Food at Great Wolf Lodge – Garden Grove {Everything you need to know}
If you’re planning a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove (Anaheim), one thing you’ll need to consider is the food situation.
In this post, I’ll give you the lowdown on the dining options at the resort, and whether you should plan to eat on-site or bring your own food.
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Bring Your Own Food
First off, I highly recommend bringing some of your own food if you’re driving and able to do so. The on-site food is both overpriced and, unfortunately, not very good!
Having snacks and easy meals on hand can save you a lot of money and hassle, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Each room is equipped with a mini-fridge, and there are microwaves in the vending areas on the hotel floors, which can be super handy.
On-Site Dining Options
You will almost certainly have to eat some meals on-site or at nearby restaurants. First, let’s dive into the specific on-site dining options.
While we had our vacation at the Anaheim location the restaurants are similar at other locations in the chain.
Be sure to check the hours of each restaurant as they vary greatly. Some are open only in the morning, while others close at 5pm.
Hungry as a Wolf
This is the pizza place at Great Wolf Lodge, and while the pizza itself was decent, we ran into some issues.
The reception inside the restaurant was poor, and although there was a family deal available through the app, it wasn’t advertised at the kiosk. That was frustrating as we could not get the app to work.
Also, be prepared for a long wait. Our pizza took about 40 minutes to be ready, which can feel like forever when you’ve got hungry kids.
Grizzly Jack’s (Inside the Water Park)
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to try Grizzly Jack’s because it was closed during our stay.
This could have been due to off-season hours, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re visiting during quieter times.
Lodge Wood Fired Grill
If you’re looking for a fancier meal and have someone to watch the kids, Lodge Wood Fired Grill in the main lobby might be an option.
We didn’t dine there ourselves, but it seemed like a place for adults looking for a quieter dinner experience. However, it’s also a bit pricier than the others.
The Loose Moose
This restaurant offers a breakfast buffet, which I highly recommend if you’re going to splurge on an on-site meal.
The buffet has an impressive variety, including a yogurt bar, oatmeal, meats, fruit, cereal, pancakes, eggs, and even made-to-order omelets. It’s a great way to fuel up for a busy day at the water park.
If your kids get a drink at The Loose Moose it will come in a cute plastic cup which you can take with you as a souvenir.
Buckets (Inside the Water Park)
We tried Buckets while we were in the water park, and the food was disappointing, even by quick-service standards.
The fries, in particular, were underwhelming. My daughter, who loves burgers, barely ate any of the one they served. However, if you’re starving and need something quick, it’s not too expensive.
Bear Paws
If you’re craving something sweet, Bear Paws is a great spot for dessert. They offer ice cream and a variety of other treats, making it a nice option for a nighttime snack.
Refillable Souvenir Drink & Snacks
If you’re staying for multiple days, consider getting the souvenir popcorn bucket for $20, which includes free refills throughout your stay. It’s a great snack option for kids.
There are also souvenir drink cups, but if you’re like me and prefer your kids avoid soda, you can bring refillable water bottles. There are water stations available in the park, so you don’t have to buy bottled water.
Off-Site Dining Options
If you’re willing to leave the resort, there are several more affordable and tasty options nearby.
These options are going to be specific to the Anaheim location.
McDonald’s
A McDonald’s is just a five-minute walk from the resort. While it might not be gourmet, it’s a reliable and kid-friendly option for a quick, cheap meal.
Salvadorian Restaurant – Flor Blanca
We also ventured out to a nearby Salvadorian restaurant called Flor Blanca, where we had some delicious pupusas.
However, this place is cash-only, though they did accept Zelle when we visited. I’d recommend bringing cash just in case.
There were several other small restaurants in the same shopping center which is less than a 10 minute walk from the resort.
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s is another option a few blocks away according to Google Maps.
If you’re willing to drive, you can find even more sit-down restaurants closer to Disneyland, which is only about 2.5 miles away.
Final Thoughts
The food at Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim isn’t great, and it’s definitely overpriced, but there are a few decent options if you’re selective.
The breakfast buffet at The Loose Moose is a standout, and Bear Paws is a nice spot for dessert.
That said, bringing your own food, or venturing off-site to nearby restaurants, is likely your best bet for keeping costs down and ensuring a satisfying meal.
