Westgate Town Center vs Westgate Vacation Villas: Which Orlando Resort is Best for Families in 2026?

Choosing between Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas often feels like choosing between two sides of the same coin. While they operate as a single massive complex in Kissimmee, the difference in building style and proximity to key attractions can dictate your entire vacation flow.

Located just a short drive from Walt Disney World, these two properties are essentially halves of one mega-resort along Westgate Boulevard. For the average traveler, the boundary between the two is nearly invisible once you pass through the gates. Both resorts utilize a centralized check-in and activity hub at Town Hall and share the same system of lakes, pools, and recreation areas.

However, for those prioritizing modern aesthetics or specific walkability, the distinctions are important. Westgate Town Center is the more vertical, contemporary side of the property, featuring multi-story condo-style buildings. Westgate Vacation Villas offers a more traditional experience with lower-rise buildings that stretch further down the boulevard.

Shared Infrastructure and Family Amenities

The primary advantage of this dual-resort setup is the shared access to amenities. Regardless of which side you book, you have full access to the combined resort's recreational offerings. This means a guest staying in a Vacation Villas unit can spend their entire day at the Town Center pools without any restrictions.

The combined complex provides a comprehensive suite of activities:

• Water & Lake Activities: Multiple heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, children's splash areas, and a lakeside marina offering swan boat rentals.
• Sports & Recreation: Basketball and tennis courts, mini-golf, bike rentals, and various playgrounds.
• Scheduled Programming: Organized family events, such as tie-dye shirt workshops and outdoor poolside movies.

Dining is similarly integrated. Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, a primary dining destination for burgers and wings, is located on the Town Center side but serves guests from both resorts. Additionally, a central marketplace provides groceries and grab-and-go items, while pool bars and pizza delivery are available throughout the complex.

Comparing Villa Layouts and Accommodations

While both properties focus on villa-style living rather than standard hotel rooms, the "feel" of the accommodations differs based on the construction era and design.

Westgate Town Center typically offers "deluxe" villas. These units are generally more modern, featuring higher-rise buildings with elevator access and contemporary interior finishes such as granite-style countertops and updated appliances. The floor plans are designed for longer stays, emphasizing open-plan living.

Westgate Vacation Villas leans toward a classic timeshare aesthetic. These are primarily two- and three-story buildings arranged around courtyards and smaller parking areas. While many units have been refreshed, they generally offer a cozier, more traditional apartment feel.

Both resorts offer a variety of configurations to suit different group sizes:

• Studios & One-Bedroom Villas: Ideal for small families; typically include a king bed, sleeper sofa, full kitchen, and in-unit washer/dryer.
• Two-Bedroom Villas: Can accommodate 4 to 8 guests.
• Lockoff Units: A strategic choice for multi-generational travel, allowing a two-bedroom unit to be split into a main villa and a separate studio with its own mini-kitchen.
• Three- and Four-Bedroom Options: More prevalent on the Town Center side for very large groups.

Shipwreck Island Water Park Access

Shipwreck Island Water Park is the centerpiece of the complex. Located behind Town Hall on the Town Center side, it features a lazy river, water slides, splash areas, and a signature pirate ship.

It is important to note that while the park is open to guests of both resorts, access is not universally free.

Guest Type	Access Status	Estimated Cost/Detail
Standard Resort Guests	Paid Admission	Approx. mid-$20 range per person/day
Children Under 3	Free	No charge
Owners/Loyalty Members	Often Complimentary	Varies by deeded week or tier

Because the water park is physically located on the Town Center side, guests staying in Town Center villas generally enjoy shorter walking distances to the entrance.

Logistics and Transport

The resort operates internal shuttles and provides scheduled transportation to select theme parks. However, due to the sprawling nature of the property, many families utilize rental cars or bikes to navigate between their villas and the Town Hall hub. A guest staying deep within the Vacation Villas section should expect roughly a ten-minute walk to reach the central amenities.

The decision ultimately rests on whether you prefer the modern, vertical convenience of Town Center or the quieter, traditional layout of Vacation Villas.

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