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Started By
Message
How bad is the Great Wolf Lodge (also seeking alternatives)
Posted on 6/20/23 at 5:01 pm
Posted on 6/20/23 at 5:01 pm
We've already done the beach this year. Kids are 6 & 9. They want to go to the Great Wolf Lodge. There aren't many years left to take them to goofy places like this, so I am willing to suck it up and do it for them. I'm not looking forward to it so I'm looking for someone to tell they had a good experience to make me feel better about it 
OR offer me an alternative. We've taken the kids to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. That drive was manageable and the kids had a blast so I'm looking for something along those lines where we can stay in the hotel and enjoy onsite activities including a water park. The only other options I've heard about were the Woodlands Resort and the Marriot Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. The Woodlands doesn't look like it is as kid-friendly as the other options. The Marriot in SA is the furthest drive I'd be willing to make but I'd definitely prefer something closer to BR.
OR offer me an alternative. We've taken the kids to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. That drive was manageable and the kids had a blast so I'm looking for something along those lines where we can stay in the hotel and enjoy onsite activities including a water park. The only other options I've heard about were the Woodlands Resort and the Marriot Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. The Woodlands doesn't look like it is as kid-friendly as the other options. The Marriot in SA is the furthest drive I'd be willing to make but I'd definitely prefer something closer to BR.
10
Posted on 6/20/23 at 5:23 pm to notbilly
Depends on which one you go to, the one near Atlanta I have found is better because the Magiquest game is not near any rooms and you don’t have to worry about kids running and screaming in the halls as much.
Its not exactly a great value, but at those ages you should be able to turn them loose in the water park and chill in a chair.
Its not exactly a great value, but at those ages you should be able to turn them loose in the water park and chill in a chair.
Posted on 6/20/23 at 5:56 pm to Dam Guide
I didn’t even realize they had one over there near Atlanta. It’s only about 10-15 miles further than the grapevine location. Looks nicer and newer too. Thanks
Posted on 6/20/23 at 6:07 pm to notbilly
Magic Springs has a good water park in their amusement park. You might want to check that out in Hot Springs.
Posted on 6/20/23 at 6:39 pm to notbilly
Posted on 6/20/23 at 6:51 pm to notbilly
Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels
This post was edited on 6/20/23 at 10:13 pm
Posted on 6/20/23 at 9:57 pm to notbilly
Just went GWL Grapevine last weekend & I’ve been to the one outside Atlanta.
The one in Grapevine felt much smaller than I remember the one in Atlanta being. It was very crowded and for whatever reason the outside portion closes at 6 so everyone crams inside. Food was terrible outside of the breakfast buffet if that matters to you. My kid is 8 and could’ve spent all day in the waterpark but I got bored quickly. Wouldn’t stay more than 3-4 days with 4 pushing it. If you go this route take the drive out to Plano to the Crayola Factory, it’s a nice change of scenery.
The one in Grapevine felt much smaller than I remember the one in Atlanta being. It was very crowded and for whatever reason the outside portion closes at 6 so everyone crams inside. Food was terrible outside of the breakfast buffet if that matters to you. My kid is 8 and could’ve spent all day in the waterpark but I got bored quickly. Wouldn’t stay more than 3-4 days with 4 pushing it. If you go this route take the drive out to Plano to the Crayola Factory, it’s a nice change of scenery.
Posted on 6/21/23 at 9:16 am to whoa
Second Marriott Hill Country and Schlitterbahn.
Hyatt Residence Club Wild Oak Ranch in SA was super nice and family friendly. Close to Sea World. 45 min drive to Schlitterbahn.
Hyatt Residence Club Wild Oak Ranch in SA was super nice and family friendly. Close to Sea World. 45 min drive to Schlitterbahn.
Posted on 6/21/23 at 11:04 am to notbilly
We did the one in Grapevine a couple years ago. Kids were 6 at the time. Overall, they had a blast, but it was definitely over priced. We stayed 2 nights which was plenty. There's a mall about 5 minutes away that has a cool little Lego Discovery Center that may kids enjoyed. We mostly left to get meals. The food at GW was crap and expensive.
Posted on 6/21/23 at 12:00 pm to notbilly
Another vote for Kalahari; about the same distance as Grapevine. Plus you could do Lake Travis & other Austin stuff.
Or if you want to keep it closer, look into Margaritaville in Biloxi.
Or if you want to keep it closer, look into Margaritaville in Biloxi.
Posted on 6/21/23 at 1:18 pm to eph4v29
we went to the Great Wolf Lodge near Atlanta last year. We enjoyed it. Of course, we went when kids were still in school, so it wasn't super crowded.
Posted on 6/21/23 at 1:44 pm to notbilly
Just spent 2 nights @the LaGrange, Georgia location. This was our second visit in 10 months and really enjoyed both stays.
We booked this stay because our eldest was away and GWL sent us promotion after our first visit.
Our "kids" are 20, 14, & 8 and spent most of their time in the water park and outdoor pool.
The Magiquest game seems like a rip-off. $35+tax for a wand to walk around and point at stuff that lights up. Oh, and don't forget the certificate if you finish the scavenger hunt.
The 9 hole mini-golf is $8+tax and was a good way to waste time. We played late at night and the guy only charged us for two ($17) when it wasn't busy. We played 4 rounds and I think it's still overpriced.
They have "bowling" but it's a short lane & weird. Didn't look worth the $7+tax.
The arcade is worthless redemption games but the climbing wall & ropes course were enjoyed by the younger two.
Food and drinks are ridiculously expensive and prices have gone up since we were there last ($15 for three chicken fingers and fries up from $12 in August). We ate pizza onsite one night for around $45. There's a Longhorns about 10 minutes away where we ate the second night. The on-site restaurant (Barnyard) is Applebee's quality at high-end prices.
Each room has a small fridge and there's a microwave near the ice machine so packing quick bites is doable.
They are pretty strict about no outside food or drink in the water park but they allow personal cups inside the water park. They just don't want people bringing sacks from nearby restaurants. If you drink alcohol, I recommend bringing your own. Just pack a tumbler.
There's a very nice liquor store (Lafayette Beverage) nearby by if you don't want to pack it. Additionally, Wild Leap brewery is a <$10 Lyft ride from GWL.
Overall, it was a fun trip but we were prepared after our first visit.
We booked this stay because our eldest was away and GWL sent us promotion after our first visit.
Our "kids" are 20, 14, & 8 and spent most of their time in the water park and outdoor pool.
The Magiquest game seems like a rip-off. $35+tax for a wand to walk around and point at stuff that lights up. Oh, and don't forget the certificate if you finish the scavenger hunt.
The 9 hole mini-golf is $8+tax and was a good way to waste time. We played late at night and the guy only charged us for two ($17) when it wasn't busy. We played 4 rounds and I think it's still overpriced.
They have "bowling" but it's a short lane & weird. Didn't look worth the $7+tax.
The arcade is worthless redemption games but the climbing wall & ropes course were enjoyed by the younger two.
Food and drinks are ridiculously expensive and prices have gone up since we were there last ($15 for three chicken fingers and fries up from $12 in August). We ate pizza onsite one night for around $45. There's a Longhorns about 10 minutes away where we ate the second night. The on-site restaurant (Barnyard) is Applebee's quality at high-end prices.
Each room has a small fridge and there's a microwave near the ice machine so packing quick bites is doable.
They are pretty strict about no outside food or drink in the water park but they allow personal cups inside the water park. They just don't want people bringing sacks from nearby restaurants. If you drink alcohol, I recommend bringing your own. Just pack a tumbler.
There's a very nice liquor store (Lafayette Beverage) nearby by if you don't want to pack it. Additionally, Wild Leap brewery is a <$10 Lyft ride from GWL.
Overall, it was a fun trip but we were prepared after our first visit.
This post was edited on 6/21/23 at 1:47 pm
Posted on 6/21/23 at 2:38 pm to notbilly
I've been there twice with my kids (Grapevine). First time they were about 4 and 6. Second time they were 10 and 12. The second trip was spur of the moment ... we packed up in BR 2 days after hurricane Ida and went to Great Wolf because I knew we'd be out of power for several days and schools were closed.
In terms of water activities, I would have to say that kids under 10 would probably have more fun because there are more things to do for them, especially if you go when the outdoor stuff is closed. The outdoor slides and pools seem more geared to older kids. Also, the indoor non-water activities seem more geared to younger kids.
Depending on when you go, you could get a great deal. The first time we went was our spring break, and we went in the middle of the week. The second time, after hurricane Ida, was also in the middle of the week. I think both times I paid a base rate of about $120 per
night. Texas/Dallas stacks on a lot of charges on top of that. Still in all, I think that's a good price for any hotel in Dallas metro. Weekends are more expensive. Check out their deals in advance. Also, weekdays would be less crowded. Overall, the place is nice and clean. The food is kind of expensive, but you don't have to eat there. Lots of food places nearby.
Also, right nearby is the Grape Vine mall, which has a nice Lego Discovery Center and a nice aquarium. We went to both each time we went. And of course you're in Dallas metro so there's tons of stuff to do.
In terms of water activities, I would have to say that kids under 10 would probably have more fun because there are more things to do for them, especially if you go when the outdoor stuff is closed. The outdoor slides and pools seem more geared to older kids. Also, the indoor non-water activities seem more geared to younger kids.
Depending on when you go, you could get a great deal. The first time we went was our spring break, and we went in the middle of the week. The second time, after hurricane Ida, was also in the middle of the week. I think both times I paid a base rate of about $120 per
night. Texas/Dallas stacks on a lot of charges on top of that. Still in all, I think that's a good price for any hotel in Dallas metro. Weekends are more expensive. Check out their deals in advance. Also, weekdays would be less crowded. Overall, the place is nice and clean. The food is kind of expensive, but you don't have to eat there. Lots of food places nearby.
Also, right nearby is the Grape Vine mall, which has a nice Lego Discovery Center and a nice aquarium. We went to both each time we went. And of course you're in Dallas metro so there's tons of stuff to do.
This post was edited on 6/21/23 at 2:39 pm
Posted on 6/22/23 at 9:15 pm to notbilly
I know you’re talking Texas, but we loved Sound Waves at Opryland in Nashville.
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