I thought I would let you know that we just got back from staying at Westgate Lakes and it was wonderful! Yes we had to do the timeshare presentation but James, our salesman, was very low pressure and easy to get along with.
When we checked in everyone was very friendly and helpful. They unloaded our van onto the luggage cart, carried up stuff up, and unloaded it into our room. They showed us around our room, explained where things were on site and gave us numbers to call if we needed help. The room was wonderful! We have almost new leather sofa set, large kitchen, laundry area, jacuzzi tub with steps leading up to it, large glass enclosed shower, etc. Just wonderful! They give you free stuff from the spa on site for you to use in your room... probably hoping you'll go up and buy some later. Oh, If you ever stay there go to the African Safari show they have. We didn't do the dinner but did do the show. Be sure to show up early cause the good seats are quickly taken. If you buy a t-shirt they will take your picture with the animal of your choice. The only "big cat" you can touch is the Florida Panther. All the rest you can stand very close but no touch. The proceeds go to protect these animals from becoming extinct due to their fur.
After spending 4 days and 3 nights at then Lakes we went to River Ranch. Oh how horrid this place is! I called the 800 number and complained. They said they could get us a room back at the Lakes but we would have to pay some because there is a definete price differece between the 2. We passed on that though because trying to pack up a family of 5 and unpack all over again was not sounding good. Besides our kids really wanted to do the horse riding. We ended up not spending much time at the ranch though because the only place to eat is a nasty diner with lousy food! We ended up back in Orlando for most the time. We did to the horse riding and it was fun. The petting zoo was also fun for our kids. I was shocked that Westgate is even advertising this ranch. They really need to fix it up before having their name even remotely associated with it! Think of a rundown cedar motel 6. YUCK! our room was 2 rooms with a wall knocked out so that 1 room was a kitchen area and living room. It was still nasty though! Maybe in 2-3 years once they get their private cabins, lake side villas and homes with private airplane hangers all built this place will be worth going to BUT not till then!
When we checked in everyone was very friendly and helpful. They unloaded our van onto the luggage cart, carried up stuff up, and unloaded it into our room. They showed us around our room, explained where things were on site and gave us numbers to call if we needed help. The room was wonderful! We have almost new leather sofa set, large kitchen, laundry area, jacuzzi tub with steps leading up to it, large glass enclosed shower, etc. Just wonderful! They give you free stuff from the spa on site for you to use in your room... probably hoping you'll go up and buy some later. Oh, If you ever stay there go to the African Safari show they have. We didn't do the dinner but did do the show. Be sure to show up early cause the good seats are quickly taken. If you buy a t-shirt they will take your picture with the animal of your choice. The only "big cat" you can touch is the Florida Panther. All the rest you can stand very close but no touch. The proceeds go to protect these animals from becoming extinct due to their fur.
After spending 4 days and 3 nights at then Lakes we went to River Ranch. Oh how horrid this place is! I called the 800 number and complained. They said they could get us a room back at the Lakes but we would have to pay some because there is a definete price differece between the 2. We passed on that though because trying to pack up a family of 5 and unpack all over again was not sounding good. Besides our kids really wanted to do the horse riding. We ended up not spending much time at the ranch though because the only place to eat is a nasty diner with lousy food! We ended up back in Orlando for most the time. We did to the horse riding and it was fun. The petting zoo was also fun for our kids. I was shocked that Westgate is even advertising this ranch. They really need to fix it up before having their name even remotely associated with it! Think of a rundown cedar motel 6. YUCK! our room was 2 rooms with a wall knocked out so that 1 room was a kitchen area and living room. It was still nasty though! Maybe in 2-3 years once they get their private cabins, lake side villas and homes with private airplane hangers all built this place will be worth going to BUT not till then!
