GREAT WOLF LODGE (GWL)

Grapevine, TX

www.greatwolf.com 

You've heard all about it.  Your friends are raving about it. So WHAT are you waiting for?!  It's time to plan a trip to Great Wolf Lodge - best known for their massive, 84-degree indoor water-park!  (There are 11 locations nationwide but I'll be specifically reviewing from Grapevine, TX.)

WHATCHA GONNA THINK: From the moment we drove into the parking lot, we knew that the folks at Great Wolf Lodge have gone to great lengths to impress.  Pulling in we were able to see several water-slides that exit and then re-enter the building.  One of those being the Howlin' Tornado, a giant cylindrical structure that does not disappoint when it comes to thrills. At the entrance we were greeted with towering wolf statues that stand guard just outside the covered loading/unloading zone.  We were immediately greeted by bellmen offering valet luggage and parking service, but since we declined they kindly showed us where to find our own luggage cart so we could drag in all the junk our family just HAD to bring with us.  

The wolf greeting us at the entrance.

Our first impressions really set the stage for what we were about to experience and every aspect of GWL held up to the same standard of excellence!

WHERE YA GONNA SLEEP: GWL offers a wide variety of rooms, accommodating couples on up to multi-families vacationing together (when making your reservation, a staff person will assist in choosing the best room for you.  Understand that themed rooms will cost more and that non-themed rooms are available at a lower cost and will accommodate the same number of people). Since we were staying with my brother-in-law, along with his wife and two kids (that's a total of 4 adults and 4 kids), we chose the Loft Suite.  This room has a base occupancy of 6 and a maximum occupancy of 8.  We were totally comfortable with 8 of us in the room.  We had 2 queen beds, and a full bath on the first level.  Also on this level, a three-quarter wall created a semi-private living area with a full-size sleeper sofa. Upstairs (what kid doesn't love an upstairs!) featured a queen bed and half bath.  Some special features we enjoyed were the 3 TVs (one upstairs and two downstairs), microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker, and the all important FREE wi-fi.  To sum it up, the room was comfy, spacious, clean, up-to-date with "lodgy" furnishings, and came with all the necessities.

If you've got the extra cash and really want to "wow" the kiddos, you're gonna want to reserve a themed room.  Of course you're still going to get all the comfort, space, and necessities, but the kids will have their own area with either a cabin, tent, or cave theme.  It's totally awesome!  They even have their own tv inside. Say What?!  And that means they won't be watching your tv. *dancing around and humming a happy song*  I promise they will love you forever...or at least until the trip is over and you have to take them home, back to their uncool room that's not all tricked out. 

WHATCHA GONNA DO:  Duh, you're gonna go to the water-park and get wet!  But, once you've baked yourself long enough in the sun or white-knuckled enough thrilling water-slides, you may want to dry off and try a few other unique attractions GWL has to offer. (But first let me tell you about the park itself.)

            Water-park - Multiple water slides (ranging from toddler size on up to stomach-dropping, squealing fun), a wave pool, toddler pool and slides, lazy river, tree house with enormous dumping bucket, and activity pool with basketball and agility challenge - and that's only on the inside!  More water slides can be found outside along with another agility challenge, a wolf tower that sprays water every few minutes at the sound of a howling wolf, and a large zero-entry pool with pop up-fountains that transitions very gradually to 4 feet (that means there is a VERY large area for the little guys to wade around in without you worrying about them going under). I'm so not doing the water-park justice with only those few lines so check-out the website and prepare to be wowed! (link at the top of the page)

My littlest one having a great time in the toddler area.

Jumping some waves in the wave pool.

            MagiQuest - It's a live-action adventure game where kids explore an enchanted kingdom by traveling from one hotel floor to another, wielding their magic wand in order to accomplish multiple quests.  Every year we see tons of kids taking part in the MagiQuest, and not until this year did my sister-in-law give in and try it for her boys.  I was still thinking it was a waste of money, but boy was I wrong.  The kids LOVED it!  And, it really helped pass some time when we were done at the park for the day.  I figured it would only take a half hour or so to complete the quest, but wrong again I was.  There are nine quests included and it probably took the kids a few hours to complete.  I believe my sister-in-law said it cost $70-$80 for two wands (and quests) and the Compass Quest (which is an additional, more challenging quest once you've completed the MagiQuest).  And, if you plan to return to GWL at a later date, the wands are reusable. You just have to pay for the quest.

            This is one of those things that is completely unique to GWL, so if you're up to purchasing anything outside the water-park this one will surely win you the "Best Mom EVER" award.

            Scoops Spa - It's an ice cream themed spa just for girls. I wish I could give you some exact prices but we've never tried it.  I'm sure it's great (just like everything else at GWL), but I believe my girls are just a little too young for this one.

            Cub Club -  Created especially for little wolf pups in your party, it's packed with activities and crafts designed just for them. You're kiddos will enjoy free crafts and activities and if you so desire can create custom souvenirs (ranging from $5 - $15). It's a great diversion that will give those cute, pruney little hands a break from the water park fun.

            Be sure to also check out the Northern Lights Arcade, Laser Frenzy (an arcade-style lazer maze), and Howleywood (a motion simulated thrill ride). 

            Story time - Finally, something totally free!!  Every evening kiddos are encouraged to wear their pj's for the Clock Tower show followed by Story Time, located in the main lobby of the lodge.  My girls love this!  And our whole family sings the theme song for weeks after our trip...*sung in deep voice* "There's nothing to be scared of here. Trust in Mother Nature..."  We usually howl for a few weeks too cause there is a lot of that going on at story time. Afterwards, Wiley the Wolf made an appearance for hugs and pictures.  It was the perfect night-cap for our little ones.

Hugs from Wiley after Story Time.

It will be no surprise to you that all of these things line the long walkway that leads you from the elevator to the water-park.  It's the only way in and the only way out, so be prepared!  And even more importantly, prepare your children.  Otherwise, they will be begging for every sparkly thing they see.

Even though the lodge offers PLENTY to do for a weekend/short stay, it's worth noting that the town of Grapevine is loaded with fun things to do as well.  A quick internet search will supply you with all the info you need, but a few kid-friendly things the town boasts about are: Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Lego Land, and the Aquarium (all within just a couple miles of GWL).

WHO'S GONNA LOVE IT: 

• TODDLERS - YES!
• SCHOOL-AGE KIDDOS - YES!
• TEENAGERS - YES!
• PARENTS - YES!
• GRANDPARENTS - YES!
• those traveling with fido - NO!
• those who like to keep face/hair dry - NO!
• those wanting peace and quiet - NO!

The handful of times I've been to GWL, I've seen all ages (literally from a few months old to those keeping up with the grandkids), all sizes, and all styles.  There are big enough thrills for the adventure seekers and plenty of space for the those looking to have some low-key fun in the sun. You're just gonna love it...no matter who you are!

WHAT'S IT GONNA COST YA: Two arms, one leg, your first born, and the equivalent of one-third your mortgage. I'm kidding friends - totally kidding.  But it may feel that way if you haven't done your homework and made a budget...so get to work!

Room prices will seem outrageous at first glance (you're looking at approx. $400-$500 and up a night for a family of 4...DURING THE SUMMER), but remember that includes your water-park passes each day, along with early entry on day of check-in AND all-day entry on day of check-out.  That means once you have checked out at 11am you are free to stay the rest of the day.  

Room rates are extremely reasonable during the non-summer months (as low as $199 a night) and of course your best rates can be landed during the early half of the week (Monday and Tuesday especially) instead of on a weekend. Check out the "deals" tab on the website to find out how to save the most.

Now here's where it's gonna add up...all those fun things I told you about in the "Whatcha Gonna Do" section...they all come at a price and while some are quite reasonable (like the hair extensions, glitter tattoos, crafts at the Cub Club, and story time *this one is free*), others are gonna make you cringe as your youngster tugs at you while pleading about how much they NEED each and every one.  Have I not warned you to make a budget?  And I'm giving you permission right now to say 'No' when the budget has been maxed out.  My children are frequently reminded of the privilege of simply being there and I will reassure you that they are both still alive and didn't die like they thought they would when we said 'No' to a spa treatment for our 6 and 3 year olds.  This time around they were each treated to one hair extension (only about 8 bucks for both) and one glitter tattoo (about 15 bucks for both).  And, they got to run around with their cousins on the MagiQuest and thankfully they have really sweet cousins who shared their wands once in a while so they could work their own magic a few times.

WHATCHA GONNA EAT: Maybe a little, maybe a lot.  The good news is you've got options.  Personally, this isn't the place where I like to splurge on food, but that's only because I'm wearing a swimsuit for nearly 10 hours of the day and I'd rather not have to worry about sucking in my gut while trying to avoid looking like I'm 5 months pregnant.  So, we eat pretty light and thankfully GWL gives us that option along with some healthy choices.

Here's what we like to do in order to spare the waistline and save a bit of dough: first, we pack our own breakfast since it's usually not a huge meal for us anyway.  This includes: cereals, milk, fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal, along with disposable bowls and spoons.  We also pack lots of healthy snacks, mostly fruit.  Since a lot of these foods need to be refrigerated, we tote along a large wheeled ice chest and once in the room we store it all in the mini fridge.  For lunch, since we are usually at the pool at this time, we just hop out and dine in our swimming attire at the Spirit Island Snack Shop.  The name is a bit misleading as this is way more than a snack shop.  There are burgers, sandwiches, and wraps, plus a whole lot more.  The prices here are very reasonable, the food tastes great, portion sizes are plenty big, and they offer a fair amount of kid-friendly options.  Sometimes we even have dinner here if our appetites aren't too great. Other times at dinner we order a couple of meals to-go from Camp Critter Bar and Grill and then split them.  The prices here are a little higher, but you can expect the same excellent quality whether you order a specialty burger or traditional sandwich or salad.

Maybe your family loves the dining experience and you want to taste it all.  Then for breakfast you'll want to load up your plate at the Loose Moose Cottage buffet.  I believe the price per person (for anyone over age 3) is $13 and you will have plenty to choose from in order to get your moneys worth.  And I would bet your pallet will be pleased as well.  During the summer months, Loose Moose also offers a dinner buffet. 

Another breakfast option is Wake Up With Wiley at Camp Critter Bar and Grill (think Disney-style character breakfast) where you and the family eat breakfast with Wiley the Wolf and friends.  Adults: $17.99  Children (4-12): $14.99.  Reservations are suggested as space is limited and be sure to call ahead, especially during non-peak months, to verify which days of the week it is offered.

And there are still more options: How about Pizza Hut Express?  They have all the delicious choices you are used to including the pizza, breadsticks, and buffalo wings.  Or, not feeling like dragging the whole family out of the room?  Hungry As A Wolf offers fresh-from-the-oven homemade pizza and bread sticks to bring back to your suite and feed your pack.  From the reviews I've read, this is some pretty good grub.

When it's time to top it all off with a sweet treat, head to Bear Paw Sweets & Treats.  Specialty coffees, fresh baked pastries, ice cream and frozen treats, lodge-made fudge and fresh fruit are just a few of the items to tempt your tummy.  Can't live without your Starbucks?  They've got that too! 

WHAT MAKES 'EM SPECIAL: Just about everything...the massive water-park, the wolf theme that is incorporated into all aspects of the lodge, and all the unique "extra" things to do. 

• One of my favorite things...there are no room keys here.  GWL keys are coded into your water-park wristband (that everyone must wear).  And if you don't want the kiddos having a key then they don't get one (they just get a wristband to get them in the park, but they'll never know the difference).  You know what else is coded into that fancy wristband of yours? Your credit card (but only if you want to and only those individuals that you want to have it).  So how convenient is that?! You can head to the pool without worry of losing your key or someone snatching your money (do people really do that?!). 

• GWL has this great feature where you can "play all day".  That means once you have checked out of your room at 11am, you are free to stay the rest of the day.  Cool, right?!  Simply pack a small bag with only your necessities then store it in a locker while you catch all your favorite slides one last time.  Showers are available in the spacious water-park restrooms once you're ready to call it a day.

• Here's a special feature for ya...the water-park is open YEAR ROUND! Yep, they're open even during the winter since most of the park is indoors and temperatures can be  regulated so you can splash, squirt, and slide till your heart's content no matter what the weather is like outside.

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So, pack up your most figure-flattering swimsuit (you'll be wearing it A LOT), throw in a bunch of yummy snacks, charge up your waterproof camera, and make sure you've increased the limit on the credit card.  It's time to have a slip-sliding, splish-splashing, lazy river riding good time!  I promise, the kids are gonna remember this one for a long time.