Maximize Your Experience at Great Wolf Lodge: Essential Tips

Each year, I book a mini vacation for our family to the Great Wolf Lodge. GWL is basically a massive indoor water park, with themed suites, and a variety of activities that entertain kids (and parents too). We frequent the location in Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina, but have also visited the one in Dallas, Texas too. From what I heard they are all a bit different in terms of what the waterparks look like, but for the most part, they are very similar in terms of amenities and what they offer.
You should know, I have never and will never pay full-price for a room here, but below I’ve included ways we’ve gotten incredible deals each year and other tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.

Chances are you are reading this because you have an upcoming trip so I’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most of your stay. But before I dive into tips, here is a bit of advice. There is nothing to be scared of here. (You’ll get it later, if you don’t now.)

Advice

1. Book Early and Look for Deals

Great Wolf Lodge often offers discounts, especially if you book in advance or during off-peak times. Sign-up for their email alerts or check their website frequently to snag the best deals. You can often book a hotel room for under $100/night, which includes 6 water park tickets (2 and under are free). Each August 4, they typically run a crazy deal for $84 per night. Note that you will be charge a $30/day resort fee.

2. Arrive Early and Stay Late

Did you know you can start using the water park as early as 1 p.m. on the day of your arrival, even before you check into your room? Pack a small bag with swimsuits, a coverup or robe and water shoes, so you can dive right into the fun without having to wait for your room to be ready. You can also enjoy the water park all day on your checkout day—this is a great way to extend the experience without booking an extra night. Just ensure you put your bags in the car and check-out of your room.

3. Bring Snacks + Water Bottles

While there are plenty of dining options at Great Wolf Lodge, the food is nothing to write home about, though convienient; however, we have eaten the buffet and the girls were able to find a few things they would eat. Bringing your own snacks and water bottles can help save a little extra money and keep the kids fueled between meals. There’s a mini-fridge, coffee maker and microwave in every room, so stock up on kid-friendly snacks, drinks, and easy breakfast items to have in the room.

I’ve never had an issue bringing snacks and water bottles into the water park.

There is also so many restaurants around the resorts – so order pizza for delivery or when the waterpark closes at 5PM, shower and head out to a nice dinner.

What to Pack:

4. Should you purchase the Wolf Package?

(My answer in short, is no. There are so many free activities around the resort including dance parties, crafts, ‘The Clock Tower’ show in the lobby and character meet-n-greets. Be sure to check the daily activity schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss out, although the waterpark is the main attraction. We enjoyed playing a few games at the arcade (expensive but the girls (and my husband) enjoyed it)!

If you have older kids and plan on doing lots of activities, consider purchasing a Paw Pass or Wolf Pass, which bundles multiple activities (like MagiQuest, arcade credits, and other adventures) at a discount. We have never done these activities, but if you know you will, purchase in advance. Our young kids were happy just pretending.

• MagiQuest Tips – If you play MagiQuest, know it can take several hours to complete. You don’t have to finish it in one day—your progress is saved, and you can always return to finish on another visit!

5. Things to Pack to Great Wolf Lodge

For the Waterpark:

• Beach Bag – There are lockers available if you need to store valuables; however most folks just leave their beach bags in chairs.
• Snacks + water bottle
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Swimsuits + Goggles
• Beach Towels – They do give you small towels inside the waterpark, but if you do not return them, you are charged $20-$30 per towel
• Water Shoes – We pack crocs to wear to the waterpark.
• Lifejackets – You may bring your own puddle jumper or use their life jackets provided for free.
• Robes or Swim Coverup – The walk back to the room can be chilly. The girls LOVED having these little robes to snuggle up in.

For the Room:

• Blanket – Your favorite cozy blanket will help you snuggle up in the bed. The blankets they have are not really soft.
• Sleep Necessities: Sound machine, nightlight plug in, Slumberpod, PacknPlay
• Comfy Lounge Clothes – It is common to see folks walking around in sweatpants and sweatshirts with socks and slippers. Be warm and comfortable as you walk around the resort. No one is dressed in high heels and rarely even jeans – so dress like you are going to a slumber party.
• Suction cup hooks from Amazon (linked here) help keep the swimsuits and towels up and drying (shown below)

6. Suit Up Smartly

Pack multiple swimsuits & robes or swim coverups for everyone! Wet swimsuits can take a while to dry in your room, so it’s nice to have a dry one ready to go. You’ll also want water shoes—both for the water park and to walk around the lodge, especially in cooler months.

7. Don’t Skip Story Time + Free Activities

One of the magical moments at Great Wolf Lodge is storytime in the Grand Lobby. Each evening, the lodge’s characters come out to read stories to the children, and it’s a relaxing way to wind down after a day of excitement. The kids love it, and it’s a perfect way to make bedtime a bit easier. Don’t worry, you’ll leave singing their theme song…

8. Maximize Your Room Choice

If you want to really wow the kids, consider booking one of the themed suites. The Wolf Den and KidCabin suites offer fun, immersive experiences with bunk beds, murals, and little hideaways that your children will love. In the past, I’ve just booked a regular room and then ask if they have any “fancy” rooms available at check-in for a free upgrade. You might get lucky.

9. Grab a Drink

I love grabbing an adult beverage in the waterpark at the bar. They serve wine, beer and frozen slushy drinks that are good to enjoy in the hot and humid waterpark while you watch your kids enjoy the slides. (I love the fenced in toddler section at the Concord location – pictured here)

Other Tips & Good to Know:

• Money Saving: Bring a stuffed bear from home and skip the “Build-A-Bear” store on-site. $200+ for a cabana is nuts and not worth it.
• Wear Your Wolf Ears – Upon check-in, everyone receives a pair of wolf ears! Don’t be shy—wear them! It adds to the fun and is part of the Great Wolf Lodge experience.
• Wristbands – At check-in, you will receive wristbands for everyone in your room (you get up to 6). The adult wristband is your room key, admission into the waterpark and a way for you to purchase drinks and food on property. You can request for children wristbands that just allow access into the park.
• Plan for Story Time and PJ Party – Great Wolf Lodge offers story time in the lobby, where kids can come dressed in PJs and listen to a tale from a Great Wolf character called the “Clock Tower Show”. There’s also a fun PJ Dance Party afterward and bubble light up wands for purchase.
• Stay Close to the Action – Request a room close to the waterpark or activities, especially if you have small kids. It saves time walking back and forth and helps when little ones need a quick nap or snack. The resort is HUGE and rooms are spread out; however, ask to avoid any MagicQuest games outside of your room, if possible. (We once stayed right beside a machine that made breathing noises and kids would come by our door morning and night.)

That’s All I Got

Great Wolf Lodge is a place where memories are made & there is a reason we go back every year. From water slides to cozy story times by the fire, indoor activities like the arcade and entertainment in the lobby – it’s a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can ensure your stay is filled with adventure and your kids will be exhausted at the end of the day. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to have a good time!