You’ve seen the photos of the swan boats. You've probably scrolled past a hundred ads for "discounted Orlando stays" that look a little too good to be true. Honestly, picking a place to sleep in Central Florida is a nightmare because everything starts to look the same after a while. But Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa sits in this weirdly specific sweet spot. It’s right off Turkey Lake Road, tucked between the chaos of International Drive and the polished gates of Walt Disney World. It’s massive. Like, "get lost trying to find the deli" massive.
People get confused about what this place actually is. Is it a hotel? A timeshare trap? A waterpark destination? It’s basically all of those things wrapped into one sprawling lakeside complex. If you’re looking for a tiny, boutique experience with minimalist furniture and quiet hallways, you’re going to hate it here. But if you have three kids who refuse to share a bed and you want a kitchen so you don’t have to spend $80 on breakfast every morning, it starts to make a lot of sense.
The Location Reality Check
Location is usually where resorts lie to you. They say "minutes from Disney," but they don't tell you that's "minutes" by helicopter. Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa is actually positioned pretty well. You’re about ten to fifteen minutes from Universal Studios and maybe twenty from the Disney parks, depending on how much of a mess I-4 is that day.
Turkey Lake itself is a real lake, not just a retention pond. It’s one of the larger freshwater lakes in Orlando. You can actually go out on it. Most people just stare at it from the pier while eating a slice of pizza from Cordovano Joe’s, but there’s something genuinely peaceful about the water hitting the shore while the screams from the coasters at SeaWorld echo in the distance.
What’s the Deal with Treasure Cove?
For a long time, this resort was just "the place with the many pools." Then they built Treasure Cove Water Park. It changed the vibe. Now, instead of just a place to crash after the parks, people are actually staying on-property for the whole day. It’s got the standard 30-foot slides and a lazy river that’s actually long enough to be relaxing.
Here’s the thing: it’s not free for everyone. Depending on your booking or if you’re a "vacation owner," you might have to pay an entry fee. People get really annoyed by this. They assume "resort" means "everything is included." It’s not. Check your fine print. If you aren’t planning on spending at least four hours at the water park, the daily pass might not be worth the cash. But if you have kids under twelve? It’s a lifesaver. It keeps them busy while you sit in a lounge chair and try to forget how much you spent on Genie+ the day before.
The Room Situation: Expect the Unexpected
The rooms here are called villas. That’s a fancy word for "apartment-style living." You can get anything from a studio to a four-bedroom villa that can sleep 16 people. 16! That’s a small army.
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The interiors are... sturdy. That’s the best way to put it. You aren’t getting ultra-modern, sleek Scandinavian design. You’re getting heavy wood furniture, granite countertops, and leather sofas that can withstand a spilled juice box. Most units have full kitchens. This is the real MVP of the Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa experience. Having a full-sized fridge means you can hit the Publix down the road and stock up on water and snacks.
- Pros: Space. Lots of it. Screened-in balconies are great for the humidity.
- Cons: The resort is old in some sections. Some buildings feel like 1998, while others have been gutted and refreshed.
It’s a bit of a gamble. You might get a room that feels brand new, or you might get one where the carpet has seen better days. If you walk into a room and it smells like a damp basement—which happens in Florida—call the front desk immediately. They’re usually pretty good about moving people if the room isn't up to snuff, but you have to be firm.
Navigating the "Sales" Side of Things
Let's address the elephant in the room. Westgate is a timeshare company. David Siegel, the founder, is the guy from that "Queen of Versailles" documentary. When you check in, someone is going to try to get you to attend a breakfast or a presentation. They’ll offer you attraction tickets or resort credits.
You don't have to do it.
Seriously. Just say "no thank you" and keep walking. If you want the discounted tickets and you have four hours of your life to trade for a high-pressure sales pitch, go for it. But don't feel obligated. A lot of negative reviews for Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa come from people who felt "tricked" into a sales meeting. You aren't being tricked if you just refuse the "welcome gift" talk at the concierge desk.
Eating and Drinking Without Leaving
You’ve got Drafts Sports Bar & Grill on-site. It’s actually decent. It’s not "five-star dining," but the burgers are massive and they have a huge selection of beers. It’s loud. It’s got a bowling alley inside. It’s exactly what you want after a day of standing in lines at Disney.
There’s also a marketplace. It’s expensive. Like, $9 for a half-gallon of milk expensive. If you have a car, drive five minutes to the nearby grocery stores. If you don't have a car, you're at the mercy of the resort prices.
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The Serenity Spa
It’s weird to have a high-end spa in the middle of a family-heavy resort, but the Serenity Spa is surprisingly legit. It’s won awards. If you can sneak away while the rest of the family is at the pool, the salt stone massage is worth the splurge. It’s one of the few places on the property that feels truly "adult" and quiet.
Logistics: Getting Around the Property
The resort is huge.
Don't expect to walk everywhere. They have a shuttle that circles the property, but it can be slow. If you’re in a building far from the main lobby, you’re going to be relying on that shuttle or your own car. This is a common complaint. People book a room and realize they are a 15-minute walk from the main pool. If you have mobility issues, or just hate walking in 95-degree heat, request a room near the "Town Center" when you book. They can't always guarantee it, but it’s worth asking.
Is It Worth It?
Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa isn't for everyone. It’s for the family that wants a home base. It’s for the group that wants to cook their own tacos at night. It’s for people who want to be close to the action but don't want to pay the "on-property" Disney tax which can be double or triple the price for half the space.
If you go in expecting a quiet, luxury experience, you'll be disappointed. If you go in expecting a bustling, massive vacation hub with tons of amenities and room to breathe, you’ll probably have a great time.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Skip the Concierge: Unless you actually want to buy a timeshare, head straight to your room after getting your keys at the front desk. The "welcome center" is usually just a sales floor.
- Request a Lake View: The rooms facing Turkey Lake are significantly quieter than the ones facing the pools or the parking lots. Plus, you might catch the distant fireworks.
- Bring Your Own Essentials: They provide basic toiletries, but they aren't great. Bring your own shampoo and definitely bring laundry detergent if your villa has a washer/dryer.
- Use the Back Entrance: Traffic on Turkey Lake Road can get backed up. Learn the side entrances to the resort to save yourself 10 minutes of sitting at a red light.
- Check the Schedule: They do poolside movies and activities for kids. Most of this is included in your resort fee, so you might as well use it.
You’ve got to manage your expectations. It’s a busy, high-energy resort in the middle of the world’s tourism capital. Treat it like a home-away-from-home rather than a pampered hotel stay, and you’ll find it’s one of the better values in the Orlando area. Just remember to pack your walking shoes—you’re going to need them just to get to the lobby.