50 Best Reasons to Stay at Great Wolf Lodge Complete Guide

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Is Great Wolf Lodge worth the money? Are the indoor water parks clean and safe for kids? Find out how to get the most value out of a Great Wolf Lodge vacation in this complete guide for families.

I received a 2-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove and monetary compensation in exchange for this article. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

How to Maximize a Stay at Great Wolf Lodge

Everything you need for a family-friendly getaway is under one roof at Great Wolf Lodge! Unlimited hours at Bear Track Landing, the indoor waterpark. Included activities, like morning yoga, crafts, and dance parties. Additional attractions, including bowling, arcade, and a magical scavenger hunt. There's also a variety of dining options, so you never have to leave the resort.

This Great Wolf Lodge complete guide features the Garden Grove/Anaheim location, near the Disneyland theme parks in Southern California. I am sharing my review after multiple stays at the SoCal Great Wolf Lodge.

Get the Most Out of a Great Wolf Lodge Vacation

1. Pay for one overnight and receive 2 days of waterpark fun!

Arrive early and stay late to maximize your Great Wolf Lodge trip. Guests can visit the water park on both check-in and check-out day. A one-night stay offers two unlimited waterpark days.

2. Pack a separate swim bag

It's highly recommended to pack a day bag separate from your luggage, including swimwear, cover-ups, and flip-flops. Change into swim attire in the restroom changing area, then enjoy the waterpark until your hotel room is ready! There are rental lockers to store your change of clothes.

3. Go hands-free at Great Wolf Lodge

Each guest will receive a waterproof wristband at check-in that they'll wear throughout the entire trip. This RFID band also unlocks the hotel room. Make sure you adjust it exactly how you want it, as you won't be able to remove the wristband once it's clasped in place!

4. Cashless payments

For cashless payment options, each wristband can be assigned a credit card for hands-free payments throughout the resort. This is super convenient, as guests don't have to bring a wallet or charge card into the waterpark. Consider adding this feature to the wristband of responsible older kids so they can make their own snack purchases.

Is Great Wolf Lodge Worth the Price?

Absolutely! My family has found Great Wolf Lodge to be a great value. When compared to the price of accommodations and other activities in the SoCal area, Great Wolf Lodge is very reasonable.

5. How much does it cost to take a family to Great Wolf Lodge?

Pricing varies upon the season and room type. Weekdays are cheaper than weekend dates.

Remember that waterpark passes are included in the cost of an overnight stay! When compared to the daily cost of other water parks, plus hotel accommodations, this is a significant value.

6. Looking for Great Wolf Lodge discounts? Check the deals tab, with savings for military members, AAA, seniors, as well as seasonal discounts.

7. BONUS SAVINGS - Sign up for Rakuten before booking a Great Wolf Lodge overnight. You'll receive a cash back percentage on your vacation!

8. Who is best suited for a Great Wolf Lodge stay?

Great Wolf Lodge is designed for children and is best for families – big or small. Pay one price for the standard hotel room (up to 6 guests), and each person receives access to the waterpark and other activities.

I wouldn't recommend Great Wolf Lodge as an adults-only getaway. Activities are very child-focused. If you're looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation, this isn't it! Expect to see (and hear) kids in all areas of the resort.

How Can You Save Money on a Great Wolf Lodge Visit?

9. Packaged deals at a reduced cost

Family vacations can be costly, especially when individually adding on hotel accommodations, activities, dining, and travel. The benefit to staying at Great Wolf Lodge is that everything is on-site, bundled for convenience at a discounted cost.

There are ways to save and I'm sharing how. We've found that Great Wolf Lodge is worth the money, especially when you take advantage of all that the resort has to offer!

10. What is the best time of year to visit Great Wolf Lodge?

Great Wolf Lodge is fun all-year 'round! The water is kept around 84 degrees, making it warm and comfortable inside the waterpark, despite the weather outside.

If you're looking for off-peak value pricing, the cheapest time to go to Great Wolf Lodge is mid-week. Avoid the holiday seasons, during 3-day weekends, and school breaks.

11. Take advantage of included Great Wolf Lodge activities

Each Great Wolf Lodge offers complimentary entertainment for guests, including Yoga Tails, crafts, Bingo games, and evening dance parties.

View the entertainment schedule posted in the hotel lobby or via the Great Wolf Lodge app. The app has a convenient reminder feature that will send an alert about upcoming activities.

12. Join the Voyagers Club

The Voyagers Club is a free membership program, with rewards for multiple Great Wolf Lodge stays. Members receive exclusive offers and savings with the ability to earn points with purchases.

READ MORE tips for taking a Family Vacation on a Budget.

What Ways Can You Budget at Great Wolf Lodge?

13. Stay in a standard room

Suite rooms in the hotel fall under multiple categories. The standard room is basic, with the lowest cost during off-peak seasons. Check the Great Wolf Lodge website for discounted room rates during special promotions.

14. Determine a vacation budget ahead of time

Plan your vacation ahead of time by determining the additional costs of dining and activities above and beyond the hotel stay. This way you won't be caught off guard by any additional costs.

15. Pick your favorite add-on activities

If doing all the activities is cost prohibitive for your family, consider choosing a few of your top choices. Focus on the complimentary activities, and of course, the water park features.

For instance, my kids wanted to participate in MagiQuest and to get ice cream at Bear Paw. We decided to hold off on bowling and golfing, saving those activities for our next visit.

16. Bundle activities for the best value

Bundled packages offer a discount versus purchasing individually. There's no need to pick and choose activities if you bundle - your family will be able to do everything at a discounted rate! You'll save the most by pre-buying ahead of your trip on the website or Great Wolf Lodge app.

17. Try a Great Wolf Lodge Day Pass

If you're staying elsewhere, you can still enjoy the waterpark with a day pass. Choose either a full day or half day pass for waterpark access to experience the fun without the hotel stay! There are changing rooms and showers within the waterpark bathrooms.

Is Great Wolf Lodge an All-Inclusive?

No, the Great Wolf Lodge is not an all-inclusive resort. However, there are money-saving packages that can be added to the hotel stay that offer an all-inclusive feel!

18. Bundle and save with Great Wolf Lodge activity packages

The Wolf Pass, Paw Pass, and Pup Pass bundle attractions like MagiQuest, bowling, arcade, and Build-a-Bear Workshop for an overall discount.

Each person that participates will need a separate package. You'll receive a lanyard with a laminated card that features all of the included activities. The cost is between around $50-80 per person. When you break down the individual costs of each activity (and plan to do all the activities) the bundled Wolf Pass is really a very good value.

19. Great Wolf Lodge dining discount

Families can also pre-purchase a dining deal that adds meal credits to their account. The credits offer a discount and can be used at any dining location at the Great Wolf Lodge.

What is included in a Great Wolf Lodge stay?

A standard Great Wolf Lodge vacation includes overnight hotel accommodations and unlimited access to the indoor water park. Each overnight guest also receives a pair of wolf ears to add to the fun!

There are also complimentary resort activities, including morning Yoga Tails, evening family dance party, character meet 'n greets, arts & crafts, Bingo, and animatronic Forest Friends show.

20. Which Great Wolf Lodge activities cost extra?

Guests can bundle additional activities with the pre-purchase of one of the discount passes. Families can also purchase entertainment options a la carte. These are the activities that carry an additional cost:

• MagiQuest
• Ten Paw Alley
• Howl at the Moon Glow Golf
• Northern Lights Arcade
• Build-a-Bear Workshop

• Restaurant dining
• Birthday parties
• Cabanas

What is the Best Age for Indoor Water Parks like Great Wolf Lodge?

21. Is Great Wolf Lodge good for all ages?

Great Wolf Lodge is appealing to all ages. I've found that kids aged 4-12 will find the activities most engaging. My 9-year old daughter enjoyed everything at Great Wolf Lodge, including the morning yoga and nighttime dance party. My almost 14-year son liked the waterpark and arcade the most.

Use the attraction filter on the Great Wolf Lodge website to view the best activities for each age category, from toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.

Which Great Wolf Lodge Room is the Best for Your Family?

There are a variety of suite rooms within three categories, including Standard, Themed, and Premium. The standard room is fairly basic. The themed and premium rooms offer the benefit of additional space, including a coveted kids sleeping area with bunk beds.

22. What do Great Wolf Lodge rooms have?

Each room has a mini fridge, coffee maker, and hair dryer, along with soap, shampoo, and lotion. There's a microwave available on each floor, along with vending machines and an ice machine.

23. Are there Great Wolf Lodge rooms for large families?

Looking for accommodations for up to 8 guests? The premium rooms, including the Deluxe Wolf Den, have separate sleeping areas, multiple bathrooms, and themed bunk beds for families that require extra space.

On our most recent visit, we had 6 people (3 adults, one teenager, one school-aged child, and a toddler) in a standard room. It was a snug fit, but it worked for a single night.

Keep in mind that the sofa bed is not great (squeaky and uncomfortable, as per my teenager). Only use that in a pinch. There are pack and play cribs available for babies and toddlers upon request.

24. What I liked about Great Wolf Lodge rooms (and what they lacked)

Extra room if you need it. The premium rooms offer guests more space to spread out, including private bedrooms, and themed kids spaces with bunk beds and separate televisions.

Places to sit and relax. The sofa, coffee table, and dining table with two chairs were beneficial when we ate meals in the room. I appreciated the large countertop for snacks and toiletries.

No modern charging ports. The room that I stayed in did not have any USB charging ports for electronics. Definitely bring your own charging cord with a plug for standard outlets.

No place for wet bathing suits. After a day of swimming, I was surprised to find that there's no place to hang wet swimwear. The shower bar curves outward, so all drips end up on the bathroom floor if the suits are draped there.

I ended up rolling the suits in bath towels to remove excess moisture, then hung on the hangers. I laid extra towels underneath in case of dripping. I'd love to see a retractable clothesline in the shower for this need. Consider bringing your own collapsible drying rack to alleviate this issue.

Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Safety

Each Great Wolf Lodge has high standards when it comes to safety within their resort. Height and age restrictions are noted at each attraction.

25. Are there lifeguards on duty at Great Wolf Lodge?

Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at Great Wolf Lodge, stationed at each section of the waterpark. They were very diligently checking the water and making sure that I felt very comfortable

26. What safety measures does Great Wolf Lodge have for the water park?

When arriving at the waterpark for the first time, employees will direct you to the signage regarding the height requirements. Each water park feature corresponds with a color coding, so that parents know what attractions their children can ride.

Make sure kids are aware of water park rules

One note about waterpark safety is to inform your children ahead of time to listen for the lifeguard whistle. There were several times I watched other kids roughhousing in the pool, oblivious to the lifeguard's whistle blows for attention.

The lifeguards did a great job of making sure children were safe around the water, even stopping kids to explain why they were blowing the whistle.

27. Life vests in all sizes

There are racks of life jackets in various areas of the water park. They come in a variety of sizes for toddlers to adults.

Dress in bright swimwear

Make it easier to spot your child in a crowd or in the water by choosing brightly colored and unique swim attire. My favorite swim wear comes from Primary, which has bold colors and patterns that stand out.

Best Great Wolf Lodge Activities for School Age Kids

The Great Wolf Lodge atmosphere is tailor-made for elementary aged children, with morning to nighttime activities. That is, if you can drag them out of the water park!

28. Top water park attractions for kids

Fort Mackenzie is a playground structure with sprayers, water slides, and the popular bucket that dumps a wild amount of water onto excited guests below!

Crooked Creek is the lazy river, with the added enjoyment of small waterfalls and sprays. Coyote Cannon was my kid's favorite water slide. Guests can ride solo or with a partner, in a thrilling funnel ride.

Complimentary entertainment at Great Wolf Lodge

In addition to the waterpark, there are free lobby activities for families staying at the hotel. Be sure to refer to the Great Wolf Lodge app in regard to exact times and locations.

Yoga Tails is a family-friendly morning workout that my daughter loved during our spring break vacation. We also enjoyed the evening Dance Party, which offered up modern music and fun dance routines.

There are additional day time activities for those taking a break from the waterpark, including Arts & Crafts, BINGO, and an animatronic Epic Story Time. We also spotted characters during a Meet 'n Greet in the lobby.

Pay-to-Play Fun for Families at Great Wolf Lodge

While these are great diversions, they aren't necessary to the vacation, unless you have the extra time and money. If you do choose to participate, most definitely purchase the bundled deal (ie: Wolf Pass) for a discounted rate.

29-34. MagiQuest is an interactive adventure game that takes children around the resort. Each lodge has a varying adventure (the SoCal location offers the Guardians of the Realm portals game).

My daughter brought her wand from the last visit and was able to continue the game with the purchase of additional time. Simply wave the wand at each station to unlock music, sounds, and digital screen animation.

We haven't had the chance to play at either Ten Paw Alley or Howl at the Moon Glow Golf. These locations with bowling and mini-golf are definitely geared towards younger kids.

If your kid enjoys winning lots of game tickets, the Northern Lights Arcade pays off in a big way. There's a shop to cash in the winnings. We didn't spend too much time here, as it's extremely high sensory and overwhelming, with loud noises and flashing lights.

Build-a-Bear Workshop offers the classic plush experience, with the addition of Great Wolf Lodge characters and outfits.

Maximizing Time with Kids at Great Wolf Lodge

We found ourselves losing track of time while playing at the waterpark. If your kids want to participate in the additional resort activities, you'll want to allot time in your vacation.

35. Consider arriving at the waterpark at opening. There will be a queue of families outside of the Bear Essentials shop in the morning, waiting for the water park to open. Make a plan for how long you'll be in the waterpark (2 hours was about how long we played at a time).

Make a break to return to the hotel room mid-day. Change clothes, eat a meal, and enjoy some of the other resort activities like arts and crafts or BINGO.

Top Tips for Toddlers at Great Wolf Lodge

Even toddlers and young children can have a wonderful vacation at Great Wolf Lodge! Within the waterpark, The Cub Paw Pool features a zero-depth entry, fountains, play structures, and small slides. Lobby activities include a dance party and character greetings.

36. Is Great Wolf Lodge worth it for toddlers and preschoolers?

Having all the activities under one roof at Great Wolf Lodge is a benefit when traveling with toddlers. There's no need to get in the car to drive from place to place or to return to the hotel midday for a nap.

We brought my 22-month old granddaughter with us on our most recent Great Wolf Lodge visit. She happily played in the wave pool and kiddie pool at the water park in the early afternoon. Then, when it was time for her nap, within minutes we were able to take the elevator up to our room for rest time.

37. Is Great Wolf Lodge safe for toddlers?

I found Great Wolf Lodge to be a safe place for young children. The Cub Paw Pool is for small kids, with shallow water and bubbling fountains. This area is fenced in, with a magnetic locking mechanism at the gate.

There are well-trained lifeguards in each waterpark area. Toddler-sized life vests are available for all-day use. Naturally, you'll still want to stay within arms reach of your kids at all times.

In the hotel room, we found the Great Wolf Lodge to be clean and safe. We were able to call the front desk and request a pack 'n' play with extra bedding for the toddler to sleep in.

Swim diapers are a must have for toddlers at Great Wolf Lodge. If you forget them, Bear Essentials swim shop at the water park entrance has them for sale. There are tables for diaper changes in the waterpark restrooms.

Best Things for Teenagers and Adults at Great Wolf Lodge

Basketball in Chinook Cove, the ropes course in Big Foot Pass, and surfing at Wolf Rider Wipeout are all teen approved! Don't forget the high thrill water slides, and you'll have a jam-packed day that even the most jaded teenager will revel in.

38. Is Great Wolf Lodge worth it for teens and older kids?

For sure, teenagers will find plenty of entertainment at Great Wolf Lodge, mostly in the waterpark area. Other resort activities skew younger, but the adventurous water slides and arcade games are definitely appealing for older kids.

Let teenagers bring a friend

My eldest son (21 years old), joined his younger brother for the more daring waterpark attractions, including the Wolf Tail drop slide and Howlin' Tornado. This allowed me to stay with my younger daughter, who wasn't interested in the high thrills rides.

39. Buffets and soda sippers are best for teens

If you have a teenager who is always hungry, start the morning or end the night at the Loose Moose breakfast or dinner buffet.

Is an all-you-can-drink plan best for your teenager? Purchase a soda sipper in the water park area for unlimited drink refills!

Figure out a meeting location and time

Before dividing up and going separate ways in the water park, set up a designated meeting place with your teenagers. There is a clock tower on the roof of the towel kiosk.

How Can Adults Enhance a Great Wolf Lodge Vacation?

Make no mistake, Great Wolf Lodge is excellent for all ages. But it's definitely kid-centric. There are, however, ways to plus-up a trip for grown-ups and teenagers.

40. Are Great Wolf Lodge cabanas worth the cost?

Cabanas are a splurge, yes. But they can be worth the extra cost if you want a comfortable and semi-private environment within the waterpark.

Adults and teens will welcome the reserved space, with lounge chairs, a mini-fridge, cable TV, personal chargers for cell phones, and access to a server to bring food and drinks.

Will adults like staying at Great Wolf Lodge?

I wouldn't recommend Great Wolf Lodge as an adults-only get away, but it's the perfect spot for a family vacation. When traveling with their children, moms and dads will appreciate certain grown-up touches. Indulging in alcoholic beverages or the lattes at Dunkin', without having to leave the resort, are a perk.

What Food Options are Available at Great Wolf Lodge?

The Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove/Anaheim offers a variety of dining locations, from quick service to full service restaurants, at a range of prices. On-site dining at Great Wolf Lodge is very convenient, with kid-friendly meals, and restaurants that are open late.

41. Dining Options at Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim

Within the waterpark, get food at either Buckets Burgers & Bites or Grizzly Jack's Bar and Grill. We grabbed pizza and salad from Hungry as a Wolf and ate it at the dining table in our hotel room!

Freshwoods Market has grab & go meals and bagged snacks. The Loose Moose is a hearty breakfast and dinner buffet. The Lodge Wood Fired Grill has more upscale options, including steak, seafood, and ribs. Kids will enjoy the burgers and macaroni and cheese dishes.

Most locations offer both non-alcoholic "mocktails" along with alcoholic beers and cocktails, many themed for the seasons.

In the morning hours, Dunkin' is the hot spot for coffee, doughnuts, and breakfast sandwiches. Be sure to use the mobile app or kiosks at this coffee shop to avoid the long lines. For sweets, Bear Paw offers freshly baked cupcakes and pastries, along with ice cream.

42. Can Great Wolf Lodge accommodate food allergies?

Yes, guests with special dietary needs should request to speak directly with the chef. The culinary team can accommodate so that meals can be safely prepared.

43. Should you make reservations for restaurants at Great Wolf Lodge?

Full service and buffet meals access dining reservations at the Garden Grove/Anaheim location. It is highly recommended to make advance reservations during your visit for the Lodge Wood Fired Grill and Loose Moose buffet, especially during peak seasons.

Ways to Save Money on Food at Great Wolf Lodge

Meals can be a significant cost when it comes to vacation budgeting. There are ways to save money when staying at Great Wolf Lodge.

44. Can you save money on food at Great Wolf Lodge dining?

Pre-pay for dining credits on the Great Wolf Lodge website before your trip to save money on restaurant food. These dining credits can be used across the resort for any meal. You do however have to purchase beforehand to lock in the savings.

45. Can you eat outside Great Wolf Lodge property?

Yes, there are restaurants near the Garden Grove/Anaheim Great Wolf Lodge. Within walking distance, McDonald's is across the street.

If you have a vehicle, there are a number of restaurants farther down South Harbor Blvd, including Buca di Beppo, Joe's Crab Shack, and Raising Cane's.

Anaheim Garden Walk and Downtown Disney District are outdoor shopping areas with additional restaurants, like the Cheesecake Factory and Din Tai Fung. Consider booking reservations for character dining at the hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

There is a Target nearby, where my family picked up snack items for the room. Guests can also order food delivery to Great Wolf Lodge. Just meet the delivery driver in the lobby, then take food to your hotel room (outside food is not permitted in the water park area).

Maximize Your Time During a Great Wolf Lodge Vacation

46. Save time with mobile check-in

The line for check in at the lobby can be lengthy. However, guests can now check in via the Great Wolf Lodge app! There are also check-in kiosks in the lobby.

47. Save time ordering food at Great Wolf Lodge

Avoid the long lines to order food by using the mobile ordering feature on the Great Wolf Lodge app. View menus and place meal orders for quick service burgers, pizza, coffee, and treats during your visit.

48. Shorter wait times for water slides

The most popular water slides will have longer wait times during the peak waterpark hours. Aim to be at the water park within one hour of opening and one hour before closing. We found these times to have the shortest queues for the water slides. Arriving in the earlier morning hours also ensure that you'll be able to score a coveted beach chair!

Are There Stores at Great Wolf Lodge?

49. Forgot something at home that you need for your Great Wolf Lodge vacation? There are several shops at the Garden Grove location that stock necessities along with gift shop items. The Bear Essentials is at the water park entrance. Buckhorn Exchange and Great Wolf Candy Co. are in the lobby.

Guests can purchase swimsuits in a variety of styles and sizes, along with sandals, cover-ups, and water bottles. There are also must-haves, including swim diapers, swim goggles, and tote bags.

In addition, the shops offer fun souvenirs, like coffee mugs, sweatshirts, and candies. My daughter found the collection of plush stuffies to be particularly tempting! There are also toys, including light-up bubble wands, which are perfect for the evening dance party.

Celebrate Seasons or Special Events at Great Wolf Lodge

50. Seasonal events add to the charm of a regular vacation, and are included with a stay at Great Wolf Lodge. Check the individual Great Wolf Lodge location website for exact event dates.

My family attended during the Spring Breakout, which had a themed yoga session and seasonal decor. During Summer Camp In, guests can participate in pool games. Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge includes trick or treating at the resort!

Schedule your trip during the winter holiday months to enjoy Snowland. There are wintery activities, including a meet 'n greet with Santa Claus, scavenger hunt, and games.

Birthday party packages are also available at Great Wolf Lodge. Party coordinators take care of food, drinks, and cake, with the party taking place in a reserved area.

Adding on to a Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim Vacation

When visiting the SoCal area, the first thing that might come to mind is Disneyland! Fortunately, the Disneyland Resort is very close - just over 2 miles away from Great Wolf Lodge Southern California.

Local transportation is available, including ride share or the convenient ART bus. For a low cost, this transportation bus makes multiple stops along Harbor Blvd, including Disneyland.

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