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All You Need to Know: Gaylord Texan Goblins and Giggles

Dallas/Fort Worth Living

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

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This fall, gather your family and head to the Gaylord Texan Goblins and Giggles weekend event. This new family Halloween event occurs during the September and October weekends (September 11 through October 31, 2020)

Last holiday, our family won a 2-night stay because of the Gaylord Texan Ice contest. We finally booked our stay and got to experience one of our favorite hotels during the Fall.

Check out 15 Fun Fall Things to Do in Dallas

From the decor to the activities to enjoying Paradise Springs, it was the perfect last-minute staycation our family needed! Keep reading to find out how our stay went and if it’s a good fit for you.

gaylord texan goblins and giggles

What is the Gaylord Texan Goblins and Giggles event?

Goblins and Giggles is Gaylord Texan’s newest Fall attraction and offers a wide array of family-friendly activations from spooky animal encounters and a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt to pumpkin decorating and a trick-or-treat expedition. Most of the activations take place Friday through Sunday. The atrium is transformed into vibrant Fall colors with hints of Halloween fun throughout. There are so many gorgeous Fall photo opportunities for families.

gaylord texan fall atrium
    gaylord texan fall atrium
    gaylord texan goblins and giggles photo opportunity

    Gaylord Texan Goblins & Giggles Weekend events and activities:

    Please note some activities require tickets and cost extra. Get Gaylord Activities tickets before for the Escape Room, Scavenger Hunt Booklet, Pumpkin, and Canvas Painting and Ghost Stories LIVE show.

    • Spooky Animal Encounters, an educational opportunity to interact with and learn about a variety of animals including a kangaroo!  
    gaylord texan spooky animal encounter
    • A Trick-or-Treat Expedition – our kids enjoyed walking to different stops in the Atrium for candy​. Tip: Bring your own bags for your kids. They do not provide. Also, dress the kids up for Halloween!
      Gaylord Texan Trick or Treating Map
      A Map of the Trick or Treat locations
      gaylord texan trick or treating
      • Canvas and Pumpkin Decorating – we did not have a chance to do this, but it looked like so much fun.
      • Ghost Stories LIVE! Guests learn about haunted Texas history in an interactive experience allowing the audience to become part of the story.
      • A SpookEasy, the resort’s haunted hideaway, featuring spine-chilling craft cocktails and a spooky collection of terrifying, ghostly artwork procured by the owner’s past.
      • An Escape Room, that challenges guests to race against the clock to unlock clues and solve a puzzle before the time runs out.
      gaylord texan fall escape room
      Find the Escape Room near Texan Eats in the Atrium

      Gaylord Texan Goblins and Giggles Self-led Daily activities include:

      • The Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin​. Spookley found eight spooktacular hiding spots at the resort for his game of Halloween Hide & Seek. Guests solve puzzles to find each clue’s missing word and then use the clues to find Spookley​. 
      • The Wildlife Rescue Experience guides guests throughout the resort to track down endangered species and help ensure that they are monitored for their protection. The virtual adventure brings the animals to life before the participants’ eyes with the magic of augmented reality.
      • The Jack-O-Lantern Walk is an imaginative self-guided walkthrough experience, transporting visitors of all ages to a world of Halloween fun.

      Guests can also enjoy other themed activities including family-favorite Halloween movie showings on the big screen, interactive trivia, bingo, and Bedtime Stories with Morgana the Witch on their in-room television.

      gaylord texan characters

      Is Gaylord Texan’s Paradise Springs open?

      If you go on a weekend in September, yes! Starting in October this attraction will be closed.

      This resort’s 10-acre outdoor pool, features a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon, giant water playhouse, 600-foot long lazy river, and multiple winding waterslides. Paradise Springs is an exclusive amenity for hotel guests.

      gaylord texan Paradise Springs

      Paradise Springs Gaylord Texan reservations

      On Saturdays, guests must make reservations to secure their spots at Paradise Springs. Make reservations by calling 817-778-1000.

      gaylord texan Paradise Springs

      We reserved chairs next to the kid’s area that was perfect and shaded under an umbrella. Wait staff served us and we had a safe lock box in between our chairs when we needed to leave to visit other parts of the park. Guests can book a Paradise Springs cabana or upgrade poolside chairs here. There are a limited number of first-come, first-serve chairs available.

      2020 Paradise Springs Food & Drink Menus

      My kids shared the Chicken Tender meal while my husband and I shared the Burger. The portions are big enough. Each kid’s meal includes a rubber duck to play with at the pool, so if your kids don’t like sharing maybe get two orders or teach them to share.

      Gaylord Texan Paradise Springs Food Menu

      From the drink menu, my husband enjoyed the Karbach Southern Wheat draft beer while I enjoyed the Texan Sipper. I also recommend the Pina Colada if you are looking for something sweeter!

      Gaylord Texan Paradise Springs Beverage Menu

      2020 Gaylord Texan Dining Options

      Dining has changed a bit since our 2019 visit, but there is still some variety of food families can enjoy by scanning a QR code provided at check-in. (This is subject to change)

      • Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill – Open breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
      • Mission Plaza Marketplace – Find Starbucks coffee, pastries, salads, and sandwiches.
      • Zeppole – traditional Italian and seafood dinners. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.
      • Silver Bar – Serves a variety of cocktails, wine, and beer. Open Friday – Sunday.
      • Texan Eats – Available for guest room delivery or pick up, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Available to resort guests only.

      Gaylord Texan Safety Precautions

      First, cue the disclaimer: I am not telling you these activities are 100% safe and COVID-19 free. You are responsible for making the decision of whether or not to visit public businesses. If you feel uneasy, consider these stay at home activities for kids .

      Gaylord Texas lobby
      Photo provided by Gaylord Texan
      • Enhanced cleaning – During our stay we saw staff cleaning and sanitizing several times throughout the resort.
      • Masks and Face Coverings – Face coverings are required. Staff, including lifeguards, wear personal protective equipment at all times. We did not wear masks at the restaurants or the pool.
      • Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the resort and available for use. z
      • Health Screenings – We did not have to participate in a temperature scan; however, any employee of the resort with a temperature over 100.4°F or exhibiting any known symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to work.
      • Social Distancing – Floor decals and stanchions help with line management with family activities, checking into the hotel, and other places that require guests to line up.
      • Contactless Check-in and Check out is available. There are dining options available for guests that want to have food delivered straight to their hotel. We did this for breakfast and the food was delicious.
      • Housekeeping is “upon request only”

      Read more about Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” practices here. Read more about the Gaylord Texan Paradise Springs safety precautions here.

      Don’t have a mask? Get adult masks here or kids masks here.

      How to book a Gaylord Texan stay this Fall

      In celebration of Goblins & Giggles, the resort is offering a special Family Fall Fest Package starting at $259. The package includes a one-night stay, a Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt booklet, and two tickets to Canvas and Pumpkin Decorating. The package excludes resort fee and parking. For more information or Goblins & Giggles events and overnight room packages, visit GaylordTexan.com

      Want more Check out videos and more tips on my Instagram highlight labeled GAYLORD)

      Conclusion

      Gaylord Texan Fall Lights

      Our family always has a good time at the Gaylord Texan. It was a first for us to stay during the Fall months. We enjoyed the addition of the Fall/Halloween activities for the kids. I hope they consider hosting Goblins and Giggles for years to come. It felt like a little sense of normalcy. We felt safe, but I understand if some families are still uncomfortable getting out. The one thing we really miss is the all you can eat breakfast buffet, but I completely understand why it’s not there. I don’t think any buffets exist in 2020.

      Have more questions about our Gaylord stay?

      Reach out to me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Happy to answer!

      Check out more of our family’s travels and follow along on Pinterest for more Texas staycation ideas.

      Gaylord Texan Halloween

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      By Michelle Hancock | September 17, 2020

      Comments

      1. Scarlet says

        September 22, 2020 at 2:11 pm

        Wow. What a fabulous fun time. Gaylord really does things right an the is goblins and giggles event looks worth a trip:)

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      Meet Michelle

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       Hi, I’m Michelle. My mission is to help moms believe in themselves through realistic parenting hacks that make life with kids easier and more fun!



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      AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to cook nuggets in ours. It's incredibly easy and tastes amazing. Find out how to make plant-based Air Fryer nuggets in minutes. Delicious and crispy, Raised & Rooted™ Plant-Based Nuggets can be easily found at #Target Serve with your favorite sauce to serve as a quick meal or snack. Head to ModernMomLife.com for the recipe and Target Circle Offer information. #RaisedAndRooted #TysonFoods https://lnk2.io/wCmhGSX
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      It really works! We tried making these colored ice It really works! We tried making these colored ice balls and succeeded. It’s so simple. Fill up water balloons with water and squeeze a few drops of food coloring in them. Tie and place water balloons outside until frozen solid. It took us 12-18 hours from last night when it wasn’t as cold as it is today. Once frozen cut the balloon off and then you have beautiful solid colored ice balls! #kidsactivitiesathome #snowdayactivities #snowday #texasweather #snowcrafts #boredombusters
      💜 VALENTINE’S DAY PRINTABLES are ready for yo 💜 VALENTINE’S DAY PRINTABLES are ready for you! Seven pages filled with fun activities for your kids including word search, I Spy and a Scavenger Hunt. Head to ModernMomLife.com to download! 💜 #Valentinesdaygames #ValentinesDay #kidsactivities #coloringpages #wordsearch #boredombusters #printables

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      AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to cook nuggets in ours. It's incredibly easy and tastes amazing. Find out how to make plant-based Air Fryer nuggets in minutes. Delicious and crispy, Raised & Rooted™ Plant-Based Nuggets can be easily found at #Target Serve with your favorite sauce to serve as a quick meal or snack. Head to ModernMomLife.com for the recipe and Target Circle Offer information. #RaisedAndRooted #TysonFoods https://lnk2.io/wCmhGSX
      🎉 GIVEAWAY CLOSED 🎉  Giving away The Cro 🎉 GIVEAWAY CLOSED 🎉  Giving away The Croods: A New Age Blu-Ray + DVD+ Digital Code!  To enter:
1️⃣  Like this photo
2️⃣  Follow @thecroods & @ModernMomLife 
3️⃣  Tag a friend in the comments (1 comment = 1 entry)  One winner will be selected on 3/1. Good luck!  Offer valid to US residents only. This is not affiliated with Instagram.  ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨   THE CROODS: A NEW AGE is coming available on Blu-ray/DVD now! It's great family family fun!  #CroodsNewAge #FamilyFun #KidsActivities #MoviesforKids #TheCroods #movienightathome
      ☘️ You are in Luck! New Printable on the blog! ☘️ You are in Luck! New Printable on the blog! Grab these free St. Patrick’s Day worksheets for kids to celebrate the holiday. Lucky you! The St. Patrick’s activity packet includes games like St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, St. Patrick’s Day Sudoku, St. Patrick’s Day word scramble, and more! This PDF includes 33 pages of St. Patrick’s activities for kids – all for free! All you need is a printer to start the fun! Head to ModernMomLife.com or my link in profile! Have fun! #StPatricksDay #BoredomBuster #kidsactivities #gamesforkids #stpatricksdayactivities #momlife
      AD // Need a quick pick me up? Make these super ea AD // Need a quick pick me up? Make these super easy almond butter energy bites in minutes.  Made with high quality ingredients from @TomThumbTX, these protein balls make the perfect on-the-go-snack. Everyone in my family loves them!  I don’t mind making them because it’s such a simple and easy recipe. Did I mention there are also so many different ways to customize your energy bites? Don’t miss out on my snacking secret! Get the recipe on MODERNMOMLIFE.com or head to my link in profile for the details. #OpenNature #OOrganics #energybites #proteinballs #snackideas #nobakerecipe
      It really works! We tried making these colored ice It really works! We tried making these colored ice balls and succeeded. It’s so simple. Fill up water balloons with water and squeeze a few drops of food coloring in them. Tie and place water balloons outside until frozen solid. It took us 12-18 hours from last night when it wasn’t as cold as it is today. Once frozen cut the balloon off and then you have beautiful solid colored ice balls! #kidsactivitiesathome #snowdayactivities #snowday #texasweather #snowcrafts #boredombusters
      💜 VALENTINE’S DAY PRINTABLES are ready for yo 💜 VALENTINE’S DAY PRINTABLES are ready for you! Seven pages filled with fun activities for your kids including word search, I Spy and a Scavenger Hunt. Head to ModernMomLife.com to download! 💜 #Valentinesdaygames #ValentinesDay #kidsactivities #coloringpages #wordsearch #boredombusters #printables
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