Family vacations can sometimes feel like they are going to break the bank, especially when you’re looking at the ever popular Great Wolf Lodge, but with a few money saving tips, you can make it an affordable stay with many lifelong memories!
 |  |  |
Great Wolf Lodge has locations all over the United States, so take a look at their website to find the one closest to you. These hotels feature an indoor water park for a fun vacation any time of the year, but here are some tips for making the most of your trip:
- Sign-up for the e-newsletter at the location you’re wanting to visit (www.greatwolflodge.com). You’ll start receiving e-mails with time frames of special discounts. Obviously, the summer season will be at a higher rate than going in the winter. Also be sure to check Groupon, as they sometimes have great deals there as well.
- Book a standard room. GWL has some amazingly adorable rooms that include a separate kid space with bunk beds that are so tempting to get, but if you’re trying to be thrifty, just get the standard (which still have the rustic woods feel). We didn’t spend very much time in our room other than sleeping, and with all the fun activities, my kids were asleep in minutes after hitting the pillow. (Also ask for a room close to the main foyer, this hotel is so big that there is a lot of walking to be done if you get put in the back.)
- Make the most of your time: We booked 2 nights, which was the perfect amount of time if you make the most of it. GWL allows you to arrive early (at 1 pm) on the day you check in and until closing on the day you check out! Even if you’re hotel room isn’t ready, have those swimsuits tucked away in an easy to reach place and hit the pool (they store your bags and deliver them to your room). A staff member will text your phone to let you know when your room is ready and your luggage has been delivered. On the day you check out, you can store your bags at the front desk at the 11am checkout time and play until CLOSING!
- Bring your own food: There are amazing food options inside the hotel, but eating many meals at their restaurants could make for a big bill. We hit the local grocery store and stocked up on sandwich supplies and a box of cereal (and maybe a bottle of wine for after bedtime). We saw other families carting in their own coolers full of food, so make the most of it and pack the snacks too! Each room has a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker for your convenience.
- Take advantage of their Paw Pass/Wolf Pass/ Pup Pass offer: These passes give you a discount on the activities listed on the back of the pass. For those 6 and up, I would recommend the Paw Pass, and the Pup Pass for those 5 and under. We got the Wolf Pass, but the extras between the Paw Pass and Wolf Pass didn’t seem worth the extra $20. If it’s your first time at a GWL, these passes not only get you a discount but help you to navigate all the activities offered since they are listed right on the back! Magi Quest is a MUST DO, so get your wands that first night after the pool and get questing! Not wanting to spend the extra money on the passes? Ask if a friend has a Magi Quest wand you can borrow for the trip!
- Are you a member of the Military or medical/fire/police officer? Check out the Howling Heroes discount just for you! https://www.greatwolf.com/grapevine/deals/howling-heroes
- Participate in the FREE activities: at check-in, you will receive a list of times and activities that go on throughout the day at various locations in the hotel. These activities range from character meet and greets, to science experiments & crafts, to dance parties... so go through the list and pick some to enjoy!
- Avoid locker rentals: Leave your valuables in your room or get a waterproof case for your phone to carry it with you. Lockers will run you a minimum of $10 and they aren’t necessary. Your GWL wristbands are also your room key and you can use it for charging items (like food or souvenirs) to your room if needed, so your phone would really be the only valuable item you may want to bring along.
- Don’t forget your free wolf ears: At check-in, be sure to ask for your free wolf ears for the kids! Celebrating a birthday? Ask for the special birthday ears!
Your Great Wolf Lodge trip can be affordable without sparing any family fun! Be sure to check out the website for specific details and unique aspects of that hotel. Our family highly recommends it for family fun!
