A new chain of resorts is becoming increasingly popular as Disney prices become nearly unaffordable.
Between airfare, accommodations, and meals, a vacation to Disney or Universal Studios Park can cost a pretty penny — and that’s before you even factor in the cost of admission.
But according to the Wall Street JournalThe trend of taking a big family vacation once a year has changed, with millennial parents now favoring more frequent adventures rather than annual trips.
This trend makes nearby destinations – perfect for road trips – even more attractive, making theme park and water park chains that specialize in entertainment increasingly popular.
And Great Wolf Resorts, known for its Great Wolf Lodge indoor water parks, is leading the way. In the past 10 years, the company has opened 20 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with two more set to open this year in Houston, Texas, and Naples, Florida. Another location is expected to open in 2025 as part of the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.
Including airfare, accommodation and meals, a holiday to Disney or Universal Studios Park can cost a pretty penny – and that’s before you even buy a ticket
DailyMail.com compared the price of a four-night Disney resort hotel stay with that of the Great Wolf Lodge resort stay. Disney cost $500 for a family of four, while Great Wolf Lodge cost $135.
According to John Murphy, the company’s CEO, this means that 90% of the U.S. population is within a four-hour drive of a Great Wolf Lodge.
“Great Wolf has done a great job of establishing itself as a true destination,” said Josh Martin, president and creative director of Martin Aquatic, an Orlando, Florida-based design and engineering firm that develops water attractions.
“With their expansion, it feels like they’re bringing the destination to you.”
What makes Great Wolf Lodge more attractive is their competitive prices, making it more affordable.
John Shaw, a 39-year-old consultant, said he had never heard of Great Wolf Lodge until his wife found a Groupon offer for their LaGrange, Location Georgia in September.
Now they are addicted.
Over the past 10 years, Great Wolf Resorts has opened 20 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with two more opening this year in Houston, Texas and Naples, Florida.
DailyMail.com compared the price of a four-night stay at a Disney resort hotel with staying at the Great Wolf Lodge resort. Disney cost $500 baseline for a family of four, while Great Wolf Lodge cost $135
John said he appreciated the variety of activities under one roof, making it perfect for his three children, ages 2 to 9. He also said he had quick access to their hotel room to prevent their children’s sleep-deprived urges before bed.
Despite their recent growth, Murphy emphasizes their commitment to families with young children.
Their signature features are perfect for the little ones: thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers and other splashing adventures, all monitored by a team of highly trained lifeguards.
Great Wolf Lodges also feature ropes courses, miniature golf, bowling and even Build-A-Bear Workshops for cuddly souvenirs.
Plus, with a variety of dining options on site, families never have to leave the resort to get food.
Great Wolf Resort could not have expanded without the acquisition of Blackstone, which acquired a 65% stake in the company in 2019.
“We firmly believe that the demand for experiential travel will continue to grow and grow throughout the year,” Rob Harper, head of Blackstone Real Estate Asset Management Americas, said in an email to the WSJ.
The lodge’s signature features are perfect for little ones: thrilling water slides, relaxing, tranquil rivers and other splashy adventures, all supervised by a team of highly trained lifeguards
They also offer ropes courses, mini golf, bowling and even Build-A-Bear Workshops for cuddly souvenirs
Great Wolf Lodge is shaking things up by expanding into warmer climates like Texas and Florida, where indoor water parks may seem like a surprising option. But even in sunny locations, these resorts offer a weather-proof escape, perfect for families looking for guaranteed fun.
Jacki Tibbitts of Merritt Island, Florida, has struggled in the past with planning a family vacation with a granddaughter who uses a wheelchair and must avoid the heat.
Great Wolf Lodge in North Carolina turned out to be the perfect solution, because the climate was better than on a cruise ship or in a busy amusement park.
Mornings were filled with fun at the pool, while evenings were spent enjoying family-friendly arcade games.
Tibbitts already plans to visit the Naples location after it opens.
