Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary weekend stay at the Westgate Town Center Resort, along with promotional credits to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own.
This Mother’s Day I was treated to a very special stay-cation with my entire family. It really meant a lot to me to have the family together as this will likely be the last year it will happen. With J-bird working the entire summer, then leaving for college in the Fall, it will be a long time before the entire family will be able to vacation together again.
We were invited to visit the Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee, Florida for Mother’s Day weekend. They could not have picked a better weekend! We packed up the kids, the car and headed North for the 4-hour drive from Miami. Stay-cations can truly be fulfilling in so many ways. First, I love road-trips, and stay-cations usually involve them. Then you can factor in the cost savings of not straying to far away from home. Last but not least, it’s a vacation that is perfect for long and short weekends.
We arrived at Westgate Town Center about 11pm. Thankfully no speeding tickets this time. Papa learned his lesson during our last Orlando trip. I digress. We were directed by the round the clock staffed gate house guard to the Town Hall building. Immediately upon entering I was greeted by several staff members and directed to the VIP Services desk at the front. Everyone was extremely polite and helpful. A bellman was called to direct us to our suite and help us with our luggage. He helped us unload and bring our belongings upstairs.
We were provided with an A/B room. These rooms can be used separately or together, as they are connected by a door. Immediately J-bird made a run for side A, which was like having his own apartment. It had everything any young man could dream of. A kitchen, bathroom, king size bedroom, washer/dryer, living room, and a few flat screen TV’s. He was so set I didn’t expect to see him at all for the weekend. Most importantly, he very quickly turned the lock on the connecting door and promptly locked us out. So off we went to check out our side of the suite.
Side B had all the same fine trimmings of side A, but BIGGER and better! It had a bigger full size kitchen with a breakfast bar, a full dining room, a balcony and a beautiful jetted tub. I was going to enjoy some time in that tub at all costs, even if it meant less sleep while the kids slept. The tub even had pretty changing colored lights. Heaven……
I had asked for two pack n’ plays to be delivered to the room prior to our arrival, and I was elated that they were actually there. I say this because of all the trips we have taken in the last three or so years, the baby bed has rarely ever been in the room waiting for us. They even surpassed our expectations by also providing two high chairs for the girls. I would have never had even thought to ask for them given that you are lucky to get a pack n play in most places, but high chairs? Wow! They really had me at hello.
We decided to get to bed as soon as possible so that we could fully enjoy the rest of the weekend. Everyone slept so well and comfortably that we missed breakfast and definitely overslept a bit. J-bird truly did not get out of bed until the late afternoon. It was well past lunch time so I called the on site pizza restaurant. I placed an order for pizza and wings to be delivered. Can I have it delivered to the pool? You bet your bottom dollar you can! But which pool was the question. No joke, they have 14 pools on the property! We headed to the Cabana Pool which has a kiddie splash area and a pool bar with food service.
After some time in the sun and a couple of full bellies, we packed up and headed back to our room. We made a pit stop at the Activity Center and borrowed a game of Connect Four. When we got back to our room, I jumped into the jetted tub for a bit of unwinding. I have a thing for buttons, so naturally I checked out each button on the tub until I found the fun one. No not the one for the jets, but the one for the colorful lights that change the color of the water. How awesome is that?
Ok, fast forward past everyone’s baths/showers, and naps, it was almost time for dinner. We planned to meet some friends in Downtown Disney, which was only about a ten minute drive. I couldn’t believe how close and centrally located we were to everything. We hung out, watched some local dancers perform on the main stage, took the kids to the Lego store and then headed over to Rain Forest Cafe for dinner. It’s great to have so much action nearby.
Getting seating for a party of 12 on a Friday night proved to be more challenging that I had planned for. Luckily a fellow blogger, LeeAnn who writes for Sippy Cup Mom, saved the day with her Landry’s card. It’s a front of the line, I just won the lotto, kind of card. It turned our two-hour wait into a 10 minute wait! Thanks again LeeAnn!
We feasted like animals, chatted up a storm and treated the kids to an erupting volcano dessert fit for a King. We even sang Happy Birthday to Em, because after all having a big dessert that can feed an entire table calls for some singing. By the time we emerged, Downtown Disney was calling it a night. The area went from being packed with family’s to nearly empty in no time. It was time for us to call it a night as well.
Realistically, we never even had to leave the property. We could have done all that and more by staying right at the resort. They have so many amenities to choose from. You can take a ride on the lake in your choice of paddle boats or swan boats. There is a water park is being built as well that is expected to be completed soon. We visited the Activity Center on site. It was a children’s play room come true.
They have board games you can borrow, bicycles, arts and crafts, a TV station with movies, stuff your own animals, mini golf, and so much more! The staff at the center could not have been any friendlier.
I was a bit worried that since this property is a time share, that we would see sales people everywhere, and be bombarded. Nope! Nada! What a huge relief, because I remember our trip to the Bahamas and it was a nightmare. You couldn’t turn a corner without being cornered. This is my vacation, I don’t want sales pitches every two minutes. So rest assured, you will be in quiet sweet comfort during your vacation.
Westgate Town Center is centrally located and convenient for all your park needs. Nearby to the main entrance to Walt Disney World and very close to both Universal Parks and SeaWorld. They have over 2,800 luxury villas, which sit on a large beautifully landscaped property. The units available range from efficiencies to five-bedroom villas to service the needs of any traveler or family. On site dining, a basic needs grocery store, ice cream shop, pool bars and pizza, delivered anywhere you want!
For all the sports fanatics, they have a sports bar, fitness center, lighted basketball and tennis courts, and volleyball courts. And if the activities center wasn’t enough to keep your kiddo entertained (which I can’t imagine happening), they even have a large game room, like a Dave and Busters type place.
If somehow this still isn’t enough for you to do, you can always visit the Disney MOVIE THEATER in the main lobby. Yes, a movie theater! Playing Disney movies all day long. So grab a cup of Starbucks coffee, turn the corner and head on it to watch a movie with the family.
Literally everything you need is right on site. The Westgate Town Center Resort is a very family friendly and orientated place. Oh boy, I can’t believe I almost forget to mention the trolley. Yes, a Thomas the Train trolley that will take you around the property, or even just for a ride with the kids. We had such a blast no one wanted to leave. Not even J-bird.
I am delighted with all the amenities, staff and location of this resort. I really could not have asked for more. So if you are headed to the Orlando area, I highly recommend calling them or visiting their website to see what they can offer your family. We hope to be back very soon. This time, we will stay a little longer, I really want to go for a ride in one of those Swan boats. How romantic!!!!
Disclosure: We were provided with a weekend stay at the Westgate Town Center Resort, along with credits for dining/shopping/play. All opinions are 100% my own. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.