Summer Bay Resort or Westgate Vacation Villas?

[Paxtrist]

Hi everyone! I need a little help here. I have a chance to book a two bedroom at Summer Bay and Westgate for this Saturday. Which one would you go to and why?
Thanks in advance for you help!

 

[MADisFam]

Never been to westgate, but me and my disfam spent a week at Summers Bay in May 2005. We stayed in a three bedroom lockout on the section that was just being built. The rooms were beautiful and very clean. Not sure what the older sections were like. The only thing that stunk for us was that the pool for our section wasn't done yet so it was a hike to the main pool. Other than that it was great.

 

[85CJohn]

Just stayed at Summer Bay 9/13-20. This was our 2nd time at Summer Bay. This past time we stayed in a 2 bedroom condo in Building 203 on the lake front. I believe that this was one of the older units and it was starting to show it's age, nothing major, but the kitchen faucet really needs to be replaced and the master suite toilet would run from time to time, also the master suites sink would drain very slowly. The unit was clean and we enjoyed our stay again. It is a short walk to the main pool. Also, the view of the lake from the balcony was really nice.

2 years ago, we stayed in one of the newer units and other than the above items mentioned, I think that they are comparable. The walk to the main pool(open 24 hours) was longer(5 minutes opposed to 2), but closer to the two smaller pools, including the pool with the slide and other kid's stuff. The playground is also on that side of the resort.

But.... we are there to go to Disney and ,for us, as long as the place is clean and relatively close to Disney, that's all that counts. In September, it's not a bad drive along Rt192, I'm not sure about busier times. We used the Sherbeth Road shortcut many times and I'm sure that would help in busier times.

Not sure where the Westgate is but we like staying out on Rt192. Just outside of Summer Bay, there is a shopping center with a Publix Supermarket, Papa Johns Pizza, a Chinese restaurant. Along Rt 192, you have all the fast-food joints, Walgreens, sit-down restaurants(Houlihans is one of our favorites), etc.

One of the main reasons for us to stay at Summer Bay is the price. We went as a guest of a RCI member and the price was low(well below the websites daily rate of $189/ night). We paid less for a week's stay in a 2 bedroom unit than many peoply pay to stay on Disney property for a single night
in a smaller unit.

And if you don't want to be hit up for the timeshare presentation("Welcome breakfast/Resort Tour"), just don't answer the phone( and if you do, just tell them no, they aren't pushy).

I'll be happy to answer any more questions

John

 

[swilshire]

We've stayed in both. The Summer Bay pool homes are wonderful, but that wasn't the question.

We also got one of the older units at Summer Bay once. Our only real complaint was the queen bed when we're used to a king.

Our Westgate unit had a loft and slept 8 I think. It's a little closer to WDW.

I'd have a hard time deciding between the two, but might go with Westgate just because it's a little closer.

Either would be fine but might vary depending on the particular unit.

Sheila

 

[bearzabout]

I have stayed at both and would choose Westgate VV. Summer Bay is a LONG drive away. It is nearly at I27. Westgate is an easy drive if you leave out Sherberth Rd. Just be prepared for a few problems at check in and demand a new unit if the one they give you is unacceptable.

I make the timeshare shark at the counter give me a map of the property and bypass the sharks that "escort" you to your room.

 

[Echo queen]

After our 5 nights at CR we will be going to Westgate VV for 7 days so I guess I better get this Sherberth rd info

 

[Brian Noble]

Just head due north from the main entrance's traffic circle in Westgate's complex. That's Entry Point Road. Cross US 192 at the light, and you'll be on Sherbeth. That dead-ends at Osceola. AKL is to your left. Everything else is to your right---just follow the signs. If you are going to AK, you need to turn right on Osceola and get to your left quickly, to make a legal U-turn into AK's parking plaza.

I would go with WVV. Much closer to the parks. However, do not attend the "maintenance meeting" (sales tour), and unplug your phone. The sales staff at Westgate is relentless. Otherwise, the resort is reportedly very nice.