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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

How do I sign up and make my room reservation?
Fill out the Registration information on the Registration page and you will receive your code for your discounted room rate. A one night's room deposit will be required by the Kalahari Resort for all reservations.

Will the one night deposit actually be charged to my credit card right away?
Yes, your credit card will be charged immediately for the one nights stay / deposit upon making your reservation.  You will NOT be charged for the remainder of your stay until you arrive and check-in with the resort.

What is Kalahari’s cancellation policy?
Cancellation policy for individual reservations: 72 hours, or more prior to arrival to receive full refund less $25.00 processing fee. Less than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival forfeits entire deposit. However Kalahari is very understanding to weather conditions. In case of severe weather, please call Kalahari and they will evaluate each individual situation.


Are there any registration or conference fees?
NO. Our UWWG discounted room rates not only include your waterpark passes, but also allows you free and exclusive participation in all UWWG events, funshops and discussions.

Can we attend the conference and hear Gatto and the others, without having to stay overnight at the Kalahari Resort?

NO. Only those registered with the Resort through our UWWG group, will be allowed to partake in any UWWG event - NO EXCEPTIONS!  All UWWG  registered guests will be given the same colored wristband upon check-on.  Only those wearing our designated colored wristband will be allowed entry in any UWWG event, talk, or funshop.

Will we be able to arrive on Sunday, to relax and get ourselves familiarized with the Resort before all the unschooling events begin?
Yes, the Resort has extended our group discount rate to include Sunday, for those wanting to arrive a day early.

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Although check-in begins at 4 pm, you can still "check-in" in the morning and begin using the waterpark when it opens. Then officially check into your room, anytime after 4pm. On the day of your departure, you'll need to check out of your room by 11am. You can continue using the waterpark until 3pm.

Are waterpark passes  included with the rooms?
YES,  Although
the number of waterpark passes included with the rooms vary per room type as  indicated in the “Accommodation” section of our website. Additional waterpark passes, up to the maximum occupancy per room type, can be purchased through the Resort at an additional $20 / day per pass. 
 

Are we able to buy or sell waterpark passes?
Yes, You can also obtain or buy extra waterpark passes from each other. You just can NOT purchase extras from the Resort, if you need more passes than the maximum occupancy for that room.

The number of waterpark passes included with the rooms, vary per room type and are indicated in the “Accommodation” section of our website. Additional waterpark passes, up to the maximum occupancy per room type, can be purchased through the Resort at an additional $20 / day per pass.

The hotel's policy is to give only the number of passes needed, as based on how many you made the reservation for. We suggest when making reservations, to just go ahead and reserve the room and tell them you have the maximum number of guests coming, as equal to the number of passes included for that room type. They will not ask for names or any verification when taking reservations, nor when you arrive and register. The Resort will just automatically hand you the number of passes as equal to the number of guests you had made the reservation for.

What comes with a standard room?
Two queen beds, small fridge, microwave, dresser, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, in room safe, and high speed internet service.

Can I request a room next to our friends?
Yes. You can request to be located next to another family. It is not guaranteed, but the resort will do their best to accommodate requests. Make sure to inform the reservationists when making reservations "I want to be next to the Joe Smith family." Please note again these are requests only and cannot be guaranteed, as they are based on room type availability.

 

Is there a list we can view of who’s coming with info. like ages of kids, etc..?
Yes, we have a “Who’s Coming” database on our yahoo website, where members can post names, where they live, ages of kids, and other comments. If you’re coming and haven’t added your info, please do so. Here’s the direct link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UWWG/database

I need a handicap accessible room.
All of the rooms are handicap accessible.

Is internet access free anywhere throughout the hotel?
WIRELESS internet is available on a complimentary basis in the Nia (Convention) Center and in the main lobby areas of the resort. HIGH SPEED INTERNET (with an Ethernet cord needed) is also complimentary and available in all guest rooms. However you need a cord to access it. For those guests that bring an Ethernet cord, they can access the internet in their room for free. The only charge they would incur for internet is if they want to use it, and do not have an Ethernet cord. They would have to rent/purchase one from the resort. (Unsure on pricing of this)

Can I bring food and drinks into the hotel?
Yes you may bring food and drinks, including alcohol. The Huts and the Nomad Rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave. The Lodges and the Suites have a full kitchen including pots, plates, silverware, etc.

Can I bring my own food and drink into the waterpark or the convention center?
No outside food or beverage may be brought into the waterpark or into the Nia Convention Center. You can purchase food and drinks inside the waterpark. Only food purchased inside the hotel can be brought into the Nia Center.


Are there grocery stores and shopping nearby?
Yes. There are several grocery and shopping stores within 5 minutes of the Resort including:  Wal-mart, Sam's Club & Meijers. The Sandusky Mall is about 6 minutes from the Resort and a new Aldi's is about 8 minutes.

 

Do I have to have a waterpark pass for my two year old?
Yes. Only children 23 months and younger, are free.

 

What are the height restrictions for the various waterpark rides and wave surfing?
The link on the Kalahari website concerning height restrictions is (click the link below and choose your ride, then click the safety button to find out the restrictions): 
http://www.kalahariresort.com/waterpark/?locid=2&areaid=16

NOTE: You'll need to click onto the name of each ride mentioned in the box titled "rides and thrills" on the website. Then click [rules] and scroll down through the rules to find the height requirements for each ride. Most of the rides require a minimum height of 42in., and some are 48in. The children's areas are specifically designed for those under 42 inches. The new expansion includes a 2500 sq. ft. children's area. In reference to the Flowrider (surfing) you must be 42 inches to ride. Young children can surf with lifeguards, to help them learn to ride, but still must be 42 inches however to ride.

Are there life jackets in the waterpark?
YES--there are approved life jackets available--however no floaties and pool toys may be brought in. Only lifeguard approved flotation devises are allowed.

What else is at the resort besides the waterpark?
Four sit down restaurants, spa, state of the art fitness center, indoor miniature golf, huge game arcade (147 games!!), tree top play (interactive kids dry play area), bowling ($2 a game), five gift shops, live African Animals (you can get your picture taken with them), make your own pottery center, build your own stuffed animal, a candy / ice cream shop and four bars--one is a nightclub.

What if I have dirty laundry?
Each floor has a washer and dryer and cost $1 each.

Does parking cost at Kalahari?
Parking is free.

How will I know who is with our group?
We will all be wearing the same color of Waterpark wristbands.

My family, my kids, me, well we’re shy about meeting people. How can we make sure that we get a chance to meet and interact with other unschoolers during the week?
First, please get involved!! We would love to have volunteers greet new families as they arrive at the convention center, or hand out t-shirt orders, or assist families at our registration table. What a great way to meet new people!

Second get involved!! Please come to the icebreaker ceremonies, take part in the funshops and discussion or help lead one. We hope to have opportunities for everyone including movie nights, talent shows, and a dance!!!

Also all members of our group will be wearing the same color of Kalahari wrist bands making it easier to identify and hopefully greet one another.

Where will the funshops, discussions and UWWG events be held?
All the talks, funshops and UWWG events will beheld in the Resort's Nia  (Convention) Center. Schedules listing when and where each activity will take place will be provided with one's registration packet at the Gathering.

 

What are the nearest airports ?
Cleveland Hopkins International. Airport is the nearest airport, about 50 minutes away. 
Website: http://clevelandairport.com/
Mapquest:http://www.mapquest.com/mq/4-bnC4rze8sIqxf*_7Bn7J

Toledo Express Airport is about 1 hr and 10 minutes away .  It's a rather small airport with just 3 terminals and almost no direct flights.
Website: http://toledoexpress.com/
Mapquest: http://www.mapquest.com/mq/5-oXZKc1d6amw_sXsLMcHK

Akron-Canton Airport is about 1 hr and 35 minutes away.  Although a bit further, many use this airport because it’s known for having the cheapest flights around. 
Website: http://akroncantonairport.com/
Mapquest:
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/7-yH2OXrb4lZXwSrGlZdi

Detroit Metro Airport is about 1 hr. and 45 minute away. Although a bit farther, it has many direct flights, as it’s a hub for Northwest Airlines.
Mapquest: http://www.mapquest.com/mq/8-FbExE02PnHap