The hype
Families love the space and the pools, but everyone hates the sales pressure and hidden costs.
Westgate Town Center Resort & Spa
$100-250/ night
Book this if You're a large family who needs a full kitchen and washer/dryer near Disney but can't afford a Disney Deluxe Villa.
Why People Love It
- Massive multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens
- Shipwreck Island Water Park (even with the fee, kids love it)
- 14 pools mean you can always find a spot to dip
Quick Take: A sprawling, amenity-rich mega-resort that feels like a budget country club where the price of admission is dodging aggressive timeshare sales pitches.
Reviewed by @LastUnicorn: I felt instantly relaxed arriving here. The suite is huge, and having a full kitchen was a game-changer for our budget. Plus, that jacuzzi tub was exactly what I needed after walking miles at the parks. It really felt like my own Florida apartment.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely be placed in an older, dated building unless you specifically fight for a renovated one.
- You need to sleep 6+ people without booking two rooms
- You plan to cook meals to save money on park food
- You want a resort day with mini-golf, swan boats, and pools
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Weekly only. You are responsible for your own tidying during the stay.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Renovated rooms are sparkling; older units often have grout issues and peeling tubs.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Reports of broken ACs, running toilets, and worn carpets are common in non-renovated towers.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel grade. Often scratchy. Bring your own beach towel.
- Odors & scents: Older rooms can smell musty or like stale cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Connecting room doors (sound leaks)
- Plumbing noise (toilets flushing in adjacent units)
- Hallway foot traffic and luggage rolling
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'free' shuttle to Disney requires reservation 24h in advance and has limited seats.
- Wifi is free but can be spotty for streaming; premium speed costs extra.
- You must be 21+ to check in.
What to pack
- Dish soap and sponge (starter kit is tiny)
- Extra toilet paper and trash bags (housekeeping is not daily)
- Earplugs for the thin walls
Room Genie
Best picks
- Buildings 5000 and 5900 (recently renovated with glass showers and modern kitchens)
- Top floor units to avoid hearing footsteps above you
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor units near the main pools (noise + foot traffic)
- Rooms with connecting doors if you aren't using them
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a unit in Building 5000 or 5900 due to the recent renovations. If unavailable, please ensure I am on a top floor away from the elevators and connecting doors.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the water park free?
No. Unless you are an owner or booked a specific 'water park package,' expect to pay ~$20-$25 per person/day.
Do I have to attend the timeshare presentation?
Absolutely not. They will offer you free tickets or cash (usually ~$100-150) to attend, but you can firmly say 'No' and unplug your room phone.
Is there a shuttle to Disney?
Yes, it's complimentary but inconvenient. It departs from the Mission Control Game Room and requires booking via the concierge (Ext 41161).
Are the pools heated?
Yes, the 14 pools are heated, but temperature varies by location and weather.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Not really. The resort is huge. You'll want to drive or take the internal shuttle to on-site dining, or drive 5-10 mins to US-192 for off-site options.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but fees are steep: ~$150 non-refundable fee plus a refundable deposit.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Mystery Fun House' arcade has no admission fee—you just pay for the games you play, making it a great low-commitment rainy day option.
- ✨
Pool #13 often hosts activities like water aerobics, so avoid it if you want quiet.
- ✨
Use the 'Westgate Resorts' app to express check-out and avoid the lobby line.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'patios' in some smaller units are barely standing room only.
💡You might get a call at 8 AM inviting you to a 'welcome breakfast'—it is a sales trap.
💡The on-site pizza (Cordovano Joe's) is surprisingly decent but overpriced compared to delivery options nearby.
💡Swan boats cost ~$12+tax for guests (free for owners).
💡The resort is so big you might need to drive your car just to get to the main pool.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Westgate Town Center Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.