Westgate has quietly become one of the biggest players in Orlando’s off‑site resort scene, with multiple properties spread between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. For travelers, that can make choosing the right Westgate feel surprisingly complicated. Westgate Lakes, Vacation Villas, Town Center, Palace, Towers, Blue Tree and Leisure all promise space, pools and proximity to the parks, but each one suits a slightly different kind of trip. This guide breaks down how they compare in real‑world terms so you can match the right resort to your priorities, whether that is beating the morning rope‑drop rush at Magic Kingdom, walking to Universal, entertaining kids on a non‑park day or stretching your budget without sacrificing comfort.
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How Westgate Resorts Fit Into the Orlando Theme Park Puzzle
All of Westgate’s Orlando resorts are off‑site, meaning they are not owned by Disney or Universal, but several sit within a short drive of the parks. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is roughly 6 miles from Walt Disney World and about 6 miles from Universal Orlando, just off International Drive between the two, which makes it attractive for split stays that include both resorts. Westgate Vacation Villas and neighboring Westgate Town Center are about 1 mile from the western entrance of Walt Disney World in Kissimmee, so you can often be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom parking plaza in around 10 minutes in normal morning traffic.
By comparison, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Blue Tree and Westgate Leisure occupy slightly different pockets around the tourist corridor. Palace sits near International Drive and is a quick drive, and in some cases a 15 to 20 minute walk, from Universal’s CityWalk security area. Towers sits near the main Westgate complex by Disney’s western side, while Blue Tree and Leisure are tucked into quieter residential‑style areas a short drive from both Disney Springs and SeaWorld. In practice, this means you will almost always want a rental car or to budget for rideshares, but you can use location to prioritize the park or experience that matters most to you.
From a product standpoint, most Westgate resorts are built around condo‑style villas rather than standard hotel rooms. It is common to find one‑bedroom and two‑bedroom layouts with kitchens or kitchenettes, washer‑dryer units in many room types and living areas with sofa beds. For a family of five that would need two conventional hotel rooms near the parks, a two‑bedroom villa at Westgate Vacation Villas or Town Center can often consolidate everyone into one unit while still giving parents a door to close at night. Nightly rates fluctuate widely, but it is not unusual on off‑peak dates to see basic studios at some properties under 150 dollars and multi‑bedroom villas in the 200 to 300 dollar range, especially when booked through promotions or third‑party sites.
One consistent thread across reviews is that these are timeshare resorts first and traditional hotels second. Guests frequently mention being invited to sales presentations in exchange for free breakfast, gift cards or attraction tickets. Some travelers happily trade two hours of their time for a discount on future stays, while others prefer to decline firmly at check‑in and avoid the pitch entirely. Understanding that dynamic going in helps set realistic expectations and allows you to focus on the strengths that matter most: space, amenities and value.
Best for Doing Both Disney and Universal: Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
If your Orlando itinerary includes several days at both Disney and Universal, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa stands out as the most balanced base. The resort sits just off Turkey Lake Road, between the two major complexes, with approximate driving distances of 6 miles to Walt Disney World and around 6 miles to Universal Studios Florida. In normal conditions, that translates to 10 to 15 minutes by car in either direction, which is appealing if you have, for example, two days at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and then three days at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Several guests report using Westgate Lakes as a "middle ground" to keep ride‑share fares under control while still enjoying villa‑style space.
On property, Westgate Lakes feels like a self‑contained mini‑city, wrapped around a large lake with multiple pool complexes, water slides and a lazy river. There are seven pools and hot tubs, mini‑golf, boat rentals and a sizeable activity schedule, along with casual restaurants and bars. In practice, this means you can return from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights at midnight, sleep in the next day and still have enough to keep kids entertained without leaving the resort. A common real‑world pattern is to alternate "park days" with "resort days" here, especially on longer trips of a week or more.
Room categories at Westgate Lakes range from studios that sleep up to four to four‑bedroom villas large enough for extended families. A small group of friends might choose a one‑bedroom villa with a full kitchen to cook breakfast and late‑night snacks, then use the savings to spring for Universal’s Express Pass. Meanwhile, a multigenerational group of eight or nine could share a three‑ or four‑bedroom villa and still have private bathrooms and separate sitting areas. Many units have lake views and balconies, which can feel surprisingly peaceful given the resort’s location off a busy corridor.
The main trade‑off at Westgate Lakes is that you are not within walking distance of any main gate, and you do not get on‑site theme park benefits like early entry. Westgate has periodically offered scheduled shuttle service to major parks, but availability and schedules can change, so most travelers either rent a car or rely on ride‑share services. For those comfortable driving or budgeting for rides, the balance of location between Disney and Universal combined with robust on‑site amenities makes Westgate Lakes the strongest choice for split‑focus vacations.
Best for Disney‑Focused Families: Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center
For travelers whose primary goal is Walt Disney World, Westgate Vacation Villas and the adjacent Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee provide one of the closest off‑site Westgate options to Disney property. The complex is about 1 mile from Disney’s western entrance, so you can often reach the parking plazas for Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios in roughly 10 minutes by car. Families who like to rope‑drop Magic Kingdom often report leaving their villa 60 to 75 minutes before posted park opening to park, navigate the monorail or ferry and be on Main Street U.S.A. in time for opening shows.
The combined Vacation Villas and Town Center property feels enormous, with multiple sections of villas, several pools, mini‑golf and plenty of internal roads. The signature feature for many families is Shipwreck Island Water Park, a themed area with slides, a lazy river, splash zones and a pool bar. Access policies can vary by booking type, but in practical terms many packages now include at least partial access to the water park, and guests often plan at least one dedicated afternoon there. One real‑world example: a family of five with three school‑age children might plan three full Disney park days, then use a fourth day as a "resort day" at Shipwreck Island, offsetting the cost of another set of park tickets.
Accommodation types range from basic studios up to two‑bedroom villas with lofts that can sleep up to 10 guests. Kitchens or kitchenettes are common, and many units include washer‑dryers, which can significantly cut down on luggage. Reviews often highlight the value equation: a two‑bedroom villa with full kitchen here can sometimes price out similar to or below a single standard room at a Disney moderate resort, especially in shoulder seasons or via package deals. For example, on a quieter September week, you might find a multi‑bedroom villa under 300 dollars per night while standard rooms on Disney property push higher once resort fees and taxes are included.
The main compromises are traffic and scale. Getting from your villa to U.S. Highway 192 or Interstate 4 can take longer during peak times, and navigating the resort itself often means using a car to move between different clusters of buildings and amenity areas. Additionally, as a timeshare‑heavy property, Vacation Villas and Town Center see a higher frequency of sales pitches and owner events. Travelers who go in expecting an off‑site condo resort, not a full‑service theme park hotel, usually feel they received strong value for the space and access to Disney.
Best for Universal Access on a Budget: Westgate Palace
Westgate Palace targets a different sweet spot: guests who care more about Universal Orlando than Disney and who want extra space and a kitchen without resort‑level pricing. Located off Carrier Drive near International Drive, the resort is a short drive from Universal’s parking garages, and some guests report walking about 15 to 20 minutes to reach CityWalk’s security entrance. Being that close can noticeably cut ride‑share costs: a typical morning Uber or Lyft ride to Universal’s drop‑off area is often in the low teens or even under 10 dollars depending on surge pricing and time of day.
The all‑suite configuration is a major selling point. Westgate Palace is primarily composed of two‑bedroom villas with full kitchens and separate living areas. This makes it particularly appealing for two couples traveling together for events like Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, or for families with teens who want real beds instead of sofa beds. A common use case is a long weekend built around Universal and nearby attractions on International Drive, such as mini‑golf, outlet shopping or dinner shows, with guests using the suite’s kitchen to handle breakfast and late‑night snacks while eating most other meals out.
On‑site amenities at Palace are more compact than at Westgate’s larger resorts but still include a pool, small water features, a fitness center and basic recreation options. You will not find a full water park here, but you can easily fill non‑park hours by walking to nearby International Drive restaurants, souvenir shops or small attractions. From a value standpoint, Palace often prices under similarly sized condo‑style units that are directly across from Universal, especially if you are flexible on dates and book during non‑holiday periods.
The flipside is that Palace is an urban high‑rise style property, so it does not offer the same sprawling resort feel or lakeside setting as Westgate Lakes or Vacation Villas. Parking and arrivals feel more like a city hotel, and there is more ambient noise from nearby roads and attractions. For travelers whose priority is being close to Universal with lots of living space and a kitchen at a reasonable price, those trade‑offs are usually acceptable, and Palace becomes an efficient, budget‑friendly base.
Best for Quiet, Longer Stays: Westgate Blue Tree & Westgate Leisure
Not every Orlando trip is built around rope‑dropping rides. Some travelers come for a mix of theme parks, outlet shopping and pool time and prefer a quieter, lower‑key base. Westgate Blue Tree and Westgate Leisure occupy that niche. Both sit in more residential‑feeling pockets off the main tourist arteries, generally a short drive from Disney Springs, SeaWorld and outlet centers, but removed from the intensity of International Drive or the Western Kissimmee resort strip.
Westgate Blue Tree offers one‑ and two‑bedroom units with kitchens, arranged around multiple smaller pools and landscaped courtyards. The vibe feels more like a traditional timeshare complex than a mega‑resort, and that can be appealing for couples, retirees or work‑from‑anywhere guests planning stays of a week or more. A realistic scenario might be a pair of remote workers booking a two‑bedroom unit for 10 days, setting up laptops on the balcony in the mornings, spending afternoons at Epcot or Disney Springs a short drive away and using the kitchen to cook most dinners. Because Blue Tree does not have its own elaborate water park, nightly rates can sometimes run lower than Westgate’s flagship properties on equivalent dates.
Westgate Leisure is even smaller and more low‑key, with villa‑style accommodations and basic outdoor pools. It is often chosen by repeat visitors who know the area well, prioritize value and do not need slide‑packed pool complexes to keep children occupied. For example, an adult group coming for a golf‑heavy trip with a single planned day at Universal might choose Leisure because it gives them condo space at a price point that frees up budget for greens fees and dining out, while still keeping them within a reasonable drive of major attractions.
The main compromise with Blue Tree and Leisure is that you trade on‑site bells and whistles for peace and price. If your children expect lazy rivers and pirate ships, these properties may feel subdued. But for travelers who want a condo‑style home base that feels more like a neighborhood apartment complex than a theme park add‑on, and who plan to spend many evenings off property at local restaurants or shopping centers, the quieter setting can be a major plus.
Best for Large Families and Groups on a Budget: Westgate Towers
Westgate Towers, located near the main Westgate complex on the western side of Walt Disney World, is a practical option for larger families and groups seeking strong value. While smaller than Vacation Villas or Town Center, it benefits from being close to that cluster of amenities, and many guests combine a stay here with day visits to Shipwreck Island Water Park or shared facilities at neighboring Westgate properties when available as part of their booking.
The resort features studio, one‑bedroom and two‑bedroom villa layouts with kitchenettes or full kitchens. This flexibility suits a range of real‑world scenarios. A family of four doing their first Disney trip might choose a one‑bedroom unit, using the bedroom for parents and the living room sofa bed for children, with a simple breakfast cooked each morning before heading to the parks. A larger blended family of six or seven might step up to a two‑bedroom layout, giving older kids their own beds and cutting down on friction at bedtime.
Because Towers is not as heavily marketed as Westgate’s flagship resorts, it can sometimes offer attractive pricing relative to the space. Travelers who do their homework on mapping apps and rate aggregators occasionally find per‑night costs that are significantly lower than nearby chain hotels once you factor in resort and parking fees. For example, two connecting hotel rooms near Disney might total over 350 dollars per night during busy periods, while a two‑bedroom villa at Towers could come in under or around that figure and still provide laundry and a kitchen.
On the flip side, Towers does not have the same volume of on‑site activities or dining venues as Westgate Lakes or Vacation Villas, so you will likely drive or walk to neighboring properties or local restaurants for more variety. For budget‑minded families who care more about square footage and being within a roughly 10 to 15 minute drive of Disney’s gates than about having a resort‑level water park at their doorstep, that trade‑off is often well worth it.
How to Choose the Right Westgate by Traveler Type
When you compare all of these resorts side by side, clear patterns emerge for different traveler types. Families with younger children who plan multiple days at Walt Disney World and want big, kid‑centric pool areas tend to land at Westgate Vacation Villas or Town Center. The combination of proximity to Disney’s western entrance, Shipwreck Island Water Park and multi‑bedroom villas makes this cluster the most natural fit if your schedule is heavy on Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and you want full resort days between park visits.
Travelers splitting their time evenly between Disney and Universal, especially those staying a week or more, often find Westgate Lakes the most efficient choice. Its central location off International Drive minimizes total commuting time over the course of the trip, and the extensive on‑site activity list means you can confidently schedule non‑park days without feeling like you are "wasting" vacation time. This can be especially useful for families traveling with grandparents, who may want some days to relax at the spa or by the pool while younger members tackle thrill rides.
Universal‑focused guests, particularly groups of adults or families with older kids, usually gravitate to Westgate Palace. The two‑bedroom suites with full kitchens match well with long weekends built around Universal’s events calendar, from Mardi Gras concerts in the spring to Halloween Horror Nights in the fall. Being able to ride‑share or even walk to Universal in under 20 minutes helps reduce late‑night transit stress after long park days.
Finally, travelers who prize quiet and value over resort‑level theming, such as repeat Orlando visitors, snowbirds or remote workers, tend to be happiest at Westgate Blue Tree or Westgate Leisure. These properties provide access to the same broader Orlando infrastructure without the crowds and noise that can accompany the larger Westgate complexes, and they often price competitively for stays of a week or longer.
The Takeaway
Choosing among Westgate’s Orlando resorts is less about finding the single "best" property and more about aligning location, amenities and price with your specific trip. Westgate Lakes makes the most sense if you want a true middle ground between Disney and Universal and plan to spend serious time enjoying on‑site pools and activities. Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center are the clear winners for Disney‑centric families who want water park fun and multi‑bedroom villas close to the western gates. Westgate Palace is the smart, space‑rich choice for Universal‑heavy itineraries, while Westgate Towers, Blue Tree and Leisure appeal to value‑conscious travelers and those craving a quieter base.
In practical terms, it helps to sketch your itinerary before you book. Count how many park days you will spend at Disney versus Universal, estimate your likely transportation budget and decide how many full or half days you want to devote to relaxing by the pool or exploring International Drive. Once you map that out, the right Westgate option usually becomes clear. With realistic expectations about the timeshare component and an eye on current promotions, Westgate’s Orlando resorts can deliver a compelling mix of space, convenience and value for a wide range of travelers.
FAQ
Q1. Which Westgate resort in Orlando is best if I am visiting both Disney and Universal?
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is generally the best all‑around choice for doing both. Its location between the two complexes keeps most drives in the 10 to 15 minute range and the large on‑site amenity set makes it easier to build in relaxing non‑park days.
Q2. Which Westgate is closest to Walt Disney World?
Westgate Vacation Villas and Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee are among the closest Westgate properties to Disney’s western entrance. In normal traffic, you can often reach certain Disney parking plazas in about 10 minutes by car, though exact times vary with time of day and season.
Q3. Does any Westgate resort offer walking access to Universal Orlando?
Some guests at Westgate Palace report walking to Universal’s CityWalk security area in roughly 15 to 20 minutes, but it is not an officially designated pedestrian route and most people still prefer a short drive or ride‑share. No Westgate property sits directly on Universal property, so you will not get the full on‑site park benefits.
Q4. Which Westgate is best for families with young kids who want a big pool and water park?
Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center are usually the best match for younger families because of the Shipwreck Island Water Park and multiple pool areas. Parents often build full "resort days" around the slides, splash zones and lazy river instead of buying park tickets every single day.
Q5. Are Westgate resorts cheaper than staying at a Disney or Universal hotel?
On many dates, yes, especially when you factor in space. A multi‑bedroom villa with a kitchen at a Westgate property can sometimes price similarly to or lower than a single moderate‑category room at Disney or a standard room at certain Universal hotels, particularly outside peak holiday periods. Exact savings vary with promotions and travel dates.
Q6. Do Westgate resorts provide free shuttles to the theme parks?
Shuttle offerings have varied over time and may change with demand. Some guests report scheduled shuttles from certain Westgate properties to major parks, while others find that renting a car or using ride‑share services is more reliable. It is wise to confirm current shuttle options directly with the resort before you book if this is important to your plan.
Q7. Which Westgate is best for a quiet, extended stay with some work days mixed in?
Westgate Blue Tree and Westgate Leisure tend to be quieter and more residential in feel than the larger resorts. Their condo‑style units with kitchens and smaller, less crowded pool areas make them good options for longer stays that blend work, shopping and occasional park visits.
Q8. What is the main downside of staying at a Westgate resort in Orlando?
The biggest downside for some guests is the timeshare sales presence. You may be invited to attend presentations in exchange for perks, and some visitors find the pitches too persistent. Setting firm boundaries at check‑in and declining politely usually minimizes this, but it is important to be prepared for the timeshare element.
Q9. Is Westgate Palace a good choice for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal?
Yes, Westgate Palace is a practical base for Halloween Horror Nights. Its two‑bedroom suites work well for groups of friends, and the short drive or ride‑share distance to Universal keeps late‑night transport relatively easy and affordable after the event.
Q10. How far in advance should I book a Westgate resort for peak seasons?
For busy times such as spring break, major summer holidays or late‑September through December event seasons, it is wise to start checking rates several months in advance. Booking three to six months ahead usually provides better choice of villa types and more access to early promotions, especially for larger multi‑bedroom units that sell out first.