Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa

Westgate Resorts does it again!  We fell in love with Westgate when we visited the Westgate River Ranch and had a perfect family getaway.  When researching Orlando hotels we knew we wanted hotels close to Disney World and Sea World, have enough space that we could all get a good night sleep, and have enough to do to spend an easy family day at the property.  Booking the Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa was the perfect choice.

We suggest parking to check in then deciding on valet parking or self parking depending on what building you are in.  We personally like to self park because inevitably someone will have forgotten a special blanket or whatever that needs to be retrieved quickly.  Parking is complimentary.

While checking in make sure to consult the concierge for park tickets and reccomendations.

The accommodations will make you feel right at home.  The balconies overlook Disney’s nightly fireworks show!  The living room has a kitchen and laundry.  The bathroom opens to both the living room and the bedroom so the layout really works for a family.  The kitchen is stocked with dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, pots, pans, silverware etc.  So, if you bring food items to prepare a pre-park breakfast or a bite when you get home they make it easy.  The largest room sleeps 16 people.

There are a ton of dining options.  We were getting in the car enough so having the option to stay, play and dine was just the ticket for us.  Sid’s Bistro in the lobby serves Starbucks coffee and other quick grabs.  There are also two pool bars, a pizza joint and Drafts Sports Bar & Grille.  Drafts is sandwiched between the bowling lanes and the arcade so you can just settle right in and let the kids go.  The Marketplace and Deli offers grocery, snacks, wine and more.  All options are casual enough for family dining.

Westgate Kid’s Club offers supervised fun for (potty trained) children 2-12 in a safe, secure environment.  Yup, I know, SO good.  Kids enjoy video games, arts & crafts, board games and more.  That means you have time to check out the full service on property spa.  We suggest driving up to Orlando, checking in, make a dinner trip to  Medieval Times, spend the next day at a park, the following day enjoy the Westgate activities and kids club (maybe some spa, gym and a lunch date for the adults) then another park and head home.  The entire family will have had a great time.

There is so much to do right on property we spent a day enjoying the activities (crafts, bowling, arcade games, making candles, yoga, volleyball, tennis, mini golf, poolside family bingo).  Drafts Sports Bar (the one that opens to the arcade and the bowling area) so it is a great family spot.  The bowling is a short lane with small lightweight balls and bumpers for the kids.  The arcade has all of the games you would hope for.  The gym is fantastic and there are so many pools – 7 – and all of them heated!  Summer of 2020 they are unveiling a brand new water park area.  There is an island on the 85 acre spring fed lake with hammocks and fire-pits – the perfect place to relax.

Westgate is a 10 min to Disney and SeaWorld,  20 min to Medieval Times, or they have a shuttle if you don’t want to fuss with parking.

The resort is pet friendly!  Check with reservations on availability, fees and restrictions.

One more thing I love about this company is how they take care of their employees and give back.  They have built a reputation for giving back to the local communities from the leadership down.  The company hosts an annual heroes weekend honoring our military and gives backpacks to local school children.  It makes all the difference in the service at the properties when the employees are happy and feel appreciated.   Every employee I spoke to on property said they loved their job.  As a former hotelier this is a question I always ask and that is not usually the response.