Anyone stay at Westgate Lakes recently?

[jimmytammy]

Our DD is going with family in a few days, and we were thinking they were staying at Bonnet Creek since it housed 16 people. Turns out WL has this much room as well for 16. So how is WL? Recent reviews, 2005 being most recent, doesnt seem to put it in favor. Hopefully we will hear different, but be honest. I just want her to be prepared.

Thanks in advance

 

[RussellDisney]

My family of 4 plus two friends stayed in a 2 bedroom at WGL in December. It was very nice, roomy and clean. A little dated, but everything worked and served our needs just fine. We had a pool view and other than the first night, had no problems with late-night noise from that. Grounds are nicely landscaped, plenty of parking and we felt very safe.

We couldn't have been more pleased with the location! Very close to Disney, just a couple exits up I-4 towards Orlando. While this was mid-December before the Christmas crowds, we were amazed at how quickly we got to WDW. Longest drive was about 15 minutes to MK, more like 10 minutes to Epcot and DHS! Very easy to access I-4, turn right out of the resort, less than a mile to a left at a light and then a quick right onto I-4.

There is a Wal-Mart about a mile away, but not much else right on the same road. There is a small hospital literally next door - unfortunately came in handy for us! IDrive is on the other side of I-4, about 4-5 blocks away. Plenty to do/see/eat over there. It's about a mile, maybe less, to both Universal and SeaWorld.

The only drawback at WGL is the sales pressure. Your "greeter" who takes you to the condo, does a walk-thru, etc. is very nice, but also VERY insistent on getting the "review" scheduled for later in your stay. This is the sales meeting. We scheduled it, changed it a couple times and ended up blowing it off!!! There were no consequences either.

Overall a lovely place to stay, very convienent to Disney. Just be careful with the sales meeting.

 

[TotoToo]

Westgate Lakes is no Bonnet Creek! It is a bunch of bland mid-rise buildings, with large units that tend to be sparsely furnished with so-so quality products. If it will just be a place to flop its fine - if you expect a DVC/Wyndham BC type experience you will be disappointed. Oh, don't forget the terrible sales pressure they will put on. If you are there on anything but a discounted stay tied to a required tour tell them to shove the "maintenance" meeting, update, whatever they call it as it is a sales torture like no other. Unplug the phones unless you like to be disturbed by sales calls all hours of the day & night.

Although we own at Westgate we wouldn't recommend it to anyone as there are so many resorts that are so much better in every way.

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks for the replies. My DD15 will be going with My BIL and his family, so she wont have to deal with the sales pitch. We are DVC members, so giving her a heads up just to prepare her. They will probably be at WDW all day, so maybe it wont be a problem.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

My family of 4 plus two friends stayed in a 2 bedroom at WGL in December. It was very nice, roomy and clean. A little dated, but everything worked and served our needs just fine. We had a pool view and other than the first night, had no problems with late-night noise from that. Grounds are nicely landscaped, plenty of parking and we felt very safe.

We couldn't have been more pleased with the location! Very close to Disney, just a couple exits up I-4 towards Orlando. While this was mid-December before the Christmas crowds, we were amazed at how quickly we got to WDW. Longest drive was about 15 minutes to MK, more like 10 minutes to Epcot and DHS! Very easy to access I-4, turn right out of the resort, less than a mile to a left at a light and then a quick right onto I-4.
There is a Wal-Mart about a mile away, but not much else right on the same road. There is a small hospital literally next door - unfortunately came in handy for us! IDrive is on the other side of I-4, about 4-5 blocks away. Plenty to do/see/eat over there. It's about a mile, maybe less, to both Universal and SeaWorld.

The only drawback at WGL is the sales pressure. Your "greeter" who takes you to the condo, does a walk-thru, etc. is very nice, but also VERY insistent on getting the "review" scheduled for later in your stay. This is the sales meeting. We scheduled it, changed it a couple times and ended up blowing it off!!! There were no consequences either.

Overall a lovely place to stay, very convienent to Disney. Just be careful with the sales meeting.

thanks for this!! We're staying there in November and have been trying to find an estimate of time to the parks.