Plan Like A Pro: Save Money At Great Wolf Lodge

All Great Wolf Lodge locations offer a family escape unlike any other. We love going for a weekend getaway. It’s the perfect place for the kids to play while parents relax. Like any family travel destination, there are a lot of expenses involved. Here’s how to save money at Great Wolf Lodge to cut your costs! PLUS – I’ve got a FREE printable to help you plan a budget-friendly trip.

Plan Your Next Family Getaway Now at Great Wolf Lodge. Save Up to 25% on Your Stay of 2 nights Or More with Promo Code WOLF2019 (Ex: 12/20/2020)

The Best Tips Save Money At Great Wolf Lodge

Before you book your Great Wolf Lodge vacation, check out these great money saving tips to keep your trip as budget-friendly as possible. These are tried and true hacks that seasoned Great Wolf moms shared with me! They swear by these tips every time they book.

Decide On A Location

The newest location to the family resorts is the LaGrange, GA Great Wolf Lodge. Opening in 2018, it now stands to be one of the pricier locations because it’s new. Southern California is home to the Anaheim location and it tends to run on the higher side as well since it’s close to Disneyland.

Most locations also offer a Book Early discount that offers up to 50% off. Check each location when deciding between them. You have to book up to 60 days in advance before your trip.

Book During The Low Seasons

Since Great Wolf Lodge caters to families, their high season will be during spring break and summertime. If you can book during the fall and winter months, you’ll save some cash. That doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on anything! They offer some great seasonal actives that are FREE!

Howl-O-Ween is their fall festival in October which offers complimentary trick-or-treating to guests. The Very Merry Great Wolf Lodge Snowland celebration offers a winter wonderland for the kids. You also want to check out each individual location for local events happening. For example, the North Carolina Great Wolf Lodge is a few miles from the Charlotte International Speedway, so prices will increase on race weekends.

Pass On The Themed Rooms

If you want to save money at Great Wolf Lodge, pass on the themed rooms. For example, they offer a wolf den rooms, kid cabin suites and rooms with bunkbeds. Sure, they’re fun for the kids. The truth is, there is so much to do that you’ll barely be in the room. It’s be a place where you crash at night.

Large families that need the extra space can look into two adjoining rooms or the family ‘Grizzly Bear’ suites. Price check to see which is cheaper for the time that you’re booking.

Great Wolf Lodge Military Discount

The Howling Heroes 30% discount is exclusive to military (active, retired and veteran), fire, emergency medical service personnel, 911 dispatchers, police and correctional officers. A valid ID must be present at check-in for promotion to apply.

Pick A Great Wolf Attractions Pass

When you’re booking your trip, you’ll be invited to purchase a Great Wolf Attractions Pass. There are three different levels that you can pick from. While the Wolf Pass includes the most and saves the most money, you might want to look at the attractions and see if they fit your family’s needs. Toddlers and preschoolers may not enjoy everything included in the wolf pass (for example: like the ropes course).

Purchasing them ahead of time saves money. These packages are also discounted versus purchasing things individually.

For us, we could’ve purchased things individually for my toddler since he preferred to splash around at the water park instead. Here’s an example of what’s offered at the Great Wolf Lodge Georgia location (locations vary):

Pup Pass ($49.99):

Arcade Game Card
Scoop From Ben & Jerry’s
Candy Cup
Creation Station Animal
T-shirt Or Pillow case

Paw Pass ($49.99):

MagiQuest Game
Wand Topper or MagiBelt
Arcade Game Card
Scoop From Ben & Jerry’s
Candy

Wolf Pass ($59.99):

MagiQuest Game
Wand Topper or MagiBelt
Arcade Game Card
Scoop From Ben & Jerry’s
Candy Cup
Bowling at Ten Pin Alley
Howl in One Mini Golf
Howler’s Peak Rope Course
Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall

Check Ebay For MagiQuest Wands

One of my favorite tips is to purchase MagiQuest wands from Ebay instead of buying on property. You’ll save money and they can reset it as a new MagiQuest game for your child. Plus, save your wand and use it for each trip. MagicQuest wands can be used at any Great Wolf Lodge resort.

Great Wolf Lodge Dining Packages

Great Wolf offers two different dining add-on package that you can pick from. In my opinion, and most moms that I polled, agree that you can skip these.

One is a breakfast package that costs $12.49/person each day. It gives you a breakfast voucher to the buffet dining, which is often a waste.

The second package is the Splashin’ Fun package which gives you a quick-service lunch and souvenir beach towels. It’s $89.99 for a family of four and it’s overpriced if you want the souvenirs.

You can save money on Great Wolf Lodge dining by avoiding extra’s, like alcohol or packaged food. You can bring food from off-property to your room as well. We opted to do our own in-room light lunch of snacks, then ate at their table service dinner location.

Related: Great Wolf Lodge Food Options: Nut-Free & Gluten-Free Available

Secure A Spot At Great Wolf Waterpark

Don’t be tempted by the beach villas at the waterpark. They’re definitely a splurge that can cost you upward of $150/day. You’re not getting much else beyond a personal spot for your family with lounge chairs. Opt to grab a spot early in the morning and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without dishing out extra money.

Guests are allowed into the waterpark at 1pm on the day they check-in. Arriving early will allow you to enjoy the waterpark when it’s less crowded. The afternoons are a great time to relax in your room if the kids need a nap or enjoy the attractions.

Avoid Using Their Financing Option – Unless Needed

When you’re wondering how to save money at Great Wolf Lodge, it’s tempting to sign up for their financing offer through Affirm. The system let’s you divide up your payments into 3, 6 or 12 month options. However, the interest rates vary from 10-30%, which could tack on a significant amount to your overall vacation. It’s depended on your credit score and a down payment is required.

Print Your FREE “Save At Great Wolf Lodge” Guide

Set aside six month of savings for your Great Wolf Lodge vacation. This six month plan is everything you need to put away $2379 total – perfect for a family of four weekend getaway.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR GREAT WOLF LODGE SAVINGS PLAN