• Home
  • About
  • As Seen On
  • PR | AD
  • Working Together
  • Event Calendar
    • MamaChallenge.com Calendar
    • Submit Your Event
  • Contact

mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

  • Featured on TV
  • For Moms
  • Food
  • Parenting
  • DFW
  • Travel
  • Tech
  • Health
  • Style
  • Giveaways

Go: Summerfest at the Gaylord Texan

Yum

July 17, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 1 Comment

Need a quick way to get away…like now? Take an instant vacation from quarantine life with SummerFest at the Gaylord Texan.

Thank you to the Gaylord Texan for inviting our family to enjoy a stay at the Gaylord Texan.

Summer is supposed to be full of water, sun and lots of fun. While 2020 hasn’t been the ideal pocketful of sunshine, our family was able to follow the rainbow to the Gaylord Texan to remember what summer is supposed to be. Each year the Gaylord Texan celebrates the season with SummerFest, the ultimate summer getaway featuring events and activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the resort! And with its outdoor 10-acre outdoor waterpark, Paradise Springs, featuring slides, zip line, poolside bar and lazy river, it’s always a part of our summer fun. 

Gaylord

BEFORE OUR STAY


Of course, this year things have been different…and after three months being social distanced and quarantined to our home, I NEEDED a break.

Well we all needed a break.

I needed to hear laughing, splashing and something cold to drink next to the water PDQ.  However, for us travel wasn’t in the plans and we were apprehensive about how being at a hotel with COVID-19 guidelines could be possible and still be fun. But after reading about the Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” practices put in place with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, including enhanced cleaning technologies, hospital-grade disinfectants, dedicated sanitizing agents and cleaning processes throughout the resort, I was prepared (masks and antibacterial packed) to stay with one caveat: be ready to leave at anytime if we didn’t feel comfortable. 

Paradise Springs is only available for hotel guests of the Gaylord Texan so you can’t purchase day passes. 

Before our stay I also received an email with details from the hotel about what to expect and how to navigate the experience in the best way possible including a reminder to wear our masks, how to increase a social distancing with private seating options like cabanas, lounge chairs, etc. Additionally several options for contactless technology was put into place including using: 

  • Mobile Check-In – Avoid the front desk and receive a Mobile Key delivered to your phone allowing you to skip the desk (yes opening your door with your phone!) 
  • Chat with Us – For any needs before or during your stay use the Chat icon to connect directly with the hotel.
  • Mobile Requests – For those standard needs use the mobile requests to have items delivered directly to your room with contactless delivery if desired.

Honestly, they had thought of more things that I hadn’t even thought of, it made me feel even more comfortable before we even left. 

Gaylord

DURING OUR STAY

When we arrived at the Gaylord Texan, we were primed and ready to make the most of our 24-staycation! Since we were staying on a Thursday – Friday, there were limited activities available during the week compared to the weekend experience. (A full list of activities and a map of the property can be found at WelcometoGaylordTexan.com.)

Gaylord

From the moment we were on property we were met with amazing customer service (even with everyone wearing masks on you could “feel’ the genuine hospitality.) Using our app we checked in, opened our door and dropped our bags to head to the waterpark…but not before we saw all the evidence that the room had been cleaned, a special bag of antibacterial for our stay, and a QR code to make it easy for us to keep us updated on the schedule of activities and dining options.

Gaylord

After we received our water park passes we rode the shuttle to the waterpark (required for all guests without private reservations at Paradise Springs) and off to swim! The shuttles come often, so we learned that if they were fuller than we wanted to ride you can elect to wait for another shuttle or there’s always walking (although it’s a bit of a climb with little ones.) 

That’s when vacation really started.

Gaylord

Once I was escorted to my chair (it was just me sitting down or I would’ve gotten that cabana), a masked pool side team members was there to get me a cold drink (bring on the white sangria) and solve any other issues I might have. And then the kids hit the water HARD! They played all day long and I did, too. For the first time in a LONG time I was able to take a deep breath and enjoy myself. There was a moment when we all three of us were riding the lazy river (where each tube was cleaned each time you exited the water), when we all just looked around and say “THANK YOU.” It was a moment I’ll remember for a long time because none of us were taking advantage of the opportunity! 

Gaylord

You are asked to wear a mask into Paradise Springs and then as we walked around, but it is not required in the water or while drinking/eating.

While dragging the kids out of the waterpark was almost impossible, they also didn’t want to miss the fun like Trivia, Painting on Canvas, and the resort-wide scavenger hunt!  I was able to sneak in sunrise yoga next to the pool in the morning and surprise the kids with room service with pancakes (all delivered to the room with disposable dining ware.) 

Gaylord

Gaylord

Gaylord

Gaylord

TIPS FOR STAYING AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN 

  • Visit during the week if you want optimal social distancing, however, if you’re looking for the most activities/ amenities available opt for the weekend. 
  • You’ll find antibacterial in your room so it’s not necessary to load up your luggage with cleaning products. Just remember to bring your mask! 
  • To minimize attendance and give everyone an opportunity to enjoy Paradise Springs, on the weekend you must pick AM or PM to visit. However, there is another resort pool to enjoy on property and a huge lake nearby to swim. 
  • Get the reservations for the chair / cabana. I was able both days to nab a spot with no advance, but if you have a bigger family or want to optimize your distancing, this is the way. 
  • You cannot bring outside open drinks to Paradise Springs so don’t BYOB. There are plenty of great options available for food and drinks while at Paradise Springs (so if you’re bringing water for the baby bottle just keep it closed until you get there.) 
  • Know your activities and schedule accordingly. For instance, since some of the activities, retail stories and restaurants are only on the weekend, you’ll want to make sure you don’t think you’ll be slurping noodles at Zeppole on a Tuesday night.
  • Look for specials! Recently the Gaylord Texan hosted a $139 rate (which is almost unheard of), so keep watch for great deals! 

Gaylord

I’m so glad we went to the Gaylord Texan! The change of scenery was just what we needed. When my daughter woke up in the middle of the night and asked if we could open the doors, we stepped unto the balcony that opened into the atrium and looked out to hear the water running and look out over “Texas,” she said “mama, it’s so peaceful…isn’t it wonderful?”  

Gaylord

NOTE: This was an account of our experience. While we felt safe and reasonable accommodations for the activities we participated / experienced, please make your own decisions for what is best for your family. 

Best-Hotels-for-Kids-in-DFW2

More from mamachallenge.com

  • Love Where You Live: Dallas Farmers Market #FromHereforHereLove Where You Live: Dallas Farmers Market #FromHereforHere
  • Six Things to Know for Your First Schlitterbahn ExperienceSix Things to Know for Your First Schlitterbahn Experience
  • Travel Tuesdays: The Vacation Before the Vacation at The Westin Galleria DallasTravel Tuesdays: The Vacation Before the Vacation at The Westin Galleria Dallas
  • Gaylord Texan Lone Star ChristmasGaylord Texan Lone Star Christmas
  • See Dallas Stay at the Anatole with Staycation FunSee Dallas Stay at the Anatole with Staycation Fun
  • 10 Reasons to Luv Love Field10 Reasons to Luv Love Field

Filed Under: Travel

Parenting is hard. Who couldn't use a little help? You've come to the right place. Sign up for our e-newsletter and don't miss anything. Join mamachallenge on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram where we get through it together!
Autumn Rose Reo

About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. AvatarCiara says

    July 26, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    Thank you for sharing! Because of your website, I have decided to trust myself by getting reservations for my daughter’s 9th birthday at Gaylord! It will be so much better than celebrating at our usual, boring apartment after being “caged” since the pandemic crisis started! It will be an elated surprise for her when the time comes (August 23-25:)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Autumn Rose ReoGet REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... https://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Best Wine is Clean-Crafted: Directly Delivered

Save on Fun All Year Long! Code: MAMACHALLENGE

La Madeleine Holiday Moments: Crepes

4 Fruit and Veggie Recipes to Make NOW for Summer

SHOP MAMACHALLENGE!


More TV Segments Not To Miss

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

You’ll LOVE This!

logo
Food Advertisements by
MamaChallenge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Fancy Schmancy. This month’s @torchystacos Taco Fancy Schmancy.

This month’s @torchystacos Taco of the Month is this beut: she’s full of eggs, smoked salmon, pickled onions, capers, chopped dill, and the herb cream cheese. And yes she’s fancy but oh so good and worth the splurge.

Paired with a side of queso and change out the chips for chicharrones with that white queso (and maybe a Paloma), and you’re golden. 

#torchytacos #salmon #tacos #paloma #fancy #torchys #dryjanuary #dill #salmon #dfweats #dallaseats
Who doesn’t like chocolate? But what if it’s Who doesn’t like chocolate?

But what if it’s truffles made with avocados past their prime? 🤢? Don’t knock it until you try it #recipeontheblog

Today on @wfaagmt I shared how to make the most of those leftovers and old vegetables and fruits! The kitchen smells so good with an apple tarte tartin, truffles, potato chips, broth, banana bread, and this cilantro green sauce! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Taken from @beardfoundation:

INGREDIENTS

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro stems (from 1 bunch of cilantro)
1⁄2 cup olive oil or neutral oil, such as organic canola or grapeseed
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or the mixing cup of a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Swirl a few times to dissolve the salt. Add the stems, olive oil, and cumin — puree. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

#wfaa #tv #recipe #goodmorningtexas #chocolatetruffles #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #eatwell #dfw #momblogger #healthylifestyle #wholefoodmethod
Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’ Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’t think that’s the way it work...🌯

Today was a busy one: getting ready for the week and getting prepped for a tv segment (tomorrow on @wfaagmt, so I had to call in for reinforcements. While I may be on the no-carb wagon, the rest of the fam wanted something different -  fresh, full of flavor and delivered fast...enter @savageburritos!

Made from the @unclejuliosmexican family, this ghost kitchen delivery service offers specialty burritos, bowls, salads, the holy trinity (queso, chips and salsa) and even dessert - all to your door! 

Find ‘em online and find out why you’ll go savage for more! And thanks @savageburritos for such great service! 

#savageburritos #savageburrito #unclejulios #texmex #dfweats #mamachallenge #dallasfood #dallasmoms #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid surprises you with an over-the-top hot cocoa in bed.

...But at least she put it in my @shopcarrieelle mugs.

I’m wondering if this was my first teat of 2021.
Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨ Happy New Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨

Happy New Year’s Y’all!

#ArlingtonTexas #ArlingtonTx #dfw #nye #lonestarnye
Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel. Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel.

We’ve been working to squeeze in all the celebrations this week before it’s time to work out all the tears, wine and carbs 2020 brought. 🍷 🥖 😭 

What’s your NYE plan? And most of all what’s your last cheat meal? 

#dfw #nye #newyears #covidchristmas2020 #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
The 80s are coming back in full force...but does m The 80s are coming back in full force...but does my visor match my mask? 😱

Actually my #OOTD is part of our equipment to take down aliens in London circa 1984 at @electricgamebox, the new immersive gaming experience @grandscapetx. Opening December 24, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time TOGETHER, hear a bada$@ soundtrack (hello, 80s!?!) and burn calories (don’t worry about those extra cookies!)

Before you go: 

🕹Have a team name ready

🕹Wear tennis shoes, no hats or hair bands, and comfortable clothes. 

🕹There’s a locker to put your bag in if you need to drop it off!

🕹Safety is #1: Masks are a must, no contact and you’re the only ones in your game room! 

🕹The experience is an hour so be ready to move bc you will! 

Swipe to see our score and family photo (emailed to you after your experience!)

Thanks for some pre-Christmas fun Electric Gamebox! (Partner)

#dallas #dfw #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #dallasmoms #dallastexas #electricgamebox #covidchristmas #2020 #openingsoon
❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas... We ❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

We normally head to the mountains at Christmas time, but this year we’re just happy to celebrate Christmas healthy and together with lots of wonderful trips around home including to the @gaylordtexan. So we broke from our matching plaid instead with this mom/daughter snowflake set from @shinestythreads. Most their stuff is exactly what you need to dominate the Christmas sweater game, our little bit of cheesy (cue “Let it Go...”) but came out too sweet not to share. (When they’re this age, you take it when you get it!)

Shinesty is the resource for all the holidays apparel and even does free returns! Save their page for when you need to be the talk of the party (online and in person.) 

🎄And for details about the @gaylordtexan Lonestar Christmas like this week’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, head to the blog (and remember the code REO gets you a discount on some of your activities!)

#shinesty #snow #dfw AD #gaylordchristmas #gaylordtexan #visitgrapevine #dallastexas #dfwinfluencer #dallasbloggers #matchingoutfits #snowdfw #somuchchristmas
One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-th One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-thru margaritas...I had time to enjoy wrapping my gifts! 

While we had a minor Santa disaster yesterday, I devised a mom save and moved on to the wrapping paper! I even made my Christmas tags with my @Cricut to match my white & silver snow theme! 

Do you theme your wrapping? What was this year?

You finally can get yours or stock up on accessories now at 50% off now with this link or download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. http://liketk.it/34fvi #liketkit @liketoknow.it 
 #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome @liketoknow.it.family @liketoknow.it.home
...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄 I love celebrati ...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄

I love celebrating our holiday traditions, but this year we made a new one! I’ve always wanted to see Christmas lights by carriage ride and this year we made it happen by surprising the girls! 

We spent the night looking at beautiful houses, drinking hot chocolate under the blankets and hearing some of the best commentary from the girls!

🐴 There are several different carriage ride companies (we used Whitehaven Carriages) that drive through Deerfield and Highland Park with multiple types of carriages (there’s even a Cinderella) for varying prices starting around $175+. 

🐴While rides reserve quickly, you might be able to find some after the holidays! If not, put this in the calendar for next year because it’s a must do!

(I’ve shared some of it on Instastories!)

#dfw #highlandpark #dallasbloggers  #christmasdecor #horses #chriatmaslights #dallas #dfwevents #dallasinfluencer #dfwinfluencer #christmastradition
Just ONE more day! The countdown to Christmas may Just ONE more day!

The countdown to Christmas may be a week away, but @thecroods New Age is available by demand tomorrow! 

The kids have been so excited about this debut and have decorated for the occasion with their goodies from @dreamworks! 🎁 (Partner)

#CROODSNEWAGE #dreamworks #thecroods #giftideas #dfwinfluencers #dallassocialinfluencers #movie #fandango #momlife #sloth
🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 . 🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 

...to drink that is, The Dude style. Picking up last minute gifts, I took a brief break at @lockwooddistillingco. They have a great holiday cocktail list and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some awesome gift baskets under their Biggie & Snoop Christmas tree will make everyone happy for Christmas (twofer!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a bottle of the Bourbon Creme or Cinnamon Rum to make it through the holidays (who needs eggnog when you can drink this?)

#lockwooddistillingco #biglebowski #dfw #richardsontx #dallastx #holidaydrinks #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger #whitechristmas #giftidea #biggie #snoop
#MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourse #MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourself to put under the tree and saying it’s from the kids? 🌲 

For me it was this crossbody from @bestofsevenshop. I love a beautiful big handbag (hello @louisvuitton!), but lately I’ve kept it to the essentials as we enjoyed all the holiday events safely, but I still wanted it to be cute! 

Best of Seven style is classic: full of pockets and zippers as well different styles that let you interchange colors to make it your own! “Keeping it your own” is their mission by celebrating diversity:
🌈 races
🌈religion
🌈genders
🌈sexual orientation
🌈Abilities and disabilities
🌈Ages

And you know I love a monogram! 

Today’s the last day to get 30% off and still get it personalized! Get the link in my profile!

#bestofseven #diversity #giftideas #dallasblogger #style #holidays #grinch #rainbow #dfwinfluencers #dallasmoms #covidchristmas
SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼 It’s incred SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼

It’s incredible how much you can do in 24 hours and how many photos you can take - 422 to be exact.

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan @gaylordtexan.

We even share how to save some money (use the code REO!)

Link to the guide is in the profile and #ontheblog.

#gaylordtexan #ChristmasatGaylordTexan #ilovechristmasmoviesWB #SoMuchChristmas #gaylordchristmas #dfw #visitgrapevine #christmas #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencer #travelblogger #traveltex #grapevinetx
Are you making a different kind of O Face because Are you making a different kind of O Face because your not sure if that box is gonna make it? O-NO! 😱

Deadlines start today fast and being in those long lines might be the worst part of Christmas. However, I shared some tips  on @wfaagmt on how you can avoid feeling like a Grinch when it comes to shipping. 🙌🏻

Here are some tips you might not know before you get in line: 

🎁 The big three all have pick up at your house, by going online and scheduling for pick up @ups, @usps.official and @fedex.

Did you know that several stores actually have shipping inside? 
🎁Some Ace Hardware stores @acehardware and local Eliott’s Hardware
🎁 @Staples - they have all the supplies for you to box it up (and I have a coupon in my Instastories!)
🎁 CVS ships UPS
🎁 Heading to those third party parcel stores can definitely save you some time.

Ship to Store is a huge way to get the item delivered quicker to you or to have sent. 
🎁 Get your @amazon sent to an Amazon Locker  or @wholefoods for shipping and pick up! 
🎁 @target - drive through pick up with the App 
🎁 @Walmart - just launched a new service called Walmart+ which is like Amazon Prime where you can get it. (Try it free now!) 

Last-minute shipping?
🎁 While you might not want to pay for those last-minute shipping services, if you use @rakuten you can save money on your purchase so then it still can be affordable for your budget. (I have already racked up a $600 cash back check just for using Rakuten - head to my profile to get a link to get $20 back when you use it! (It’s FREE!) 

@wfaagmt @wfaa #dfw #shipping #holiday #savemoney #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencers #dallas #giftideas #mamachallenge #giftguide #covidchristmas
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Follow Along!

Tweets by @mamachallenge

Copyright MamaChallenge.com © 2021 · Hosting Provided by Servously · Privacy Policy