The Gaylord Texan Resort is located on Lake Grapevine, about halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth. It is about 6 miles from DFW airport. There are a lot of planes that go over the resort but the rooms are pretty well insulated from the sound.
The parking garage is adjacent to the resort. It is very big and very confusing, take a picture of where you park and try to park next to a visible landmark like stairs or the elevator.
There are several Gaylord Resort locations across the country and they’re all awesome. We recently had an opportunity to visit the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver. It was smaller than the Gaylord Texan with only one Atrium, but it had a great indoor/outdoor resort-style pool complex complete with lazy river and several onsite dining options that all looked delicious. A great family-friendly option if you’re stopping over near the Denver Airport!
- Self-parking is $17/hour, $22/day with in and out privileges
- Valet parking is available for $42/day.
- Wifi is complimentary
- Pets are not allowed
- Check-in: 4 pm, Check out: 11 am
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Pools and Lazy River
“Paradise Springs Aquatic Park“ is located about a half-mile or so from the hotel. It is where the water park and lazy river are located and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. The park is open Mon-Thurs 10 am – 7 pm, Fri-Sat 9 am – 8 pm, and Sun 9 am – 7 pm. The water is not heated and the park is closed if the temperature outside is <65 degrees.
Pools
- Main Activity Pool – A large pool with a LOT to do. There are 2 horseshoe shaped hot pools that connect directly with the main pool. They do not get as hot as a hot tub but are a nice place to sit and watch all the activity going on elsewhere in the pool. There are a couple zip lines that you can ride then drop into the water and a slide that dumps you into the pool as well. There is also water basketball to keep you entertained.
- Kid’s Pool – There is a baby/toddler pool adjacent to the main activity pool but not directly connected. It can be seen in the top right corner of the main activity pool picture above. It has a graded entrance, splash pad-like fountains and a faux rocky surrounding that provides seating for parents, all under a covering that provides nice shade.
- Paradise Springs Splash Fort Pool – This pool really needs to be seen to be believed. It is a shallow pool with a graded entry that surrounds a multi-level splash fort that provides just about every possible way to get splashed with water. There is a Texas-sized central bucket that fills with water then tips over periodically raining massive amounts of water and pure joy on the kids below. There are water cannons and spray guns on multiple levels that you can use to spray unsuspecting guests. Off to the left side of the fort this is an area with toddler swings and spray toys that our 1-year-old son really enjoyed.
- Hotel Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub – There is an outdoor pool and hot tub at the hotel with an adjacent bar located just outside of the Hill Country Atrium.
- Hotel Indoor Pool – There is also an indoor 20-meter lap pool available at the end of the Riverwalk Atrium near Relâche Spa. It is open 5 am – 9 pm.
Lazy River
The lazy river at Paradise Springs Aquatic Park has a lot of fountains and waterfalls. Compared to the other resorts, I found myself getting splashed the most here… almost wishing I was wearing goggles! Our son was an early 2 when we took him here and wasn’t into the splashing but I would imagine older kids would love it! There are single and double tubes available in the lazy river. It is not heated but it’s only open in the Summer so usually not an issue.
Beach Area
There is no beach area at this resort.
Water Slides
There are 3 slides available. You must be 48″ to ride.
Lounge Area
Lounge chairs are available on a first come, first serve basis. There is not a lot of shade and most of the chairs are grouped around the lazy river. However, there is a lot of hot concrete that you have to walk over to reach the pools so water shoes are practically a necessity, especially for kids! Note: water shoes with buckles are not allowed on the slides. There are cabanas are available for rent that can accommodate 4-22 people.
Food/ Drink
Poolside waiters serve food from Paradise Springs Poolside Grill.
Accessibility
4 wristbands are included with each hotel room and 6 wristbands are included with suites. You may purchase up to 2 additional wristbands per room for $35/day. Pick them up at the tour lobby or pool concierge. There is a complimentary shuttle that departs from the hotel tour lobby to Paradise Springs Aquatic Park every 15 minutes.
Lines for the shuttle can get long at peak times so plan accordingly. There is a flight of stairs from the tour lobby to the main lobby to take into account when planning wagons/strollers/our personal favorite – the blue car cruiser. The parking at Paradise Springs is limited to those who have rented a cabana.
You can walk but the shuttle is worth the wait, especially with kids!
Child Care
The Gaylord Texan Resort does not have any resort sponsored child care programs or any recommended babysitting agencies. However, there are several activities for children to participate in that follow the seasonal resort theme such as a junior chef program and arts and crafts classes.
Shopping
There is a Target and Dollar General within 4 miles of the resort for baby supplies if needed.
Golf
Cowboys Golf Club
While not technically part of the resort, the Cowboys Golf Club is located just 1 mile away and any “stay and play” packages will include golfing at this club. It offers an 18-hole course that is Dallas Cowboy themed, making it the only NFL-themed course in the country! You can enjoy looking over some Cowboys memorabilia in the clubhouse after a day on the green. Amenities include a clubhouse with a pro shop, locker rooms, patio dining, and a full bar. The cost to play is about $200/person. Golf fees include: a cart with GPS, practice balls, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks for the day. The course is open 6:30 am – 7 pm daily.
Things to Do
- Explore the Atriums
- Large train track that our little train affcionado one-year-old loved
- Longhorn for a good Texas-inspired photo op
- Impressive floral displays that incorporate the resort’s current seasonal theme
- Paradise Springs Aquatic Park (open Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- ICE! Gaylord Texan Winter Activities
- Character breakfast and photo ops
- Escape room for families
- Build-a-bear (weekends)
- Ping Pong, Billiards
- Golf
- Relache Spa
Restaurants
Old Hickory Steakhouse
Steakhouse, Casual attire, Open for dinner only.
Cozy restaurant serving classic steaks and sides with a few unexpected starters like Spanish octopus, housemade charcuterie, and a chilled seafood tower including Maine lobster, shrimp, oyster, and king crab.
Texan Station Sports Bar and Grill
Sports bar, Casual atmosphere, Open lunch and dinner.
This is the sports bar of sports bars! There is literally a wall of TVs and several rows of recliners as well as tables. The recliners are first come, first serve but see the hostess for tables. If there is a big game (think: Super Bowl, World Series or NBA Finals) you want to make a reservation or arrive early as others will be glued to the TVs until the game is over. Also, the nachos are delicious and will keep you full for days… don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Riverwalk Cantina
Tex-Mex, Casual, Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The breakfast buffet is extensive and delicious or you can order from the menu. Lunch and dinner options are Tex-Mex staples with an emphasis on the “Tex” such as smoked brisket tacos, short rib flautas, and the Texan chorizo burger to name a few. A full bar is available including tequila flights, which are always a good idea – right? It is located in the riverwalk atrium where you can dine “outdoor” on a tiered patio overlooking the manmade river with koi fish swimming by — entertaining for kids and parents alike!
Zeppole
Italian, Casual dress, Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Festive atmosphere under cafe lights in the hill country atrium. The pizza is good but the pasta is better. I especially enjoyed the Ragu alla bolognese. There is also a breakfast buffet that includes seemingly everything, including a chocolate fountain that is sure to please the kiddos… and keep them bouncing off the walls!
Glass Cactus
Nightclub, casual.
Enjoy live music over shareable plates and street tacos. Happy hour 8-9 pm with half-priced apps and drink specials as well. The club is not super family friendly but would be good for a group of adults (parents on the loose!). It is separate from the rest of the resort, past the parking garage.
Mission Plaza Marketplace
Grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Beer and wine available in the afternoon/ evening.
This is a fast and easy option for hot breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee to start your day. A few tables are available overlooking the lone star atrium with a giant fountain that little kids will enjoy watching.
Paradise Springs Waterpark
Poolside grill, Casual, Open Memorial Day to Labor Day when the water park is open.
Enjoy salads, sandwiches, or burgers poolside in between trips around the lazy river. Kids menu available offering hot dogs, grilled cheese, or chicken tenders served with fries. You can order from poolside waiters or directly from the bar. Side note: Kona Ice is available at the water park as well but it can NOT be charged to the room so you may want to pack some cash or a credit card.
The Coca Bean
Coffee house, Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Serving Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, and breakfast options. Lines can be long in the morning as everyone is feening for their morning lattes. If just basic coffee will do, I recommend going to Mission Plaza Marketplace to dodge the crowd.
Accommodations
Guest Rooms
This hotel offers 350 square foot rooms with either 1 king or 2 queen beds. These configurations can be selected as standard, center atrium view (main atrium), or partial atrium view (either Hill Country or Riverwalk atriums). Although it makes for good people watching, I would recommend against the atrium rooms due to the noise level.
Suites
One-bedroom suites are available offering 540-640 square feet of space with 1 king bedroom and a living area or a larger 900 square foot suite with the same configuration. The price is actually not that much more for a suite compared to an atrium room and I think it would be well worth it to have a separate bedroom.
Amenities
Amenities include: wifi, hair dryer, mini fridge, coffee maker in addition to the standard things expected at a hotel. The bathrooms have a tub/shower combination.
Cribs are available upon request and rollaway beds are $25/night. Limit of one crib or rollaway bed per room, two per suite.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at this property.
Resort Fee
There is a $26 per night resort fee that includes 2 bottles of water per day, 2 bike rentals, admission to Glass Cactus Nightclub for guests over 21, Cowboys Golf Club practice facilities access on Friday and Saturday, Grapevine Shuttle service, daily dry cleaning credit, and a spa discount.
Spa
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am – 9 pm, Sat 8 am – 8 pm, Sun 9 am – 7 pm
Services include: Massage (couples and prenatal after 1st trimester), facials, nail services and makeup services.
A 20% service fee is included in the price. There is a 15% discount for members of the military.