The Great Wolf Lodge
““Code of the wolf: Protect your pack, show no fear, respect your elder, teach the young, lead your companions, survive each day, explore and adapt, show no weakness, and howl to a new tomorrow.””
Overview:
Earlier this year my family visited the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas. We were itching for a vacation and needed something that was both family friendly and indoor since it was cold out. (And by cold, I mean that the particular weekend we went had us Texans breaking out the big winter coats.) Upon arriving, the drive up to the building alone built excitement. There are large wolf statues out front and the kids get wolf ears once you check in. Once you are inside, there is an animated story time area the kids can sit in front of (tells stories/songs at specific times, but always able to view) and a large glass window where the waterpark can be viewed. We quickly realized that this place was everything that it was advertised to be.
The nice thing about Great Wolf Lodge is that once you arrive, you really don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. There are a few places to eat (including a pizza shop that is great for poolside or taking back to the room), an ice cream shop, a candy store, quick grab options, and a Starbucks. (And all the parents said, “Hallelujah!”) For families with young children, the buffet offers character meals where the Lodge Buddies come dancing through at various times. (Side Note: The food is so good. The buffet food always tasted fresh and was always hot. Good food is always a win for me!)
There is a gift shop located on the main level that has toys, t-shirts, and a few items you can pick up if you forgot. Then, there are activities galore! Beyond the waterpark, there is a large arcade, interactive quests (you will see kids of all ages running around completing these), and more. The bottom level of the hotel is like an elementary - high school age kids free-for-all. My husband and I made a mental note to come back when the boys are older so that they can run around having a blast while we sip drinks by the pool!
Overall, the Great Wold Lodge is an excellent family vacation spot. My oldest still talks about it and can’t wait to return. (He was three at the time of vacation.) It is doable with a baby and convenient as you are near your room for nap times. Hunter enjoyed getting to stay pool-side while brother slept since everything is in the same building. Kids of all ages were having the time of their life (Yes, even the too-cool-for-school high school kids). This vacation spot is definitely worth looking into for a family vacation.
Personal Opinions & Some Real Talk.
First of all, for the price point of the Great Wolf Lodge, I expected the cleanliness of the rooms to reflect that. Our first room had toe nails on the kids bed, the toilet had been used, and there was hair all over the couch. (It looked like a dog had shed all over it, but it was human hair.) They switched us rooms and our second room had dark stains in the carpet, chocolate on the walls, and soap chunks on the sink handle. It looked like a child had rubbed a bar of soap aggressively around the fixture. At that point, I was over it and Hunter was ready to play so I cleaned it up myself instead of going back to the front desk. (Since my postpartum struggle, I have traveled with lysol wipes. And boy was I glad that I did here.)
Our first restaurant experience was on the same track as the rooms. We were one of two families in the restaurant, yet were still seated at a dirty table with a used fork underneath. It is safe to say that our initial impression was a little rough. We ended up having a great trip, but the cleanliness issues will have me thinking twice about returning. (Hunter had such a good time that we will probably give it another go, but once the kids are older. My opinion is that this destination is best suited for families age four and older. I say this because of nap times as well as height requirements for the water slides.)
Be prepared for some chaos. When I mentioned it was a free-for-all, I was not exaggerating. Kids of all ages are running around unattended. They are excited to be there, on vacation mode, hopped up on sugar, and parentless. For parents of older children this is awesome as you can chill by the pool or visit the spa. For parents of young children, this can be frustrating as big kids tend to not watch where they are going. As well as cut in lines, which is frustrating for the littles that have been waiting patiently. (Side Note: The staff is good at correcting the line cutting when they see it.)
Tips:
The Great Wolf Lodge is a bit pricy (especially once you factor in the meals there) but we saw families who were clearly more prepared and will definitely follow their example next time around. Family after family used the luggage carts to wheel in aaaalllllll the food. Their carts were loaded down with food for every meal, including snacks and drink options. Bringing your own food (for at least some meals) would be my biggest tip for this place. (Hello savings!)
Bring some comfy clothes for when you aren’t at the water park. Whether you are chasing the kids around the arcade or participating in family yoga (which is adorable to watch) comfy is the way to go here!
Bring a grocery bag or a separate bag to store wet clothes in.
They have life jackets, but if your kids prefer goggles in the pool you will need to pack your own.
If you have older kids, look into the Paw Pass. They are a great way to get extra savings for the activities that your family will do. There are a few different options for every budget!
Check the calendar/event schedule during your stay. There is an activity basically the entire time you are there and the kids love it! (Parents love it because it is a break from the water!)
All in all, I would say that Great Wolf Lodge is great for families and worth a visit. Happy traveling!
xoxo