Visiting Great Wolf Lodge is an exciting experience for families, but it can be expensive. I have figured out several strategies to reduce costs while still making the most of the trip. Below, I share ten practical tips to save money while enjoying everything Great Wolf Lodge offers.
Table of Contents
1. Book During Off-Peak Times
Great Wolf Lodge pricing fluctuates based on demand. Staying during weekdays or off-season months can reduce costs significantly. For example, a standard room might cost $400 per night during peak season but drop to $200 in January.
| Season | Average Room Rate |
|---|---|
| Summer (June-August) | $350 – $450 |
| Winter (January-March) | $175 – $250 |
| Spring Break & Holidays | $400 – $500 |
| Midweek (Non-Holiday) | $200 – $275 |
To maximize savings, I check the website’s pricing calendar before booking. I also look at school holiday schedules since demand spikes when kids are out of school.
2. Use Discount Codes and Deals
Promotions and discount codes are available for Great Wolf Lodge. These codes come from email sign-ups, AAA memberships, military discounts, and third-party travel sites. One common promotion is “Book Early and Save,” which reduces rates by 20% to 30%.
For example, if a room costs $300 per night, a 25% discount saves $75 per night, bringing it down to $225.
| Discount Type | Savings Potential |
|---|---|
| AAA Membership | 10% – 20% |
| Military Discount | 20% – 25% |
| Early Booking | 25% – 30% |
| Email Sign-Up | 15% – 20% |
I always check multiple sources before booking to ensure I am getting the best rate.
3. Bring Your Own Food
Dining at Great Wolf Lodge is costly. A family of four can easily spend $50 on breakfast, $80 on lunch, and $120 on dinner, totaling $250 per day. To cut costs, I bring non-perishable snacks and easy-to-prepare meals. Most rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave, making it easy to store and heat food.
Here’s a simple cost comparison:
| Meal | On-Site Cost (Family of 4) | Brought From Home |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $50 | $10 (Cereal, Milk, Fruit) |
| Lunch | $80 | $15 (Sandwiches, Chips) |
| Dinner | $120 | $20 (Pasta, Salad) |
| Total | $250 | $45 |
Bringing food saves around $200 per day, which adds up quickly over a multi-day trip.
4. Skip the Dining Packages
Great Wolf Lodge offers meal packages, but they often cost more than ordering à la carte. For example, the dining package might cost $55 per adult per day, but meals purchased individually may total only $40. I always compare prices before committing to a package.
5. Use Free and Included Activities
Many activities inside Great Wolf Lodge are free. While attractions like MagiQuest or arcade games cost extra, alternatives like storytime, dance parties, and crafts are included. Instead of spending $40 per child on MagiQuest, I encourage my kids to enjoy the free activities.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Storytime | Free |
| Dance Party | Free |
| Arcade | $20 – $50 |
| MagiQuest | $40 – $50 |
| Pool Games | Free |
I focus on these included activities to reduce extra spending.
6. Buy Paw Passes Wisely
Paw Passes bundle activities at a discount, but they aren’t always necessary. If my kids only want a single experience, I compare the à la carte pricing.
| Pass Type | Cost | Included Activities | Individual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paw Pass | $79 | MagiQuest, Arcade Credits, Souvenir Cup | $95 Individually |
| Wolf Pass | $99 | More Activities | $130 Individually |
| Pup Pass | $49 | Small Kids’ Activities | $60 Individually |
If we plan to do everything in the pass, we buy it. Otherwise, we skip it.
7. Share a Suite with Friends or Family
Great Wolf Lodge suites accommodate large groups, which lowers costs per person. A $500 room split between two families costs $250 per family, a major reduction compared to booking separate rooms.
8. Limit Souvenirs
Souvenirs inside Great Wolf Lodge are expensive. A single stuffed animal can cost $30. Instead, I let my kids bring a stuffed animal from home. If they want a keepsake, we buy an inexpensive keychain or magnet for under $10.
| Item | On-Site Price | Alternative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Animal | $30 – $40 | Bring from home |
| T-Shirt | $25 – $30 | $10 – $15 (Online) |
| Keychain | $10 | $5 |
9. Bring Your Own Swimsuits and Gear
Great Wolf Lodge sells swimsuits and goggles at a premium. I always pack swimwear, flip-flops, and pool toys. A pair of swim goggles costs $20 on-site but only $5 at a discount store.
| Item | On-Site Price | Retail Store Price |
|---|---|---|
| Swimsuit | $40 – $50 | $15 – $25 |
| Flip-Flops | $20 | $5 – $10 |
| Goggles | $20 | $5 – $10 |
Packing ahead saves at least $50 per trip.
10. Sign Up for Great Wolf Lodge Emails
Email subscribers get exclusive discounts and promotions. I signed up and received a 25% off code for my next visit. This simple step helps me stay informed about upcoming deals.
Final Thoughts
Saving money at Great Wolf Lodge is possible with careful planning. I always book off-peak, use discounts, bring food, and limit unnecessary spending. These strategies help my family enjoy the experience without breaking the bank. If you plan wisely, you can make your trip fun and affordable, too.
