One of the most popular attractions of California, USA is Disneyland in Anaheim, Los Angeles. Another immensely popular fun spot that provides fun and excitement to young and old is the Great Wolf Lodge which is also in Anaheim / Garden Grove CA.

Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark

Great Wolf Lodge is one of the biggest waterparks in California with many properties across the USA. We are currently visiting sunny California. During our last trip, we covered many attractions of California that was more towards the cultural side.

To make this trip different, the family took us to Great Wolf Lodge waterpark for a splashing birthday celebration. We spent too thrilling nights at this water heaven in the Grizzly Bear Suite. Although we had our misgivings about a water park, believe it or not, we had a great time.

Great Wolf Lodge Thrills

The Great Wolf Lodge waterparks have different sizes in different locations. The sheer size of the waterpark at Anaheim was the first revelation. It was like a playground of wet adventures. The rides were just waiting for us to dive in. The roller coasters that were like on the edge of the seat excitement to a wave pool that simulated an actual ocean, there was no dearth of thrills.

Like eating the proverbial frog, we started with the roller coaster. Sitting on a tube we went up and down long winding tubes. The unexpected water splashing on our faces sent chills down the spine. We were holding on to our dear lives and then we were just pushed out of the pipe. Phew! Glad we survived that. Later we were told that this was the scariest ride here. But looking bad, it was not too bad.

We also mustered courage and tried our hands at surfing on the FlowRider. That, to admit was a disaster as we fell way more frequently than surfing. But we created memories we would not get over probably ever.

Our wet spell here continued for 2 days. There was also a giant bucket that tilt and spilled a gargantuan volume of water on the water enthusiasts. That super shower ended our wet run at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Other attractions at Great Wolf Lodge

While the water activities were the chief attraction at Great Wolf Lodge, there were computer games at the Arcade that engaged young and old alike. We spent the evenings here spending way more on the tickets than what we won.

There were dancing and story-telling sessions for the children. There was also a giant jungle trail setup complete with ropeways and hanging bridges. This was not for the faint-hearted.

Also Read: Ostrichland – A Fun Do in Solvang-USA

Food options at Great Wolf Lodge

When you go to the beach, you feel hungry. Similarly, all the activities at the Great Wolf Lodge gave us rumbling tummies. The property has a bunch of cool restaurants offering a variety of food options.

We enjoyed a delicious ice cream at Bear Paw and also got a birthday cake from them. We had a cheese and pepperoni pizza from the food joint Hungry as a Wolf.

But the best was the elaborate breakfast spread at Grizzly Jack’s Bar and Grill. Starting from the humble muesli and cereal milk to the most innovative omelettes, bacon, pancakes, and waffles with toppings of your choice and a mouth-watering range of cakes and croissants, It felt like we were in a food heaven. The hearty breakfast turned out to be a brunch since we were full till late afternoon.

Rooms at Great Wolf Lodge

Our accommodation at Great Wolf Lodge was spacious. The Grizzly Bear suite had 2 bedrooms with 2 king and 1 queen bed, a drawing room, a vanity area, and an extra sofa bed. Our suite could easily accommodate 6 to 7 occupants. There was a television set and a dining table. It was indeed cosy and the beds were comfortable. It would have been just what we needed after a long day filled with activities.

Unfortunately, there was a setback. The air conditioner in the larger bedroom with 2 beds was dripping. Even though they tried to fix it, the problem wasn’t solved. We suggest you check out all these appliances while checking into the room. This would avoid any inconvenience of changing rooms when you have unpacked or you are tired after a busy day and feel like crashing. They have rooms in other categories as well, so take your pick.

Wheelchair and pet rules at Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge has wide lobbies and corridors. It is wheel-chair friendly which allows a maximum number of visitors to have a rolling time. However, do note that Great Wolf Lodge does not allow dogs or other pets. The only exceptions are service dogs who may stay in the rooms.

Also, there are spacious parking lots with free valet service to park and return your car. All these little things ensured that visitors here had a relaxed stay.

Other attractions near Great Wolf Lodge

Los Angeles city

The Great Wolf Lodge should keep you busy all day and evening. Yet, Los Angeles has many attractions that are easy to visit from the Lodge. Just beside the Lodge, you’ll find a cluster of restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines. We loved the sushis at the Japanese food joint and the rolls at the shawarma place here. It was a change in palette from the food options at Great Wolf Lodge.

Christ Crystal Cathedral at Garden Grove

We also visited the Christ Cathedral at Garden Grove. It was a modern structure made with crystals and sparkled like diamonds from afar. It could easily hold more than 2,000 people. This was like a place of prayer-from the future.

Outlet stores, Garden Grove

There are a bunch of factory outlets in Garden Grove. We drove for about 10 minutes and spent an evening here. We got a picture in front of the store Bloomingdale’s that needs no introduction for fans of the sitcom FRIENDS.

Disneyland, California

Last but not least, Disneyland, Anaheim, California is less than 30 minutes’ drive. You would need at least another full day to visit the Disney Park.

How to reach Great Wolf Lodge and The Best Time to Visit

We drove from our accommodation at Cupertino to reach the Great Wolf Lodge in Anaheim. It was a long drive and as we reached Los Angeles from the Bay Area, we faced heavy traffic.

As for the best time to visit, we think it is a round-the-year destination. California is known for its mild weather and winters here are comfortable. Moreover, the Lodge is temperature-controlled. The water temperature is also adjusted as per the season. Hence, this place can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Also Read: Diaries of an Indian in Cupertino California USA

Is Great Wolf Lodge worth it?

For a traveller from India, the Great Wolf Lodge is a bit of an investment, but only so much. It adds a lot of wet fun to your trip. For us, the waterpark was a hidden gem, and thanks to the family for making the arrangements. Great Wolf Lodge also keeps offering deals so you can check their website. They also have day passes. You need not spend the night and you can get your own food from elsewhere.

Visiting a waterpark was not something that we do commonly in India. Therefore, Great Wolf Lodge added a splash of freshness to our trip to California. It was a unique activity that was completely worth our time and resources. Anyone interested in some light-hearted excitement dive in!