
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Best for families or large groups who want villa space, many pools, and on-site recreation (including a paid water park).
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Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is a villa-style, recreation-heavy Orlando resort with multiple pools, a paid on-site water park, and family-sized villas. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Walt Disney World's flagship deluxe hotel with Victorian-style rooms, monorail access to Magic Kingdom, and multiple signature restaurants — read this if you’re choosing between a large villa resort with lots of on-site activities and a deluxe Disney resort close to the parks.
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Best for families or large groups who want villa space, many pools, and on-site recreation (including a paid water park).

Best for travelers prioritizing direct Disney access, deluxe Disney service, and signature dining near Magic Kingdom.
When Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa wins: choose Westgate if you need multi-bedroom villas, wide-ranging family recreation (seven pools, seven hot tubs, Treasure Cove Water Park), or a property that keeps kids and groups entertained without leaving the grounds.
When Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa wins: choose the Grand Floridian if you want close, convenient access to Magic Kingdom via the monorail/boats, Disney-themed service and programming, a large on-site spa, and multiple signature dining options.
Bottom line: Westgate Lakes is a practical pick for groups and families who want space and a resort full of activities; Grand Floridian is the pick for guests who value a deluxe Disney resort location, character, and direct park connectivity.
| Category | Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa | Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Villa resort with family-focused recreation and many on-site activities. | Deluxe, Victorian-style Disney flagship with formal public spaces and Disney service. |
| Location | International Drive / Convention Center area, Orlando (Turkey Lake Rd). | Lake Buena Vista, on Disney property near Magic Kingdom (Bay Lake). |
| Size | About 1,990 rooms (villa units up to five bedrooms). | 867 guestrooms. |
| Ages | All ages; family- and group-oriented. | All ages; Disney family programming and supervised childcare (surcharge). |
| Pools & water | Seven heated outdoor pools, seven hot tubs, plus Treasure Cove Water Park (separate paid admission). | Two outdoor pools, a waterslide, and pool cabanas (surcharge). |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple casual venues and pool bars (Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, Sid’s Bistro, Cordovano Joe’s, pool bars). | Seven restaurants including signature dining (e.g., Victoria & Albert's) and a coffee shop/cafe. |
| Spa & wellness | Serenity Spa by Westgate — 10,000 sq ft, 12 treatment rooms, salon, steam room and classes. | Full-service spa with massage treatments; reservations required for services. |
| Theme-park access | Scheduled complimentary shuttle service to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld; no airport shuttle. | On-Disney-property transport options and free theme park shuttle; monorail/boat access to Magic Kingdom. |
| Parking | Complimentary self-parking and free valet parking; EV charging stations. | Free self-parking; valet parking available (surcharge). |
| Known for | Large villas, family recreation, and a paid on-site water park. | Victorian-style luxury, proximity to Magic Kingdom, and signature dining. |
Westgate Lakes sits in Orlando's International Drive/Convention Center area (Turkey Lake Rd), convenient to many non-Disney attractions.
Good base if you want access to multiple Orlando attractions beyond Disney.
Disney's Grand Floridian sits on Disney property in Lake Buena Vista, very near Magic Kingdom and Disney golf courses.
Choose the Grand Floridian for the shortest/most direct access to Magic Kingdom and Disney transportation.
Westgate Lakes emphasizes villa-style accommodation from studios to multi-bedroom villas.
Better if you need space, kitchens, or multiple bedrooms for families or groups.
Grand Floridian offers standard guest rooms and suites in a classic Disney deluxe hotel format.
Better if you prefer a traditional hotel room with Disney theming and service rather than a villa layout.
Westgate Lakes has mainly casual restaurants, pool bars, and in-room delivery geared to families.
You’ll find casual, family-friendly dining and convenient in-villa options.
Grand Floridian mixes signature restaurants and more casual outlets with Disney dining service.
Better for guests prioritizing on-site signature dining and Disney culinary experiences.
Westgate Lakes focuses on pools and water recreation across the property, plus a paid pirate-themed water park.
A water-focused resort experience with many pool spaces and a dedicated on-site water park (for a fee).
Grand Floridian offers fewer pools but includes poolside service and cabanas.
A more restrained pool environment; not a substitute for a multi-pool resort or dedicated water park.
Westgate Lakes pairs a large on-site spa with family recreation and casual evening options.
Offers a full spa plus family-friendly evening dining and entertainment.
Grand Floridian emphasizes a full-service spa plus quieter, upscale evening dining and lounges.
Better if you want a hotel spa experience paired with upscale, low-key evening options and Disney programming.

Multi-bedroom villas (studios to 4+ bedrooms) with kitchens and living areas make long stays and group travel easier.

Grand Floridian’s on-property location and monorail/boat connections provide the most convenient access to Magic Kingdom.

Seven pools plus the pirate-themed Treasure Cove Water Park (paid admission) offer more on-site water attractions.

Multiple signature restaurants and classic Disney service make the Grand Floridian the pick for a deluxe Disney stay.
Westgate Lakes is generally better for families who want villa space, multiple pools, a kids’ club and an on-site water park (paid access). Grand Floridian also welcomes families but focuses on Disney access and a deluxe hotel experience.
Yes — Treasure Cove Water Park requires a separate paid admission reserved for registered on-property guests.
Disney's Grand Floridian has the clearer advantage for Magic Kingdom access thanks to on-property Disney transport and monorail/boat connections.
Yes. Both properties welcome families; Westgate emphasizes family recreation and multi-bedroom villas, while Grand Floridian offers Disney family programming and supervised childcare for a surcharge.
Explore how Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·