If you’re looking for a summer vacation that balances fun for the kids with something memorable for the whole family, Gaylord Hotels might have just the thing. This year, four of their properties are rolling out DC Summer—a new collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery that brings a lineup of Super Hero-themed activities to life.
It’s not a theme park. You won’t need to spend the day in long lines. But from check-in to check-out, guests will find themselves surrounded by creative touches inspired by the world of DC Comics. For parents with kids who can’t get enough of Batman or Wonder Woman, it might just hit the sweet spot between novelty and convenience.
What to Expect at DC Summer
Each participating Gaylord resort is offering its own version of the event, with activities that range from scavenger hunts to light shows and poolside movie nights. Some events are complimentary with your stay, while others are ticketed.
Here’s a sample of what’s planned:
- Mission Checklists at check-in to kick off the experience
- Riddler-themed scavenger hunts throughout the hotel
- Super Hero craft zones for younger kids
- Character dining with DC Super Heroes and Villains
- Secret menu items with Super Hero-inspired snacks and drinks
- DC movie nights by the pool
- A mix of meet-and-greets, trivia, and live storytelling shows
One nice detail is how each activity is designed with families in mind. You don’t have to commit an entire day to one experience—there are plenty of drop-in options that work around naps, meals, or just a need to relax.
The Headliner: Universe of Light at Gaylord Texan
The standout attraction is at Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. It’s called Universe of Light Featuring DC and it’s a large-scale lantern installation built around the Justice League.
Spanning 17,500 square feet, the walkthrough features glowing lanterns up to 24 feet tall—handmade by artisans in Zigong, China, known for their lantern-making tradition. Guests will recognize scenes from Gotham City, Themyscira, and other iconic DC locations brought to life through light and color.
There’s even a tie-in comic book, Universe of Light: Lost in the Pages, created just for the event. It turns your visit into a loose storyline where you help Cyborg and the Justice League save the day. If your kids like hands-on storytelling, it’s a nice extra.
Also included is a nod to DC Studios’ upcoming Superman film, with a themed area inspired by the Fortress of Solitude and an exclusive look at the new movie trailer.
When and Where
DC Summer will be available from May 23 to September 1, 2025, at these Gaylord Hotels:
- Gaylord Opryland – Nashville, TN
- Gaylord Palms – Kissimmee, FL
- Gaylord Rockies – Aurora, CO (starting May 24)
- Gaylord Texan – Grapevine, TX (home to Universe of Light)
Each location’s offerings are a little different, so it’s a good idea to check the details for your destination ahead of time. You can find all the info at gaylordhotels.com/dcsummer.
We like that this doesn’t require a theme park budget or schedule, but still gives kids that “Super Hero” wow factor. For families already planning to stay at one of the resorts—or looking for a summer trip that’s easy to manage—DC Summer offers a built-in way to keep everyone entertained without overcomplicating things.
You can dip into the activities as much or as little as you like. And for those with older kids or multiple age groups, the variety means everyone’s likely to find something that clicks.
At its core, DC Summer is less about spectacle and more about giving families small, well-designed moments of fun. Whether you’re grabbing a themed drink by the pool, helping Batman solve a mystery, or just snapping a photo with Wonder Woman before dinner, it adds a little something extra to your stay.
