Orlando is a hop skip and a jump away, with tons of ways to play. It’s hard to resist all the awesome family-friendly resorts around Orlando and Kissimmee. A favorite of ours is Westgate Vacation Villas Resort just outside Walt Disney World Resort’s borders. With an on-site water park, villas with lots of room to spread out, and fun activities for families it’s unforgettable.
I’ve had the pleasure of staying at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort twice now, and I am sharing the key highlights. We’ll take a look at the accommodations, on-site water park, activities for families, and dining options.
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Plus, this summer brings a major bonus: Venardos Circus has arrived! From now through August 14, 2024 everyone is invited to step right up. The big top is set up here at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort.
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort: What Parents Need to Know
The first thing to know is yes, Westgate is primarily a timeshare company, but in recent years they have expanded the offerings of their resorts, allowing anyone to stay for a night, or few, and enjoy the resorts.
Guests can learn about the ownership options if they want, but it is not a requirement. Now, let’s look at the accommodations, and then the rest of the features at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort in the Kissimmee area.
Spacious Villas
Any parent knows that a vacation or weekend getaway can often lead to more stress. After all, we parents rarely get to relax, even on a trip away. And if you’re staying in a standard hotel room there is less space for everyone.
That’s one of the many reasons I prefer to stay in a villa, vacation home, or family suite so everyone has their own space.
A feature that I love with the one or two bedroom villas at Westgate Vacation Villas is the screened-in patio!
The two bedroom units have a full size patio table with chairs for outdoor dining, and great change of pace from using the full-size dining table inside the villa. And there is a lounge chair, which quickly became my place to read and escape for a few minutes. Being screened-in means no pests, just fresh air, and great views.
The kitchen has a stove, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, and a full-size washer and dryer. No one is saying you have to cook and do laundry on vacation. But it is a money saver to be able to bring leftovers back from dinner, and on hot summer days, it is nice to take an afternoon break knowing you can put together a nice afternoon snack. And being able to wash or dry wet swimsuits and towels, is a game changer!
On-site Water Park
One of the many awesome things about taking a trip to Orlando is there are so many resorts with great features, including on-site water parks!
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort has multiple pools around the property, and at the center of it all is Shipwreck Island Water Park.
This cool place has two levels! On the ground level is a big pool with a zero-entry wading area for littles ones also has two water slides for toddlers and young kids. Little Lad Falls has a 36″ height requirement, and a max of 47″ so it is reserved just for littles.
Then climb the stairs to a larger area with a massive shipwreck splash area with multiple slides, including one for daring swashbucklers called Pirate’s Plunge. You must be 48″ or taller for Pirate’s Plunge, an enclosed slide that starts on the second level and goes through the deck to the ground level.
There’s even a small lazy river on this second level! And a bar overlooking it for some cold refreshments.
On this most recent stay, my son just reached the 40″ height requirement for Cannonball Falls which is a duo of twisting slides that go from the second level to the ground level. They are the most visible slides and can be accessed from the stairs on either side.
Lounge chairs and seating go quickly! So try to get to Shipwreck Island Water Park right when it opens for the day. I have also noticed that around 3:00 p.m. many folks depart and you can find more seating then.
Important note: Shipwreck Island Water Park can close due to inclement weather.
Fantastic Family Activities
Orlando resorts offer lots of activities besides swimming, and Westgate Vacation Villas Resort is no exception.
There is a centrally located Activities Center with hands-on indoor activities, board game rentals, and refreshments. Plus paddle boat rentals, 18 hole mini golf, and bicycle rentals right here at the Activities Center.
Then at the Town Center you’ll find a movie theater showing family movies every day, free of charge. And a new addition of year-round “ice” skating just outside the lobby doors!
My husband graciously paid $30 for our son and him to don the “ice” skates, which do have a metal blade, but not as sharp as traditional ice skates. We were surprised by the required timeslot reservations and had to book online even when we were standing at the booth, then wait 15 minutes for our timeslot.
It is not easy to skate on the pretend ice. But it made for some fun memories and silly photos. We loved sending the photos of the pretend ice skating rink, in sunny Orlando, back to my husband’s family in Illinois.
And finally, at the front of the resort is a marketplace with an ice cream shop and arcade. The Mission Control Game Room is packed with great games – a nice idea on a hot or rainy day. Plus, on Wednesdays, it’s half-priced games all day!
Venardos Circus On-site Through August 14, 2024
This summer is truly special at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort because of a partnership with Venardos Circus. This incredible traveling circus is perfect for families. There are no animals, just talented performers who come from a long line of circus-performing families.
Westgate hosted our family and a few other media groups to witness Venardos Circus ourselves. My son loved every single moment. And I loved watching his reactions.
The evening was full of nostalgia and wow moments. It’s truly a remarkable feature to offer this summer at the resort, and everyone is invited. So while we enjoyed our stay at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort, and recommend it for a casual family getaway, a stay is not required to buy tickets to Venardos Circus.
Our sibling site, Orlando-Parenting.com has a great Venardos Circus review so parents know what to expect at the circus.
Restaurants and Dining Delights
Having fun requires fuel. Thankfully Westgate Vacation Villas Resort has multiple restaurants including quick bites at Shipwreck Island Water Park, and a few of the other pools, as well as a New York style pizzeria, grocery market, and two full service restaurants.
During our media trip we dined at Villa Italiano Chophouse as well as Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar. My mother in law loved the Parmesan Crusted Filet, while I enjoyed the refreshing and massive Chopped Italian Salad.
The next day we savored an early lunch at Los Amigos, and the food surpassed my expectations. Plus they made a mocktail margarita for me that I loved! The next day we gathered for their new Sunday brunch at Los Amigos which surprised me even more.
The Churro French Toast is heavenly and the hit of our group. Balance the sweetness with something savory like the Chilaquiles. The interior of Los Amigos is lovely, and it overlooks the water park!
Location and Important Info
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort stands proudly just a few moments from Walt Disney World, amid the bustling Kissimmee attractions area. This part of town is one of the first established vacation zones and it is full of nostalgia.
There are closeby grocery stores, classic attractions, and casual restaurants. Plentiful parking makes it easy to drive on over from Tampa Bay for an Orlando family getaway.
Residents of Florida and Georgia get exclusive rates, and the resort is adjacent to and shares the same amenities as Westgate Town Center Resort, so there’s always something to do.
Please note that this review is based on a hosted media experience.
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort
7700 Westgate Boulevard
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Resort Phone: 407-239-0510
