Westgate Vacation Villas: Your Ultimate Orlando Family Resort Guide

Planning a trip to Orlando can feel overwhelming. There are so many hotels and resorts to choose from. But what if you could find a place that feels like a home away from home? A place with space for your whole family. A place with amazing pools and fun activities. That place is Westgate Vacation Villas.

Westgate Vacation Villas is a popular resort in Orlando, Florida. It is located near the famous Walt Disney World Resort. This resort offers spacious villas instead of small hotel rooms. These villas have full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and living areas. This makes them perfect for families or groups of friends.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know. We will cover the different types of villas you can book. We will talk about all the fun things to do at the resort. You will learn about the pools, the food, and the location. We will also give you tips on how to save money and have the best vacation ever. Let's start our journey to discover why Westgate Vacation Villas might be your perfect vacation spot.

What Are Westgate Vacation Villas?

Westgate Vacation Villas is part of the larger Westgate Resorts company. Westgate Resorts owns many vacation properties across the United States. The Orlando location is one of their biggest and most popular. It sits on a massive 28-acre property. This gives guests plenty of space to relax and play.

The resort first opened its doors many years ago. It has grown and improved over time. Today, it is known for its friendly service and great amenities. The main idea is to give guests a "vacation villa" experience. This means more room and more privacy than a standard hotel.

The Villa Experience

Staying in a villa is different from staying in a hotel room. A villa is like a small apartment or a house. At Westgate, the villas come in different sizes. You can choose a one-bedroom villa for a small family. Or you can book a three-bedroom villa for a big group.

Every villa has a full kitchen. This includes a refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave. There are also pots, pans, plates, and utensils. Having a kitchen can save you a lot of money on food. You can cook breakfast or make sandwiches for your park days.

The living area has a comfortable sofa and a television. The bedrooms are separate from the living room. This gives parents privacy after the kids go to sleep. Many villas also have a washer and dryer. This is very helpful for longer stays. You can pack fewer clothes and just wash them during your trip.

Types of Accommodations

Westgate Vacation Villas offers several villa types. Here is a simple list:

Studio Villa: A smaller option with a kitchenette. Good for couples.
One-Bedroom Villa: Has a separate bedroom, living room, and full kitchen. Sleeps up to 4 people.
Two-Bedroom Villa: Two separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a full kitchen. Sleeps up to 8 people.
Three-Bedroom Villa: The largest option. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living area, and a full kitchen. Perfect for big families or multiple families sharing.

Each villa is decorated in a comfortable, home-like style. The furniture is clean and modern. The beds are comfortable for a good night's sleep after a long park day.

Location and Getting Around

Location is everything on a vacation. You want to be close to the fun. Westgate Vacation Villas has an excellent location. It is in Kissimmee, Florida. This area is very close to the main Orlando tourist attractions.

Proximity to Theme Parks

The resort's biggest selling point is its location near Walt Disney World. The entrance to Disney property is just a short drive away. According to Westgate's official site, the resort is only about 1.5 miles from the Disney World gate. This means you can get to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom quickly.

You are also close to other major attractions. Universal Orlando Resort is about a 20-25 minute drive. SeaWorld Orlando is about 15-20 minutes away. There are also many smaller attractions nearby. These include Gatorland, Fun Spot America, and Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

Transportation Options

You have a few choices for getting to the parks from Westgate Vacation Villas.

Driving Your Own Car: The resort has free parking for guests. You can drive to any park. Remember, Disney and Universal charge a daily parking fee (around $25-$30).
Rideshare Services: Using Uber or Lyft is very common in Orlando. It is often cheaper than a taxi. A ride to Disney might cost $10-$15 each way.
Resort Shuttle: Westgate offers a shuttle service to the Disney parks for a fee. You must check the schedule and buy tickets in advance. It is not a free service.
Public Transportation: Orlando has a bus system called Lynx. However, it can be slow for tourists. Most guests prefer to drive or use rideshares.

The best tip is to have a car if you can. It gives you the most freedom. You can come and go from the parks on your own schedule. You can also easily go to the grocery store or other restaurants.

Resort Amenities and Activities

You might think you will spend all your time at the theme parks. But a good resort has plenty to do on its own. Westgate Vacation Villas is like a mini-vacation destination. You can have a fun day without ever leaving the property.

Pools and Water Fun

The pools are a major highlight. The resort has several pools for guests to enjoy.

The Main Pool: This is a large, free-form pool. It is great for swimming and playing. There is also a hot tub nearby for adults to relax.
Serenity Pool: This pool is for adults only. It is a quiet place to read a book or sunbathe without lots of splashing kids.
Water Playground: This is the best part for children. It has water slides, splash pads, and interactive water features. Kids can spend hours here having fun.

All pools have plenty of lounge chairs. Towels are provided at the pool area. There are also poolside servers. They can bring you drinks and snacks while you relax.

Sports and Recreation

If you like to stay active, Westgate has you covered. The resort has many sports facilities.

Mini-Golf: There is a fun, 18-hole mini-golf course on site. It is included in your resort fee.
Basketball and Tennis Courts: You can play a game with your family. Equipment is available to borrow.
Volleyball: There is a sand volleyball court for some beach-style fun.
Fitness Center: The resort has a modern gym. It has cardio machines and weight equipment. You can keep up with your workout routine.
Game Room: For kids (and kids at heart), there is an arcade. It has video games, air hockey, and prize games.

Daily Activities and Entertainment

Westgate has a team called the "Fun Team." Their job is to organize activities for guests. These activities change daily. You can find the schedule when you check in. Examples include:

Poolside bingo games
Arts and crafts for children
Movie nights by the pool
Dance parties
Trivia contests

These activities are often free. They add extra fun to your stay. They are especially great for days when you are not going to a theme park.

Dining Options at the Resort

Food is an important part of any vacation. At Westgate Vacation Villas, you have several choices for where to eat.

On-Site Restaurants and Bars

The resort has a few places to grab a meal or a drink.

Villa's Grill: This is the main restaurant. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu has American favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. It is casual and family-friendly.
Poolsider's Bar & Grill: Located right by the main pool. You can order food and drinks without leaving your lounge chair. They serve snacks, pizza, and cocktails.
Marketplace: This is a small convenience store. You can buy groceries, snacks, drinks, and basic supplies. The prices are higher than a regular supermarket. But it is very convenient if you need something quickly.

Cooking in Your Villa

One of the best money-saving features is your villa's kitchen. You can cook your own meals. This is much cheaper than eating out for every meal. Here is a simple plan:

Go Grocery Shopping: On your first day, visit a supermarket. There is a Publix grocery store about a 5-minute drive from the resort. Buy breakfast food, lunch supplies, snacks, and drinks.
Make Breakfast: Cook eggs, cereal, or pancakes in your villa. This saves time and money every morning.
Pack Park Lunches: Make sandwiches, pack fruit, and bring chips. All Disney and Universal parks allow you to bring your own food and drinks. This can save your family over $50 per day.
Cook Simple Dinners: After a long park day, you might be tired. Cook a simple pasta dinner or heat up a frozen pizza in your villa. It is easy and affordable.

You can still enjoy Orlando's great restaurants. But mixing in some home-cooked meals is a smart budget strategy.

Planning Your Stay: Tips and Tricks

A great vacation needs a little planning. These tips will help you have a smooth and enjoyable stay at Westgate Vacation Villas.

Booking Your Villa

You can book directly through the Westgate Resorts website. You can also use travel sites like Expedia or Booking.com. Sometimes you can find good deals. Always check the total price. Remember to include the resort fee and taxes.

The resort fee is an extra daily charge. It covers things like Wi-Fi, pool towels, and access to amenities. As of 2023, the fee was around $20 per day. This is common at many Orlando resorts.

Book as early as you can. Prices are usually lower when you book months in advance. Also, consider traveling during the "off-season." This is typically late August, September, January, and early February. The parks are less crowded and hotel rates are lower.

Packing for Your Trip

Packing for a villa stay is a bit different than a hotel stay. Here is a helpful checklist:

Clothes: Pack for hot Florida weather. Include swimsuits, hats, and sunglasses.
Groceries: Make a shopping list before you go. Think about your first few meals.
Park Gear: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, portable phone chargers, and refillable water bottles.
Villa Extras: You might want to bring your favorite coffee, some spices for cooking, or a special pillow.
Entertainment: Pack cards, a board game, or books for relaxing evenings in the villa.

Saving Money on Your Vacation

Orlando vacations can be expensive. But you can control your budget with smart choices.

Use the Kitchen: We already talked about this. It is the number one way to save.
Buy Park Tickets in Advance: Never buy tickets at the gate. Buy them online from the official park websites or authorized sellers. Look for multi-day discounts.
Share a Villa: If you are traveling with another family, share a larger villa. Splitting the cost makes it more affordable for everyone.
Look for Package Deals: Sometimes Westgate offers packages that include villa stays and park tickets. These can offer good value.
Take a Break Day: Plan a day where you do not go to a park. Enjoy the free pools and activities at the resort. This saves you a day of expensive park tickets.

Real Guest Experiences and Reviews

What do real people think about Westgate Vacation Villas? We looked at reviews from sites like TripAdvisor and Google. Here is what guests say.

What Guests Love

Most guests are very happy with their stay. They praise several things.

The Space: Families love having separate rooms and a living area. It feels less cramped than a hotel.
The Pools: The water playground is a huge hit with children. Parents love that kids can have fun safely.
The Location: Being so close to Disney is a major advantage. It makes park days easier.
The Value: Many guests feel they get a lot for their money. The villa amenities make the cost worth it.

One guest from Ohio wrote: "Our family of five stayed in a two-bedroom villa. We had plenty of space. The kids loved the bunk beds. The kitchen saved us a fortune. We would definitely come back."

Common Complaints

No resort is perfect. Some guests have complaints. It is good to know these things before you book.

Resort Fee: Some guests do not like the extra daily fee. They feel it should be included in the room rate.
Timeshare Presentations: Westgate is a timeshare company. Some guests report being asked to attend a sales presentation. You can always say no. It is not required.
Older Buildings: Parts of the resort are older. Some guests say their villa felt a bit dated. However, Westgate is constantly updating and renovating villas.
Paid Shuttle: Guests wish the shuttle to Disney was free. Many other Orlando hotels offer free shuttles.

Overall, the reviews are mostly positive. The Better Business Bureau gives Westgate Resorts an A+ rating. This shows they work to resolve customer issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Westgate Vacation Villas inside Walt Disney World?

No, it is not inside the Disney World gates. But it is very close. It is about a 5-minute drive to the Disney World entrance on Highway 192.

2. Does the resort have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included for all guests. It is part of the daily resort fee. The connection is usually good for checking email and social media.

3. Are the villas cleaned every day?

No, daily housekeeping is not standard. For stays shorter than 7 nights, you get one mid-stay cleaning. For longer stays, cleaning is provided weekly. You can request extra cleaning for an additional fee.

4. Can I check in early or check out late?

Check-in time is usually 4:00 PM. Check-out is 10:00 AM. You can request early check-in or late check-out. It depends on availability. There may be an extra charge.

5. Is the resort good for large groups or reunions?

Yes, it is excellent for groups. You can book multiple villas next to each other. The three-bedroom villas can sleep up to 12 people. The resort has common areas where groups can gather.

6. Are pets allowed at Westgate Vacation Villas?

No, pets are not allowed at this resort. Only service animals are permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

7. What is there to do for teenagers?

Teens enjoy the pools, the arcade, and the sports courts. The resort is also close to Disney Springs. This area has lots of shops, restaurants, and entertainment like a movie theater.

Conclusion: Is Westgate Vacation Villas Right for You?

Westgate Vacation Villas offers a unique vacation style. It is perfect for families who want more space and a home-like feel. The full kitchen is a game-changer for saving money and eating healthy. The pools and activities provide fun right outside your door.

The location near Disney World is a huge benefit. It makes your park days less stressful. You can go back to your villa for an afternoon nap or swim. Then you can return to the parks refreshed.

This resort is best for:

Families with children of any age
Groups of friends traveling together
Anyone who wants to cook their own meals
People planning a longer Orlando vacation (5+ days)

It might not be the best choice for:

Couples looking for a luxury, adults-only resort
Travelers who want daily hotel-style housekeeping
Anyone on a very tight budget who cannot afford the resort fee

Before you book, think about what is important for your vacation. Do you value space and a kitchen? Do you want a resort with great pools for the kids? If yes, then Westgate Vacation Villas could be your perfect home base in Orlando. Start planning your magical vacation today. Check availability and prices on their website. Your family will thank you for choosing a comfortable, fun, and convenient place to stay.

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