Universal Orlando has expanded into a full resort destination, with the opening of Epic Universe adding a third theme park to pair with Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. For travelers who want space to spread out, resort-style amenities and quick access to the parks, Westgate’s Orlando properties have become a popular home base. This guide focuses on the Westgate resorts closest to Universal and International Drive, with a practical look at which locations work best if your trip is centered on Universal, Epic Universe, International Drive and SeaWorld.
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Understanding the Westgate Resorts Near Universal and I-Drive
Westgate operates several large timeshare-style resorts across Orlando, but two stand out for Universal and I-Drive access: Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive and Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. Both offer condo-style accommodations with kitchens or kitchenettes, on-site pools and family amenities, but their locations cater to slightly different styles of Universal-focused trips.
Westgate Palace sits just off International Drive near the northern end of the tourist corridor, a short drive from Universal Orlando’s main entrance. Travelers often describe it as a sweet spot for people who want to spend most of their time in the Universal parks while still being able to walk to I-Drive restaurants and attractions in the evening.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is a larger, lakefront complex spread along Turkey Lake Road, a few minutes southwest of Universal and close to the Orange County Convention Center. It is roughly 2 miles from Universal Orlando and about 1.5 miles from SeaWorld, which makes it a strong choice if you plan to split time between Universal, SeaWorld and Aquatica while also enjoying resort downtime at the pools and spa.
Both properties market themselves as condo-style resorts rather than traditional hotels. That means you can expect multi-bedroom layouts, living rooms, and full or partial kitchens rather than standard hotel rooms, which matters if you are bringing kids, extended family or sharing costs with friends on a theme-park-heavy vacation.
Westgate Palace: Best for Universal-Focused I-Drive Stays
For many Universal-first travelers, Westgate Palace is the most attractive Westgate option. The resort is located near the intersection of International Drive and Carrier Drive, only a few minutes’ drive from Universal Orlando’s parking garages. In light traffic, ride-hail trips to CityWalk often run under 10 minutes, and guests who have stayed recently report paying in the ballpark of 10 to 15 dollars each way using popular ride-share services.
What makes Westgate Palace stand out is its combination of condo-style space and proximity to walkable dining. Typical units are two-bedroom suites with a living area and full kitchen, which allows families to prepare breakfast before rope drop, store groceries from a nearby supermarket, and reheat takeout after a long day in the parks. Having a door to close between the kids’ bedroom and the living room is a real advantage when younger children need an early bedtime and adults still want to unwind.
Within a 10 to 15 minute walk along International Drive you will find familiar chain restaurants, casual bars and attractions such as ICON Park with its observation wheel and family entertainment venues. This means you can leave the car parked or skip ride-share for evenings out, which can meaningfully cut costs on a longer stay. Guests who want a quick bite can also use the on-site deli and coffee shop at the resort for breakfast sandwiches or late-night snacks without leaving the property.
While Westgate Palace is heavily marketed to timeshare buyers, many guests reserve standard nightly stays through regular hotel channels. If you are not interested in timeshare presentations, you can simply decline any sales invitations at check-in. It is wise to build in a bit of extra time at arrival, as the check-in process at timeshare-style resorts can take longer than at a standard limited-service hotel.
Westgate Lakes: A Lakefront Base for Universal, SeaWorld and Epic Universe
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa sprawls along the shore of a small lake just off Turkey Lake Road, between Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Resort materials and third-party reviews commonly cite approximate driving times of under 10 minutes to both Universal and SeaWorld in typical traffic conditions, and the resort notes that it is about 1.5 miles from SeaWorld and roughly 2 miles from Universal.
This property is significantly larger than Westgate Palace, with multiple pools, a full-service spa, a marina offering paddleboat or kayak rentals, and on-site dining such as a sports bar and marketplace. It feels more like a self-contained resort, which is a plus if you plan several non-park days or midday breaks. Families often plan park mornings followed by afternoons at the pool complex or the on-site water play areas, returning to Universal or SeaWorld on different days.
Westgate Lakes offers a range of accommodations from studios to multi-bedroom villas, some with whirlpool tubs and screened balconies overlooking the water. For example, a family of five might choose a two-bedroom villa with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate living room, allowing them to pack lighter and do laundry mid-trip. This is especially helpful for visitors combining theme parks with water parks like Volcano Bay or Aquatica.
The resort provides scheduled complimentary shuttle transportation to major theme parks, including Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, on specific timetables. Seats typically must be reserved in advance, often the day before, and departure times are geared around standard park opening and closing hours. If you plan to use the shuttles, it is important to build your daily itinerary around those fixed times, as missing the last return shuttle usually means paying for a taxi or ride-share back to the resort.
Epic Universe and How It Changes the Westgate Equation
Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, opened to the public in 2025 on a new “south campus” near the intersection of Kirkman Road and Universal Boulevard, a few miles south of the original Universal Orlando Resort. The new park adds major themed areas based on Super Nintendo, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon and Universal Monsters, instantly lengthening how many days many visitors want to spend at Universal.
For Westgate guests, the arrival of Epic Universe changes the calculus of location and transportation. Instead of only focusing on the original Universal parks just off I-4, you now need to think in terms of two Universal hubs: the traditional north campus anchored by CityWalk, and the south campus anchored by Epic Universe. Road projects such as the extension of Kirkman Road have improved connectivity between the two areas, including dedicated lanes for resort shuttles along portions of the corridor.
From Westgate Palace, reaching Epic Universe by car or ride-hail generally involves heading south toward the convention center district and then across to the new Universal campus. In normal traffic conditions, you might expect drives on the order of 10 to 20 minutes depending on time of day and congestion around the convention center. Peak times, especially in the evening when shows end at both Epic Universe and the original parks, can push that higher.
Westgate Lakes guests are slightly closer in a straight line to the convention center area and the road network serving Epic Universe. In practice, travel times to the new park are still highly dependent on traffic signals and event schedules at the nearby Orange County Convention Center. Because Epic Universe visits often involve longer days and larger crowds than a single-park visit, travelers staying at either Westgate should build generous time buffers into any plans that involve timed experiences or dining reservations at the new park.
Getting Around: Shuttles, I-Ride Trolley, Ride-Share and Driving
Transportation is one of the most important practical considerations when choosing between Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes, especially if you plan to visit both the original Universal parks and Epic Universe. Both resorts offer scheduled shuttles to the major theme parks, though schedules and routes can change seasonally. Typical patterns include morning departures to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, with evening pickups after park close. Some schedules also include runs to Walt Disney World and outlet malls.
Because these shuttles are shared and run on fixed timetables, they work best for travelers who are comfortable committing to set arrival and departure times. For example, a family might reserve an 8:30 a.m. shuttle to Universal, arrive close to regular opening time, spend the day at the parks and catch a 9:15 p.m. return shuttle after nighttime shows. Guests who like midafternoon breaks or park hopping may find it easier to rely on ride-share services or a rental car.
The I-Ride Trolley runs along the International Drive resort area, connecting attractions such as ICON Park, the convention center and SeaWorld. While it is a helpful, budget-friendly way to move up and down I-Drive, it does not take you directly to Universal’s entrances. Some visitors use the trolley to get closer to Universal-adjacent hotels and then transfer to those hotels’ shuttles or walk, but that adds complexity and time. For most Westgate guests, the trolley is better thought of as an add-on for I-Drive dining and attractions rather than primary theme-park transport.
Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are widely used between Westgate properties and the parks. For a party of four, two ride-share trips per day between Westgate Palace and Universal can be competitive with paying for parking at the parks, especially if you factor in the time spent walking in from the parking garages. Westgate Lakes is similar, though slightly longer distances and resort traffic patterns can affect price. If you plan multiple rope-drop mornings and late returns, a rental car may be more cost-effective for longer stays, but you should factor in daily parking fees both at the resort and at Universal.
I-Drive Access, SeaWorld Days and Non-Park Time
One of the main reasons travelers consider Westgate properties near Universal is the desire to blend theme park days with I-Drive attractions and more relaxed resort time. Westgate Palace, sitting just off International Drive, gives you the most straightforward access to the heart of I-Drive. You can walk to restaurants, mini-golf courses and attractions like ICON Park, or take short ride-share hops to the outlet malls and dinner shows further along the corridor.
Westgate Lakes, while not directly on International Drive, is close enough that short rides put you at the convention center area, SeaWorld and the southern I-Drive attractions. This makes it a strong base if you plan dedicated SeaWorld and Aquatica days in addition to Universal. For instance, you might schedule Epic Universe for day one, a SeaWorld and Aquatica combo for day two, then a break day at the resort pools before heading to Universal Studios Florida.
Non-park amenities are also a key differentiator. Westgate Lakes offers a spa, marina activities and multiple themed pools, which appeal to travelers who want a resort atmosphere in between high-energy park days. Westgate Palace is more compact but still includes a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and a small game room. Both properties typically have on-site markets where you can buy basic groceries, snacks and bottled drinks at prices higher than a supermarket but lower than in-park convenience stands.
For families trying to keep costs in check, these resort facilities help reduce in-park spending. Cooking breakfast in the room before heading to Universal, packing snacks in a small bag, and returning to the resort for a later dinner can save a meaningful amount compared with buying all meals inside the parks. Many guests report using nearby supermarkets and big-box stores accessible by car or short ride-share trips to stock up for the week.
Choosing Between Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes for Your Trip
If your itinerary is heavily weighted toward Universal and Epic Universe, and you like the idea of walking to I-Drive in the evenings, Westgate Palace is usually the more convenient fit. The shorter drive to Universal’s original campus, the walkability to restaurants and attractions, and the all-suite layout make it appealing for first-time visitors whose priority is maximizing park time with minimal daily logistics.
On the other hand, if you are planning to divide your time between Universal, SeaWorld and perhaps some downtime at the resort, Westgate Lakes can feel more like a traditional vacation complex. Its lakefront setting, larger pool and recreation areas, and proximity to both Universal and SeaWorld make it a versatile choice. It is especially attractive for extended stays, convention attendees combining work and park time, and multi-generational families who want enough space and amenities to keep non-park-goers entertained.
Budget and parking costs should also factor into your decision. Nightly rates at both properties can fluctuate widely depending on school holidays, conventions and demand around Epic Universe’s special events. It is common to see midweek rates that are noticeably lower than weekends, so flexible dates can translate into significant savings. You should also confirm current resort fees, parking charges and shuttle policies directly with Westgate before booking, as those can change from season to season.
Finally, be aware that both properties have a strong timeshare component. Some guests appreciate the condo-style layouts and accept the associated sales culture, while others prefer simpler hotel environments. Reading recent, detailed reviews can help you set expectations about check-in times, housekeeping schedules and any sales contacts you might encounter, then decide whether the trade-off is worth the extra space and kitchen facilities.
The Takeaway
Westgate’s Orlando resorts near Universal offer a compelling alternative to both standard hotels and on-site Universal properties, especially for families who value separate bedrooms, kitchens and resort amenities. Westgate Palace is best suited to visitors who want quick access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk, with the added bonus of being able to walk to International Drive’s dining and entertainment.
Westgate Lakes, set on a lake between Universal and SeaWorld, works well for longer trips that mix park days at Universal and Epic Universe with time at SeaWorld, Aquatica and the resort’s own pools and recreation. Its larger footprint and spa, marina and multiple pools can turn non-park days into a low-key break without leaving the property.
Whichever Westgate you choose, the key to a smooth Universal and Epic Universe vacation is planning your transportation strategy in advance. Decide whether you will rely on scheduled resort shuttles, ride-share, the I-Ride Trolley for I-Drive outings, or a rental car, and factor those costs and time commitments into your daily plans. With realistic expectations and a bit of logistical planning, both Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes can be comfortable, practical bases for exploring Universal Orlando’s expanding universe of parks and the wider I-Drive resort area.
FAQ
Q1. How far is Westgate Palace from Universal Orlando and Epic Universe?
Westgate Palace is a short drive from Universal Orlando’s original parks, typically around 5 to 10 minutes by car in light traffic, and somewhat farther from Epic Universe on the south campus, where travel times often run 10 to 20 minutes depending on congestion.
Q2. How far is Westgate Lakes from Universal Orlando and SeaWorld?
Westgate Lakes is roughly 2 miles from Universal Orlando and about 1.5 miles from SeaWorld. In normal traffic, that usually translates to under 10 minutes by car or ride-share to either destination.
Q3. Do Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes offer free shuttles to Universal and other parks?
Both resorts typically provide complimentary scheduled shuttles to major theme parks such as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Seats are limited and advance reservations are usually required, so it is important to check the current schedule at the front desk soon after arrival.
Q4. Can I walk from Westgate Palace or Westgate Lakes to Universal or Epic Universe?
While both resorts are relatively close by car, walking is not practical because of busy roads, highway interchanges and distance. Most guests use shuttles, ride-share or a rental car rather than attempting to walk to any of the Universal parks.
Q5. Is the I-Ride Trolley useful for getting to Universal or Epic Universe?
The I-Ride Trolley is very helpful for moving along International Drive to attractions, restaurants and SeaWorld, but it does not deliver you directly to Universal’s entrances. It is best viewed as a supplement for I-Drive outings rather than a primary way to reach Universal or Epic Universe.
Q6. Which Westgate resort is better if my trip is mostly about Universal and Epic Universe?
If your main focus is Universal’s parks and Epic Universe, Westgate Palace is often more convenient thanks to its closer proximity to the original Universal campus and walkable access to International Drive’s dining and entertainment for evenings after park time.
Q7. Which Westgate resort is better if I also want to visit SeaWorld and Aquatica?
Westgate Lakes is generally the better choice if SeaWorld and Aquatica are a big part of your itinerary, since the resort sits between Universal and SeaWorld and offers easy driving access to both, along with a more resort-style pool and recreation setup.
Q8. Are the Westgate resorts suitable for families and larger groups?
Yes. Both Westgate Palace and Westgate Lakes specialize in condo-style units with multiple bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens or kitchenettes, which work well for families, multi-generational groups and friends who want to share space and prepare some meals in the room.
Q9. Do I need a rental car if I stay at a Westgate resort near Universal?
You do not strictly need a rental car, because you can combine resort shuttles and ride-share services, but having your own vehicle offers more flexibility for midday breaks, grocery runs and spontaneous outings. The trade-off is paying for parking at both the resort and the parks.
Q10. How should I plan park days now that Epic Universe is open?
Most visitors staying at Westgate properties plan at least one full day at Epic Universe plus separate days for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Building in extra travel time between the resorts and the parks, especially at rope drop and closing, helps avoid stress around timed experiences and dining reservations.