Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas sit side by side in Kissimmee, just a short drive from Walt Disney World. On paper they look almost identical: both are sprawling villa-style resorts sharing the same restaurants, Shipwreck Island Water Park, and a long list of family activities. In reality, there are a few key differences that can make one a better fit than the other, depending on your family’s size, budget, and how you like to vacation in Orlando.
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Resort Overview: One Massive Complex, Two Names
Westgate Town Center Resort and Westgate Vacation Villas Resort are essentially two halves of the same mega-resort complex along Westgate Boulevard in Kissimmee. They share a central check-in and activity hub around Town Hall and overlook the same system of lakes, pools, and recreation areas. For most practical purposes, once you are inside the gates, you move freely between them, and many guests never quite register where one ends and the other begins.
Town Center is generally viewed as the “newer” and more vertical side of the property, with larger multi-story condo-style buildings and more of the resort’s headline amenities clustered nearby, including Shipwreck Island Water Park behind Town Hall. Vacation Villas, by contrast, is made up of more traditional, lower-rise villa buildings stretching further down Westgate Boulevard. Both sides cater primarily to families who want condo-style space and kitchens rather than standard hotel rooms.
Because everything is interconnected, you can stay in a one-bedroom villa in Vacation Villas but spend your day at the Town Center pools or restaurants, or book a three-bedroom deluxe in Town Center and let the kids bike down to the playgrounds and sports courts closer to the Vacation Villas sections. The branding differences matter most when you are choosing building style and price point, not when you are deciding which pools or activities you can use.
In day-to-day terms, this means you should think of the property as one enormous family resort, then refine the choice between Town Center and Vacation Villas based on your priorities: walkability to the water park, how modern you want your villa to feel, and whether a quieter cluster of buildings appeals to you.
Shared Amenities: What Both Resorts Have in Common
For families, the most important detail is that guests at both Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas share the bulk of the same amenities. The official descriptions for Vacation Villas even highlight that it is adjacent to Town Center and shares its amenities, so you are not restricted to “your” side when it comes to fun or dining. This shared approach is one of the main reasons many repeat guests simply book whichever side offers the better deal at the time.
Across the combined resort you will find multiple heated outdoor pools and hot tubs, children’s splash areas, basketball and tennis courts, mini golf, a lakeside marina with swan boat rentals, bike rentals, playgrounds, and a full schedule of organized activities. On a typical Saturday in peak season, you might see kids doing tie-dye shirts in the activities center in the morning, families playing mini golf in the afternoon, and an outdoor movie by the pool in the evening. These activities are open to guests from both Town Center and Vacation Villas, though there may be small fees for materials or rentals.
Dining options are shared as well. Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, one of the flagship restaurants, is located on the Town Center side and draws families from both resorts for burgers, wings, and televised games. There is also a marketplace for groceries and grab-and-go items, pool bars near several of the larger pool areas, and pizza delivery across the complex. For a realistic example, a family staying in Vacation Villas can grab breakfast items and snacks at the Town Center marketplace, spend the day at Shipwreck Island, and then order pizza back to their villa in the evening without ever needing to drive off property.
Transportation and logistics are shared and fairly seamless. The resort operates internal shuttles and offers scheduled transportation to select theme parks, though many families prefer to drive themselves, especially with strollers and gear. Because the roads and paths connect the two sides, you can walk or bike between amenities: a ten-minute walk from deeper into Vacation Villas brings you to the Town Hall hub, while buildings in Town Center closest to the boulevard may be only a few minutes’ stroll from Vacation Villas pools and sports courts.
Villa Layouts and Room Types: Space, Style, and Convenience
Both Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas focus on villa-style accommodations rather than standard hotel rooms, but there are subtle differences in layout, age, and feel between the two. In general, Town Center tends to feature newer construction and higher-rise buildings with elevators, while Vacation Villas has more of the classic timeshare look with two- and three-story buildings spread out around smaller parking areas and courtyards.
Typical configurations on both sides include studios, one-bedroom villas, and two-bedroom villas that can sleep anywhere from 4 to 8 guests, with some larger three- and four-bedroom options available, especially in Town Center. A one-bedroom villa usually includes a separate bedroom with a king bed, a living room with a sleeper sofa, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer. This setup can be a big money saver for families who want to cook breakfast in the room or pack lunches for the theme parks instead of eating every meal at restaurants.
On the Town Center side, many villas are described as “deluxe” and may feature more contemporary finishes, like granite-style countertops, updated appliances, and slightly more open-plan living spaces. Floorplans available through resort guides show full-size kitchens and roomy living areas geared toward longer stays. Vacation Villas, meanwhile, often has slightly cozier layouts and a more traditional design, especially in the older buildings, though many units have been refreshed over time. Families who have stayed in both often describe Town Center units as feeling more like modern condos and Vacation Villas as more like classic timeshare apartments.
From a practical standpoint, bed configurations and kitchen facilities matter more than whether you are technically on the Town Center or Vacation Villas side. For example, a multi-generational group traveling with grandparents might prioritize a two-bedroom lockoff layout, which allows Grandma and Grandpa to close off a studio-style section with its own mini kitchen, while parents and kids take the main one-bedroom side. These lockoff configurations exist in both parts of the resort, so when booking, you should pay close attention to the specific villa type, square footage, and bedding listed rather than assuming all “two-bedrooms” are identical.
Shipwreck Island Water Park: Access, Pricing, and Proximity
Shipwreck Island Water Park is the star amenity for many families choosing between these two Westgate properties. The multi-level water park sits behind Town Hall on the Town Center side and features a lazy river, kids’ splash areas, water slides, and a pirate-ship centerpiece. It feels like a scaled-down standalone water park rather than just a resort pool, which can be a major draw if your kids want non-stop water play on non-park days.
Access is open to guests of both Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas, but it is not automatically free for everyone. Current information indicates that standard resort guests typically pay a separate admission fee per person, with approximate rates around the mid-$20 range per day for non-owners, while children under three are usually free. Owners using their deeded week at Town Center, Vacation Villas, or nearby Westgate Towers, along with some higher-tier loyalty members, often have complimentary access, though specific promotions can change from season to season.
For a real-world budgeting example, a family of four staying for five nights might choose to visit Shipwreck Island twice during their trip rather than every day. If day tickets are roughly in the mid-$20 range, that adds around the cost of a nice dinner out per visit. Many parents find that one full day plus a shorter afternoon visit is enough to satisfy most kids, especially if they are also doing Disney or Universal. Families planning to spend most of their non-park time at the resort may want to look for packages or promotions that bundle water park access, as these do appear periodically.
Location within the complex plays a role here. Buildings at the heart of Town Center are typically a short walk from Shipwreck Island, which is convenient for families with younger children who may want to go back to the room for naps or quick changes. Guests staying deeper in the Vacation Villas sections may face a 10 to 15-minute walk or a short internal shuttle ride to reach the water park. If daily water play is a top priority and you are traveling with strollers or toddlers who tire easily, booking in Town Center or requesting a building closer to Town Hall can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
On-Site Activities, Dining, and Atmosphere
A major advantage of both Westgate Town Center and Vacation Villas is the sheer volume of on-site activities. Between the two sides, you can fill an entire non-park day without ever leaving the property. Typical options include mini golf, paddle or swan boat rentals on the lake, bike rentals, sports courts, multiple playgrounds, and a packed daily activity schedule with events like karaoke nights, trivia, crafts, and poolside games.
While the activities and amenities are shared, the feel of each side can be slightly different. Town Center, with its taller buildings and denser hub around Town Hall, generally feels busier and more urban-resort in character. You will see more foot traffic, more families heading to Shipwreck Island, and a steadier buzz around the main pools and restaurants. Vacation Villas, especially in buildings farther from the central hub, can feel more low-key and residential, with quiet courtyards and smaller pool areas that are sometimes less crowded during the day.
Dining options are physically located mostly on the Town Center side, but in practice they serve the entire complex. Drafts Sports Bar & Grill is the primary sit-down restaurant, with burgers, sandwiches, and game-day fare that work well for casual family dinners. There are also pool bars, ice cream and snack counters, and a marketplace carrying essentials like milk, cereal, frozen meals, drinks, and basic groceries. Many families plan a routine where they stock up at a nearby supermarket for bulk items and then use the on-site marketplace for convenience runs or forgotten ingredients.
Evening atmosphere reflects the resort’s family focus. Instead of nightlife or clubs, you’ll find outdoor movies, sunset paddleboat rides, and kids squealing at the final run down the slide before the pool closes. If you are a couple seeking quiet romantic nights, you may find the complex busier and more child-focused than ideal. But for families, especially those with younger children, that family-oriented energy can be part of the appeal, as it means there are always other kids around, plenty of activities, and a general sense that the resort is geared toward them.
Location for Theme Parks and Getting Around Orlando
Both Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas share the same practical location in Kissimmee, just outside the western entrance to Walt Disney World. The resort complex sits off Westgate Boulevard, which connects to US 192 and then to the Disney road network. In normal traffic, it is roughly a 10 to 15-minute drive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a bit longer to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, depending on time of day and parking patterns.
For real-world planning, many families use a rental car or drive their own vehicle, as it gives flexibility with nap breaks, dining, and emergency store runs. The resort does offer shuttle options to select parks, but these typically run on set schedules and may require advance sign-up. If you are planning rope-drop mornings and late-night fireworks, you will likely prefer the control and extra trunk space a car provides. Ride-share services are also a common choice for evenings out at nearby dining and entertainment areas on US 192.
Beyond Disney, the location works reasonably well for Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, though those drives are longer and more traffic-dependent. You can expect around 25 to 30 minutes to Universal on a typical day, allowing for I-4 congestion. The advantage of being in Kissimmee rather than in the denser International Drive corridor is that the resort surrounds you with more open space and lakes rather than high-rise hotels and roadside attractions, which some families find more relaxing after crowded theme-park days.
Nearby practicalities are good on both counts. Within a 5 to 10-minute drive, you have a cluster of grocery stores, big-box retailers, pharmacies, and family-friendly chain restaurants, which make it easy to stock the villa kitchen or grab a quick dinner on nights when everyone is too tired to cook. Because Town Center and Vacation Villas share this same neighborhood, location alone is not usually the factor that decides between them.
Which One Is Better for Families?
Since both Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas share the same core amenities, water park, and location, the “better” choice comes down to the nuances: building style, proximity to Shipwreck Island, and the type of atmosphere you want around your villa. For many families, Town Center has a slight edge if the water park is the star of the trip. Being closer to Town Hall and Shipwreck Island means fewer long walks in the heat with armfuls of towels and floaties, and many of the higher-rise buildings there are a short stroll to Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, the main marketplace, and key pools.
Town Center is also the better fit if you care most about newer-feeling accommodations and a more contemporary condo aesthetic. If you picture mornings on a balcony overlooking the lake from a higher floor, or you want the convenience of elevators for strollers and mobility issues, Town Center’s layout tends to win. Larger multi-bedroom deluxe units on this side also suit big families who want everyone under one roof in a single oversized villa.
Vacation Villas, on the other hand, can be a smart choice if you prioritize a slightly quieter, more spread-out setting and are willing to walk or shuttle to the water park. Families who like the feel of low-rise buildings with easier parking directly in front of the villa often appreciate this side. It can also sometimes be priced more competitively, so value-minded travelers who still want access to all the same pools, activities, and Shipwreck Island might find better deals here, especially during shoulder seasons or weekday stays.
In practice, a family with toddlers who plan to spend multiple days at Shipwreck Island and want easy elevator access and short walks will likely be happiest at Town Center. A larger family with older kids who plan park-heavy days, want to save a bit on the room, and do not mind a 10 to 15-minute walk or quick shuttle to the water park may find Vacation Villas offers a more relaxed base. Since both sides share nearly everything that matters, you can confidently prioritize layout, budget, and walking distance rather than worrying about missing out on key amenities.
The Takeaway
Choosing between Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas in Orlando is less about picking between two separate resorts and more about selecting your favorite neighborhood within a giant shared playground. You will have access to the same Shipwreck Island Water Park, pools, mini golf, sports courts, and daily activities no matter which side you book.
If you want the most modern-feeling villas, elevator-served buildings, and the shortest walk to the water park and main restaurants, Westgate Town Center is typically the better match. It feels a bit busier and more vertical, which suits families who like being in the heart of the action and popping in and out of Shipwreck Island throughout the day.
If you prefer a slightly quieter, lower-rise environment, do not mind a longer walk or shuttle ride to the water park, and are looking to stretch your budget while keeping full amenity access, Westgate Vacation Villas is a very solid choice. You still get villa-style space, kitchen facilities, and all the same activities, just wrapped in a more classic timeshare layout.
Either way, what sets this Westgate complex apart is its combination of condo-style accommodations and resort-style fun. For families who want room to spread out, the ability to cook some meals, and a dedicated water park on days away from Disney and Universal, both Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas deliver a practical, activity-rich base for an Orlando vacation.
FAQ
Q1. Are guests at Westgate Vacation Villas allowed to use Shipwreck Island Water Park?
Yes. Guests at both Westgate Vacation Villas and Westgate Town Center can access Shipwreck Island Water Park, though most non-owner guests pay a separate per-person admission fee.
Q2. Is Shipwreck Island Water Park included in the room rate?
Usually not. For most regular guests, water park admission is an extra charge, while certain owners and loyalty members may receive complimentary or discounted access depending on their status and package.
Q3. Which resort is closer to Shipwreck Island Water Park, Town Center or Vacation Villas?
Westgate Town Center is generally closer, with many buildings just a short walk from Town Hall and the water park. Vacation Villas guests may walk 10 to 15 minutes or use internal shuttles.
Q4. Do both resorts offer the same type of villas and room layouts?
Both offer studios and multi-bedroom villas with kitchens, but Town Center tends to have more modern, higher-rise condo-style buildings, while Vacation Villas has more traditional low-rise villas spread out across the property.
Q5. Can I request a specific building or location when I book?
You can usually make location requests, such as being close to the water park or on a lower floor, but they are not guaranteed and are subject to availability at check-in.
Q6. Is one resort better for families with strollers or mobility issues?
Town Center often works better for families needing elevators and shorter walks to central amenities, while some Vacation Villas buildings may involve more stairs and longer distances.
Q7. Do both Westgate Town Center and Vacation Villas offer free parking?
Parking is generally included for guests at both resorts, with surface lots near most buildings. Always verify current policies when booking, as fees and rules can change over time.
Q8. How long does it take to drive from the resort to Walt Disney World?
In typical traffic, it is about a 10 to 15-minute drive to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and slightly longer to the other Disney parks, depending on time of day and road conditions.
Q9. Are there grocery stores and restaurants near the resorts?
Yes. Within a short drive you will find multiple supermarkets, big-box stores, and family-friendly chain restaurants, making it easy to stock your villa kitchen or grab a quick meal.
Q10. If I find a better deal on one side, will I miss out on amenities by booking it?
No. Since the two resorts share most amenities and activities, you can safely choose the better-value option and still enjoy Shipwreck Island, pools, sports courts, and dining across the complex.