Looking to take the kids for a one night getaway centered around fun pool activities. Looking for kids level thrills ages 8-11. Looking to relax for mom and dad.

Any on here been to both and could speak to your favorite and why?

Been to both. The Gaylord's water park is my favorite in DFW for elementary aged kids. It's super clean and the poolside service is very good. The main outdoor pool at the hotel is also nice).

To be totally transparent, I've always hated GWL. It's overpriced and not nearly as clean as the Gaylord.

We really loved the Gaylord water park with our, at the time, 4 year old son. He loved it. In the summer, they have soo many programs and extra activities for kids. We're Marriott loyal so that is usually our reasoning for choosing this property.

I have so many clients that love Great Wolf Lodge though...we usually book their stays on off nights or with deals and it helps with the cost. I'm planning on staying within the next year just to get a comparison.

It depends on what you're looking for. GWL is better for pure water slides and kid's activities, but it's a pretty redneck crowd. Indoor water parks always feel kind of nasty to me, but my kids had a blast.

Gaylord has plenty of stuff for kids and adults and definitely has a cleaner vibe about it.

While I've stated at the Gaylord multiple times, I've never been in their pools (always been at winter time).

We have stayed multiple times at GWL. I would say definitely stay there for your kids ages. They also have the MagiQuest game for the kids to play at night when done in the pool area. We usually would stay one night at GWL, and then head over to Gaylord or another hotel for the second night. On the day of checkout, you can stay at GWL as long as you want (just as long as you are out of your room), so we would stay until dinner time or so, then change hotels.

It terms of those two I would go with Gaylord. If outdoor water park is an option say for next day my son and I really liked the NRH2O
in North Richland Hills area. Very affordable to not to crowded and some fun rides we liked. We try one or two new water parks a year and this is one of his favorites in Texas

Everyone I know who has gone to Great Wolf Lodge in the past few years has ended up with either pink eye, ringworm, planter warts, or Covid. Safe to say that I'd pick Gaylord.

If you are anywhere near the Austin area, Kalahari is pretty amazing (souped up GWL) although be prepared to sell your right kidney to go.

We did the Hilton Anatole last year and enjoyed it. Good size water park.

JMac03 said:

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If you are anywhere near the Austin area, Kalahari is pretty amazing (souped up GWL) although be prepared to sell your right kidney to go.

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No kidding. I looked in July - $700/night!

Just booked 2 nights at the Gaylord for 35k points/each on Marriott.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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JMac03 said:

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If you are anywhere near the Austin area, Kalahari is pretty amazing (souped up GWL) although be prepared to sell your right kidney to go.

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No kidding. I looked in July - $700/night!

Just booked 2 nights at the Gaylord for 35k points/each on Marriott.

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And that's just the room and water park. Doesn't include the "rides" in the arcade area. Or food. It is a lot of fun, and I like the dining options better than at GWL, but geez we spent a ridiculous amount for just one night.

ChoppinDs40 said:

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JMac03 said:

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If you are anywhere near the Austin area, Kalahari is pretty amazing (souped up GWL) although be prepared to sell your right kidney to go.

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No kidding. I looked in July - $700/night!

Just booked 2 nights at the Gaylord for 35k points/each on Marriott.

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When you gonna be there fam? I'm using my last year and this year free night awards to do June 30th and July 1.

corndog04 said:

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ChoppinDs40 said:

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JMac03 said:

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If you are anywhere near the Austin area, Kalahari is pretty amazing (souped up GWL) although be prepared to sell your right kidney to go.

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No kidding. I looked in July - $700/night!

Just booked 2 nights at the Gaylord for 35k points/each on Marriott.

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When you gonna be there fam? I'm using my last year and this year free night awards to do June 30th and July 1.

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coming home? an acquaintance of mine interviewed your little sister a few weeks ago.

We'll be there July 22 - 24. Report back!

Headed to Breck on 7/1 for about 8 days.