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Planning a family getaway to Great Wolf Lodge? We’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to make your trip unforgettable!
Are you planning a family getaway to Great Wolf Lodge? You’re in the right place!
As a seasoned semi-budget traveler with years of experience planning fun-filled trips, I’ve gathered some essential Great Wolf Lodge tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay.
From packing lightly to finding the best dining options, my practical advice aims to make your adventure both enjoyable and stress-free.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, these insights will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
So, let’s dive into the details and start planning your perfect escape!
SBT Highlights
- Arrive early to maximize water park access.
- Consider a Paw Pass for added activities and savings (or not!).
- Plan your visit to avoid crowds and enhance the experience.
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- Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks
- Planning Your Visit
- Making the Most of the Water Park
- Enhancing the Experience with Extra Activities
- Smart Tips for a Stress-Free Stay
- Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks on a Rainy Day: Our Experience
- Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks with Extended Family at Christmas: Our Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions
- SBT Summary: Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks
Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks
Planning your first trip to Great Wolf Lodge can be exciting yet overwhelming.
Maximize your family’s fun by arriving early for check-in to gain access to the water park.
This tip allows you to start enjoying the amenities before settling into your room.
The water park is the heart of the lodge experience, offering endless fun for the entire family.
In addition to the water attractions, knowing the best times to visit can help you avoid crowds and make your stay more enjoyable.
Packing smartly and considering purchasing a Paw Pass (or not) can save money and enhance your experience.
Beyond the water park, don’t miss out on the extra FREE activities like storytelling, crafts, and themed events that make Great Wolf Lodge a true family adventure.
A bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable vacation for you and your loved ones.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your Great Wolf Lodge trip, you need to figure out the best room type, find the best deals, pick the right timing for your visit, prepare a checklist before arriving, and understand the check-in process.
Choosing the Right Room Type
Picking the right room can make or break your trip. Great Wolf Lodge offers different room options to fit any family’s needs.
From standard suites to themed ones like Wolf Den and KidCabin, there’s something for everyone.
- Standard Suites provide comfort with a king or queen-sized beds.
- Themed Suites, like the Wolf Den or Kid Cabin, have kid-friendly decor and bunk beds.
- Premium Suites offer multiple connected rooms, with space for up to 8 guests.
Assess your family’s needs. Is space a priority? Do your kids love themed rooms? Choose based on what makes everyone happy.
Just know that the themed and premium suites will usually cost a lot more than a standard room.
Navigating Great Wolf Lodge Deals
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Great Wolf Lodge frequently offers discounts and packages.
Look for seasonal promotions, especially during off-peak times.
Subscribe to their newsletter to catch deals first. Check third-party sites, like AAA, for exclusive offers too.
Consider booking during shoulder seasons for lower rates.
Stay vigilant and flexible with dates for the best savings.
Timing of Your Visit
Timing can affect your trip experience. Think about the time of year, your daily schedule, and school vacations.
Visiting during off-peak seasons often means fewer crowds and sometimes better room rates.
Avoid major holidays if you want a quieter experience. Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends.
Check for special events at Great Wolf Lodge locations. Some new locations might have grand opening discounts.
Fit your trip into a time where everyone can relax and enjoy without the hassle.
Pre-arrival Checklist
Preparation is key! Make a checklist to ensure you bring everything needed.
- Swim Gear: Don’t forget swimsuits and goggles.
- Comfort Items: From favorite blankets to stuffed animals.
- Tech Needs: Chargers for all devices.
- Extras: Reusable water bottles, snacks, and waterproof phone pouches.
You should also confirm your booking details and check for any emails or messages from the lodge.
Check-In
Check-in is straightforward but having a plan helps.
Great Wolf Lodge allows access to the water park on check-in day, so pack a separate bag with swimwear to maximize your time.
Look for special events and activities scheduled for the day. Understanding check-in times and activities helps you hit the ground running.
Making the Most of the Water Park
Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark offers endless fun for all ages, but you need to be prepared to make the most out of your stay.
By bringing the right gear, choosing activities suited for everyone, and ensuring safety, your family will have a splashing good time.
Essential Gear for a Splashing Good Time
Pack the basics: swimsuits, goggles, and flip flops.
Life jackets are available, but it’s often easier to bring your own for the little ones.
Don’t forget waterproof phone pouches to capture all the memories without risking your device.
Consider purchasing a Paw Pass or Wolf Pass. These include access to various attractions and can save you money.
NOTE: We’ve never done any of the additional activities, and our kids were more than fine with our time at Great Wolf Lodge!
A waterproof bag is also a must for storing dry clothes, sunscreen, and snack items.
Water slides, the wave pool, and the lazy river are loads of fun, so it’s helpful to have quick snacks handy to keep everyone’s energy up.
Finding Fun for All Ages
Great Wolf Lodge is designed for families, and there’s something for everyone.
Older kids and daredevils will love the thrilling water slides. Watch them race down the tube slides and scream through the funnel slides.
For the little kids, the Cub Paw Pool and kid-friendly splash zones are perfect. These areas have smaller slides and shallow water, making them easier for toddlers to enjoy.
The wave pool and lazy river are hits with all ages.
Whether you’re chasing waves or floating along, these attractions provide fun for the entire family.
Staying Safe and Comfortable
Safety is key to a fun experience. Lifeguards are on duty, but always keep an eye on your kids in and around the water.
Life jackets are available for use.
Make sure everyone stays hydrated and takes breaks.
The pool area can get very warm, so pack plenty of water.
Keep sunscreen on hand to protect against UV rays from windows or outdoor areas.
Don’t forget to have a plan for meeting points in case anyone gets separated.
Enhancing the Experience with Extra Activities
You’ll find plenty to do at Great Wolf Lodge beyond the waterpark, if you want to spend more money, that is.
Additional activities, such as magical adventures with the MagiQuest game, and exclusive experiences only available at the resort.
Magical Adventures with MagiQuest
MagiQuest is an interactive game where you become a hero on an epic quest.
You get a magic wand that interacts with objects throughout the lodge, helping you solve puzzles and defeat villains.
Each quest takes around 15 to 30 minutes, but you can pause and come back any time.
You can also save your game progress and resume it on your next visit, making it a long-term adventure (and by purchasing additional game time).
Great Wolf Lodge Exclusives
Great Wolf Lodge offers other unique experiences.
The Northern Lights Arcade has games for all ages, from classic pinball to the latest video games. You can also find bowling, mini golf, and Build-a-Bear.
Character visits are a highlight, with characters like Wiley the Wolf making appearances for photos (FREE).
Bedtime stories in the lobby provide a cozy end to your day, while morning yoga sessions offer a calm start (both FREE).
These exclusives make your stay magical and memorable, creating lasting family memories.
Smart Tips for a Stress-Free Stay
Planning and preparation can turn a trip to Great Wolf Lodge into a smooth and fun experience for the whole family. Here’s what you need to know for a hassle-free visit.
Pack Like a Pro
Pack a swim bag with essentials like swimsuits, goggles, and flip-flops.
Consider bringing snacks and breakfast items for quick in-room meals.
Don’t forget sunscreen for outdoor activities and a cover-up (read: fuzzy bathrobe) for when you head back to your hotel room.
Navigating the Lodge with Ease
Make the front desk your first stop.
Grab a map and download the Great Wolf Lodge App.
This app helps you find your way around, check event schedules, and even order food.
Establish a home base at the water park for quick meetups.
The locker rooms provide a secure spot for valuables if your room is far from the action.
Food
On-site dining can be pricey.
To save money, bring your own food or opt for nearby restaurants instead of dining onsite.
If you really want to stay put, consider purchasing meal plans before your stay for additional savings.
Making Every Penny Count
Look for discounts and special deals before booking.
The cost for one night often includes two days of water park access, making it a good deal.
Participate in FREE activities like story time and crafts.
Check-Out
Check-out is usually around 11:00 a.m., but you can still use the water park until the closing time on your departure day.
Consider packing your car before heading to your last activities.
Utilize the locker rooms for one last dip in the pool.
Ask the front desk about late check-out options if you want more time to relax.
NOTE: Some locations now have suite-only options, which don’t include waterpark passes. However, some rate options do still package room + waterpark passes.
Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks on a Rainy Day: Our Experience
Have you ever planned a visit to a water park on a rainy day in January?
Well, with Great Wolf Lodge, you can!
We decided to “give” our kids their Christmas present…a visit to Great Wolf Lodge…in the middle of a rain storm.
So, even though it was 56°F outside and raining, we were wearing swimsuits in the 84°F water park.
And, because we homeschool, we had the flexibility to take advantage of mid-week rates and reduced crowds (supposedly only 30% of capacity when we were there!).
Check-In: Our Experience
Check-in is officially at 4:00 p.m., but we were able to check-in around 1:30 p.m. Woot!
We were issued wristbands that we all needed to wear for water park access.
In addition, the parent wrist bands functioned as room keys and were room charge capable. Those features were really handy!
We were allowed to begin using the water park immediately!
And even though we needed to check-out by 11:00 a.m. on our departure day, guests are able to use the water park until it closes (check daily schedule to verify closing time).
This may seem problematic. However, the water park area has lockers, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and even swimsuit spinners (to get the extra water out).
Food & Fun!
We spent the afternoon in the water park, including snacking at Buckets Incredible Craveables, which is right inside the water park area.
We munched on nachos and the softest soft pretzel with the best dark ale mustard.
After several hours of water fun, we headed up to our room, changed into our clothes, and went to dinner at Lodge Wood Fired Grill (on property).
After our hearty snacks earlier, our kids shared a single kids meal for dinner, and my husband and I shared the “Backyard BBQ Platter,” which was more than enough food for both of us.
It was a fairly good value for the amount of food that was served.
Tired and full, back to our room we went for showers and an early bed time.
Our Room & Dunkin’
At Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, CA (Anaheim area), we stayed in a Standard Family Suite, which had two queen beds, a sofa sleeper, table with two chairs, and the all-important mini-fridge.
We brought our own yogurt to eat for breakfast, though we supplemented it by visiting the on-site Dunkin’ Donuts!
Besides offering donuts and breakfast sandwiches, mom and dad were able to get our morning coffee.
We took our Dunkin’ purchases back to our room, as there is no formal seating area at DD.
Day 2 & Check-Out
The water park opened again at 10:00 a.m.
Dad and the kids went back into the water park, while I checked out of our room by 11:00 a.m.
I wasn’t planning to get back in the water. We were going to stay until lunch time, leave the property, eat lunch somewhere in the surrounding area, and drive home.
What actually happened was that we decided to stay until dinner time, and I did end up getting back in the water!
We found a great Mongolian BBQ place not too far away, then a great dessert place, and finally made our way home.
It was a great, water & fun-filled 33 hours or so…our rainy day at Great Wolf Lodge.
One of the other amazing aspects for me personally was that, since the water park is indoors, I didn’t have to totally cover up in all my swim gear!
Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks with Extended Family at Christmas: Our Experience
My sister and I decided to take our families to the Great Wolf Lodge (Anaheim/Garden Grove area) for an overnight of themed water park fun as a combined family/cousins Christmas present.
Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks: Check-In
When we arrived at Great Wolf Lodge on a Sunday afternoon in mid-December, we were in for a fun surprise.
The property was decorated for the holidays, and while we were in line to check-in, it even started “snowing” in the lobby!
Speaking of checking-in, try to take advantage of online check-in and, thus, shorter wait times when you arrive. Make sure you do the online check-in, however, within their specified window of time.
Online check-in worked for my sister, but I missed the timing, and we had to stand in the regular check-in line. Thankfully, there wasn’t a long wait, and there was snow!
At check-in, everyone in your party will receive a wristband (and “wolf ears”…more on this below).
This is your “ticket” into the water park.
The adult wristbands, in addition, are your room key and can be used to charge things to your room during your stay. Very handy!
Timing of Your Visit
Our visit was from a Sunday afternoon to Monday evening in mid-December.
There was a marked difference in the amount of people there from our mid-week, rainy day visit to this one.
Although there were a lot more people there this time, wait times for various water slides were minimal.
As you can imagine, there is also a price difference between those peak and off-peak times as well.
Christmas at Great Wolf Lodge
It was fun to experience Christmas at Great Wolf Lodge, so we’re glad that the timing worked out for both of our families.
I mean…snow flurries in SoCal while you’re at the front desk…and a snow dance party where the first song was *NSync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.” Yeah…it was fun!
Have Fun with It!
Before we even made it into the water park, we noticed that people take Christmas at Great Wolf Lodge seriously!
We saw countless family groups roaming the halls and other public areas wearing matching Christmas PJs and slippers. I guess it’s a thing?
We’ll have to think about that for our next Christmas-time visit.
At check-in, everyone in your party has the option to receive complimentary “wolf ears.” Get them and wear them…yes, adults too! It’s part of the fun at Great Wolf Lodge!
Most of the fun for us was being together with family. The cousins had a great time hanging out together!
Communication
I had Black Friday gifted myself with an Apple Watch. It turns out that this was very helpful for our Christmas at Great Wolf Lodge experience.
My sister and her husband also have Apple Watches. These little high-tech, water-resistant devices allowed us to keep in contact with each other throughout our time at Great Wolf Lodge.
It seems that, as long as our iPhones were connected to the WiFi at Great Wolf Lodge, our Apple Watches were able to communicate with each other all around the property, which was very handy.
Using the Messages app on the Apple Watch, we could send texts and voice messages to each other, all while enjoying our time in the water park.
Where’s so-and-so? Messages.
When should we eat lunch? Messages.
You get the idea!
Plus, walking around the Great Wolf Lodge water park all day can help you close your activity rings!
Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks: Food
This is one area where we chose to be budget-conscious, rather than splurging…it is semi-budget travel, after all!
We would be on-property for three meals…dinner, breakfast, and lunch.
There are several restaurants on-site at Great Wolf Lodge. For dinner, however, we chose to pack sandwiches and eat together in one of our hotel rooms.
It’s much cheaper and much quieter, especially after being in the water park for a few hours (it’s loud in there).
The kids were excited that Great Wolf Lodge (Anaheim/Garden Grove) has a Dunkin’ Donuts on-property. So, for breakfast, we had Dunkin’ Donuts, supplemented with yogurt that we brought with us.
For lunch, we ate at Buckets Incredible Craveables, which is right inside the water park and a little more affordable than the sit-down restaurants.
There’s no need to go anywhere else, dry off, etc. Use your wristband to pay, grab a table, and enjoy!
Comfort & What to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge (Beyond the Obvious)
Comfort, you say? Yep, I do say.
Bathrobe
Why pack a bathrobe? This isn’t a spa day. Whelp, here’s why.
Once you exit the 84-degree water park, the rest of the property is not heated/cooled to 84 degrees.
You will also (most likely) be wearing a fairly wet swimsuit. It will be a chilly walk back to your hotel room.
Hence the recommendation to bring your favorite warm fuzzy bathrobe and/or your own large beach towels.
There are an abundance of water park towels provided by Great Wolf Lodge, but they are really small in size, and they are supposed to remain in the water park area.
Large Waterproof Bag & Clothesline
Also on your packing list should be a large plastic garbage bag or other large waterproof bag.
Once you’re back in your hotel room to change, put your wet swimsuits into the plastic bag, head back down to the locker room in the water park, and use the swimsuit water extractor.
It spins a bunch of water out of your swimsuit.
You’ll thank yourself for taking a few minutes to do this, especially the next day when it’s time to put your swimsuit on again.
Back in the room, use your clothesline to hang them up in the bathroom.
Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks: Check-Out
One of the great features of Great Wolf Lodge is that you can stay at the water park until closing time on the day you check-out.
The one problem is that you do, in fact, have to check-out earlier in the day.
Here’s how we made it work.
After our Dunkin’ Donuts brekkie, the Dads and kids helped pack up, got their swimsuits on, and headed to the water park.
My sister and I, in our respective hotel rooms, got our swimsuits on, gathered everyone’s clothes for changing into later (and that handy plastic garbage bag), finished packing things up, and checked-out of the hotel.
We took our large suitcases to our cars, which were parked in the hotel’s parking garage (make sure to AirTag your bags!).
In order to save a few more $$, we decided to share a locker inside the water park.
There, we stored the car keys, dry clothes, shoes, and plastic bag (for the wet swimsuits).
We proceeded to have water park fun with our families for the next several hours, including having lunch right inside the water park.
We called it a day before dinner time, got our stuff from the locker, changed in the locker rooms, put the wet swimsuits in the plastic garbage bags, and headed to dinner together off-property.
And our cousin adventure was complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to Great Wolf Lodge? Here are some insider hacks, tips for families with toddlers, clever ways to cut costs, and tricks for navigating peak times.
What are some insider hacks for making the most out of a Great Wolf Lodge stay?
Check-in early to gain water park access, even if your room isn’t ready yet.
Don’t forget to download the Great Wolf Lodge app for schedules and special offers.
A Sharpie can be a lifesaver for labeling items like wands and arcade cards.
How can families with toddlers optimize their experience at Great Wolf Lodge?
Book a suite with a separate sleeping area for toddlers to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.
The water park has areas designed just for little ones, providing fun for everyone.
Pack snacks and milk to keep the kiddos happy and hydrated during your stay.
In what clever ways can guests cut costs during their Great Wolf Lodge getaway?
Bring your own food and drinks to save money on resort dining.
Consider packing items like bagels and cream cheese, chips and dip, and extra coffee.
Visit local grocery stores for your shopping needs.
What are the must-know tips and tricks for navigating peak times at Great Wolf Lodge?
Arrive at attractions like the water park early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
Use the Great Wolf Lodge app to plan your activities.
If possible, book your trip during off-peak times for a less crowded experience.
SBT Summary: Great Wolf Lodge Tips and Tricks
Arrive Early
Get there early! Guests have access to the water park on check-in day.
Make the most of your stay by enjoying the park before you even get your room key.
Maximize Your Stay
Honestly, one night is usually plenty.
Unless you plan to try every activity, a single night lets you enjoy most of what Great Wolf Lodge has to offer.
You’ll have access to the water park on both the check-in and check-out days.
Perfect for All Ages
From toddlers to grandparents, there’s something for everyone at Great Wolf Lodge.
Whether it’s thrilling water slides or a lazy river float, all ages can have fun.
Pack Lightly
There’s no reason to be fancy at Great Wolf Lodge.
You don’t need to bring much to the water park; towels and life jackets are provided.
Focus on essentials like swimsuits, goggles, and flip-flops.
Dining Options
There are many dining choices within the resort.
Whether you crave a sit-down meal or a quick snack, you’ll find something that suits your taste.
The most budget-friendly option would be to bring your own food.
Special Offers
Check for special deals before booking.
Great Wolf Lodge often has promotions, and booking in advance might save you a chunk of change.
Enjoy All Year
Great Wolf Lodge is a great destination regardless of the weather.
Rain or shine, you can enjoy all the indoor attractions and have a blast.
Location Variety
With numerous locations across North America, there’s likely a Great Wolf Lodge near you!
P.S. Some locations now offer day passes, if you’ve already got lodging somewhere else!
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Your idea of experience is a better gift than than material is a great idea. Children (and adults too) would enjoy and build better relationships when doing so. Amazing pictures! I could see that people of different ages will really enjoy this water park.