A new resort chain is gaining popularity as Disney prices become nearly unaffordable.
Between airfare, lodging, and meals, a vacation to Disney or Universal Studios can cost quite a bit of money, and that’s before you even factor in the cost of an admission ticket.
But according to him Wall Street Journal, the trend of taking a big family vacation once a year has changed. Now, millennial parents favor more frequent adventures instead of annual trips.
This trend is making nearby destinations perfect for road trips even more attractive, causing theme and water park chains that specialize in entertainment to grow in popularity.
And leading the way is Great Wolf Resorts, known for its Great Wolf Lodge indoor water parks. Over the past 10 years, the company has opened 20 locations in the U.S. and Canada, with two more opening this year in Houston, Texas and Naples, Florida. Another location will open in 2025 as part of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.
Between airfare, lodging, and meals, a vacation to Disney or Universal Studios can cost quite a bit of money, and that’s before you even buy an admission ticket.
DailyMail.com compared the price of a four-night stay at a Disney hotel to that of a stay at a Great Wolf Lodge resort. Disney costs $500 as a base for a family of four, while Great Wolf Lodge costs $135.
John Murphy, the company’s chief executive, said this puts 90% of the US population within a four-hour drive of a Great Wolf Lodge.
“Great Wolf has done a very good job of marketing itself as a true destination,” said Josh Martin, president and chief creative officer of Martin Aquatic, an Orlando, Fla.-based design and engineering firm that develops water attractions.
“With their expansion, it seems that they are bringing destiny to you.”
What makes Great Wolf Lodge more attractive is its competitive pricing which makes 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 deal for his LaGrange, Location of Georgia in September.
Now they are hooked.
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 hotel to that of a stay at a Great Wolf Lodge resort. Disney was $500 as a base for a family of four, while Great Wolf Lodge was $135.
John said he appreciated the variety of activities on offer under one roof, making it perfect for his three children aged 2 to 9. He also said they have quick access to his hotel room to avoid his children’s sleep-deprived tantrums before nap time.
Even with all of its recent growth, Murphy emphasizes its commitment to families with young children.
Its distinctive features are perfect for little ones: exciting slides, relaxing lazy rivers and other water-filled adventures, all watched over by a team of well-trained lifeguards.
Great Wolf Lodges also features ropes courses, mini golf, bowling, and even Build-A-Bear workshops for stuffed souvenirs.
Plus, with a variety of on-site dining options, families will never have to leave the resort to get food.
Great Wolf Resort’s would not have been able to expand if not for its acquisition with Blackstone, which took a 65% stake in the company in 2019.
“We strongly believe in the continued growth and demand for year-round experiential travel,” Rob Harper, head of Blackstone Real Estate Asset Management Americas, said in an email to the WSJ.
The lodge’s distinctive features are perfect for little ones: exciting slides, relaxing lazy rivers and other water-filled adventures, all watched over by a team of well-trained lifeguards.
They also have ropes courses, mini golf, bowling, and even Build-A-Bear workshops for cute 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-resistant escape, perfect for families looking for guaranteed fun.
Jacki Tibbitts of Merritt Island, Florida, has had difficulty in the past planning a family vacation with a granddaughter who uses a wheelchair and needs to avoid the heat.
Great Wolf Lodge in North Carolina emerged as the perfect solution, offering a controlled climate compared to a crowded cruise ship or theme park.
Their mornings were filled with poolside fun, while their afternoons were spent enjoying arcade games for the whole family.
Tibbitts is already planning to visit the Naples location after it opens.
