for Mr. Emery, $320,000 for Mr. Martinez, $250,000 for each of Messrs. Calder and Schroeder, and $225,000 for Ms. Schaefer. Ms. Schaefer’s annual base salary was subsequently increased to $265,000 upon her promotion to Chief Operating Officer in March 2005;
 
  eligibility for annual bonuses to be determined by our compensation committee;
 
  eligibility for grants of options to purchase our common stock as determined by our compensation committee; and
 
  participation in employee benefit plans, programs and policies applicable generally to our senior executives.

      The employment agreements provide that, if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason” (each as defined in the applicable employment agreement), including non-renewal of the employment agreement by us upon the end of its term, the executive will be entitled to the following severance payments and benefits, subject to his or her execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims:

  •  a lump sum severance amount equal to the sum of that executive’s then-current annual base salary and most recent annual bonus paid for each of Messrs. Martinez, Calder and Schroeder and Ms. Schaefer, and two times such amount for Mr. Emery;
 
  acceleration of vesting of all outstanding options to purchase our common stock; and
 
  a lump sum payment in an amount designed to roughly equal the pre-tax cost of health, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits in effect immediately prior to the termination of the executive’s employment for a period of time following the termination of executive’s employment.

      Under the employment agreements, we have agreed to make an additional tax gross-up payment to the executive if any amounts paid or payable to the executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed on certain so-called “excess parachute payments” under Section 4999 of the Code. However, if a reduction in the payments and benefits of $25,000 or less would render the excise tax inapplicable, then the payments and benefits will be reduced by such amount, and we will not be required to make the gross-up payment.

      Each employment agreement provides that, if the executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason within 180 days prior to, or eighteen months following, a change in control, then the executive will receive the above benefits and payments as though the executive’s employment was terminated without cause or for good reason. However, the lump-sum cash severance payment will be equal to three times (in the case of Mr. Emery) or two times (in the case of each of Messrs. Martinez, Calder and Schroeder and Ms. Schaefer) the sum of the executive’s then-current annual base salary and the most recent annual bonus paid to the executive.

      Each employment agreement also provides that the executive or his or her estate will be entitled to certain severance benefits in the event of his or her death or disability.

      The employment agreements also contain non-compete and standard confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions that apply during the term of the employment agreements and for a one-year period thereafter.

Noncompetition Agreements

      We have entered into noncompetition agreements with each of Messrs. Neviaser and Vaccaro, each of whom is a member of our board of directors. The noncompetition agreements provide that each of Messrs. Neviaser and Vaccaro will not, during their terms as directors of the company or an officer of the company, as applicable, or for the one-year period following their removal from the board of directors or such

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office or in the event Messrs. Neviaser or Vaccaro are not re-elected to the board of directors, compete with us. These agreements also contain standard confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions. In exchange for these agreements, we have agreed to accelerate the vesting of these individuals’ stock options if the individual is removed from or is not re-elected to our board of directors or is removed from his respective office and to pay to Mr. Neviaser an annual fee of $150,000.

Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability

      As allowed by the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, we have adopted provisions in our certificate of incorporation that provide that our directors shall not be personally liable for monetary damages to us or our stockholders for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent that the act permits the limitation or elimination of the liability of directors.

      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our officers or directors pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification for these liabilities, other than the payment by us of expenses incurred or paid by a director or officer in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by a director or officer, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question as to whether this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of the issue.

      We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors to give such directors additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of their indemnification. The indemnification agreements provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and provide for the advancement of expenses incurred by a director in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any action or investigation. In addition, we maintain liability insurance for our directors and officers as required by their indemnification agreements.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

      During fiscal 2004, Messrs. Churchey and Silver and Ms. Nolan comprised the Compensation Committee. No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time during fiscal 2004 or at any other time an officer or employee of the Company, and no member had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure as a related-party transaction in the section “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.” In addition, no executive officer of the Company has served on the board of directors or compensation committee of another entity that has or has had one or more executive officers who served as a member of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2004.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Formation Transactions

      Since 1999, directors and officers of Great Lakes, including Messrs. Lund, Neviaser, Sather, Stark and Vaccaro and Ms. Schaefer, as well as former employees of Great Lakes who have subsequently been released from such guarantees, personally guaranteed certain loans made in connection with our resorts. Pursuant to such guarantees, such directors and officers, along with Great Lakes, each jointly and severally guaranteed the repayment of the outstanding debt on the loans in their entirety. In connection with the formation transactions, the application of the net proceeds from the initial public offering to repay a portion of the underlying debt and the refinancing of the remainder of this debt, these individuals were removed as guarantors from approximately $167.1 million of guarantees as of December 20, 2004.

      Pursuant to separate transition services agreements, we provide certain services to each of Great Lakes Hospitality Partners, LLC and Great Lakes Housing Partners, LLC (the entities that succeeded to Great Lakes’ non-resort development and management business), and these entities have agreed to provide certain services to us. These services will continue for a period not to exceed two years from the date of completion of the formation transactions, which was December 20, 2004. These services include, among other things, administrative services, corporate services, accounting services, financing services, legal services, tax services, information technology services, human resources services, payroll services and operational services. These services are provided by the parties to the transition services agreements as and if any such service is reasonably requested to be performed during the two-year period of the agreements. The fees for these services will be determined as each such service is provided from time to time and will generally be equal to the cost of such services had the services been provided by an unaffiliated third party. The agreements also provide for customary expense reimbursement. Further, each party may terminate the agreement if the other party thereto defaults in the performance of its material obligations under, or breaches any of its warranties set forth in, the agreements, subject to a 30-day cure period.

      Messrs. Lund, Neviaser, Stark and Vaccaro and Ms. Schaefer, each of whom was a shareholder of Great Lakes immediately prior to the consummation of the initial public offering and the formation transactions, entered into indemnity agreements with us pursuant to which they made certain representations and warranties to us relating to the formation transactions and the status of the properties operated by the resort-owning entities. Pursuant to these indemnity agreements, these shareholders agreed to indemnify us for a period of one year if those representations and warranties are not accurate. These representations and warranties relate, among other things, to the following matters concerning Great Lakes:

  capital structure as of the time of the formation transactions;
 
  compliance with laws and possession of required authorizations;
 
  possession of all required consents and approvals;
 
  no breach of organizational documents or material agreements;
 
  no material tax dispute or claim;
 
  no payment of brokers’ or finders’ fees;
 
  no bankruptcy events;
 
  material legal proceedings;
 
  reasonable insurance coverage for properties;
 
  liens and options and rights with respect to underlying properties;

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  no labor disputes or unfair labor practices;
 
  ownership of real property and improvements thereto;
 
  no material environmental liabilities;
 
  no material defect in the condition of the properties;
 
  accuracy of financial statements;
 
  no material undisclosed liabilities, contracts or liabilities;
 
  no damage or loss to its underlying properties in excess of $1 million; and
 
  ownership of intellectual property rights.

In addition, these shareholders agreed to indemnify us for a period of one year against liabilities or obligations relating to claims asserted under federal or state securities laws arising out of the offer or sale of condominiums on or before the closing of the formation transactions by the management company or any affiliated entity of the management company. With respect to each shareholder, the maximum indemnification obligation under these agreements will not exceed 35% of the value of the number of shares of our common stock received by that shareholder in the formation transactions based on the initial public offering price of $17.00 per share. The maximum amount of the indemnification obligations under these agreements will equal approximately $45.2 million in the aggregate. These shareholders may fulfill the indemnity obligations under the agreements solely through the delivery of shares of our common stock that they own, valued at the time of delivery, or with an equivalent amount of cash. However, if any of these shareholders chooses to fulfill the indemnity obligations under the agreement through the delivery of shares, the maximum number of shares such shareholder will be obligated to deliver is 35% of the number of shares such shareholder received in the formation transactions.

      Immediately following the completion of the initial public offering, Messrs. Lund and Neviaser received personal loans which are full-recourse and are secured by a pledge of all the shares of our common stock received by each in the formation transactions. While some of these shares may be released from the pledge over time, they may not be available as an alternative means to satisfy an indemnification obligation under the agreements.

Registration Rights

      We granted to the participants in the formation transactions registration rights with respect to all shares of common stock owned by them. We have agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to sales of shares of common stock that constitute restricted shares by such persons within 60 days following the consummation of the formation transactions, and use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC as soon as possible. The registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part has been filed to satisfy this obligation. We will be obligated to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares registered pursuant to such registration statement have been disposed of pursuant to such registration statement or (2) two years following the consummation of the formation transactions. The existence of this agreement may adversely affect the terms upon which we can obtain additional equity financing in the future. We have agreed to bear expenses incident to the registration requirements under these registration rights, except that such expenses will not include any underwriting discounts or commissions or transfer taxes. Regardless of when this registration statement becomes effective, each participant in the formation transactions will be subject to a lock-up period expiring 180 days after the completion of the initial public offering and the formation transactions pursuant to our bylaws and will not be able to sell any shares received in the formation transactions until the end of such lock-up period, unless such stockholder obtains our consent. We have agreed not to waive these lock-up provisions without the written consent of the underwriters.

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Indemnification of Officers and Directors

      We have entered into an indemnification agreement with each of our executive officers and directors as described in “Management—Employment Agreements—Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability.”

Transactions with Executive Officers and Directors

      Prior to the consummation of the formation transactions, Great Lakes regularly used an aircraft owned by LVNCS, LLC, an entity owned by Messrs. Vaccaro, Neviaser and Emery. During 2003 and 2004, Great Lakes paid an aggregate of $149,077 and $235,000, respectively, for the lease of the aircraft for company business. These payments represented approximately 67% and 78% of the entity’s revenue for 2003 and 2004, respectively. The entity that owns the aircraft also has one employee for whom Great Lakes provided payroll and benefit services during 2003 and 2004, the costs of which were reimbursed by the entity. We believe that the costs Great Lakes incurred for use of this aircraft were substantially less than the costs that it would have incurred for the use of a similar aircraft owned by an independent third party. We intend to continue to use this aircraft in the future.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

      The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of April 1, 2005 for:

  each stockholder who is a beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding common stock;
 
  each of our directors;
 
  our Chief Executive Officer, each of our named executive officers and our other vice-presidents; and
 
  all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

      Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by such person. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. There are no options outstanding that are exercisable within 60 days of December 20, 2004. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address of each named person is c/o Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., 122 West Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin 53703.

                 
Shares Beneficially
Owned

Name of Beneficial Owner Number Percentage



Officers and Directors:
               
Bruce D. Neviaser(1)
    1,821,443       6.0 %
John Emery(2)
    483,077       1.6  
Elan Blutinger
    5,000       *  
Randy Churchey
    10,000       *  
Michael M. Knetter
    1,500       *  
Alissa N. Nolan
           
Howard Silver
           
Marc B. Vaccaro(3)
    1,553,839       5.1  
James A. Calder(4)
    4,379       *  
Hernan R. Martinez
    4,379       *  
Kimberly K. Schaefer(5)
    821,457       2.7  
J. Michael Schroeder
    90,367       *  
Alexander P. Lombardo
           
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)
    4,795,441       15.8 %
5% Stockholders:
               
Craig A. Stark
    1,681,767       5.6 %


  Less than one percent of the outstanding shares of common stock.

(1)  Includes (a) 45,248 shares held by DNEV, LLC for which Mr. Neviaser shares voting and investment power, and (b) 125,699 shares held by Neviaser Enterprises, LLC., of which Mr. Neviaser is the managing member and possesses sole voting and investment power over the shares.
 
(2)  In addition, our deferred compensation plan holds 117,647 shares to pay obligations owed to Mr. Emery pursuant to the plan.
 
(3)  Includes (a) 19,907 shares held by MV LLC, of which Mr. Vaccaro is the managing member and possesses sole voting and investment power over the shares, (b) 75,000 shares held by The Marc B. Vaccaro Grantor Retained Authority Trust, of which Mr. Vaccaro is the sole trustee and possesses sole voting and investment power and (c) 75,000 shares held by The Astrid G. VanZon Grantor Retained

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Annuity Trust, of which Astrid G. VanZon, Mr. Vaccaro’s spouse, is the sole trustee and possesses sole voting and investment power. Mr. Vaccaro disclaims beneficial ownership of the 75,000 shares held by The Astrid G. VanZon Grantor Retained Annuity Trust.
 
(4)  In addition, our deferred compensation plan holds 11,765 shares to pay obligations owed to Mr. Calder pursuant to the plan.
 
(5)  Includes 33,009 shares held jointly with Ms. Schaefer’s spouse.

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SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

      The selling stockholders received their shares of common stock in transactions with us as follows:

  13,901,947 shares of common stock offered by this prospectus were issued to investors in the formation transactions in exchange for their interests in the resort-owning entities, sponsor entities, Sandusky Investor LLC and the management company; and
 
  130,949 shares of common stock offered by this prospectus were issued to holders of tenant in common interests in our Poconos and Williamsburg resorts that were, until immediately prior to the consummation of the formation transactions, convertible into our common stock.

      The following table sets forth information known by us with respect to beneficial ownership of our common stock by each selling stockholder immediately following the completion of the formation transactions and the initial public offering on December 20, 2004 and assumes that the only shares of our common stock owned by each such stockholder was received pursuant to the formation transactions, as described in this prospectus. The following table also assumes that the selling stockholders sell all of the shares offered hereby. We do not know how long the selling stockholders will hold the shares set forth in the following table before selling them or how many shares they will sell, if any, and we currently have no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any of the selling stockholders regarding the sale of any of the shares. There can be no assurance that all or any of the shares offered under this prospectus will be sold. In addition, pursuant to our bylaws shares of our common stock issued prior to the closing of the initial public offering are restricted from transfer, subject to certain limited exceptions, for 180 days following the closing of the initial public offering.

      Information with respect to “beneficial ownership” shown below is based on information supplied by the respective beneficial owner or by other stockholders as well as filings made with the SEC or furnished to us. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address of each named person beneficially owning 5% or more of our common stock is c/o Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., 122 West Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin 53703.

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






780 Partners
    44,580       *       44,580       0       *  
A.W. Real Estate, LLC
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Ahrens, D.J. 
    8,878       *       8,878       0       *  
Ahrens, Peter J., Revocable Trust
    8,878       *       8,878       0       *  
Allen, Barry and Cecelia
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Andersen, Danny L. and Linda G. 
    4,767       *       4,767       0       *  
Andersen, Patrick C. 
    13,311       *       13,311       0       *  
Anderson, Jeff
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Anderson, Patrick C.
    6,642       *       6,642       0       *  
Arkema, Milo and Jentine
    2,383       *       2,383       0       *  
Arrow Parts Corp. 
    3,786       *       3,786       0       *  
Artus, Randal J. 
    1,462       *       1,462       0       *  
Ashworth, Michael F. 
    9,535       *       9,535       0       *  
ATFAB, LLC
    9,535       *       9,535       0       *  
Aubrey, Ronald J. and Maryann G. 
    7,140       *       7,140       0       *  
Ayala, Ronald J. 
    6,745       *       6,745       0       *  
Ayala, Ronald J. and Mary K. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Bachman, Mark
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Badyna, Paul J. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Baker, John D. Living Trust dated 2/23/2000
    11,749       *       11,749       0       *  

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Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Bakke, David B. and Kelly D. 
    5,331       *       5,331       0       *  
Bakke, Meredith
    3,028       *       3,028       0       *  
Barnhill, Charles and Elizabeth
    6,655       *       6,655       0       *  
Bauer, David P. 
    1,971       *       1,971       0       *  
Bayorgeon, Dennis J. 
    2,865       *       2,865       0       *  
Bernstein, Alfred E. 
    6,056       *       6,056       0       *  
Bernstein, Dana Lin
    7,685       *       7,685       0       *  
Bernstein, Jeffrey
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Bissell, Jeanne
    17,123       *       17,123       0       *  
Bittner, Lawrence C. and Denise M. 
    7,035       *       7,035       0       *  
Blake, Philip E. 
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
Bliss, Richard J. 
    3,056       *       3,056       0       *  
Borwick, Ingrid
    11,573       *       11,573       0       *  
Bowen, James and Susan
    5,850       *       5,850       0       *  
Bowers, Kenneth G. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Boyke, Dale
    2,003       *       2,003       0       *  
Boyke, Dale C. and Susan J. 
    2,383       *       2,383       0       *  
Boyke, Gary
    2,003       *       2,003       0       *  
Boyke, Gary L. and Rose A. 
    8,088       *       8,088       0       *  
Boyke, Mark
    2,003       *       2,003       0       *  
Boyke, Mark and Debra
    10,694       *       10,694       0       *  
Braaten, David A. and Ann M. 
    19,041       *       19,041       0       *  
Braatz, Jane F. 
    596       *       596       0       *  
Brakebush, Carl and Judith
    7,034       *       7,034       0       *  
Breunig, Thomas R. and Valerie J. 
    1,193       *       1,193       0       *  
Brey, Peter W. 
    3,029       *       3,029       0       *  
Brey, Peter W. and Debra
    3,327       *       3,327       0       *  
B-ROD Investments, LLC
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Broihahn, Fred and Amy
    11,771       *       11,771       0       *  
Buettner, Gerald and Nancy
    7,140       *       7,140       0       *  
Burke Affiliates
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Buth, Douglas
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Calder, James A.(1)(2) 
    4,379       *       4,379       0       *  
Carey, Denis O. 
    4,006       *       4,006       0       *  
Carey, Timothy and Lisa
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Carey, Timothy O. 
    6,386       *       6,386       0       *  
Carmo Investment, LLC
    30,293       *       30,293       0       *  
Carpenter, Todd and Melanie
    1,432       *       1,432       0       *  
Castle Holdings, LLC
    1,893       *       1,893       0       *  
Cedergren, Charles P. and Ann C. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Chirban, Zivile Zymantas
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Christensen, Aaron M. 
    22,730       *       22,730       0       *  
Christensen, Jens E. and Nyla B. 
    13,476       *       13,476       0       *  
Christy, Stephen F. and Jennifer N. 
    22,369       *       22,369       0       *  
Chuma, Paul Jr. and Lisa A. 
    1,663       *       1,663       0       *  
Clyde Street Investments, LLC
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  

85


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Collins and Waldbillig, Joint Revocable Living Trust dated April 3, 2000
    7,140       *       7,140       0       *  
Conaghan, Michael and Anne
    12,317       *       12,317       0       *  
Conaghan, Mike(1)
    35,001       *       35,001       0       *  
Constantine, Dinos N. 
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
CR Leisure Investments, LLC
    248,474       *       248,474       0       *  
Crimmins Family, LP I
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Crimmins Family, LP II
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Culver, Christopher F. 
    27,327       *       27,327       0       *  
Culver, Clark and Patricia
    831       *       831       0       *  
Daily, Jerry M., Trust
    10,625       *       10,625       0       *  
Daniels, Terry L. 
    5,850       *       5,850       0       *  
Danner, Ann, Declaration of Trust dated June 2, 1997, c/o Ann M. Danner, Trustee
    7,826       *       7,826       0       *  
Davis, Georgine R. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Davis, William P. 
    6,745       *       6,745       0       *  
Davis, William P. and Karen B. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Decker, Gordon H. 
    14,280       *       14,280       0       *  
Delehanty, James R. and Carol J. 
    2,865       *       2,865       0       *  
Dempsey Family LLC
    2,271       *       2,271       0       *  
Dempsey, Michael
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
DEP Holdings of Reedsburg, LLC
    36,302       *       36,302       0       *  
DeWitt, Kenneth J. and Barbara A. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Dickens, John A. 
    6,388       *       6,388       0       *  
DiSalle, Daniel J. and Mary E. 
    19,071       *       19,071       0       *  
Dittmann, Doug and Kathy
    3,028       *       3,028       0       *  
DJ & The Three K’s
    1,514       *       1,514       0       *  
Dolezel Holdings, LLC
    4,006       *       4,006       0       *  
Dombrowski, Greg
    1,893       *       1,893       0       *  
Dongarra, John F.—IRA F.C.C. Custodian
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Dooley, Martin and Lynn
    596       *       596       0       *  
Dorothy & George Gabrielse’s Grandchildren LLC
    3,820       *       3,820       0       *  
Downey, Timothy A. and Joanne O.(1)
    103,373       *       103,373       0       *  
Dresden, Bram and Beverly
    3,932       *       3,932       0       *  
Duckworth, Leonard
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Dudley, Stephen and Lynn
    1,514       *       1,514       0       *  
Duesing, Lynn
    4,006       *       4,006       0       *  
Dunn, Thomas J. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Dussault, Michael and Sherry
    12,500       *       12,500       0       *  
Dwyer, Kevin M., Declaration of Trust dated June 2, 1997, c/o Kevin M. Dwyer, Trustee
    7,826       *       7,826       0       *  
Eagan, Michael J. 
    23,742       *       23,742       0       *  
Eigenberger, Christopher J. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Ellswood, Ronald L. and Mary A. 
    1,514       *       1,514       0       *  
Emery, John(1)(3)
    483,077       1.6 %     483,077       0       *  
Engelman, Brenda and Dean(1)
    1,331       *       1,331       0       *  

86


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Engen, Randy C. and Deborah
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Engelson, Robin J. 
    1,462       *       1,462       0       *  
Erickson, Jon C. and Susan B. 
    15,385       *       15,385       0       *  
Everhart, Larry
    1,817       *       1,817       0       *  
Evers, Gary S. and Debra R. 
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
Farrell, Thomas F. 
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Faust, Scott M
    5,850       *       5,850       0       *  
Fichera, Frank
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Finnegan Jr., Donald J.—Trust
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Fitterer, Lyle J. and Lisa M. 
    14,295       *       14,295       0       *  
Fitzgerald, Dean D. 
    22,122       *       22,122       0       *  
Fitzpatrick, Michael F. 
    1,714       *       1,714       0       *  
Flesch, John
    3,682       *       3,682       0       *  
Flynn, Patrick J.—Trust
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Forrestal, James W. and Deborah L. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Four Bro’s, LLP
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Franklin, Paul C. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Fueger, Jr., Frank
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Fuhrman, Nicolas A. 
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Fulton, Benjamin T. 
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Gabrielse, Brian and Jennifer
    25,563       *       25,563       0       *  
Gabrielse, Bruce and Barbara
    25,563       *       25,563       0       *  
Gabrielse, Diane L.—Declaration of Trust dated Sept. 2, 1999 c/o Diane L. Gabrielse as Trustee
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Gabrielse, George and Dorothy
    34,247       *       34,247       0       *  
Gabrielse, Jack and Denise
    35,114       *       35,114       0       *  
Gaelic Charm, LLC
    11,700       *       11,700       0       *  
Galati Family Investments LLC
    3,028       *       3,028       0       *  
Galati, Jr., Joseph J. 
    1,514       *       1,514       0       *  
Gallagher, Michael J. 
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
GBKC, LLC
    4,006       *       4,006       0       *  
G-CLASS LLC
    6,655       *       6,655       0       *  
Genzman, DeWilton W. 
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Geo’s Kids, LLC
    31,158       *       31,158       0       *  
Gertz, Barry
    9,084       *       9,084       0       *  
Gleason, J. Kevin
    38,255       *       38,255       0       *  
Goderstad, Torge and Svetlana, Jt Rev Lv Tr dtd 7/95 Torge & Svetlana Goderstad
    1,001       *       1,001       0       *  
Goldstar Holdings, Ltd. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Gorges, Richard A. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Great Wulf Partners, LLC
    17,550       *       17,550       0       *  
Greg A. Loitz, DDS, MD, Inc. Profit Sharing Trust
    4,006       *       4,006       0       *  
GWPM, LLC
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
GWWB, LLC
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Hadfield, Thomas and Lori
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Hall, R. Scott and Susan L. 
    11,930       *       11,930       0       *  

87


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Hamerski, Stanislaus and Jayne
    3,552       *       3,552       0       *  
Harbaugh LLC
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Harris, Del
    19,041       *       19,041       0       *  
Hartkopf, Hans
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Hausmann, Fritz J. and Martha V. 
    36,701       *       36,701       0       *  
Hausmann, Jeffrey P. 
    27,114       *       27,114       0       *  
Hausmann, Jeffrey P. and June M. 
    6,655       *       6,655       0       *  
Healy, Steve
    6,629       *       6,629       0       *  
Hecht, Martin IRA, State Bank of Cross Plains Cust. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Heckmann, Matthew M. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Hedberg, Don and Marilyn
    11,579       *       11,579       0       *  
Hendry, James E. and Martha L. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Herremans, Harleth H. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Hibbard, Robert G. and Patricia
    10,610       *       10,610       0       *  
Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A. 
    40,000       *       40,000       0       *  
Hird, Stephen C. 
    12,512       *       12,512       0       *  
Hoffmann, Richard A. and Patricia A. 
    16,608       *       16,608       0       *  
Holmes, James F. and Gloria S. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Horein, Jeffrey N. 
    2,340       *       2,340       0       *  
Horein, Jim
    1,001       *       1,001       0       *  
Hovde Financial, Inc., Profit Sharing Plan & Trust
    19,071       *       19,071       0       *  
Hovde, Eric D. 
    89,671       *       89,671       0       *  
Hovde, Eric D. and Steven D. Foundation
    33,367       *       33,367       0       *  
Hovde, Steven D. 
    89,671       *       89,671       0       *  
Hults, David B. 
    2,148       *       2,148       0       *  
Hults, David F. and Karen R. 
    46,901       *       46,901       0       *  
Janssen, David
    14,071       *       14,071       0       *  
Jarrard Trust, dated August 15, 2003
    7,151       *       7,151       0       *  
Jasinowski, Jack A. and Lynn M. 
    21,235       *       21,235       0       *  
Jeppesen, Christian
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Jezwinski and Lorraine M. 
    8,580       *       8,580       0       *  
John & Mary Rev. Liv. Tr.(1/2), 
    26,516       *       26,516       0       *  
Johnson, Dennis W. and Marybeth
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Johnson, Norbert J. 
    7,789       *       7,789       0       *  
Johnson, Ronald H. and Jane K., Irrevocable Endowment Trust c/o Jane Johnson, Trustee
    24,039       *       24,039       0       *  
Johnson, William B. 
    1,893       *       1,893       0       *  
Jones, Chemerow, Thomas and Susanne
    2,856       *       2,856       0       *  
Jones, Rodney(1)
    51,294       *       51,294       0       *  
Jorgensen, Timothy and Tracey
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
JSJ Investments
    6,058       *       6,058       0       *  
Kalish, David A. 
    952       *       952       0       *  
Kamperschroer, George R.—IRA c/o US Bank N.A., Trustee
    3,786       *       3,786       0       *  

88


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Kamperschroer, Julie
    9,658       *       9,658       0       *  
Kanter, Stanley P., Rev Trust UTA 4-27-98 c/o Stan Kanter Trustee
    6,745       *       6,745       0       *  
Karver, John and Jean
    4,655       *       4,655       0       *  
Kassis, William E. and Gail B. Revocable Living Trust dated 12/5/1988
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Kaveggia, Francis F. 
    45,655       *       45,655       0       *  
Kellermeyer, Donald V. Trust
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Kellermeyer, Thomas V. Trust
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Kelso, Gayle A. 
    10,244       *       10,244       0       *  
Kelso, Tim
    1,663       *       1,663       0       *  
Kennedy, David M. and Mary Jean
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Kersten, David
    8,580       *       8,580       0       *  
KFP, LLP, Steve Kratzer
    24,039       *       24,039       0       *  
Kinney, Edward W. and Jacqueline M. 
    20,966       *       20,966       0       *  
Kinney, Wilfred E
    9,158       *       9,158       0       *  
Kleinheinz, Carl J. and Mary A., trust dated April 2, 1992 Carl J. Kleinheinz and Mary A. Kleinheinz trustees
    15,370       *       15,370       0       *  
Klug, Scott and Theresa M. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Kluge, James A., Lincoln Trust Company Custodian FBO James Kluge
    6,207       *       6,207       0       *  
Koenig, Steven B. and Debra S. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Kohl, Kevin W. 
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
Konecky, Phillip
    1,514       *       1,514       0       *  
Koob, Timothy and Susan
    1,001       *       1,001       0       *  
Krantz, Christopher
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Krantz, Jason
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Krantz, Ron
    30,293       *       30,293       0       *  
Krantz, Steven J. 
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Kratzer, Steven
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Kratzer, Carl and Helen, 1995 Revocable Living Trust c/o Carl & Helen Kratzer
    1,193       *       1,193       0       *  
Kreft, Gary D. and Christine F. 
    7,151       *       7,151       0       *  
Kritter, Tim and Elizabeth
    3,786       *       3,786       0       *  
Krystowski, John and Christine
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Kuypers, John
    2,865       *       2,865       0       *  
Kwapil, Donald P. 
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Land, Michael J. and Leslie K. 
    238       *       238       0       *  
Land, Steve and Carol
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Landreman, Patrick H. 
    1,257       *       1,257       0       *  
Larkin, Richard S. 
    7,034       *       7,034       0       *  
Lazarz, Robert W. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
LE & B Corp. 
    3,786       *       3,786       0       *  
Leavitt, Daniel J. and Patricia A. 
    7,162       *       7,162       0       *  
Lindell Investments LLC
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Lindell, James H. 
    30,293       *       30,293       0       *  

89


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Lishewski, E.J.—Edward J. Lishewski Revocable Trust
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Livermore, Douglas S. 
    4,991       *       4,991       0       *  
Livesey, John K. 
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Lococo, Jeffery A.(1) 
    30,035       *       30,035       0       *  
Lococo, Jeffery A. and Ann M. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Loomans, Kevin M. and Julia A. 
    955       *       955       0       *  
Lorge, Patrick J. 
    2,003       *       2,003       0       *  
Lozins, Neal N. and Mary Jane
    2,586       *       2,586       0       *  
Luby, Timothy J. 
    7,162       *       7,162       0       *  
Lucht, Karen S. 
    3,570       *       3,570       0       *  
Lucius, Marion
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Ludden, Brian
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Ludden, David
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Ludden, Dennis
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Lund, Daryl and Dawn K. 
    12,347       *       12,347       0       *  
Lund, Dawn
    1,663       *       1,663       0       *  
Lund, Eric S.(1)(4) 
    838,581       2.8 %     838,581       0       *  
Luty, James and Janet
    11,359       *       11,359       0       *  
Majewski, Joseph T. 
    6,667       *       6,667       0       *  
Marks, Emil
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Marks, Jonathan W. 
    5,242       *       5,242       0       *  
Martinez, Hernan(1)
    4,379       *       4,379       0       *  
Marvan Partners I, LLC
    14,325       *       14,325       0       *  
Mathews, Craig S. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Maverick Investments
    4,507       *       4,507       0       *  
McAllister, Duane and Connie
    14,295       *       14,295       0       *  
McGarel, David G. 
    7,692       *       7,692       0       *  
McManamy, Phillip A. 
    3,786       *       3,786       0       *  
MDS Investments, LLC
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Mertens, Scott
    5,850       *       5,850       0       *  
Mertens, Wayne J. and Carol A., Wayne J. Mertens & Carol Mertens Revocable Trust c/o Associated Trust
    11,700       *       11,700       0       *  
Meyer, Rene M. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Meyers and Lim, Greg G. and Evangeline J. 
    4,167       *       4,167       0       *  
Michelson, Don, c/o Michelson Associates Inc. 
    17,550       *       17,550       0       *  
Milano, Mark D. 
    9,535       *       9,535       0       *  
Miller Southwick LLC
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Millington, M. Drew
    1,790       *       1,790       0       *  
Mills, William D. and Constance O. 
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
Moriarty, Richard D. 
    8,088       *       8,088       0       *  
Moseng Family Limited Partnership
    3,028       *       3,028       0       *  
Moseng Revocable Trust, dated April 8, 1994 c/o MJ & Barbara Moseng
    8,595       *       8,595       0       *  
Murphy, Bill, First Clearing Corp. as Custodian f/b/o William T Murphy
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  

90


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Murphy, Daniel T. 
    20,996       *       20,996       0       *  
Nagle, John(1)
    23,940       *       23,940       0       *  
Napierala, Kathleen J. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Nash Sigler, Robb
    831       *       831       0       *  
Nehring Family Trust, Roland G. & Bette B. trustees
    32,219       *       32,219       0       *  
Nelson, Don A. 
    14,295       *       14,295       0       *  
Nelson, Donn C. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Neviaser, B. Ann
    68,024       *       68,024       0       *  
Neviaser, Bruce D.(1)(5)
    1,821,443       6.0 %     1,821,443       0       *  
Neviaser, Charles M. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Neviaser, Donald S. 
    41,231       *       41,231       0       *  
Neviaser, Gerald F.(1) 
    91,846       *       91,846       0       *  
Nicholson, Robert J. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Nicklaus, Fritz and Kathryn
    3,332       *       3,332       0       *  
NMC Investments, Inc. 
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Nolan, Mark E., Mgnd IRA c/o Johnson Bank
    6,058       *       6,058       0       *  
Northern Bankshares, Inc. 
    40,516       *       40,516       0       *  
Noyes, Christopher B. 
    30,091       *       30,091       0       *  
OBP, LLC
    19,041       *       19,041       0       *  
Offerdahl, Debra R. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Oostdyk, Mark and Kaye
    24,697       *       24,697       0       *  
Oster, Carol J. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Oster, David
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Oster, Merrill J. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Pagelow, Lori A. 
    14,908       *       14,908       0       *  
Paine, Cirsten
    1,893       *       1,893       0       *  
Pam Investments, Ltd. 
    3,581       *       3,581       0       *  
Parish, Steven R. and Diane F. 
    6,718       *       6,718       0       *  
Paul, Rebecca S. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Payne, Dan
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Payne, Neil F. and Janis A. Trust
    1,579       *       1,579       0       *  
Pelanek, Philip S. and Susan J.—Revocable Trust of 1992 c/o Sue Pelanek
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Pengra, William R. 
    4,387       *       4,387       0       *  
Perry, David L., Living Trust, dated Oct. 18, 1994, David L. Perry & Karen C. Perry, Trustees
    6,170       *       6,170       0       *  
Perry, Karen C. Living Trust dated Oct. 18, 1994 c/o David L. Perry & Karen C. Perry, Trustees
    5,500       *       5,500       0       *  
Petersen, Michael A. and Theresa R. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Peterson, Kurt L. 
    17,352       *       17,352       0       *  
Pfeifer, Ronald T. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Plocher, Fred
    2,346       *       2,346       0       *  
Plocher, Fred and Mary Sue
    1,462       *       1,462       0       *  
Pogue, Mai N. and Gerald A.—Jt. Ten. 
    1,193       *       1,193       0       *  

91


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Policano, Andrew J. 
    3,573       *       3,573       0       *  
Poole, Gary M., Revocable Trust
    10,610       *       10,610       0       *  
Pope, James E. and Lynn S. 
    16,940       *       16,940       0       *  
Potter, Gregory J. 
    36,891       *       36,891       0       *  
Potter, Jr., John M. 
    14,857       *       14,857       0       *  
Potter, Kathleen J. 
    32,382       *       32,382       0       *  
Potter, Kevin C. 
    40,219       *       40,219       0       *  
Prevea Clinic 401K Retirement Savings Plan
    29,815       *       29,815       0       *  
Prince, Gail Trust dtd 9/16/96 c/o Gail Prince, Trustee
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Quinn, Steven J. and Joan M. 
    3,137       *       3,137       0       *  
Rach, Chad M. 
    9,535       *       9,535       0       *  
Ragatz Investment Co. LLP
    27,084       *       27,084       0       *  
Ragatz Revocable Trust
    122,088       *       122,088       0       *  
Ragatz, LLP
    42,455       *       42,455       0       *  
Rasmussen, John M. 
    9,535       *       9,535       0       *  
Reinecke, David W. and Kimberly A. 
    7,803       *       7,803       0       *  
Rice and Bitney, Terry A. and Jeanie C. 
    1,910       *       1,910       0       *  
Rice, Judith A. 
    9,085       *       9,085       0       *  
Rice, Judith A. and Ralph M. 
    1,663       *       1,663       0       *  
Rice, Terry A. 
    4,520       *       4,520       0       *  
Richard Realty, Inc. 
    6,236       *       6,236       0       *  
Richter, Pat and Renee
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Ries, Gary
    1,462       *       1,462       0       *  
Ries, Gary R. and Judy R. 
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Rooney, Patrick
    22,309       *       22,309       0       *  
Ross, Mike
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Ruegsegger, Frederick D. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Ryan, Jr., William F. 
    19,056       *       19,056       0       *  
Ryan, Matt
    8,013       *       8,013       0       *  
S&B Investments Co., LLC
    3,570       *       3,570       0       *  
Sanchez, Kate
    4,166       *       4,166       0       *  
Sands, Loretta N.—Trust A
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Sather, Thomas W.(1)
    790,487       2.6 %     790,487       0       *  
Schaefer, Kent C. and Jane M. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Schaefer, Kimberly K.(1)(6)
    821,457       2.7 %     821,457       0       *  
Scheidegger, Thomas A. 
    1,258       *       1,258       0       *  
Schinella, Domenico
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
Schmidt and Hansen, Walter J. and Amy M. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Schmitz, Mark and Julie
    2,977       *       2,977       0       *  
Schott, Donald K. 
    12,435       *       12,435       0       *  
Schroeder, J. Michael(1)
    90,367       *       90,367       0       *  
Schroeder, Jacob M. 
    6,100       *       6,100       0       *  
Schroeder, Monica R. 
    3,327       *       3,327       0       *  
Schroth, Kenneth
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Schultz, James
    5,850       *       5,850       0       *  
Schultz, James G. and Lynn S. 
    3,820       *       3,820       0       *  

92


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Schultz, Tyler and Danna, c/o Michael Schultz, Custodian
    4,996       *       4,996       0       *  
Schulze, Michael K. 
    8,580       *       8,580       0       *  
Schwingel, Julie E. 
    1,663       *       1,663       0       *  
Seidel, Dale J. and Patricia M. 
    7,628       *       7,628       0       *  
Shaffer, Brad
    1,193       *       1,193       0       *  
Shanesy, Stephen P. 
    1,193       *       1,193       0       *  
Sharp, Melissa M. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Sheehan, Brian and Shana
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Shefchick, Francis
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Shepard Investment Company, LLC
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Sherry, Michael G. 
    7,793       *       7,793       0       *  
Sheth, Dinesh and Pinakini
    6,357       *       6,357       0       *  
Shmerler Real Estate
    8,595       *       8,595       0       *  
Shotliff, Randall S. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Simon, Jr., Armand J. 
    8,824       *       8,824       0       *  
Simon, Philip and Kathleen
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Simpson, James H. and Bettye D. 
    19,071       *       19,071       0       *  
Simpson, James J. 
    23,861       *       23,861       0       *  
Sitter, Joel S. and Dara B. 
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
Sitter, Joel Scott
    4,693       *       4,693       0       *  
Skoronski, Ron
    24,039       *       24,039       0       *  
Small, David M. and Kathleen S. 
    68,435       *       68,435       0       *  
Smith, C. Carlton
    12,549       *       12,549       0       *  
Smith, David E. 
    16,683       *       16,683       0       *  
Smith, Lydia B. 
    3,814       *       3,814       0       *  
Sobota Revocable Trust, u/a/d 7.3.03 c/o TJ Sobota, Trustee
    7,162       *       7,162       0       *  
Soltau, Janet E. Revocable Trust c/o Janet E. Soltau, Trustee
    7,162       *       7,162       0       *  
Soltau, Steven D. and Jane G. 
    39,515       *       39,515       0       *  
Sommerhauser, Peter M. 
    1,814       *       1,814       0       *  
Sontag, Thomas A and Janet M
    19,041       *       19,041       0       *  
Sorensen, Andrew and Patricia
    3,029       *       3,029       0       *  
Sorensen, Kirk
    4,006       *       4,006       0       *  
Sorensen, Roger & Margaret, U/ A DTD 05/19/04 By Roger C. Sorensen Rev Trust
    2,003       *       2,003       0       *  
Soukup and Eagles, Larry and Bobbi
    6,395       *       6,395       0       *  
Spinelli, Jospehine
    662       *       662       0       *  
Stafford, Daniel G. 
    6,603       *       6,603       0       *  
Stair, Stuart R. and Judith A. 
    8,100       *       8,100       0       *  
Stark, Craig(1)
    1,681,767       5.6 %     1,681,767       0       *  
Stark, Margaret J. 
    1,910       *       1,910       0       *  
Stewart Schram & Associates
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Stewart, Dale D. 
    5,679       *       5,679       0       *  
Stoehr Trust of 1986, c/o Bruce and Jane Stoehr, Trustees
    7,162       *       7,162       0       *  

93


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Stoehr, Robert H. 
    163,018       *       163,018       0       *  
Storch, Shelly S. 
    25,097       *       25,097       0       *  
Streiff, John T. 
    14,295       *       14,295       0       *  
Stroncek, Gregory and Lea
    4,387       *       4,387       0       *  
Stubleski, Marlene
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Sugar River Ranch, LLC
    10,901       *       10,901       0       *  
Sullivan, Mark P. and Barbara
    10,610       *       10,610       0       *  
Sullivan, Mark P., IRA, State Bank of Cross Plains Cust. c/o Katherine L. Esser
    38,142       *       38,142       0       *  
Suter, Gary
    6,655       *       6,655       0       *  
Taylor, Edward G. Trust
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Taylor, Hugh M. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Taylor, III, Edward G. 
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Taylor, James E. 
    14,310       *       14,310       0       *  
Taylor, Thomas K.—Trust
    4,767       *       4,767       0       *  
Temmer, James E. 
    7,140       *       7,140       0       *  
Temmer, James E. and Audrey I. 
    12,578       *       12,578       0       *  
Temple of Shaki Sadhara Inc. d/b/a Alive and Healthy Foundation
    11,500       *       11,500       0       *  
Terry, Edward M. 
    3,327       *       3,327       0       *  
The Green Living Trust, dated 5/9/2001, c/o Karl M. and Susan H. Green
    2,163       *       2,163       0       *  
The Neviaser Grandchildren’s Trust
    14,325       *       14,325       0       *  
Thorne, Malcolm
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Thorson, Chad
    7,788       *       7,788       0       *  
Tomko, Jason T. 
    166,811       *       166,811       0       *  
Towns, James E. and Tina M. 
    10,617       *       10,617       0       *  
Tsai Basista, Cynthia Trust 7/13/99
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Tuley, Richard W. and Constance F. 
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Tweeten, Phyllis Arlene
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Unger, James A. 
    3,327       *       3,327       0       *  
Unger, James A. and Victoria A. 
    7,147       *       7,147       0       *  
Unger, Sr., Robert G. and Michele A. 
    10,475       *       10,475       0       *  
Vaccaro, James — Revocable Trust
    27,106       *       27,106       0       *  
Vaccaro, Sylvia — Revocable Trust
    27,106       *       27,106       0       *  
Vaccaro, Marc(1)(7)
    1,553,839       5.1 %     1,553,839       0       *  
Vaccaro, Todd K.(1)
    16,176       *       16,176       0       *  
Vaccaro, Todd K.—Trust of 1980 c/o Sylvia S. Vaccaro, Trustee
    34,447       *       34,447       0       *  
Valentyn, Tim and Nancy
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Van Bruwaene, Patricia A. 
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Van Handel, Wilfred A. and Lorna J., 1994 Irrevocable Trust c/o Stevenson National Bank & Trust Attn: Steven W. Truchinski
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Van Zon, Astrid
    7,319       *       7,319       0       *  
Van Zon, Gabriele
    9,971       *       9,971       0       *  
Vander Loop, Kenneth T. and Mary P. 
    7,147       *       7,147       0       *  

94


Table of Contents

                                         
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Vincent Consolidated Commodities, Inc. 
    14,310       *       14,310       0       *  
Vitale, Carol E. 
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Vitale, Salvatore
    2,495       *       2,495       0       *  
VK Holdings 2002, LLC
    26,188       *       26,188       0       *  
VK Holdings 2004, LLC
    21,250       *       21,250       0       *  
Voelz, John and Pamela
    6,056       *       6,056       0       *  
Wahle, Michael and Bernice
    4,767       *       4,767       0       *  
Walesa, James—Living Trust 10/15/91 c/o James Walesa, Trustee
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Wall, Terrence R.—Revocable Trust U/A/D 10/27/92 Terrence R. Wall, Trustee
    19,041       *       19,041       0       *  
Waller, David A.
    12,564       *       12,564       0       *  
Walsh, Joseph G. and Theressa S.(1)
    19,523       *       19,523       0       *  
Walzer, Thomas C.
    2,980       *       2,980       0       *  
Waterman, Andrew and Judith
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Waterman, Andrew W.
    11,908       *       11,908       0       *  
Waterman, John and Mary
    73,897       *       73,897       0       *  
Waterman, John V.(1)
    26,075       *       26,075       0       *  
Waterman, Judith A.
    32,758       *       32,758       0       *  
Watson Properties, LLC
    32,680       *       32,680       0       *  
Watzke, Michael and Jacqueline
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
Way, Joseph B. and Anne L.
    11,383       *       11,383       0       *  
Wearsch, Gregory and Amy
    7,140       *       7,140       0       *  
Weber and Griffin, Max and Maureen
    4,767       *       4,767       0       *  
Weggeman, Gregory S. and Lisa L.—Living Trust U/ A dated 2/16/00
    5,850       *       5,850       0       *  
Welke, Donald H.
    1,904       *       1,904       0       *  
Westmeyer, Andrew P.
    4,775       *       4,775       0       *  
Whittaker, Cynthia L. IRA
    831       *       831       0       *  
Williams, Douglas E. and Beverly J.
    9,550       *       9,550       0       *  
Wilson, Gerald A.
    2,380       *       2,380       0       *  
Wittenberg, Joseph L.
    1,190       *       1,190       0       *  
Wold, Jeffrey Z and Jacqueline
    2,925       *       2,925       0       *  
Wolf, Mitchell D.
    32,860       *       32,860       0       *  
Wolff, David A.
    9,520       *       9,520       0       *  
Wolff, Russell L. and Sheila L.
    2,387       *       2,387       0       *  
Wolfpack Investments, LLC
    4,760       *       4,760       0       *  
World Vision Inc.
    45,000       *       45,000       0       *  
Wulf, Thomas O. 
    3,786       *       3,786       0       *  
Wulf, Thomas O. and Mary K.
    11,700       *       11,700       0       *  
Yazbak, Phillip and Darlene
    15,146       *       15,146       0       *  
Yohman, Daniel
    3,029       *       3,029       0       *  
Yu, Kok-Peng
    33,262       *       33,262       0       *  
Zarnikow, Paul J.
    7,573       *       7,573       0       *  
Zeman, Brad A.(1)
    38,218       *       38,218       0       *  
Zeman, Judith and Ronald
    4,961       *       4,961       0       *  
Zemple, Robert
    4,136       *       4,136       0       *  

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Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
Prior to this Offering Common Stock After this Offering

to be Sold in
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage this Offering Shares Percentage






Ziegler, Robert and Anne
    4,809       *       4,809       0       *  
Zinga Resort One, LLC
    22,719       *       22,719       0       *  


  Less than one percent of the outstanding shares of common stock.

(1)  As of the date of this prospectus, such individual is an employee of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries, and/or such individual was an employee of Great Lakes within the three years prior to the date of this prospectus.
(2)  In addition, pursuant to the bonus payment of $200,000 that Mr. Calder received upon consummation of the initial public offering, we contributed 11,765 shares, based on the public offering price of $17.00 per share, to a trust that holds assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan.
(3)  In addition, pursuant to the bonus payment of $2 million that Mr. Emery received upon consummation of the initial public offering, we contributed 117,647 shares, based on the public offering price of $17.00 per share, to a trust that holds assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan.
(4)  Includes 9,550 shares held jointly with Mr. Lund’s spouse.
(5)  Includes (a) 45,248 shares held by DNEV, LLC for which Mr. Neviaser shares voting and investment power, and (b) 125,699 shares held by Neviaser Enterprises, LLC, of which Mr. Neviaser is the managing member and possesses sole voting and investment power over the shares.
(6)  Includes 33,009 shares held jointly with Ms. Schaefer’s spouse.
(7)  Includes (a) 19,907 shares held by MV LLC, of which Mr. Vaccaro is the managing member and possesses sole voting and investment power over the shares, (b) 75,000 shares held by The Marc B. Vaccaro Grantor Retained Authority Trust, of which Mr. Vaccaro is the sole trustee and possesses sole voting and investment power and (c) 75,000 shares held by The Astrid G. VanZon Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, of which Astrid G. VanZon, Mr. Vaccaro’s spouse, is the sole trustee and possesses sole voting and investment power. Mr. Vaccaro disclaims beneficial ownership of the 75,000 shares held by The Astrid G. VanZon Grantor Retained Annuity Trust.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      We are registering the shares of common stock on behalf of the selling stockholders. A selling stockholder is a person named in the section of this prospectus entitled “Selling Stockholders” and also includes any donee, pledgee, transferee or other successor-in-interest selling shares received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other non-sale related transfer. In addition, upon our being notified by a selling stockholder that a donee, pledgee, transferee or other successor-in-interest intends to sell more than 500 shares, we will file a supplement to this prospectus.

      Our common stock may be offered for sale and sold in one or more transactions, including block transactions, at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at prices determined on a negotiated or competitive bid basis. Shares of common stock may be sold directly, through agents designated from time to time, or by such other means as may be specified in the supplement to this prospectus. Participating agents or broker-dealers in the distribution of any of the shares of common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act. Any discount or commission received by any underwriter and any participating agents or broker-dealers, and any profit on the resale of shares of common stock purchased by any of them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act.

      Shares of our common stock may be sold through a broker-dealer acting as agent or broker or to a broker-dealer acting as principal. In the latter case, the broker-dealer may then resell such shares of common stock to the public at varying prices to be determined by the broker-dealer at the time of resale.

      To the extent required, the number of shares of common stock to be sold, information relating to the underwriters, the purchase price, the public offering price, if applicable, the name of any underwriter, agent or broker-dealer, and any applicable commissions, discounts or other items constituting compensation to such underwriters, agents or broker-dealers with respect to a particular offering will be set forth in an accompanying supplement to this prospectus.

      If underwriters are used in a sale, shares of common stock will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Shares of common stock may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. The underwriter or underwriters with respect to a particular underwritten offering of shares of common stock will be named in the supplement to this prospectus relating to that offering and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing underwriter or underwriters will be stated on the cover of the prospectus supplement.

      Under the securities laws of some states, the shares of common stock registered by the registration statement may be sold in those states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.

      Any person participating in the distribution of common stock registered under the registration statement that includes this prospectus will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the applicable SEC rules and regulations, including, among others, Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of our common stock by any such person. Furthermore, Regulation M may restrict the ability of any person engaged in the distribution of our common stock to engage in market-making activities with respect to our common stock. These restrictions may affect the marketability of our common stock and the ability of any person or entity to engage in market-making activities with respect to our common stock.

      Upon sale under the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part, the shares of common stock registered by the registration statement will be freely tradable in the hands of persons other than our affiliates.

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

      The following summary of the terms of the stock of our company does not purport to be complete. Copies of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information About Us.”

General

      Our authorized capital stock consists of 250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of the date of this prospectus, we have 30,262,308 shares of our common stock outstanding. The following description of our capital stock is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by the provisions of applicable Delaware law.

Common Stock

      Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled or permitted to vote. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that, except as otherwise provided by law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the stockholders. Delaware law requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon to authorize certain extraordinary actions, such as mergers, consolidations, dissolutions of the corporation or an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of the corporation. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors. Upon a liquidation, our creditors and any holders of preferred stock with preferential liquidation rights will be paid before any distribution to holders of our common stock. The holders of our common stock would be entitled to receive a pro rata amount per share of any excess distribution. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights. There are no conversion rights, redemption rights, sinking fund provisions or fixed dividend rights with respect to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

      Our certificate of incorporation empowers our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series. The board also may fix the designation, privileges, preferences and rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of those shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, terms of sinking funds, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of the series. Terms selected could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of common stock or adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of our common stock without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The rights of holders of our common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that we may issue in the future. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. Although there are no shares of preferred stock currently outstanding and we have no present intention to issue any shares of preferred stock, any issuance could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

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Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our Board of Directors

      Our bylaws provide that the number of directors of our company may be established by our board of directors and may not be fewer than three. Any vacancy will be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the remaining directors.

      Pursuant to our bylaws, each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors are elected and qualify. Holders of shares of our common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock will be able to elect all of our directors.

Removal of Directors

      Our bylaws provide that a director may be removed with or without cause and only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

Amendment to Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

      Our certificate of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

      Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures in the bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of meeting, (2) by or at the direction of the board of directors or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

Lock-Up Provisions

      Pursuant to our bylaws, shares of our common stock issued prior to the closing of the initial public offering are restricted from transfer, subject to certain limited exceptions, for 180 days following the closing of the initial public offering.

Indemnification and Limitation of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability

      As allowed by the DGCL our certificate of incorporation contains a provision to limit the personal liability of our directors for violations of their fiduciary duty. This provision eliminates each director’s liability to us or our stockholders for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The effect of this provision is to eliminate the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions involving a breach of their fiduciary duty of care, including such actions involving gross negligence. However, our directors will be personally liable to us and our stockholders for monetary damages if they violated their duty of loyalty, acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized illegal dividends or redemptions or derived an improper benefit from their actions as directors. Our certificate of incorporation further provides that if the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the

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DGCL without further action by the stockholders. These provisions of our certificate of incorporation will limit the remedies available to a stockholder in the event of breaches of a director’s duties to such stockholder or us.

      Our bylaws provide for indemnification of and the payment of expenses in advance to directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

      We have obtained directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, which insures against liabilities that our directors or officers may incur in such capacities. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. The indemnification agreements provide indemnification to our directors and officers under certain circumstances for acts or omissions that may not be covered by directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

      Insofar as the indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Indemnification Agreements

      We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current officers and directors, to give such officers and directors additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of their indemnification. The indemnification agreements provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and provide for the advancement of expenses incurred by a director or officer in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any action or investigation.

Business Combinations

      We are subject to the “business combinations” provisions of the DGCL. In general, such provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an “interested stockholder,” unless:

  the board of directors approved the transaction before the “interested stockholder” obtained such status;
 
  upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an “interested stockholder,” “the interested stockholder” owned at least 85% of our outstanding common stock at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned (1) by persons who are directors and are also officers and (2) employee stock plans in which the participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plans will be tendered in the tender or exchange offer; or
 
  on or subsequent to such date, the business combination or merger is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by two-thirds of the holders of the outstanding common stock not owned by the “interested stockholder.”

A “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock or within three years did own 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts.

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      Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws providing that only the board of directors, the chairman of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, the president or the holders of 35% or more of our common stock may call special meetings of stockholders, and prohibiting stockholder action by written consent, may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of us. In addition, our certificate of incorporation allows our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock that could have, when issued, voting rights or preferences that could impede the success of any hostile takeover, or delay a change in control or change in our management.

Nasdaq Stock Market

      Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “WOLF.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

      The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock and preferred stock is EquiServe.

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LEGAL MATTERS

      Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by King & Spalding LLP.

EXPERTS

      The consolidated financial statements of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and the period from December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004 and the combined financial statements of Great Lakes Predecessor as of December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the period from January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report (which report as to Predecessor expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning the adoption of SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristic of Both Liabilities and Equity) appearing herein and have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

      The Dells/Sandusky historical financial statements as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, included in this prospectus have been audited by Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein, and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US

      We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1, including exhibits, schedules and amendments filed with the registration statement, under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to our company and the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to in this prospectus are not necessarily complete and, where that contract is an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement is qualified in all respects by the exhibit to which the reference relates. Copies of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement, may be examined without charge at the public reference room of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Room 1024, Washington, DC 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0300. Copies of all or a portion of the registration statement can be obtained from the public reference room of the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. Our SEC filings, including our registration statement, will also available to you on the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov.

      We are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and file annual, quarterly and other periodic reports and proxy statements and make available to our stockholders quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited interim financial information.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

             
Page
No.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries Pro Forma Information:
       
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
       
        F-3  
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Great Lakes Predecessor Historical Information:
       
      F-6  
      F-7  
      F-8  
      F-9  
      F-10  
      F-11  
Dells/Sandusky Historical Information:
       
      F-29  
      F-30  
      F-31  
      F-32  
      F-33  
      F-34  

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 has been prepared to give pro forma effect to the initial public offering of common stock of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (the “Offering”) and the related formation transactions (the “Formation Transactions”) as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004. All material adjustments necessary to reflect this offering and formation transactions are presented in the pro forma adjustments columns, which are further described in the notes below. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements assume (1) the initial public offering and formation transactions were accounted for as a purchase of the resort-owning entities by The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. using the purchase method of accounting and (2) the assumptions and adjustments described in the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements.

      The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements assume all of the following occurred on January 1, 2004:

  •  Initial public offering of 16,100,000 shares of common stock at $17.00 per share, with net proceeds of $249.5 million;
 
  •  Acquisition of all of the interests in the entities that own the Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Traverse City, Kansas City, Sheboygan, Williamsburg and Pocono Mountains resorts;
 
  •  The spin-off of the non-resort hotel and multifamily housing development and management business;
 
  •  Repayment of an aggregate of $76.0 million of mortgage indebtedness on two resorts;
 
  •  Refinancing of approximately $72.4 million of mortgage indebtedness on two resorts; and
 
  •  Establishment of a new $75.0 million secured revolving credit facility, none of which will be outstanding at closing.

      The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the historical combined financial statements of the Great Lakes Predecessor and Dells/ Sandusky and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

      The pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are for informational purposes only and should not be considered indicative of actual results that would have been achieved had the initial public offering and the formation transactions actually been consummated on such date and do not purport to indicate results of operations as of any future date or for any future period.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
                                                   
Predecessor Great Wolf
Period Dells/Sandusky Resorts, Inc.
January 1, Period Period
2004 January 1, Spin-Off December 21,
through 2004 through and 2004 through
December 20, December 20, Transaction December 31,
2004 2004 Adjustments Subtotal 2004 Pro Forma






(A) (B) (M)
Revenues:
                                               
 
Rooms
  $ 31,438     $ 27,489     $     $ 58,927     $ 3,261     $ 62,188  
 
Food and beverage
    8,255       6,369             14,624       776       15,400  
 
Other hotel operations
    7,855       5,001             12,856       513       13,369  
 
Management fees-related party
    1,700             (859 )(C)                  
                      (841 )(D)                        
 
Development and other fees
    1,457             (890 )(C)           79       79  
                      (567 )(D)                        
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
      50,705       38,859       (3,157 )     86,407       4,629       91,036  
 
Other revenue from managed properties
    14,553             (14,553 )(E)                  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total revenues
    65,258       38,859       (17,710 )     86,407       4,629       91,036  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses by department:
                                               
 
Rooms
    4,917       4,174             9,091       298       9,389  
 
Food and beverage
    7,370       5,023             12,393       598       12,991  
 
Other
    6,308       4,275             10,583       360       10,943  
Other operating expenses:
                                               
 
Selling, general and administrative
    18,613       6,680       (2,812 )(C)     22,168       7,372       29,540  
                        (567 )(D)                        
                      254  (F)                        
 
Property operating costs
    8,810       6,048             14,858       295       15,153  
 
Management fees
          841       (841 )(D)                  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    12,925       7,909       (198 )(C)     19,912       1,897       21,809  
                      (830 )(G)                        
                        106  (H)                        
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
      58,943       34,950       (4,888 )     89,005       10,820       99,825  
 
Other expenses from managed properties
    14,553             (14,553 )(E)                  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating expenses
    73,496       34,950       (19,441 )     89,005       10,820       99,825  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Operating income (loss)
    (8,238 )     3,909       1,731       (2,598 )     (6,191 )     (8,789 )
Interest income
    (224 )     (32 )     134  (C)     (122 )     (66 )     (188 )
Interest expense
    6,748       4,549       (244 )(C)     6,672       280       6,952  
                      (4,381 )(I)                        
Gain on sale and other
    (1,653 )           1,653  (C)                  
Interest on mandatorily redeemable ownership interests
    1,761             (1,761 )(J)                  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (14,870 )     (608 )     6,330       (9,148 )     (6,405 )     (15,553 )
Income tax expense
                (3,659 )(K)     (3,659 )     (2,563 )     (6,222 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ (14,870 )   $ (608 )   $ 9,989     $ (5,489 )   $ (3,842 )   $ (9,331 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Pro forma basic earnings per share
                          $ (0.18 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.31 )(L)
                             
     
     
 
Pro forma diluted earnings per share
                          $ (0.18 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.31 )(L)
                             
     
     
 
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
                            30,132,896       30,132,896       30,132,896  (L)
                             
     
     
 
Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted
                            30,132,896       30,132,896       30,132,896  (L)
                             
     
     
 

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Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands)

      (A) Reflects the historical condensed combined statement of operations of the Predecessor, which consists of:

        1. The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., or GLC, and its consolidated subsidiaries; and
 
        2. The following entities that are under common management by GLC:

  Great Wolf Lodge of Traverse City, LLC
 
  Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City, LLC
 
  Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC
 
  Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg, LLC
 
  Great Wolf Lodge of Poconos, LLC

      (B) Reflects the historical condensed combined statement of operations for the entities that own our Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts.

      (C) Reflects the effect of the spin-off of the Predecessor’s historical combined financial information of the non-resort hotel and multifamily housing development and hotel management businesses. Expenses for the multifamily housing development and hotel management businesses include salary and overhead costs of certain employees currently employed by the Predecessor. The salary costs were allocated to the spun-off businesses based on estimated time to be devoted to those businesses by each current employee of the Predecessor. Overhead costs were calculated as 100% of the allocated salary costs.

      (D) Reflects the elimination of aggregate intercompany revenue and expenses related to management fees, development fees, accounting fees and central reservation fees related to the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky entities of $1,408 for the period ended December 20, 2004.

      (E) Reflects the elimination of the amounts in Predecessor’s financial statements related to the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts and the spin-off under Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-14, “Income Statement Characteristics of Reimbursements for Out-of-pocket Expenses,” which requires the recognition of certain revenue and expenses related to managed properties in the manager’s statement of operations. These amounts primarily relate to payroll costs at the managed properties where GLC was the employer. The reimbursement of those costs is recorded as revenue with a corresponding expense.

      (F) Reflects the increase in general and administrative expenses of $254 for the period ended December 20, 2004, as a result of becoming a public company. These amounts represent salaries based on employment agreements with executive officers who were hired as a result of becoming a public company. These amounts exclude bonuses of $2,275 paid under agreements with certain executives upon consummation of the offering as the charge to earnings will not have a continuing impact on our results of operations. In addition, we expect to incur approximately $5,400 of further incremental general and administrative costs annually as a result of becoming a public company. Those costs, which are not based on contractual arrangements as of the date of the Offering and are therefore not included in the pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations, consist of the following: salaries, benefits and other employee-related costs—$2,630; professional fees—$780; insurance—$750; public company listing fees and investor and public relations costs—$620; expenses related to independent members of our board of directors—$250; and other miscellaneous costs—$370.

      (G) Reflects the change in depreciation and amortization of property and equipment relating to purchase accounting adjustments to property and equipment balances resulting from the acquisition of the Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky, Kansas City, Traverse City and Sheboygan resorts by GLC. Depreciation and amortization are calculated based on the estimated fair values of depreciable and amortizable assets and the estimated useful

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lives of those assets. The adjustment to depreciation and amortization is $(830) for the period ended December 20, 2004.

      (H) Reflects the net reduction in amortization expense as a result of the refinancing of debt in conjunction with the Offering. The adjustments to amortization expense are as follows:

         
Elimination of amortization expense relating to existing mortgage notes payable
  $ (526 )
Amortization expense on new credit facility
    486  
Amortization expense on new secured mortgage financing
    146  
     
 
Net adjustment to amortization expense
  $ 106  
     
 

      (I) Reflects the net reduction in interest expense as a result of the repayment and refinancing of debt in conjunction with the Offering, based on secured mortgage financing as follows:

  $75,000, secured by two resorts, with a fixed interest rate equal to the 10-year treasury bill rate plus 2.75%.

      The adjustments to interest expense are as follows:

         
Elimination of interest expense relating to existing mortgage notes payable
  $ (9,276 )
Interest expense on new secured mortgage financing
    4,895  
     
 
Net adjustment to interest expense
  $ (4,381 )
     
 

      An increase of 0.125% in the interest rate on the new secured mortgage financing would increase our interest expense by $76 for the period ended December 20, 2004. A decrease of 0.125% in the interest rate would decrease our interest expense by $76 for the period ended December 20, 2004.

      (J) Reflects the elimination of interest on mandatorily redeemable shares as a result of or in connection with the Formation Transactions and spin-off.

      (K) Reflects the adjustments to record income tax expense (benefit) at our anticipated effective tax rate of 40% for the period ended December 20, 2004.

      (L) Pro forma basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed assuming the Offering was consummated as of the first day of the period presented and equals pro forma net income (loss) divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding after the Offering, excluding 129,412 shares held in a trust that holds the assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. Under applicable accounting rules, the shares of common stock held in that trust are treated as treasury stock for purposes of our earnings per share computations and are therefore excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

      Excluding those shares, the number of shares outstanding after the Offering consists of:

         
Shares issued in the Offering
    16,100,000  
Shares issued as consideration in the Formation Transactions
    13,901,947  
Shares issued to the holder of a tenant in common interest in our Poconos resort
    63,746  
Shares issued to the holder of a tenant in common interest in our Williamsburg resort
    67,203  
     
 
      30,132,896  
     
 

      (M) Reflects the Consolidated Statement of Operations of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Madison, Wisconsin

      We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (Great Wolf Resorts) and the combined balance sheet of Great Lakes Predecessor, as defined in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity of Great Wolf Resorts for the period from December 21, 2004 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2004, the related combined statements of operations, cash flows and equity of Great Lakes Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. These consolidated and combined financial statements are the responsibility of Great Wolf Resorts’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated and combined financial statements based on our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Great Wolf Resorts is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Great Wolf Resorts’s and Great Lakes Predecessor’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Great Wolf Resorts and the combined financial position of Great Lakes Predecessor as December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Great Wolf Resorts for the period from December 21, 2004 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2004, the combined results of operations and cash flows of Great Lakes Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

      As discussed in Note 2 to the combined financial statements, effective July 1, 2003, Great Lakes Predecessor adopted SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.”

  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

March 22, 2005

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND

GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                         
Great Wolf
Resorts, Inc. Predecessor


December 31,

2004 2003


(Dollars in thousands,
except per share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 81,417     $ 3,490  
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $183 and $655
    881       1,877  
 
Inventory
    1,848       850  
 
Other current assets
    3,921       134  
 
Assets of spun-off entities
          10,382  
 
Assets held for sale
          15,467  
     
     
 
   
Total current assets
    88,067       32,200  
Property and equipment, net
    275,758       120,874  
Equity escrow
    1,564       13,722  
Other assets
    8,298       5,288  
Goodwill
    218,727       1,410  
     
     
 
   
Total assets
  $ 592,414     $ 173,494  
     
     
 
 
LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTERESTS AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 27,794     $ 9,632  
 
Accounts payable
    31,506       4,550  
 
Accrued expenses
    10,466       5,057  
 
Advance deposits
    3,129       1,153  
 
Other current liabilities
    2,138       711  
 
Long-term debt secured by assets of spun-off entities
          12,108  
 
Long-term debt secured by assets held for sale
          14,220  
     
     
 
   
Total current liabilities
    75,033       47,431  
Mortgage debt
    102,813       82,637  
Other long-term debt
    12,058       1,464  
Deferred tax liability
    11,298        
Deferred compensation liability
    2,891        
Mandatorily redeemable ownership interests
          11,194  
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities
    204,093       142,726  
Minority interests
          1,585  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Equity:
               
 
Predecessor:
               
     
Class A voting Shares, no par value; 450 shares authorized, 329 shares issued and 300 shares outstanding at December 31, 2003
             
     
Class B non-voting Shares, no par value; 8,550 shares authorized, 6,251 shares issued and 5,700 shares outstanding at December 31, 2003
             
     
Treasury stock
            (824 )
     
Members’ equity of combined entities
            31,263  
     
Accumulated deficit
            (1,256 )
 
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.:
               
     
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 30,262,308 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004
    303          
     
Additional paid in capital
    394,060          
     
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2004
             
     
Accumulated deficit
    (3,842 )        
     
Shares of common stock held in deferred compensation plan
    (2,200 )        
     
     
 
       
Total equity
    388,321       29,183  
     
     
 
   
Total liabilities, minority interests and equity
  $ 592,414     $ 173,494  
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND

GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   
Great Wolf
Resorts, Inc. Predecessor Predecessor



Period Period
December 21, January 1,
2004 2004 Year Ended
through through December 31,
December 31, December 20,
2004 2004 2003 2002




(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues:
                               
 
Rooms
  $ 3,261     $ 31,438     $ 18,801     $  
 
Food and beverage
    776       8,255       4,833        
 
Other hotel operations
    513       7,855       4,606        
 
Management fees — related parties
          1,700       2,190       2,574  
 
Development and other fees — related parties
    79       1,457       919       836  
     
     
     
     
 
      4,629       50,705       31,349       3,410  
 
Other revenue from managed properties
          14,553       14,904       14,808  
     
     
     
     
 
Total revenues
    4,629       65,258       46,253       18,218  
     
     
     
     
 
Operating expenses by department:
                               
 
Rooms
    298       4,917       3,265        
 
Food and beverage
    598       7,370       4,528        
 
Other
    360       6,308       4,052        
Other operating expenses:
                               
 
Selling, general and administrative
    7,372       18,613       11,376       4,159  
 
Property operating costs
    295       8,810       5,283       631  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    1,897       12,925       7,744       212  
     
     
     
     
 
      10,820       58,943       36,248       5,002  
 
Other expenses from managed properties
          14,553       14,904       14,808  
     
     
     
     
 
Total operating expenses
    10,820       73,496       51,152       19,810  
     
     
     
     
 
Net operating loss
    (6,191 )     (8,238 )     (4,899 )     (1,592 )
Interest income
    (66 )     (224 )     (55 )     (88 )
Interest expense
    280       6,748       4,413       217  
(Gain) loss on sale of investments
          (1,653 )           13  
Interest on mandatorily redeemable shares
          1,761       (3,136 )     4,479  
     
     
     
     
 
Loss before income taxes
    (6,405 )     (14,870 )     (6,121 )     (6,213 )
Income tax benefit
    (2,563 )                  
     
     
     
     
 
Loss from continuing operations
    (3,842 )     (14,870 )     (6,121 )     (6,213 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
          1,928       1,118       (542 )
     
     
     
     
 
Loss before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (3,842 )     (12,942 )     (5,003 )     (6,755 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                460        
     
     
     
     
 
Net loss
  $ (3,842 )   $ (12,942 )   $ (4,543 )   $ (6,755 )
     
     
     
     
 
Basic loss per share
  $ (0.13 )                        
     
                         
Diluted loss per share
  $ (0.13 )                        
     
                         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
 
Basic
    30,132,896                          
     
                         
 
Diluted
    30,132,896                          
     
                         

See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND

GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
                                                         
Members’
Additional Equity of
Common Paid in Accumulated Deferred Combined Treasury Total
Stock Capital Deficit Compensation Entities Stock Equity







(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Predecessor:
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2001
  $ 2     $     $ (2,960 )   $     $ 452     $ (354 )   $ (2,860 )
Contributions
                            28,648             28,648  
Distributions
                (710 )                       (710 )
Net loss
                  (513 )             (6,242 )           (6,755 )
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable equity interests
                            (6,496 )           (6,496 )
Treasury shares repurchased
                                  (470 )     (470 )
     
             
             
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
    2               (4,183 )             16,362       (824 )     11,357  
Contributions
                            29,318             29,318  
Distributions
                (318 )           (3,538 )           (3,856 )
Net income (loss)
                3,705             (8,248 )           (4,543 )
Accretion of mandatorily redeemable equity interests
    (2 )             (460 )             (2,631 )           (3,093 )
     
             
             
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
                (1,256 )           31,263       (824 )     29,183  
Contributions
                643             25,145             25,788  
Distributions
                (3,170 )           (7,534 )           (10,704 )
Net income (loss)
                1,582             (14,524 )           (12,942 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 20, 2004
  $     $  —     $ (2,201 )   $     $ 34,350     $ (824 )   $ 31,325  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.:
                                                       
Reclassification, net of effect of spin-off, of Predecessor’s equity, mandatorily redeemable ownership interests and minority interests
  $ 50     $ 45,727     $     $     $     $     $ 45,777  
Net proceeds from sale of common stock
    161       248,506                               248,667  
Issuance of common stock — acquisition of resorts
    91       97,628                               97,719  
Issuance of common stock — deferred compensation plan
    1       2,199               (2,200 )                  
Net loss
                (3,842 )                       (3,842 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
  $ 303     $ 394,060     $ (3,842 )   $ (2,200 )   $     $  —     $ 388,321  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

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Table of Contents

GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND

GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                     
Great Wolf
Resorts, Inc. Predecessor


Predecessor
Period Period
December 21, January 1,
2004 2004 Year Ended
through through December 31,
December 31, December 20,
2004 2004 2003 2002




(Dollars in thousands)
Operating activities:
                               
 
Net loss
  $ (3,842 )   $ (12,942 )   $ (4,543 )   $ (6,755 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
   
Depreciation and amortization
    1,897       13,107       10,440       4,169  
   
Non-cash employee compensation expenses
    2,891                    
   
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
          (5,327 )     (10,967 )      
   
(Gain) loss on sale of investments and other
          (1,653 )           13  
   
Minority interests
          2,729       10,247       (26 )
   
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                (460 )      
   
Deferred tax benefit
    (2,563 )                      
   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                               
   
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    1,564       (6,824 )     (883 )     (675 )
   
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    815       16,959       4,292       3,650  
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    762       6,049       8,126       376  
     
     
     
     
 
Investing activities:
                               
 
Capital expenditures for property and equipment
    (115 )     (111,216 )     (77,060 )     (46,224 )
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
          32,174       26,451        
 
Purchases of owners’ interest, net of cash acquired
    (95,460 )                      
 
(Increase) decrease in equity escrow
          12,158       (13,671 )     (52 )
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (95,575 )     (66,884 )     (64,280 )     (46,276 )
     
     
     
     
 
Financing activities:
                               
 
Proceeds from equity offering
    273,700                    
 
Payment of offering costs
    (21,979 )     (726 )            
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (152,417 )     (16,805 )     (17,765 )     (3,523 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    75,000       68,330       63,496       29,018  
 
Payment of loan costs
    (2,153 )     (2,569 )     (2,351 )     (1,897 )
 
Member contributions
          25,788       29,318       24,648  
 
Member distributions
          (11,370 )     (3,856 )     (710 )
 
Purchase of treasury stock
                      (470 )
 
Changes in mandatorily redeemable ownership interests
          1,761       (3,136 )     4,479  
 
Net distributions to minority investors
          (2,985 )     (10,852 )     (1,748 )
     
     
     
     
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    172,151       61,424       54,854       49,797  
     
     
     
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    77,338       589       (1,300 )     3,897  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    4,079       3,490       4,790       893  
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 81,417     $ 4,079     $ 3,490     $ 4,790  
     
     
     
     
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
                               
 
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest
  $ 698     $ 6,317     $ 4,786     $ 493  
 
Land contributed for membership interest
  $     $     $     $ 4,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated and combined financial statements.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND

GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
1.  ORGANIZATION

      The terms “Great Wolf Resorts,” “us,” “we” and “our” are used in this report to refer to Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Through our controlling interest in Great Wolf Resort Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P., or the “Operating Partnership,” of which we are the sole general partner, and the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, we develop, own and operate family entertainment resorts.

      We were formed to succeed to certain businesses of the Great Lakes Predecessor (the Predecessor), which was not a legal entity but rather a combination of numerous entities. The Predecessor consisted of the following, all of which were under common management:

  •  The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. (GLC), and its consolidated subsidiaries;
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of Traverse City, LLC;
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City, LLC;
 
  •  Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC;
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of Williamsburg, LLC; and
 
  •  Great Wolf Lodge of the Poconos, LLC

      The Predecessor financial statements do not include entities that owned Great Wolf Lodges in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and Sandusky, Ohio. These entities, although they were managed by GLC, were controlled by affiliates of AIG SunAmerica, Inc.

      The Predecessor has developed and operated hotels and multifamily housing projects since 1995. In 1999, the Predecessor began its resort operations by purchasing the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and developing the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio, which opened in 2001. In 2003, the Predecessor opened two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts, one in Traverse City, Michigan and the other in Kansas City, Kansas. In June 2004, the Predecessor opened the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Additionally in 2004, the Predecessor had two additional Great Wolf Lodge resorts under construction, one in Williamsburg, Virginia and the other in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania, and had licensed a resort owned by a third party that was under construction in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada).

      We were incorporated in May 2004 as a Delaware corporation in anticipation of the initial public offering of our common stock (the IPO). The IPO closed on December 20, 2004, concurrently with the completion of various formation transactions (the Formation Transactions).

      Pursuant to the Formation Transactions:

  •  The Predecessor contributed its hotel management and multifamily housing management and development assets, which were unrelated to the resort business, to two subsidiaries of the Predecessor and then distributed the interests in those subsidiaries to the former shareholders of GLC.
 
  •  We effected, through our Operating Partnership, the acquisition of GLC and each resort-owning entity. Pursuant to these acquisitions, investors of GLC and the resort-owning entities received cash, unregistered shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and unregistered shares of our common stock. We issued 13,901,947 shares of our common stock and paid approximately $97,600 in cash in connection with these acquisitions.

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GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

  •  We issued an aggregate of 130,949 shares of unregistered common stock to holders of tenant in common interests in two of our resorts.

      These transactions consolidated the ownership of our resort properties and property interests to Great Wolf Resorts. During the period from our formation until we commenced operations upon closing of the IPO on December 20, 2004, we did not have any material corporate activity.

      The IPO consisted of the sale of 16,100,000 shares of common stock at a price per share of $17.00, generating gross proceeds of $273,700. The net proceeds to us were approximately $248,700 after deducting an aggregate of $19,200 in underwriting discounts and commissions paid to the underwriters and $5,800 in other expenses directly related to the issuance of common stock (such as professional fees and printing fees) incurred in connection with the IPO.

      As of December 31, 2004, we develop, own and operate four Great Wolf Lodge resorts, our signature northwoods-themed resorts, and one Blue Harbor Resort, a nautical-themed property. In addition, we own two Great Wolf Lodge resorts that we are developing and that are under construction and scheduled to open for business during 2005. We are also the licensor and manager of an additional Great Wolf Lodge resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario that is owned and under development by an affiliate of Ripley Entertainment Inc., or Ripley’s.

 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      Principles of Consolidation and Combination — For the period subsequent to the IPO, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., the Operating Partnership and the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. Property interests (other than property contributed by GLC) contributed to the Operating Partnership by the Predecessor and other investors have been accounted for as purchases, and the excess of the purchase price over the related historical cost bases has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. For the period prior to our IPO, the accompanying combined financial statements include all of the accounts of the Predecessor. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated and combined financial statements.

      Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired. Cash is invested with quality federally insured institutions that are members of the FDIC. Cash balances with institutions may be in excess of federally insured limits or may be invested in time deposits that are not insured by the institution, the FDIC or any other government agency. We have not realized any losses in such cash investments and we believe that these investments are not exposed to any significant credit risk.

      Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided when it is determined that it is more likely than not a specific account will not be collected. Bad debt expense for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $239, $524, and $110, respectively, and writeoffs of accounts receivable for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were $116, $136, and $22, respectively. There was no bad debt expense or writeoffs during the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

      Inventory — Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or market.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Property and Equipment — Investments in property and equipment are recorded at cost, except in the case of acquired property and equipment, which is record at its estimated fair value. These assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

         
Buildings and improvements
    40 years  
Land improvements
    15 years  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, including waterpark equipment
    3-10  years  
 

We periodically review the estimated useful lives we have assigned to our depreciable assets to determine whether those useful lives are reasonable and appropriate.

      Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity or improve the efficiency of the asset. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Construction in process includes costs such as site work, permitting and construction related to resorts under development. Interest is capitalized on construction in process balances during the construction period. Interest capitalized totaled $1,918, $1,381, and $574 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

      Loan Fees — Loan fees are capitalized and amortized over the term of the loan using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Loan fees, net of accumulated amortization, were $5,174, $2,938 and $1,724 as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Amortization of loan fees was $1,386, $1,698, $1,137, and $984 for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004, the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Included in loan fee amortization for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004, were $1,283 of loan fees that were written off due to repayment of debt in conjunction with the IPO.

      Assets Held for Sale — The Predecessor classified as held for sale those properties that were actively marketed for sale. A property classified as held for sale was carried at the lower of its book value or estimated fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation of the held for sale property’s assets was ceased at the time the property is classified as held for sale. The Predecessor segregated the property and equipment, and long-term debt relating to the held for sale properties on its combined balance sheets. The Predecessor segregated the operating activity and any gains or losses upon disposition relating to the held for sale properties in income (loss) from discontinued operations in its combined statements of operations.

      Equity Escrow — For certain of the entities included in the accompanying combined financial statement, the Predecessor raised equity from members through private placements. Equity amounts raised through these private placements are held in escrow and used in construction of resorts. We are only permitted to use these funds for the construction of the applicable resorts. The funds are held in a bank account which exceeds the FDIC insurance limit.

      Goodwill — The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. We recorded goodwill in connection with the Formation Transactions. The Predecessor’s goodwill resulted from the acquisition of a hotel in 2000. Effective January 1, 2002, the Predecessor adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, which states that goodwill should not be amortized but instead tested for impairment and adjusted, if applicable. Accordingly, the Predecessor ceased amortization of goodwill as of January 1, 2002.

      In connection with SFAS 142, we are required to assess goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. We assess goodwill for such impairment by comparing the carrying value of our reporting units to their fair values. The Predecessor

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

performed its initial goodwill impairment assessment on January 1, 2002 in connection with the adoption of SFAS 142 and determined that the carrying amounts of its reporting units did not exceed their respective fair values. Accordingly, the initial implementation of this standard did not result in a charge and, as such, did not impact the Predecessor’s results of operations during 2002. Subsequent to the initial assessment, an assessment of goodwill has been performed annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicated impairment may have occurred, and during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 determined that no such impairment had occurred.

      Impairment of Long-Lived Assets — When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long — lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. We make estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. There were no impairment losses in any of the periods presented.

      Minority Interests — The Predecessor recorded the non-owned equity interests of its consolidated subsidiaries as minority interests on the combined balance sheets. The Predecessor recognized losses that exceed the minority interest party’s capital in a consolidated entity. Distributions that exceed the minority interest partner’s capital in a consolidated entity were recorded as distributions in excess of minority interest capital expense.

      Derivative Instruments — SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. SFAS 137 and SFAS 138 amended certain provisions of SFAS 133. The Predecessor did not generally enter into derivative instruments; certain of the Predecessor’s contracts, however, contained derivative instruments as defined in SFAS 133. The Predecessor’s implementation of SFAS 133 resulted in the classification of certain derivative instruments as liabilities.

      Revenue Recognition — We earn revenue from our resort operations, and from development and other related services. The Predecessor also earned revenue from its hotel operations and hotel and multifamily management and development services. We also recognize revenue from rooms, food and beverage, and other operating departments at the resorts as earned at the time of sale or rendering of service. Cash received in advance of the sale or rendering of services is recorded as advance deposits on the balance sheets. We recognize development fees as earned under the completed contract method for projects with a short duration, and the percentage of completion method (based on contract-to-date costs incurred compared to total expected costs) for longer-term projects.

      Gains on Sales of Real Estate — SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,” requires an entity to recognize gains on sales of real estate only when a sale is consummated, the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay, and risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer. The Predecessor accounted for gains on sales of real estate in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 66. In the period from January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, the Predecessor recognized a gain on sale of real estate of $1,072 from the sale of land owned in Ontario, Canada and $581 from the sale of land in Beckley, West Virginia. No gains or losses on sales of real estate were recognized between December 21, 2004 and December 31, 2004.

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GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      Income Taxes — The Predecessor was comprised of a Subchapter S Corporation and limited liability companies. Under applicable federal and state income tax rules, the net income or loss of each of these entities was reportable in the income tax returns of the stockholders, partners and members of the entities. Accordingly, no income tax provision was included in the accompanying combined financial statements.

      Subsequent to the IPO, we and our subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and separate state income tax returns. Under the liability method prescribed by SFAS 109, income taxes are deferred for all temporary differences between pretax financial and taxable income and between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the tax rates scheduled by law to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recorded for those benefits that do not meet this criterion.

      Advertising — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004, the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003 was $135, $3,148, and $2,218, respectively; advertising expense for 2002 was insignificant.

      IPO Costs — Underwriting commissions and other costs directly related to sale of our common stock in the IPO are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are $5,550 and $863 of other expenses incurred as a result of the IPO transactions, for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004, respectively. These expenses include a debt prepayment penalty, write-offs of loan fees related to debt repaid or refinanced in conjunction with the IPO and bonuses due to certain executives, pursuant to their employment arrangements, as a result of the IPO.

      Segments — We view our operations as principally one segment and the financial information disclosed herein represents all of the financial information related to our principal segment.

      Stock Based Compensation — We have issued stock options under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. As permitted under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,” we have elected to account for such options in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Under APB 25, the total compensation expense recognized is equal to the difference between the award’s exercise price and the underlying stock’s market prices at the measurement date. Stock options were granted at their fair market value; therefore no compensation expense was recorded in the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Had compensation costs been determined under the fair value method as set forth in SFAS 123, the Company’s pro forma net loss and net loss per share for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004, would have been as follows:

           
Net loss, as reported
  $ (3,842 )
Compensation expense, SFAS 123 fair value method
    (48 )
     
 
 
Pro forma net loss
  $ (3,890 )
     
 
 
Pro forma net loss per share — Basic
  $ (0.13 )
 
Pro forma net loss per share — Diluted
  $ (0.13 )

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The weighted average fair value for the options granted in 2004 was $4.82. The SFAS 123 fair value of options granted in 2004 was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

     
Dividend yield
 
Weighted-average, risk free interest rate
  3.65%
Weighted-average, expected life of option
  5.0 years
Expected stock price volatility
  23%

      Use of Estimates — To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in the financial statements, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

      New Accounting Pronouncements — In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 142. SFAS 142 eliminates the amortization of goodwill and replaces it with a requirement to conduct an impairment analysis of the carrying value of the goodwill at least annually, and more often as circumstances warrant. The provisions of SFAS 142 are required to be applied starting with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Predecessor adopted SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002.

      In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment and disposal of long-lived assets. SFAS 144 requires the current and prior period operating results of any asset that has been classified as held for sale or has been disposed of after January 1, 2002 and where the Predecessor had no continuing involvement to be recorded as discontinued operations. Any gains or losses on final disposition are also included in discontinued operations. The provisions of SFAS 144 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The Predecessor adopted SFAS 144 on January 1, 2002. Certain of the Predecessor’s hotel properties were classified as held for sale in the accompanying combined balance sheets and, accordingly, the operating results of those properties were recorded in discontinued operations in the combined statements of operations. A long-lived asset to be distributed to owners in a spinoff is disposed of when it is distributed. In a period in which a component of an entity has been disposed of, the results of operations of the entity for current and prior periods are reported in discontinued operations. Certain assets of subsidiaries of the Predecessor that have been spun off in connection with the Formation Transactions are classified as assets of spun-off entities. The results of operations for these spun-off entities are recorded in discontinued operations in the combined statements of operations.

      Effective January 1, 2002, the Predecessor adopted the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 01-14 “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Incurred.” EITF 01-14 establishes standards for accounting for reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred and the characterization as revenue and expense in the statements of operations. In accordance with EITF 01-14, the Predecessor included in operating revenues and expenses the reimbursement of costs it incurs on behalf of the third-party owners of hotels managed by GLC. These costs relate primarily to payroll and benefit costs at managed hotels where GLC is the employer. The Predecessor received reimbursements for these costs based upon its costs with no added margin. Therefore, the adoption of EITF 01-14 did not impact its operating results, cash flows or financial position. The Predecessor adopted EITF 01-14 by retroactively applying it to all periods presented in the accompanying combined financial statements. The effect of adopting EITF 01-14 was an increase in operating revenues and expenses of $14,553,

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GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

$14,904 and $14,808 for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

      FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34” (FIN 45), was issued in November 2002. FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions of FIN 45 are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, irrespective of the guarantor’s fiscal year-end. The disclosure requirements in FIN 45 are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. There was no financial statement impact from the adoption of FIN 45.

      In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements.” FIN 46 prescribes how to identify variable interest entities and how an enterprise assesses its interests in a variable interest entity to decide whether to consolidate the entity. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. The original provisions of FIN 46 were effective February 1, 2003 for all arrangements entered into after January 31, 2003. For arrangements entered into before February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 applied in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.

      In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision of FIN 46 (FIN 46R) to clarify some of its provisions. FIN 46R deferred the effective date for FIN 46 for arrangements entered into before February 1, 2003 and results in multiple effective dates based on the nature as well as the creation date of the variable interest entity. Variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 but prior to December 24, 2003, may be accounted for either based on the original or the revised interpretations. Variable interest entities created after December 24, 2003 must be accounted for under the revised interpretations. FIN 46R is effective for periods ending after March 15, 2004. The Predecessor applied FIN 46 to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 for the year ended December 31, 2003. The Predecessor applied FIN 46R to variable interest entities effective January 1, 2004. Prior to the implementation of FIN 46 and FIN 46R, the Predecessor consolidated entities for which it controlled major management and operating decisions. There was no financial statement impact from the adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46R.

      In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS 150 requires the classification of certain financial instruments that were previously classified as equity to be classified as liabilities. The implementation of SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments issued or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Predecessor’s implementation of SFAS 150 resulted in the classification of certain mandatorily redeemable interests as liabilities, resulting in a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $460 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

      In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), that requires companies to expense the value of employee stock options, discounts on employee stock purchase plans and similar awards. Under SFAS 123R, share-based payment awards result in compensation expense that will be measured at fair value on the awards’ grant date, based on the estimated

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GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

number of awards that are expected to vest. SFAS 123R is effective for years beginning after July 1, 2005, and applies to all outstanding and unvested share-based payment awards at the adoption date. We have not completed our evaluation of the impact of adopting SFAS 123R.

 
3.  PURCHASE ACCOUNTING IN CONNECTION WITH THE IPO

      The IPO closed on December 20, 2004. In conjunction with the Formation Transactions completed on that date, we issued a total of 14,032,896 shares of our common stock. We also paid cash of approximately $97,600 to buy-out certain investors in the resort-owning entities and interests held by AIG SunAmerica, Inc. in the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky entities.

      We recorded the Formation Transactions by applying the purchase method of accounting in connection with GLC’s acquisition of the seven resort-owning entities. Through the exchanges of shares of GLC for shares of our common stock, GLC’s shareholders as a group had the largest minority portion of any organized group of shareholder interest in our company, and GLC’s former senior management comprises our senior management. Accordingly, as prescribed by SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” GLC was identified as the accounting acquirer. We issued 9,123,819 shares of our common stock with a value of $155,104 to the owners of the seven resort-owning entities. The value of our shares issued was determined based on the IPO price of $17.00 per share. Net of the effects of the carryover in book value from the Predecessor to us of (1) the resorts’ equity included in the Predecessor’s December 20, 2004 equity balance, (2) the resorts’ mandatorily redeemable ownership interests and (3) the resorts’ minority interests, the total increase in our equity from the issuance of these 9,123,819 shares was $97,719.

      We also issued 4,909,077 shares of our common stock to the shareholders of GLC, the accounting acquirer. As GLC’s equity was carried forward to us at historical cost, the issuance of these shares did not affect our total equity balance, but instead resulted in a reclassification of $50 from additional paid-in capital to common stock.

      In conjunction with purchase accounting we:

  •  Recorded property and equipment, other assets, debt and other liabilities at their preliminarily estimated fair values;
 
  •  Recorded a deferred tax liability resulting from the difference between the preliminarily estimated fair value and the tax basis of assets acquired from the seven resort-owning entities. We recorded this liability at our anticipated effective tax rate of 40%;
 
  •  Eliminated mandatorily redeemable interests of the Predecessor due to the conversion of those ownership interests to our common stock in conjunction with the Formation Transactions; and
 
  •  Recorded as goodwill the excess of consideration in the purchase transaction over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired from the seven resort-owning entities.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      The following summarizes the purchase accounting piece of the Formation Transactions:

         
Value of Great Wolf Resorts common stock issued
  $ 155,104  
Cash paid
    97,615  
     
 
Total cost of acquisition
    252,719  
Fair value of debt assumed
    207,547  
Fair value of property and equipment acquired
    (276,424 )
Deferred tax liability recorded
    11,298  
Fair value of other assets and liabilities
    23,587  
     
 
Goodwill
  $ 218,727  
     
 

      Some of the values and amounts used in the application of purchase accounting for our consolidated balance sheet are based on preliminary estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to possible change as we finalize them in 2005.

      The following pro forma information is presented assuming the IPO and Formation Transactions had been completed as of January 1, 2003. In management’s opinion, all pro forma adjustments necessary to reflect the material effects of these transactions have been made. The pro forma information does not purport to present what the actual results of operations would have been if the IPO and Formation Transactions had occurred on such date, nor to project the results of operations for any future period.

Pro Forma Information

                 
2004 2003


(Unaudited)
Total revenues
  $ 91,036     $ 68,920  
Net loss
    (9,331 )     (646 )
Loss per basic and diluted share
  $ (0.31 )   $ (0.02 )
 
4.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

      Property and equipment consist of the following:

                   
December 31,

2004 2003


Land and improvements
  $ 21,242     $ 16,455  
Building and improvements
    80,116       32,778  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    82,470       51,488  
Construction in process
    92,544       25,933  
     
     
 
      276,372       126,654  
 
Less accumulated depreciation
    (614 )     (5,780 )
     
     
 
Property and equipment, net
  $ 275,758     $ 120,874  
     
     
 

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
5.  LONG-TERM DEBT

      Long-term debt consists of the following:

                   
December 31,

2004 2003


Mortgage Debt:
               
 
Senior credit facility
  $     $  
 
Traverse City/ Kansas City Mortgage Loan
    75,000        
 
Sheboygan Construction Loan
    29,475       10,326  
 
Williamsburg Construction Loan
    19,011       554  
 
Poconos Construction Loan
    5,598        
 
Pre-IPO Mortgage Loans
          74,470  
 
Other mortgage debt
    1,523        
Other Debt:
               
 
City of Sheboygan bonds
    8,063       1,468  
 
City of Sheboygan loan
    3,995        
 
Lines of credit
          6,682  
 
Notes payable
          233  
     
     
 
      142,665       93,733  
Less current portion of long-term debt
    (27,794 )     (9,632 )
     
     
 
    $ 114,871     $ 84,101  
     
     
 

      Senior Credit Facility — Upon closing the IPO, we entered into a $75,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks. The loan is secured by our Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts and is not drawn as of December 31, 2004. Future borrowings under this facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.00% depending upon our leverage ratio from time to time. The maximum amount of indebtedness we may incur under the facility is equal to 3.75 multiplied by the combined EBITDA (adjusted for non-recurring items, unusual items, infrequent items and asset impairment charges) of the two resorts securing the facility plus up to $5,400 relating to enhancements to the waterpark facility for the Wisconsin Dells property. The facility has customary bank covenants including limiting the maximum level of total debt, the minimum level of interest coverage, and the minimum level of fixed charge coverage. The facility also includes an annual unused commitment fee of 0.5%.

      Traverse City/ Kansas City Mortgage Loan — Upon closing the IPO, we entered into a $75,000, ten-year loan secured by our Traverse City and Kansas City resorts. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.96% and is subject to a 25-year principal amortization schedule. The loan has customary financial and operating debt compliance covenants, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio, representing the combined EBITDA (adjusted for non-recurring items, unusual items, infrequent items and asset impairment charges) of the two resorts divided by their combined annual interest expense and principal amortization. The loan also has customary prohibitions on our ability to prepay the loan prior to maturity. We were in compliance with all mortgage loan covenants at December 31, 2004.

      Sheboygan Construction Loan — The Sheboygan mortgage loan is secured by our Sheboygan resort. The loan matures in January 2008 and bears interest at a floating rate of prime plus 200 basis points and is subject

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

to a 20-year principal amortization schedule. The loan has customary covenants associated with a single asset mortgage. There are no prohibitions or fees associated with the repayment of the loan principal. We were in compliance with the construction loan covenants at December 31, 2004.

      Williamsburg Construction Loan — The Williamsburg construction loan was incurred to construct the Williamsburg resort property. In February 2005, after drawing an additional $10,242 on this loan, we retired the loan in full using cash on hand.

      Poconos Construction Loan — The Poconos construction loan was incurred to construct the Poconos resort property. In March 2005, after drawing an additional $13,550 on this loan, we retired the loan in full using cash on hand and the proceeds of junior subordinated debentures we issued in March 2005.

      Pre-IPO Mortgage Loans — Prior to the IPO, the Predecessor maintained mortgage loans on each of the Traverse City and Kansas City resorts. Those loans, totaling $72,298 at the IPO, were repaid using a portion of the proceeds from the IPO.

      Also, as part of the Formation Transactions, we assumed $75,648 of debt from the Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky resorts. This debt was paid off using a portion of the proceeds from the IPO.

      City of Sheboygan bonds — The City of Sheboygan (the City) bonds amount represents the face amount of bond anticipation notes (BANs) issued by the City in November 2003 in conjunction with the Predecessor’s construction of the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In accordance with the provisions of EITF Issue No. 91-10, we have recognized as a liability the obligations for these BANs. The notes bear interest at 3.95% and mature in 2008. The notes are not a general obligation of the City and are payable from (a) the proceeds of bond anticipation notes or other funds appropriated by the City for the payment of interest on the BANs and (b) the proceeds to be delivered from the issuance and sale of securities by the City. We have an obligation to fund payment of these BANs. Our obligation to fund repayment of the notes will be satisfied by certain minimum guaranteed amounts of room tax payments to be made by the Blue Harbor Resort through 2028.

      City of Sheboygan loan — The City of Sheboygan loan amount represents a loan made by the City in 2004 to the Predecessor in conjunction with the Predecessor’s construction of the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The loan is noninterest-bearing and matures in 2018. Our obligation to repay the loan will be satisfied by certain minimum guaranteed amounts of real and personal property tax payments to be made by the Blue Harbor Resort through 2018.

      Lines of Credit — The lines of credit were borrowings of GLC and were generally secured by business security agreements, which pledged as collateral GLC’s assets, assignments of stockholder interests of GLC’s principals and guarantees of GLC’s stockholders. These borrowings were terminated as of the IPO.

      Junior Subordinated Debentures — In March 2005, we completed a private offering of $50,000 of trust preferred securities through Great Wolf Capital Trust I (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust which is our subsidiary. The securities pay holders cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate which is fixed at 7.80% through March 2015 and then floats at LIBOR + 310 basis points. The securities mature in March 2035. In addition, we invested $1,500 in the trust’s common securities, representing 3% of the total capitalization of the trust.

      The Trust used the proceeds of the offering and our investment to purchase from us $51,500 of our junior subordinated debentures with payment terms that mirror the distribution terms of the trust securities. The cost of the trust preferred offering totaled $1,600, including $1,500 of underwriting commissions and expenses and

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

$100 of costs incurred directly by the Trust. The Trust paid these costs utilizing an investment from us. The proceeds from our debenture sale, net of the costs of the trust preferred offering and our investment in the Trust, were $48,400. We used the net proceeds to retire the Poconos construction loan.

      Future Maturities — Future principal requirements on long-term debt are as follows:

         
2005
  $ 27,794  
2006
    1,925  
2007
    2,144  
2008
    28,721  
2009
    1,569  
Thereafter
    80,512  
     
 
Total
  $ 142,665  
     
 
 
6.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

      As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the fair values of the mortgage loans and other secured loans approximate the carrying values as the terms are similar to those currently available to us for debt with similar risks and remaining maturities.

      The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, equity escrows and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

 
7.  INCOME TAXES

      For the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004, we incurred a pre-tax loss of $(6,405) and recorded an income tax benefit of $(2,563) on that pre-tax loss. That income tax benefit amount differs from the federal statutory income tax rate due to the effect of state and local taxes. Our income tax benefit for that period consists of a deferred federal amount of $2,243 and a deferred state amount of $320. Our deferred tax asset of $2,563 results from the effect of recording this benefit on our net operating loss carryforward of $(6,405) in the period and is included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. That carryforward expires in 2019. We believe all of the net operating loss carryforwards will be realized; therefore we have not established any valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2004.

      Our deferred tax liability of $11,298 as of December 31, 2004 was recorded in conjunction with purchase accounting entries associated with the IPO and the Formation Transactions. As required by SFAS No. 141, we recorded a deferred tax liability resulting from the tax-effected difference between the fair value and the tax basis of assets acquired from the seven resort-owning entities. We recorded this liability at our anticipated effective tax rate of 40%. The deferred liability results substantially from the effects of accelerated depreciation and amortization of fixed assets.

 
8.  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

      The Predecessor provided management, development, accounting, central reservations and other services to the real estate entities invested in by the Predecessor and to affiliates of the owners of the Predecessor. All management, development and other fees were earned from entities for which GLC or its stockholders are the managing members or investees. Amounts due from related parties were $1,521 at December 31, 2003.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      We and the Predecessor have regularly used an aircraft owned by an entity owned by several of our stockholders. Payments of $235, $149, and $122 were made in the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for the lease of the aircraft for company business. There were no payments made in the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004. The entity that owns the aircraft also had one employee for whom Predecessor provided payroll and benefit services, the costs of which were reimbursed by the entity.

      A member of our senior management owns a 25% interest in the entity that leases space at the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells and operates the spa located within that resort. That entity made payments of $44, $35 for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2003, respectively, to the resort and no payment in 2002 or the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

      The Predecessor received fees from an affiliate in connection with arranging the financing transactions for certain of the Predecessor’s resorts. Total fees received by the Predecessor from this entity were $604, $395 and $432 for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There were no fees received for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

      We provide administrative services for a non-resort hotel entity and a multifamily housing entity owned by certain current and former members of our senior management. Amounts due to us at December 31, 2004 were insignificant. At December 31, 2004, we owed the multifamily housing entity $472 for amounts they had provided to us. This amount was repaid in January 2005.

      At December 31, 2004, we owed an affiliate $3,202 for amounts collected on behalf of the affiliate. This amount was repaid in January 2005.

 
9.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

      Legal Matters — In the course of normal business activities, various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against us. Based on currently available facts, we believe that the disposition of matters pending or asserted will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

      Letter of Credit — In connection with the construction of the Blue Harbor Resort, we have supplied a $2,000 letter of credit in favor of the City of Sheboygan. The letter of credit expires on December 31, 2005. There have been no draws on this letter of credit. We have made a $2,000 deposit with a bank as collateral for this letter of credit. The deposit is considered restricted cash and is included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004.

      Guarantees — Based on certain criteria, FIN 45 requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for that guarantee. The objective of the initial measurement of the liability is the fair value of the guarantee at its inception. In connection with the construction of the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC (BH Resort LLC) entered into agreements with the City of Sheboygan and The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin (collectively, the City) whereby the City funded certain costs of construction. The City funded $4,000 toward the construction of the Blue Harbor Resort and related public improvements and $8,200 toward construction of a convention center connected to the resort.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

      In exchange for the $4,000 funding, BH Resort LLC guaranteed real and personal property tax payments over a fourteen-year period totaling $16,400. This obligation is also guaranteed jointly by us and by three of our stockholders. The guarantee was entered into on July 30, 2003.

      In exchange for the $8,200 funding, BH Resort LLC entered into a lease for the convention center with the City. The initial term of the lease is 25 1/2 years with 15, 5-year renewal options. Under the lease, BH Resort LLC will satisfy repayment of the $8,200 funding by making guaranteed room tax payments totaling $25,944 over the initial term of the lease. This obligation is also guaranteed jointly by us and by three of our stockholders. This guarantee was also entered into on July 30, 2003.

      As Blue Harbor Resort is a consolidated subsidiary, the debt related to the $4,000 and $8,200 fundings is included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and we have not recorded any liability related to the guarantees on those fundings.

      Commitments — We lease office space, storage space and office equipment under various operating leases. Most of the leases include renewal options. Future minimum payments on these operating leases are as follows:

         
2005
  $ 371  
2006
    424  
2007
    400  
2008
    406  
2009
    343  
     
 
Total
  $ 1,944  
     
 

      Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was not significant.

      We also have commitments on contracts to build the Predecessor’s resorts under construction. Commitments on these contracts total $45,282 for periods subsequent to December 31, 2004.

      Under a program available in the State of Kansas, the Predecessor entered into a transaction with a local government for the sole purpose of enabling the Predecessor to save approximately $800 in sales and compensation use taxes that would have been otherwise payable on materials and equipment incorporated into the Predecessor’s resort in Kansas City, Kansas. To effect the transaction, the Predecessor transferred title to the site and the resort to the local government, which leased the resort back to the Predecessor with an option (and ultimately the obligation) to purchase for a nominal amount at the end of the lease term. The local government issued $42,260 of industrial revenue bonds (“IRBs”), which were purchased by the Predecessor. The purchase of the IRBs was funded by the deposit of proceeds of a third-party construction loan with the bond trustee for application to payment of costs of the resort. In connection with the IPO, the Predecessor gave notice of the exercise of its option to purchase the Kansas City, Kansas resort and tendered the IRBs plus the nominal option price to effect the purchase. The local government authorized the transfer of title back to Predecessor, and executed and delivered a deed and bill of sale.

 
10.  RETIREMENT PLAN

      We maintain a 401(k) profit sharing plan for our employees. Eligibility for participation in the plan is based on an employee meeting certain minimum age and service requirements. Participants may make voluntary, pre-tax contributions through salary deferrals to the plan. Employer matching contributions are discretionary and are based on a percentage of employee contributions. Contributions to the plan were $193,

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

$166, and $131 for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004, and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. There were no contributions for the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 
11.  EQUITY

      General — The Predecessor was comprised of a Subchapter S Corporation and limited liability companies. As a result, equity for the Predecessor included par value and retained earnings (for the Subchapter S Corporation) and members’ equity (for the limited liability companies). The entities included in the Predecessor’s combined historical financial statements conducted business under various operating agreements. These agreements governed the various classes of members, distribution preferences, payment of dividends, liquidation preferences and voting rights.

      Members’ Equity of Combined Entities — The Predecessor’s combined financial statements included certain entities that were under common management by GLC. Members’ equity of combined entities on the combined balance sheets represents the portion of owners’ equity of those combined entities not owned by GLC.

      Treasury Stock — The Predecessor accounted for repurchases of treasury shares under the cost method. Treasury stock consisted of 29 Series A shares and 551 Series B shares at December 31, 2003.

      Mandatorily Redeemable Ownership Interests — In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 150, the Predecessor identified the following items as meeting the criteria of a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument:

  •  Class A and Class B shares of GLC. GLC was obligated to redeem in cash the A Shares and B Shares of a shareholder who died or incurred certain triggering events (as defined in the Term Sheet of Buy and Sell Provisions for Shares in The Great Lakes Companies, Inc.). The redemption price was calculated by a formula using GLC’s net operating income and a multiple based on the type of triggering event, as described in the Term Sheet. Both the A Shares and the B shares contained restrictions on transfers and sales by the stockholders.
 
  •  Class B Units of Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City, LLC. In accordance with provisions in the Kansas City LLC Agreement, the LLC was required to redeem in cash the Class B Units no later than the fifth anniversary date of the operating commencement date of the Kansas City resort. The redemption price was based on the greater of fair value or an internal rate of return.

      The rights of GLC’s shareholders and Great Wolf Lodge of Kansas City’s Class B unitholders to require the Predecessor to redeem these equity instruments represented embedded derivative instruments. The Predecessor recorded these derivative instruments at their estimated fair values at each of the reporting dates in the Predecessor’s accompanying combined balance sheets. The fair values of the derivative instruments were included in mandatorily redeemable ownership interests. For each period presented, the Predecessor marked the underlying derivative to its estimated fair value. The change in the estimated fair value between periods was included in interest on mandatorily redeemable ownership interests in the accompanying combined statements of operations.

      The Predecessor adopted the provisions of SFAS 150 effective July 1, 2003. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 150, the Predecessor accounted for the Kansas City Class B units under the provisions of EITF Issue No. D-98. In accordance with that pronouncement, the Predecessor accounted for the Kansas City Class B units as a mandatorily redeemable security and classified the redemption amount outside of equity in the combined balance sheet. The security was initially recorded at its fair value at date of issue, using accepted valuation

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

techniques, and the security was adjusted to its estimated redemption amount at each balance sheet date and recorded as mandatorily redeemable ownership interests. On November 7, 2003, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 150-3, or FSP 150-3, indefinitely deferring the measurement provisions of SFAS 150 with respect to certain minority interests in consolidated ventures entered into prior to November 5, 2003. As a result, the Predecessor thereafter continued to account for the Kansas City security under the provisions of EITF D-98.

      As of December 31, 2003, the Predecessor has classified $11,194 related to these mandatorily redeemable items as liabilities in the combined balance sheet.

      Deferred Compensation Plan — In 2004, we established a deferred compensation plan for certain of our executives. The plan allows for contributions by both the participants and us. Pursuant to their employment arrangements, certain executives received bonuses upon completion of the IPO. Executives receiving bonus payments totaling $2,200 elected to defer those payments pursuant to our deferred compensation plan. To satisfy this obligation, we contributed 129,412 shares of our common stock to the trust that holds the assets to pay obligations under our deferred compensation plan. The fair value of that stock at the date of contribution was $2,200. In accordance with the provisions of EITF Issue No. 97-14, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts earned Are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested,” we have recorded the fair value of the shares of common stock, at the date the shares were contributed to the trust, as a reduction of our stockholders’ equity. Also, as prescribed by EITF 97-14, we account for the change in fair value of the shares held in the trust as a charge to compensation cost. Accordingly, we recorded $691 of non-cash employee compensation in the period December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

      Earnings per Share  — We calculate our basic earnings per common share by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Our diluted earnings per common share assumes the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive stock equivalents outstanding. In periods in which there is a loss, potentially dilutive stock equivalents are excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding as the effect of those potentially dilutive items is anti-dilutive. In accordance with the provisions of EITF 97-14, the shares of common stock held in our deferred compensation plan are treated as treasury stock for purposes of our earnings per share computations and therefore excluded from the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. Basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:

         
Period
December 21,
2004
through
December 31,
2004

Net loss attributable to common shares
  $ (3,842 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic and diluted
    30,133  
Net loss per share — basic and diluted
  $ (0.13 )
 
12.  STOCK OPTIONS

      Under the Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, we grant incentive stock options and/or nonqualified stock options to employees and directors. The Plan authorizes us to grant up to 3,380,520 options, stock appreciation rights or shares of our common stock. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at the specified option price. The options vest over a three-year period and expire after ten

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

years. For all options granted to date, the exercise price was equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

      As of December 31, 2004, we have granted 1,656,300 stock options, all at an exercise price of $17.00. No options were exercisable during the period from December 21, 2004 through December 31, 2004.

 
13.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

      As of December 31, 2001, an office building held by one of the Predecessor’s subsidiaries was classified as held for sale. The building was sold in 2002. The gain realized upon sale was not recognized because GLC had continuing involvement in the real estate after the sale. In May 2004, GLC was released from the guarantee of the buyer’s mortgage and the sale was recognized, resulting in a gain of $548. The operating activity of this office building and the related gain is included in discontinued operations in the combined statements of operations.

      As of December 31, 2002, the Predecessor had five hotels classified as held for sale. Three of these hotels were sold in 2003, resulting in a gain of $10,967, and the remaining two hotels were sold in 2004, resulting in a gain of $4,779. Operating results and the gain on disposition for the hotels classified as held for sale are included in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the combined statements of operations for the period January 1, 2004 through December 20, 2004 and the years ended December 31, 2003, and 2002.

      On December 20, 2004, in connection with the Formation Transactions, the Predecessor spun-off its non-resort interests to the existing shareholders of GLC. As a result, we have included the operations of the spun-off entities in discontinued operations for all periods.

      Operating activity of the discontinued operations consisted of the following:

                         
Period
January 1,
2004 Year Ended
through December 31,
December 20,
2004 2003 2002



Revenues
  $ 4,859     $ 10,896     $ 16,596  
Expenses
    (5,529 )     (10,498 )     (17,164 )
Gain on sale
    5,327       10,967        
Minority interests
    (2,729 )     (10,247 )     26  
     
     
     
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 1,928     $ 1,118     $ (542 )
     
     
     
 

      Interest on mortgage debt related to properties sold or spun off has been included in the operating results above.

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GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
GREAT LAKES PREDECESSOR

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 
14.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

      The following tables sets forth certain items included in our and the Predecessor’s consolidated and combined financial statements for each quarter of the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

                                 
Predecessor

First Second Third Fourth
2003: Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter





Total Revenues
  $ 5,082     $ 13,030     $ 15,659     $ 12,482  
Operating income (loss)
    (2,092 )     (298 )     1,149       (3,658 )
Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (373 )     (116 )     1,185       (5,699 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
                    460          
Net income (loss)
    (373 )     (116 )     1,645       (5,699 )
                                         
Great Wolf
Predecessor Resorts, Inc.


Period Period
October 1, December 21,
2004 2004
through through
First Second Third December 20, December 31,
2004: Quarter Quarter Quarter 2004 2004






Total Revenues
  $ 14,752     $ 15,344     $ 22,158     $ 13,004     $ 4,629  
Operating income (loss)
    (84 )     (4,385 )     1,593       (5,362 )     (6,191 )
Net income (loss)
    (1,830 )     (4,993 )     1,953       (8,072 )     (3,842 )
Basic and diluted earnings per share
                                  $ (0.13 )

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Members and Boards of Directors

Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC and
  Great Bear Lodge of Sandusky, LLC
Madison, Wisconsin

      We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC and Great Bear Lodge of Sandusky, LLC as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related combined statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the management of Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC and Great Bear Lodge of Sandusky, LLC. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall combined financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC and Great Bear Lodge of Sandusky, LLC as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their combined operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

  RUBIN, BROWN, GORNSTEIN & CO. LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

January 30, 2004
(Except for Note 4,
  dated May 10, 2004)

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC

AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

ASSETS

                             
December 31,
September 30,
2004 2003 2002



(Unaudited)
Current Assets
                       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,104     $ 1,181     $ 1,460  
 
Certificates of deposit
    2,057       2,992       3,169  
 
Due from Class B Member
    385       385       385  
 
Accounts receivable (Note 5)
    317       211       232  
 
Inventories
    710       648       558  
 
Prepaid expenses
    422       215       186  
     
     
     
 
   
Total Current Assets
    4,995       5,632       5,990  
Property And Equipment (Notes 3 and 4)
    54,011       57,136       61,287  
 
Replacement reserve fund (Note 4)
    1,764       2,387       1,053  
Real estate tax escrow
    91       186       261  
Goodwill, net
    24,457       24,457       24,456  
Loan fees, net
    682       567       591  
     
     
     
 
    $ 86,000     $ 90,365     $ 93,638  
     
     
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
                       
 
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)
  $ 1,729     $ 2,394     $ 1,711  
 
Accounts payable
    2,393       2,728       2,278  
 
Gift certificates payable
    486       701       739  
 
Accrued interest expense
    262       279       277  
 
Accrued payroll
    280       619       407  
 
Accrued real estate taxes
    669       1,104       1,004  
 
Accounts payable—related party (Note 5)
    —        265       379  
 
Advance deposits
    1,613       1,796       1,650  
 
Note payable—related party (Note 5)
    —        50       —   
 
Due to Class A Member
    385       385       385  
     
     
     
 
   
Total Current Liabilities
    7,817       10,321       8,830  
Long-Term Debt (Note 4)
    74,306       75,434       76,339  
     
     
     
 
   
Total Liabilities
    82,123       85,755       85,169  
Commitments And Contingencies (Notes 6, 9 and 10)
                       
Members’ Equity
    3,877       4,610       8,469  
     
     
     
 
    $ 86,000     $ 90,365     $ 93,638  
     
     
     
 

See the accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

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Table of Contents

GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC

AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
                                             
Nine Months Ended
September 30, Year Ended December 31,


2004 2003 2003 2002 2001





(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenues
                                       
 
Rooms
  $ 23,702     $ 23,682     $ 29,172     $ 28,995     $ 25,650  
 
Food and beverage
    5,274       5,169       6,602       6,342       5,102  
 
Other
    3,965       3,997       4,944       5,090       3,886  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total Revenues
    32,941       32,848       40,718       40,427       34,638  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Departmental Expenses
                                       
 
Rooms
    3,342       3,336       4,311       4,453       4,011  
 
Food and beverage
    3,902       3,768       4,925       4,861       4,034  
 
Other
    3,433       3,175       4,084       4,182       3,466  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total Departmental Expenses
    10,677       10,279       13,320       13,496       11,511  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Other Operating Expenses
                                       
 
Administrative and general
    4,423       4,212       5,538       4,642       4,654  
 
Property taxes, insurance and other
    3,939       3,636       4,969       4,257       3,862  
 
Management fees (Note 5)
    534       685       1,030       1,418       1,039  
 
Geographic development fee (Note 6)
    591       593       989       432       300  
 
Start up costs
    —        —        —        —        1,149  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    5,552       5,752       8,090       8,414       8,764  
 
Other
    634       —        —        50       487  
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total Other Operating Expenses
    15,673       14,878       20,616       19,213       20,255  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Income From Operations
    6,591       7,691       6,782       7,718       2,872  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Other Income (Expense)
                                       
 
Interest income
    105       112       152       159       230  
 
Interest expense
    (3,529 )     (3,614 )     (4,818 )     (5,055 )     (5,316 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
Total Other Income (Expense)
    (3,424 )     (3,502 )     (4,666 )     (4,896 )     (5,086 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 3,167     $ 4,189     $ 2,116     $ 2,822     $ (2,214 )
     
     
     
     
     
 

See the accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

F-31


Table of Contents

GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC

AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS’ EQUITY
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 (Unaudited) and
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(in thousands)
                                                                 
Great Bear Lodge Of Wisconsin Dells, LLC Great Bear Lodge Of Sandusky, LLC Combined



SunAmerica GLGB GLGB SunAmerica
GLGB Housing Total Manager Investor I, Housing Total Total
Manager II, Fund 815, Members’ I, LLC LLC Fund 726, Members’ Members’
LLC (30%) LP (70%) Equity (20%) (30%) LP (50%) Equity Equity








Balance (Deficit)—January 1, 2001
  $ (1,524 )   $ 12,622     $ 11,098     $ 4     $ 2     $ 7     $ 13     $ 11,111  
Net Income (Loss)
    (90 )     (210 )     (300 )     —        (574 )     (1,340 )     (1,914 )     (2,214 )
Contributions
    —        14       14       —        4,000       8,017       12,017       12,031  
Distributions
    (1,171 )     (2,731 )     (3,902 )     —        (411 )     (2,170 )     (2,581 )     (6,483 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance (Deficit)—January 1, 2002
    (2,785 )     9,695       6,910       4       3,017       4,514       7,535       14,445  
Net Income (Loss)
    (27 )     (63 )     (90 )     583       873       1,456       2,912       2,822  
Contributions
    —        —        —        —        —        2       2       2  
Distributions
    (440 )     (2,310 )     (2,750 )     (1,989 )     (1,356 )     (2,705 )     (6,050 )     (8,800 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance (Deficit)—December 31, 2002
    (3,252 )     7,322       4,070       (1,402 )     2,534       3,267       4,399       8,469  
Net Income (Loss)
    (383 )     (892 )     (1,275 )     678       1,017       1,696       3,391       2,116  
Distributions
    —        —        —        (2,092 )     (1,297 )     (2,586 )     (5,975 )     (5,975 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance (Deficit)—December 31, 2003
    (3,635 )     6,430       2,795       (2,816 )     2,254       2,377       1,815       4,610  
Net Income (Loss) (unaudited)
    (64 )     (148 )     (212 )     676       1,014       1,689       3,379       3,167  
Distributions (unaudited)
    —        —        —        (780 )     (1,170 )     (1,950 )     (3,900 )     (3,900 )
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance (Deficit) — September 30, 2004
  $ (3,699 )   $ 6,282     $ 2,583     $ (2,920 )   $ 2,098     $ 2,116     $ 1,294     $ 3,877  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

See the accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC

AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
                                               
Nine Months Ended
September 30, Year Ended December 31,


2004 2003 2003 2002 2001





(unaudited) (unaudited)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
                                       
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 3,167     $ 4,189     $ 2,116     $ 2,822     $ (2,214 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                                       
   
Depreciation and amortization
    5,552       5,752       8,090       8,414       8,764  
   
Bad debt expense
    —        —        3       2       —   
   
Gain on asset disposal
    —        —        (1 )     —        —   
   
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                                       
     
Accounts receivable
    (106 )     86       17       61       (91 )
     
Inventories
    (62 )     (111 )     (90 )     (100 )     (252 )
     
Prepaid expenses
    (213 )     (211 )     (28 )     (63 )     5  
     
Accounts payable
    (1,126 )     139       765       342       2,027  
     
Gift certificates payable
    (215 )     (484 )     (38 )     17       (47 )
     
Accounts payable— related party
    (265 )     (380 )     (114 )     288       90  
     
Advance deposits
    (183 )     296       146       (423 )     1,003  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
    6,549       9,276       10,866       11,360       9,285  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
                                       
 
Capital expenditures
    (2,311 )     (1,806 )     (3,695 )     (4,167 )     (38,387 )
 
Net withdrawals from real estate tax escrow
    95       148       75       4       (266 )
 
Proceeds from sale of assets
    —        —        26       —        —   
 
Net deposits (to) from certificates of deposit
    935       206       174       (1,804 )     436  
 
Net deposits (to) from replacement reserve fund
    623       (1,428 )     (1,333 )     644       (972 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities
    (658 )     (2,880 )     (4,753 )     (5,323 )     (39,189 )
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities Proceeds from line of credit
    —        —        —        314       27,685  
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (1,793 )     (900 )     (1,192 )     (49,170 )     (714 )
 
Proceeds (repayments) from note payable— related party
    (50 )     —        50       —        —   
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt
    —        —        969       50,547       —   
 
Payments for loan fees
    (225 )     (87 )     (244 )     (47 )     (1,388 )
 
Distributions to members
    (3,900 )     (5,506 )     (5,975 )     (8,800 )     (6,483 )
 
Capital contributions from members
    —        —        —        1       12,031  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities
    (5,968 )     (6,493 )     (6,392 )     (7,155 )     31,131  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash And Cash Equivalents
    (77 )     (97 )     (279 )     (1,118 )     1,227  
Cash and Cash Equivalents— Beginning of Period
    1,181       1,460       1,460       2,578       1,351  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents— End of Period
  $ 1,104     $ 1,363     $ 1,181     $ 1,460     $ 2,578  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information— Interest paid
  $ 3,546     $ 3,619     $ 4,815     $ 4,782     $ 5,646  

See the accompanying notes to combined financial statements.

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC

AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 And For The Nine
Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 Are Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Combination

      The combined financial statements include the accounts of Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC and Great Bear Lodge of Sandusky, LLC (the Companies). The Companies have common ownership by entities related to AIG SunAmerica Housing Funds and The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. All material intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in combination. The Companies’ operations are described in Note 2.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

      The accompanying unaudited interim combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2004, the combined statements of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 and the combined statement of members’ equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are unaudited. These unaudited interim combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of the Companies’ management, the unaudited interim combined financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited combined financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the Companies’ statement of financial position as of September 30, 2004, and their results of operations and their cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004.

Estimates and Assumptions

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

      The Companies define cash and cash equivalents as highly liquid, short-term investments with a maturity at the date of acquisition of three months or less. The Companies maintain cash accounts which, at various times, exceed the FDIC insured limits of $100 per bank.

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

Certificates of Deposit

      Certificates of deposit are valued at cost plus accrued interest which approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable

      Accounts receivable are reported at the amount management expects to collect on balances outstanding at year end. Management closely monitors outstanding balances and writes off, as of year end, all balances that have not been collected by the time the financial statements are issued.

Advertising

      The Companies expense non-specific and daily advertising costs to operations when incurred. Advertising expense was $2,076, $1,531 and $1,610 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statement of operations. Expenditures incurred related to advertising in travel guides over a specific period of time are capitalized, and amortized over the life of the travel guide. Expenditures related to travel guide advertising were capitalized in the amount of $57 at December 31, 2003, and are included in prepaid expenses.

Inventories

      Inventories consist primarily of food, beverage, arcade and gift shop merchandise and are valued at lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.

Property and Equipment

      Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Major expenditures for property and equipment are capitalized. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are included in income.

         
Buildings and improvements
    40 years  
Land improvements
    15 years  
Fixtures and equipment
    3—7  years  

      Interest on borrowings directly related to construction in process balances are capitalized during the construction period. Interest capitalized totaled $0, $0 and $476 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Goodwill

      Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC has allocated $28,586 of the original purchase price of the resort to goodwill.

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

      Goodwill was being amortized using the straight-line method over 15 years through December 31, 2001. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $4,129. Amortization of goodwill charged against income amounted to $1,906 for the year ended December 31, 2001.

      Effective for years beginning January 1, 2002, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 142 states that goodwill shall not be amortized. Instead, goodwill is tested for impairment, and adjusted if applicable. Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. If fair value exceeds the carrying cost, there is no impairment. FASB 142 does not change the tax method reporting for goodwill amortization.

      Combined net loss for the year ended December 31, 2001 adjusted to exclude amortization expense is as follows:

         
Combined net loss
  $ (2,214 )
Goodwill amortization
    1,906  
     
 
Adjusted net loss
  $ (308 )
     
 

      At December 31, 2003, fair value exceeds the carrying cost and therefore no impairment has been recognized.

Loan Fees

      At December 31, 2003, loan fees of $1,680 have been capitalized and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the loans. Accumulated amortization was $1,113 and $844 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Amortization of loan fees charged against income amounted to $268, $1,280 and $518 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Intangible and Long-Lived Assets

      The Companies review the recoverability of intangible (other than goodwill) and long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If the expected future cash flows from the use of such assets (undiscounted and without interest charges) are less than the carrying value, the Companies’ policies are to record a write-down, which is determined based on the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the estimated fair value. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, no provision for impairment was considered necessary.

Revenue Recognition

      The Companies recognize revenue from their resorts as earned on the close of business each day.

Advance Deposits

      Advance deposits are deposits made by the customers when reservations are made. The Companies’ policies are to charge a cancellation fee if reservations are canceled prior to 72 hours before the reserved date,

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

with the remainder of the advance deposit refunded. Cancellations within 72 hours of the reserved date result in no refund of the advance deposit. The Companies invest cash received from advance deposits in interest bearing certificates of deposit. There are no specific requirements on investment of advance deposits.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

      The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Companies estimate that the fair value of its long-term debt is not materially different from its financial statement carrying value because either the stated interest rates fluctuate with current market rates or the interest rates approximate the current rates at which the Companies could borrow funds.

Income Taxes

      The Companies are organized as separate limited liability companies. They are not taxpaying entities for federal or state income tax purposes and thus no provision for income taxes has been recorded in these combined financial statements. The Companies’ income, losses and credits are included in the income tax returns of their members.

Operating Agreements

      Certain defined terms contained in the Operating Agreements are denoted with initial capital letters throughout the combined financial statements.

2. Operations

      Great Bear Lodge of Wisconsin Dells, LLC (the Dells) was formed between SunAmerica Housing Fund 815, LP, a Nevada Limited Partnership (Class A Member) and GLGB Manager II, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (Class B Member), on October 7, 1999 in the state of Delaware. The Company was established to purchase and operate a resort hotel, the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The resort offers an indoor and outdoor waterpark, redemption arcade, themed restaurant, gift shop and fitness facility.

      Great Bear Lodge of Sandusky, LLC (Sandusky) was formed between SunAmerica Housing Fund 726 LP, a Nevada Limited Partnership (Class A Member), GLGB Investor I, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (Class B Member) and GLGB Manager I, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (Class C Member) on May  20, 1999 in the state of Delaware. The company was established to construct and operate a resort hotel, the Great Bear Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio. The resort, which opened March 2001, offers an indoor and outdoor waterpark, redemption arcade, themed restaurants, gift shops and a fitness facility.

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Table of Contents

GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

3. Property And Equipment

      Property and equipment consist of:

                 
December 31,

2003 2002


Land and improvements
  $ 9,048     $ 8,952  
Buildings and improvements
    32,065       31,411  
Fixtures and equipment
    41,178       36,267  
Construction in progress
    3       1,994  
     
     
 
      82,294       78,624  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    25,158       17,337  
     
     
 
    $ 57,136     $ 61,287  
     
     
 

      Depreciation charged against income amounted to $7,821, $7,134 and $6,340 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

4. Long-Term Debt

      Long-term debt consists of:

                   
December 31,

2003 2002


Dells
               
  Note payable to a bank, payable in monthly installments of $376 including interest at the two-year Treasury note index rate plus 1.675% based on a twenty-five year amortization. The interest rate was adjusted on November 10, 2002 and will be adjusted once every 24 months thereafter. During the term of the loan, the rate can not be less that 7% per year and can not be greater that 8.375% per year. The effective rate was 7% at December 31, 2003. The note is collateralized by the property, security interest of the membership interest, and a security interest in the replacement reserve account. The balance on the balloon note is due October 10, 2006   $ 50,931     $ 49,961  
 
  Note payable to Alliant Energy, payable in monthly installments of $2 including interest at 3%. The note is collateralized by equipment and is due in December 2007     64       89  

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
                   
December 31,

2003 2002


Sandusky
               
  Notes payable to US Bank and Bank One (amount available of $14,000,000 each), payable in monthly installments of interest only for the first twenty-four months and in equal monthly payments of principal and interest based on a twenty-year amortization with principal and unpaid interest due on March 1, 2004. The Company has a one-year option to extend the maturity date. Interest is charged at the LIBOR rate plus 3% during the first twenty-four months and adjusted to a fixed rate of 4.65% for the subsequent twelve months. The note is secured by the property, unconditional guarantees of individual investors, guarantee of corporate guarantor (up to $6,000,000) and the Company’s replacement reserve, real estate tax escrow and operating cash accounts     26,833       28,000  
     
     
 
      77,828       78,050  
Less: Current maturities
    2,394       1,711  
     
     
 
    $ 75,434     $ 76,339  
     
     
 

      Future principal payments on long-term debt are as follows:

         
Year Amount


2004
  $ 2,394  
2005
    2,467  
2006
    50,325  
2007
    22,642  
     
 
    $ 77,828  
     
 

      Interest expense charged against operations amounted to $4,818, $5,055 and $5,316 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

      In connection with the loan agreements, the Companies must maintain replacement reserve funds. The agreements require monthly deposits of 4% of gross operating revenues for the Dells and monthly amounts not below $42 for Sandusky to fund capital improvements and replacements. The replacement reserve funds are pledged as collateral for the notes payable. The Dells’ December 2003 replacement reserve deposit was not funded timely in accordance with the loan agreement. The bank waived this violation in a letter dated May 10, 2004.

      In addition, Sandusky’s Operating Agreement provides for a monthly deposit of 4% of gross operating revenues to fund capital improvements and replacements. This amount was under funded by approximately $364 at December 31, 2003, but was approved by the Class A Member as required by the Operating Agreement.

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

      During 2003, Sandusky entered into an agreement with the bank to extend the note payable for an additional 36 months. The interest rate will be reduced to the LIBOR rate plus 2.75%. All other terms and conditions of the current note will remain unchanged.

5. Related Party Transactions

Dells

      The Dells resort and facility is managed by The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., a company affiliated through common ownership with GLGB Manager II, LLC, the Class B Member. The management agreement requires a fee of 3% of the Company’s adjusted gross revenue for each fiscal year. Management fees of $155, $589 and $604 were expensed for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Management fees of $221 were unpaid as of December 31, 2002 and are included in accounts payable—related party (see Note 8 regarding management fees during 2003).

      The management agreement also provides for a central office services fee in an amount allocated among sharing hotels. Central office service fees amounted to $37 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Central office fees of $3 and $6 were unpaid as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and are included in accounts payable—related party.

      During 2003 and a portion of 2002, an affiliate of The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. received a central reservation fee of 1-1/2% of gross room revenues. Reservation fees of $203 and $10 were expensed for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. No reservation fees were incurred during 2001.

      The Operating Agreement (the Agreement) provides an annual property asset management fee of $10 per year to SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners, Inc., an affiliate of the Class A Member. Asset management fees of $2 and $10 were unpaid as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and are included in accounts payable—related party.

      Amounts due from The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., and affiliated entities amounted to $21 and $45 and are included in accounts receivable at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Sandusky

      The Sandusky resort and facility is managed by The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., a company affiliated through common ownership with GLGB Manager I, LLC, the Class C Member. The management agreement requires a fee of 3% of the Company’s adjusted gross revenue for each fiscal year. Management fees of $656, $621 and $435 and were expensed for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Management fees of $153 and $83 were unpaid as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and are included in accounts payable—related party. In addition, beginning in 2002, the management agreement requires a subordinated management fee of 1% of the Company’s adjusted gross revenue for each full fiscal year. Subordinated management fees of $219 and $207 were expensed for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. No subordinated management fees were incurred during 2001. The management agreement also provides for a central office services fee in an amount allocated among sharing hotels. Central office service fees amounted to $33 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, and $27 for the year ended

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2001. Central office fees of $3 were unpaid as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and are included in accounts payable—related party.

      Beginning in 2002, an affiliate of The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. received a central reservation fee of 2% of gross room revenues. Reservation fees of $233 and $22 were expensed for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Central reservation fees of $51 and $14 were unpaid as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. No reservation fees were incurred during 2001.

      The Operating Agreement (the Agreement) provides an annual property asset management fee of $10 per year to SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners, Inc., an affiliate of the Class A Member. Asset management fees of $10 were unpaid as of December 31, 2002, and are included in accounts payable—related party.

      As noted above, accounts payable—related party includes management fees, central office service fees, asset management fees and miscellaneous expenses totaling $257 and $98 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

      During 2001, Sandusky incurred a development/construction management fee of $1,317 payable to The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. for services rendered to the Company for overseeing the construction and development of the hotel.

      During the year ended December 31, 2003, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. funded amounts to Sandusky for operating expenses. As stated in the management agreement, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. was not required to make such a payment and the amounts are due on demand. The unpaid balance as of December 31, 2003 was $50. The balance was repaid in January 2004, including interest of $4.

6. Geographic Development Fee

      Sandusky entered into a Geographic Development Agreement which provides for Tall Pines Development Corporation (Tall Pines) to be paid the following development fees for ten years ending March 2011: (1) Base Development Fee which represents a fee of 2% of the Company’s adjusted gross revenue for each fiscal year (2) Tier One Incentive Development Fee and/or (3) Tier Two Incentive Development Fee.

      Tier One Incentive Development Fee is an amount equal to 1% of revenues if the following conditions are met: (1) Revenue per available room is greater than $100 and (2) Gross Operating Profit is greater than 45% and (3) Sandusky earns a minimum cash-on-cash return on equity of 10%. If only the third criteria is met for the fiscal year, Tall Pines shall be entitled to payment of 1/2 of the Tier One Incentive Development Fee.

      Tier Two Incentive Development Fee is an amount equal to 1% of Revenue over and above the Base Development Fee and Tier One Incentive Development Fee. The following are the conditions: (1) Revenue per available room is greater than $125 and (2) Gross Operating Profit is greater than 45% and (3) the Company earns a minimum cash-on-cash return on equity of 10%.

      The Base Development Fee, which is required to be paid on a monthly basis, of $365, $346, and $240 was expensed for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The base development fee of $47 and $24 was unpaid as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and is included in accrued expenses.

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

      For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, only the third criteria of the Tier One Incentive Development Fee was met, which entitles Tall Pines to .5% of adjusted revenues. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the criteria for the Tier Two Incentive Development Fee were not met. However, in 2003, an agreement was made with Tall Pines Development to waive the criteria described above as the nature of the agreement was not being upheld. Therefore, the fee associated with Tier One and Two were paid for 2003, amounting to $365. Additional expenses of $260 were paid in 2003 which related to additional 2002 expenses.

7. Profit Sharing Plan

      The Companies maintain a 401(k) profit sharing plan covering all eligible employees. Employees become eligible after completing one year of service with at least 1,000 hours. Company contributions are discretionary. Currently, the Companies match 50% of the first 4% of each eligible employee’s contributions. The plan is sponsored by The Great Lakes Companies, covering multiple entities. The Companies combined contributions to the plan amounted to $71, $34 and $30 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

8. Allocation of Profits, Losses and Cash Distributions

Dells

      As defined in Dells’ Operating Agreement, net profits and losses are generally allocated 70% to SunAmerica Housing Fund 815, LP and 30% to GLGB Manager II, LLC, except that the Agreement specifies allocation limitations and special allocations in certain situations, including, “Capital Transactions.” The Agreement defines Capital Transactions as sale, refinance, exchange, transfer, assignment, or other disposition of all or any portion of the Dells resort.

      The agreement also provides for priority distributions from Net Cash Flow, as defined in the Agreement, to be distributed in the following priority:

  1.  First priority is a “Class A Senior Priority Return,” of 14% on its original capital contribution of $16,500 which calls for a cumulative return of $577 per calendar quarter to the Class A Member, payable 45 days after the end of the calendar quarter. Distributions under the Class A Senior Priority Requirements of $2,310 were made to the Class A Member during the year ended December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, $385 is due to the Class A Member (see note below regarding 2003 distributions and management fees).
 
  2.  Second priority is payment of 12% interest per annum, or any optional capital contributions (OCC) to the Class A Member to fund operating deficits or other reasonable and necessary obligations of the Company.
 
  3.  Third priority is repayment of “Class A Net OCC.”
 
  4.  Fourth priority is payment of “Class B OCC Priority Return” at 12% interest per annum.
 
  5.  Fifth priority is payment of “Class B Net OCC.”

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

  6.  Sixth priority is distribution to the Class B Member equal to the “Catch-Up Amount,” which is defined as “Catch-Up Percentage,” Class B Percentage divided by Class A Percentage, multiplied by Class A Senior Priority Return for the calendar quarter preceding the “Payment Date,” as defined in the Agreement. Distributions under the sixth priority distribution requirements of $440 and $990 were made to the Class B Member for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
 
  7.  Seventh priority is distributions to the Class A Member until the Class A Net Mandatory Capital Contribution has been reduced to zero, in the ratio of Class A Percentage to the Class A Member, either as repayment of the “Equity Bridge Loans,” as defined, or in reduction of its Class A Net Mandatory Capital Contribution, or both, and the Class B Percentage to the Class B Member as distribution.
 
  8.  Thereafter, as a distribution in the ratio of the Class A percentage to the Class A Member and the Class B percentage to the Class B Member. No distributions were required under this category during 2003 or 2002. Distributions made to members amounted to $603 during 2001.

      The Agreement provides for revisions to the above mentioned priorities upon the contribution of any additional capital by either the Class A or Class B Members.

      During 2003, the Class A and Class B Members agreed in principle to limit “Class A Senior Priority Return” payments and the Class B Member’s management fees to support the Company’s current cash flow needs. The “Class A Senior Priority Return” will continue to be paid in the future as cash flow improves. The Class B Member’s management fees (3% of revenues) from April 2003 to December 2003 will not be funded and have been “waived” by the Class B Member. Management fees from April 2003 through December 2003 have not been accrued as of December 31, 2003.

Sandusky

      As defined in Sandusky’s Operating Agreement, net profits and losses are generally allocated 50% to SunAmerica Housing Fund 726, LP, 30% to GLGB Investor I, LLC, and 20% to GLGB Manager I, LLC, except that the Agreement specifies allocation limitations and special allocations in certain situations, including, “Capital Transactions.” The Agreement defines Capital Transactions as sale, refinance, exchange, transfer, assignment, or other disposition of all or any portion of the Sandusky resort.

      The agreement also provides for priority distributions from Net Cash Flow, as defined in the Agreement, to be distributed in the following priority:

  1.  First priority is a “Class A Senior Priority Return,” of 12% on its original capital contribution of $8,000. Distributions under the Class A Senior Priority Requirements of $503, $692 and $2,031 were made to the Class A Member during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
 
  2.  Second priority is repayment of 12% interest per annum to the Class A Member for “Loan Returns.”
 
  3.  Third priority is repayment of “Class A Net Term Loan Capital Contribution.”
 
  4.  Fourth priority is payment of “Class C Net OCC Priority Return” at 12% interest per annum.
 
  5.  Fifth priority is repayment of “Class A Net OCC.”

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

  6.  Sixth priority is a “Class B Senior Priority Return,” of 12% on its original capital contribution of $4,000. Distributions under the Class B Senior Priority Requirement of $256, $351 and $384 were made to the Class B Member during the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
 
  7.  Seventh priority is payment of accrued “Class C Term Loan Priority Return.”
 
  8.  Eighth priority is repayment of “Class C Net Term Loan Capital Contribution.”
 
  9.  Ninth priority is payment of accrued “Class C Net OCC Priority Return.”

  10.  Tenth priority is repayment “Class C Net OCC.”
 
  11.  Eleventh priority is payment of “Class A Net Development Capital Contribution” until reduced to the Target Amount. Distributions after the Target Amount was reached were $2,087 and $2,003 to the Class A Member, $1,043 and $1,001 to the Class B Member and $2,087 and $2,003 to the Class C Member for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. No amounts were paid relating to this priority during 2001.
 
  12.  Twelfth priority is repayment of “Class A Net Development Capital Contribution.”
 
  13.  Thereafter, as a distribution in the ratio of the Class A percentage to the Class A Member, the Class B percentage to the Class B Member and the Class C percentage to the Class C Member.

      The Agreement provides for revisions to the above mentioned priorities upon the contribution of any additional capital by any of the members.

9. Commitment

      During 2003, the Dells obtained a loan commitment with a lender in an amount not to exceed the lessor of $21,000 or 75% of the appraised value of the pending condominium development and water park expansion project adjacent to the existing “Dells” facility to fund the construction of condominiums. In connection with the loan commitment, the Company paid approximately $158 to the lender, which has been capitalized as of December 31, 2003 and will be amortized over the term of the two year agreement. The commitment is for 24 months, bears interest at either an annual fixed rate of 7.25% or a variable annual rate of prime plus 1.625% (not to be below 6.75% per year) and is secured by a first deed of trust on the condominium development, assignment of all condominium rents, construction commitment deposits and personal guarantees of certain officers of The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. As of December 31, 2003, no amounts have been borrowed against this commitment.

10. Legal Matters

      A vendor of the Dells has filed suit for alleged premature termination of a supply and service contract with the Dells. The vendor is seeking liquidated damages of approximately $600 for breach of the contract. The Dells has filed a counterclaim and intends to vigorously contest the pending claim by the vendor. Although management believes that the lawsuit is without merit and that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to this issue will not materially affect the financial position, results of operations, or the liquidity of the Company, the ultimate outcome of the litigation is uncertain. If an unfavorable outcome were to occur, the impact could be

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GREAT BEAR LODGE OF WISCONSIN DELLS, LLC
AND GREAT BEAR LODGE OF SANDUSKY, LLC

NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
(Information as of September 30, 2004 and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

material to the Dells. As of September 30, 2004, the Dells has accrued and charged against operations a final settlement, which was funded in October 2004. The settlement was substantially less than the vendor’s original claim.

      Except for the item note above, during the normal course of business, the Dells and Sandusky are involved in various legal matters which, in the opinion of management, are not expected to have a material effect on either the financial position or the operating results of the Dells and Sandusky.

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14,032,896 Shares

Common Stock

(GREAT WOLF RESORTS LOGO)


P R O S P E C T U S

                    , 2005




 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 
ITEM 13.     OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND REGISTRATION

      The following sets forth the various expenses and costs (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) expected to be incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered. All of the amounts shown are estimated except for the registration fee of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the filing fee of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.:

           
Amount to be
paid by the
Description Company


SEC Registration Fee
  $ 35,247  
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses (including counsel expenses)
    1,000  
Printing Expenses
    20,000  
Legal Fees and Expenses
    30,000  
Accounting Fees and Expenses
    20,000  
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees and Expenses
    5,000  
Miscellaneous
    753  
     
 
 
Total
  $ 112,000  
     
 
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

      As permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision that eliminates the personal liability of the Registrant’s directors for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Such provision, however, does not eliminate a director’s liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (in respect of certain unlawful dividend payments or stock purchases or redemptions); or (iv) for a transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

      As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that it shall indemnify any and all persons whom it has the power to indemnify under Delaware law from and against any and all of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred to in or covered by Section 145 of the Delaware General Business Corporation Law, and the indemnification provided for in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.

      Further, the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that it shall indemnify its officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law upon a determination by a majority of the Board of Directors, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or by the stockholders that the person seeking indemnification has acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Registrant and had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. Any expense incurred by a director or officer in defending or investigating a threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Registrant in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay

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such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the Registrant.

      The Registrant may, to the extent authorized by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Registrant similar to those conferred to directors and officers of the Registrant as described above.

      The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its current officers and directors to give such officers and directors additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of their indemnification. The indemnification agreements provide indemnification to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and provide for the advancement of expenses incurred by a director or officer in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any action or investigation.

      The Registrant has insurance policies providing for indemnification of officers and directors against liabilities and expenses incurred by any of them in certain proceedings and under certain conditions, such as in the absence of fraud.

      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may be permitted to directors and officers of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

      In connection with our formation transactions, which became effective simultaneously with the completion of the initial public offering, we issued common stock to certain holders of securities, who, among other things, have certified to us as to their status as “accredited investors,” in each of the Property and Sponsor LLCs, as well as to each holder of securities in Sandusky Investor LLC and Great Lakes, in an offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) and Rule 506 of Regulation D. In total, we issued an aggregate of 13,901,947 shares of our common stock to such investors. In exchange, we received all or a portion of each such investor’s interest in the applicable Property LLC, Sponsor LLC or Sandusky Investor LLC and such entities became wholly owned subsidiaries of our company.

      Also in connection with our formation transactions, we issued (1) 64,038 shares of our common stock to the holder of a tenant in common interest in our Poconos resort and (2) 67,516 shares of our common stock to the holder of a tenant in common interest in our Williamsburg resort. These shares were issued in offerings exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) and Rule 506 of Regulation D.

      In addition, we issued 100 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, to Great Lakes upon our formation on May 10, 2004. We received an aggregate of $1,000 in cash in exchange for these shares. We redeemed these shares in connection with the formation transactions. This issuance was exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

      The issuances described above were exempt from registration under the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering. Each investor receiving shares in the formation transactions will be an accredited investor, with knowledge and experience in financial and business matters sufficient for evaluating the associated merits and risks, has represented its intention to acquire the securities for investment purposes only and not with a view towards distribution and received or had access to adequate information about the Registrant. Appropriate legends have been affixed to the stock certificates in these transactions and there was no general solicitation or advertising.

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ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      (a) The following are exhibits to this registration statement:

             
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibits


  2 .1     Form of Merger Agreement utilized in the formation transactions (Delaware)**
  2 .2     Form of Merger Agreement utilized in the formation transactions (Wisconsin)**
  3 .1     Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company**
  3 .2     Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company**
  4 .1     Form of Registrant’s Common Stock Certificate.**
  5 .1***     Opinion of King & Spalding LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered
  10 .1     License Agreement, dated January 30, 2004, by and between The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. and Jim Pattison Entertainment Ltd.**
  10 .2     Development Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2003, among the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC, and Blue Harbor Resort Condominium, LLC**
  10 .3     First Amendment to the Development Agreement, dated June 25, 2004, by and among the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC, and Blue Harbor Resorts Condominium, LLC**
  10 .4     Tall Pines Exclusive License and Royalty Agreement, dated July 25, 2004, between Tall Pines Development Corporation and The Great Lakes Companies, Inc.**
  10 .5     Form of Employment Agreement
  10 .6     Form of Non-Compete, Trade Secret and Confidentiality Agreement
  10 .7     Form of Officers and Directors Indemnification Agreement**
  10 .8     Form of Indemnity Agreement between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and the principal stockholders of The Great Lakes Companies, Inc.**
  10 .9     Form of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan**
  10 .10     Form of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan**
  10 .11     Form of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan**
  10 .12     Form of Transition Services Agreement, between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Great Lakes Housing Partners, LLC**
  10 .13     Form of Transition Services Agreement, to be entered into between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Great Lakes Hospitality Partners, LLC**
  10 .14     Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and the persons named therein**
  10 .15     Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, by and among Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P., the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, Citicorp North America, Inc., Societe Generale, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., SG Americas Securities LLC and Calyon New York Branch.
  10 .16     Loan Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, by and among Great Wolf Kansas SPE, LLC, Great Wolf Traverse SPE, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. and The Travelers Insurance Company.

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Table of Contents

             
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibits


  21 .1     List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
  23 .1***     Consent of King & Spalding LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)
  23 .2*     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
  23 .3*     Consent of Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP
  24 .1***     Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages herein)


  Filed herewith.

  **  Incorporated by reference to such Exhibit Number filed with the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-118148), as amended.

***  Previously filed.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS

      (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

        (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

        (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
 
        (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
 
        (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

  provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

        (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
        (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

      (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities

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Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, Delaware Corporation law, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered hereunder, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the question has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the company has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Madison, State of Wisconsin, on May 11, 2005.

  GREAT WOLF RESORTS, INC.

  By:  /s/ J. MICHAEL SCHROEDER
 
  J. Michael Schroeder
  General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on this 11th day of May, 2005 in the capacities indicated.

         
 
*

Bruce D. Neviaser
 
Chairman of the Board
 
*

John Emery
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
 
*

James A. Calder
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 


Elan Blutinger
 
Director
 
*

Randy Churchey
 
Director
 
*

Michael M. Knetter
 
Director
 
*

Alissa N. Nolan
 
Director
 
*

Howard Silver
 
Director
 
*

Marc B. Vaccaro
 
Director
 
*By:   /s/ J. MICHAEL SCHROEDER

J. Michael Schroeder
Attorney-in-Fact
   

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Exhibit Index

             
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibits


  2 .1     Form of Merger Agreement utilized in the formation transactions (Delaware)**
  2 .2     Form of Merger Agreement utilized in the formation transactions (Wisconsin)**
  3 .1     Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company**
  3 .2     Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company**
  4 .1     Form of Registrant’s Common Stock Certificate.**
  5 .1***     Opinion of King & Spalding LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered
  10 .1     License Agreement, dated January 30, 2004, by and between The Great Lakes Companies, Inc. and Jim Pattison Entertainment Ltd.**
  10 .2     Development Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2003, among the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC, and Blue Harbor Resort Condominium, LLC**
  10 .3     First Amendment to the Development Agreement, dated June 25, 2004, by and among the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Great Lakes Companies, Inc., Blue Harbor Resort Sheboygan, LLC, and Blue Harbor Resorts Condominium, LLC**
  10 .4     Tall Pines Exclusive License and Royalty Agreement, dated July 25, 2004, between Tall Pines Development Corporation and The Great Lakes Companies, Inc.**
  10 .5     Form of Employment Agreement
  10 .6     Form of Non-Compete, Trade Secret and Confidentiality Agreement
  10 .7     Form of Officers and Directors Indemnification Agreement**
  10 .8     Form of Indemnity Agreement between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and the principal stockholders of The Great Lakes Companies, Inc.**
  10 .9     Form of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan**
  10 .10     Form of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. 2004 Incentive Stock Plan**
  10 .11     Form of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan**
  10 .12     Form of Transition Services Agreement, between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Great Lakes Housing Partners, LLC**
  10 .13     Form of Transition Services Agreement, to be entered into between Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and Great Lakes Hospitality Partners, LLC**
  10 .14     Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. and the persons named therein**
  10 .15     Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, by and among Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., GWR Operating Partnership, L.L.L.P., the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, Citicorp North America, Inc., Societe Generale, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., SG Americas Securities LLC and Calyon New York Branch.
  10 .16     Loan Agreement, dated December 20, 2004, by and among Great Wolf Kansas SPE, LLC, Great Wolf Traverse SPE, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. and The Travelers Insurance Company.
  21 .1     List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)

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Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibits


  23 .1***     Consent of King & Spalding LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)
  23 .2*     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
  23 .3*     Consent of Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co. LLP
  24 .1***     Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages herein)


  Filed herewith.

  **  Incorporated by reference to such Exhibit Number filed with the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-118148), as amended.

***  Previously filed.

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