Great Wolf Lodge South Florida Hits First Year Milestone With 500,000 Family Visits

The South Florida branch of Great Wolf Lodge marked its first year by welcoming half a million families. Since opening in September 2024, the indoor water park has made waves in Collier County.

"It exceeded everything we were looking forward to, and we're even looking for a more successful year in year two," said Alp Erol, assistant general manager of Great Wolf Lodge South Florida, according to Gulf Shore Business.

Guests took 6.5 million trips down water slides at the park's dozen attractions. A massive bucket splashed 300,000 gallons onto swimmers below, and 36,000 people soared through the air on the indoor Adventure Park's SkyRail zip line.

Most guests came from outside the local area. Eight out of 10 visitors traveled from places like Georgia, northern Florida, and the state's eastern shores to stay at the 500-suite complex.

To mark this milestone, the park gave Golden Gate High School's hospitality program $50,000.

When hurricanes Milton and Helene struck in 2024, the building kept 180 workers and their loved ones safe. "The families who stayed with us during the storms did not realize there was a hurricane passing by," Erol said.

Next door, the Paradise Coast Sports Complex partners with the lodge for events. The conference space hosts meetings for local groups and civic clubs.

Officials picked the lodge as Business of the Quarter in the spring. From 3,500 job seekers, they chose 700 staff members, with most working full-time.

This fall brings Howl-O-Ween fun through October 2025. Fall decor fills the entrance, where kids can join the Trick-Or-Treat Trail or dance at the Monster Bash.

People living in Florida can cut room costs by 40% through Oct. 26 by using the code FLORIDA when booking online.