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
Looking for the resort experience without the overnight price? Check out day pass options with ResortPass!
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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.
1. 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 comfortable place to sit and watch all the activity going on elsewhere in the pool. There are a couple of zip lines that you can ride and then drop into the water, a water slide, and 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 and then tips over periodically raining massive amounts of water and pure joy on the kids below. There are also spray guns on multiple levels that you can use to spray unsuspecting guests. Off to the left side of the fort, there 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.
2. 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.
3. Beach Area
There is no beach area at this resort.
4. Slides
There are 3 slides available. You must be 48″ to ride.
5. 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.
6. Food/Drink
Poolside waiters serve food from Paradise Springs Poolside Grill.
7. 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
Tired of lugging around your golf bag at the airport or not having room in your car? Ship your golf clubs ahead and they’ll be waiting at your resort!
2. Paradise Springs Aquatic Park (open Memorial Day to Labor Day)
3. ICE! Gaylord Texan Winter Activities
4. Character breakfast and photo ops
5. Escape room for families
6. Build-a-bear (weekends)
7. Ping Pong, Billiards
8. Golf
9. Relâche Spa
