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GREAT WOLF LODGE NOW OPEN
By Kathryn Eriksen  The amazing Great Wolf Lodge in now open and another tourist jewel has been added to Grapevine’s growing crown of resorts. Located directly across the street from the Gaylord Texan, Great Wolf Lodge announces itself as soon as you walk up to the main entrance. The northwoods theme begins with the large lodge poles holding up the roof to the entrance. But it is the unique ornamentation that boldly declares “We are different and proud of it.” Gynormous (my daughter’s word) wolves guard the front doors, adding an imposing element to an already impressive property.
Inside the main lobby, great wooden beams line the arched ceiling. Full-grown trees provide a backdrop for a continuation of the woods theme. Three stuffed wolves guard a huge fireplace, and large windows overlook the indoor water park. It is the water park that drew the most interest from the guests. On the day we visited the resort, the park was packed with people enjoying the sensation of water play in a comfortable environment (while the outside temperature was below 50 degrees). We felt exactly like the proverbial “fish out of water” when we walked inside the park with our leather jackets and turtleneck sweaters, while everyone around us was in their bathing suits. The water park is dominated by the 12-level tree house water fort, which provides an interactive water experience. There are over 60 water effects, including spray guns, fountains, valves and hoses, as well as cargo netting and suspension bridges. Every five minutes, an oversized bucket dumps between 700 and 1,000 gallons of water on unsuspecting visitors. It only takes one time standing under that deluge of water to learn when the next “dump” will be, then to stand out of the way! The water park also features high-speed body slides, inner tube waterslides that wind in and out of the building, and a lazy river. The wave pool was a big hit, especially when the wolf howling announces that the wave machine is about to turn on!
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