A No‑Itinerary Adventure: What I Really Thought of Great Wolf Lodge

Written By: Felecia Causey

Photos By: Felecia Causey

 I recently decided to take a spontaneous trip to LaGrange, Georgia. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t structured, and unlike my usual travels, there was no itinerary guiding my every move. My original plan was to stay at Mountain Top Inn and Resort, but after driving the winding, nerve‑racking curves leading up to it, I knew immediately that I wouldn’t feel comfortable navigating that road at night. That’s when I pivoted and chose to check out Great Wolf Lodge instead, especially since I’d heard so much about it and wanted to see whether it lived up to the reputation it carries.

The drive up to the property was beautiful, and my first impression was that the resort was huge. Parking during check‑in, however, was not ideal. There’s very limited space to pull over, and since they ask guests not to leave their cars unattended, checking in solo meant rushing inside and hoping for the best. I had booked a Deluxe Queen Suite online using a coupon code, which brought my total to $107.35 with water park passes included. What wasn’t included was the $19 nightly parking fee, which felt unnecessary but has unfortunately become standard practice in many hotels.

Check‑in itself went smoothly, but I was surprised by the unexpected $100 hold fee. It wasn’t mentioned during booking or in my confirmation email, and while the staff member assisting me was kind, this is the type of information that should be disclosed upfront. Hidden fees feel like avoidable frustrations, especially for travelers who may not have extra funds available.

Once I was checked in, I picked up my complimentary wolf ears—an adorable touch—and received a wristband that served as my room key, water park pass, payment method, and parking access. It was convenient, especially when carrying things, but not the most comfortable to sleep in. The resort itself is massive, and the walk to my room felt long. I was surprised by how many guests were there for a Wednesday in December.

The room was spacious, with two queen beds, but the cleanliness left something to be desired. There was dust on several surfaces, the sheets had stains, and the mini‑fridge was frozen solid. To their credit, staff responded quickly when I reported the fridge issue, and their customer service was prompt and polite. Still, the dust had me sneezing throughout the night, which made it difficult to rest.

Before heading to Callaway Gardens Fantasy Lights that evening, I explored more of the resort. The water park was huge and very busy. If it’s that crowded in early December, I can only imagine what it’s like during peak seasons. Families who enjoy lively environments would love it, but those who prefer quieter spaces might feel overwhelmed. The arcade was impressive, the Christmas decorations were beautiful, and there was even a Santa photo setup. Dining options were available, but everything was pricey, so families on a budget should definitely plan ahead for food costs.

Later that night, I grabbed a snack and learned that the resort is completely cashless. My snack cost over $16, and most of the fruit was rotten and inedible. It wasn’t worth the price, and it reinforced the importance of bringing your own snacks if you’re trying to avoid overspending.

Check‑out was refreshingly easy thanks to their text‑based system, which helped avoid long lines. Before leaving, I mentioned the dusty room to the front desk. The response felt lukewarm, but the manager later emailed me to apologize, which I appreciated. That kind of follow‑up shows a commitment to guest satisfaction.

Overall, I’d rate my stay a 3.7 out of 5. The location was great, the staff was friendly, and the convenience of having everything in one place is a major plus. The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, and the temperature was perfect for sleeping. However, the hidden fees, cleanliness issues, cashless system, and overpriced items were definite drawbacks. I was also confused by the layout of the room—specifically the bathroom sink being placed right at the entrance instead of inside the bathroom. I’m sure it was a spacing decision or meant to help families get ready faster, but it felt inconvenient and out of place. It’s one of those design choices that just didn’t work for me, and it took away from the overall comfort of the room.

Would I return? Personally, no. But I do think everyone should experience Great Wolf Lodge at least once, especially families with young children. It wasn’t a terrible stay, but it wasn’t a five‑star experience for me either.

If you plan to visit, bring your own snacks, pack your own swimsuits, and avoid the gift shop unless you’re ready to splurge. The on‑site prices will have you questioning whether you’re truly hungry or if you can wait until morning. Still, it’s a fun place with plenty to do, and I can see why families enjoy it.

Feel free to share your own experience with me—I’d love to hear how your stay compared to mine.