Getting around Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa and the Orlando area
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is reached from the mainland by the resort’s boat or ferry transfer; once on the island you’ll use the resort’s internal shuttles, walkable paths, and on-site services to move around. For trips to Orlando theme parks and the airport, rely on the resort’s scheduled park shuttles, booked transfers (which include a boat leg plus ground transport), or public and private ground transit options from the mainland.
In this guide
Arriving at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa (pier & check‑in)
The resort’s arrival point is by boat or ferry to the island; guests transfer to the resort property by the resort’s water access. At check-in you’ll present a photo ID and credit card (the primary guest must be at least 21).
Standard check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM. The front‑desk lobby and reception handle luggage and concierge requests; ask staff about water‑transfer schedules or assistance with heavy bags.
- Have photo ID and a credit card ready (primary guest must be 21+)
- Confirm arrival boat/ferry times with the resort before travel
- Ask front desk about luggage help or porter service
| At a glance | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Check‑in time | Photo ID + credit card (primary guest 21+) |
| Check‑out time | Nothing special; settle incidental charges before 10:00 AM |
| Luggage | Label and ask concierge about porter service |
Getting around the resort grounds
Once on the island, most guest areas are reachable on foot via well-marked paths between villas, pools and dining venues. The property emphasizes pool, water‑park and recreation access across multiple on-site buildings and outdoor areas.
If you prefer not to walk between distant points on property, check with the concierge for courtesy shuttles or resort staff assistance — they can advise about scheduled internal transport and best walking routes to venues like Drafts Sports Bar & Grill or the Pavilion.
- Walkable paths connect villas, pools and the Pavilion
- Ask concierge about on‑site shuttle options and schedules
- Look for signage to pools, the mini golf course and the marina
| Common on‑site spots | Typical access |
|---|---|
| Drafts Sports Bar & Grill | Walk or short resort shuttle |
| Marketplace & Deli / Cordovano Joe’s | Walkable in the Village Shops |
| Treasure Cove Water Park | Follow posted route from main guest areas |
Pools, Treasure Cove Water Park and pool rules
Westgate Lakes features seven outdoor pools and seven hot tubs, plus dedicated children’s wading pools and Treasure Cove Water Park, which is a separate, pay‑to‑enter facility reserved for registered on‑property guests. Treasure Cove has slides, a lazy river and a splash pad; hours and access are posted by the resort and may change with weather.
Water‑park admission is a separate paid add‑on; safety rules require children to be supervised by an adult at all times and specify swimwear and other restrictions. Life vests are available on request for weak or non‑swimmers.
- Seven heated outdoor pools and seven hot tubs across the property
- Treasure Cove Water Park requires a separate admission band for on‑property guests
- Children must be supervised; swim diapers and USCG‑approved life vests rules apply
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Treasure Cove Water Park | Separate paid admission; hours weather‑dependent |
| Children’s wading pools | Dedicated shallow areas with pool rules |
| Pool hours | Resort posts hours; individual pools can vary (check with front desk) |
Resort dining, room service and poolside bars
Dining options are distributed across the island property: Drafts Sports Bar & Grill (lunch & dinner), Sid’s Bistro (coffee, pastries & ice cream), Marketplace & Deli (groceries and deli counter) and Cordovano Joe’s (pizza and in‑room delivery). Poolside bars include Citrus Breeze and Coral Reef, with set midday hours.
In‑room delivery (room service) is available during evening hours and includes Cordovano Joe’s pizza and a selection of burgers, BBQ and salads. For reservations at Drafts or to confirm seasonal hours, contact the front desk or concierge.
- Drafts Sports Bar & Grill — lunch & dinner, reservations accepted
- Sid’s Bistro — morning coffee, pastries and ice cream
- Marketplace & Deli — sandwiches, groceries and deli counter; Cordovano Joe’s offers poolside and in‑room delivery
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Drafts Sports Bar & Grill | Lunch & dinner; sports bar setting |
| Sid’s Bistro | Coffee, pastries, ice cream (morning–early afternoon) |
| Cordovano Joe’s | Pizza, pastas; pickup, delivery and in‑room service |
Getting to Orlando theme parks and local attractions
The resort provides scheduled shuttles for registered guests to major theme parks; shuttle service typically combines resort transfer procedures and ground transport from the mainland — check the concierge for current schedules and reservation requirements. The resort does not list an airport shuttle as part of its standard services.
If you plan to use public transport or local area services, the I‑Ride Trolley serves the International Drive area with many stops; taxis and ride‑share companies also operate from mainland pick‑up points — confirm where the resort’s boat/ferry will drop you for ground connections.
- Resort offers scheduled shuttles to Universal, SeaWorld and Disney (confirm times and booking)
- I‑Ride Trolley runs through the International Drive area and is useful for local stops
- For ride‑hailing or taxis, ask concierge where to meet on the mainland after the boat transfer
| To get to | Typical option |
|---|---|
| Universal Studios / Volcano Bay | Resort shuttle (reserve ahead) |
| Walt Disney World | Resort shuttle or private transfer |
| Local attractions on International Drive | I‑Ride Trolley or taxi/ride‑share from mainland pick‑up |
Airport access, public transit and ground transfers
The resort does not list a direct airport shuttle. Orlando International Airport (MCO) and other ground‑based transfer providers serve the Orlando area; because the resort’s island access involves a boat leg, many guest transfers are arranged as combined boat + ground services — book these in advance with the resort or an authorized transfer company.
Public transit options (Lynx bus service) and multi‑leg trips to the resort can be time‑consuming and require transfers. If you want the simplest door‑to‑island transfer from the airport, ask the resort about recommended private transfer providers that handle the combined boat and ground segments.
- No standard airport shuttle listed; confirm transfer options with the resort
- Public transit to the resort requires transfers and can take substantially longer
- Book combined transfers (boat + ground) ahead of arrival to avoid delays
| Origin | Best practical option |
|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | Private transfer arranged with resort or approved vendor |
| Public transit (Lynx) | Multiple transfers; allow extra time |
| Ride‑share/taxi | Meet at mainland pick‑up; then boat transfer to resort |
