Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Duration

3-4 days typical stay (half-day to full day at water park)

Price

$150-400+ per night for villas, plus $10-35 per person for water park

Best For

Families with kids under 12 • Large groups needing kitchen facilities • Multi-generational families wanting resort amenities

Pro Tip

Use the internal shuttles instead of walking between buildings - this place is built into a steep hillside and the shuttle saves your energy for the water park.

About Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park has established itself as a popular family destination in the Smokies, thanks to its mountainside location offering spectacular views and the convenience of Wild Bear Falls indoor water park on the property. The all-weather entertainment ensures children stay engaged regardless of conditions outside.

The resort's villas feature full kitchens and fireplaces, providing families significant savings on dining expenses while offering the comfort of preparing meals and snacks at their convenience. This setup proves particularly valuable for water park visits and early morning starts.

Guests should be aware that Westgate operates as a timeshare resort, meaning sales presentations are part of the experience. While these "owner updates" can be declined, the sales team tends to be quite persistent in their approach.

Wild Bear Falls caters primarily to younger children with its lazy river and tube slides. The water park's modest size works well for elementary-aged kids who can easily spend entire days enjoying the facilities, though teenagers may find the attractions less engaging after a few hours.

The resort's strategic location between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offers excellent access to both destinations. Downtown Gatlinburg sits just 10 minutes away, while the Dollywood area remains easily accessible, making it simple for families to explore the region's top attractions without lengthy commutes.

Amenities & Features

Breathtaking mountain views from the upper units, with guests specifically recommending requesting top-floor placementSpacious rooms with beautiful touches throughout the property and main lobbySouthern Comfort restaurant delivers excellent food and service, particularly server JordanExceptional staff members like shuttle driver Kurt Cobe and lifeguard Timothy Skipper who go above and beyond

Don't Miss

Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park

The crown jewel here is the 60,000 square foot indoor water park with retractable roof. It's got lazy river, tube slides, and a massive play structure that keeps kids busy for hours. The heated water and indoor setting mean it's open year-round, which is clutch during those unpredictable mountain weather days.

Full Kitchen Villas

These aren't your typical hotel rooms - we're talking full kitchens with everything you need to cook meals. After a day of expensive theme park food, being able to make breakfast and pack snacks is a game-changer for the budget. Plus the fireplaces create that perfect mountain cabin vibe.

Mountain Views from Balconies

Since the resort is built into the hillside, most units get incredible views of the Smoky Mountains. We love our morning coffee on the balcony with those misty mountain peaks in the background. The higher up your villa, the better the view.

Prime Location Between Cities

You're literally between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, so you can hit downtown Gatlinburg in 10 minutes or cruise to Dollywood area without the hassle of staying in the thick of tourist traffic. Plus the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance is just minutes away.

Multiple Pool Areas

Beyond the water park, there are several outdoor pools scattered across the property. The hot tubs are perfect after hiking in the mountains, and the pools give you options when the water park gets crowded.

Resort Shuttle System

Don't underestimate how helpful these shuttles are. The property is huge and built on steep terrain, so the shuttles between buildings, water park, and amenities save your legs for actual fun activities.

Know Before You Go

Free parking available but spread out across the hillside - use shuttles to save energy
Bring swimwear and $10 for water park lockers, plus snacks since food prices are steep
Water park admission usually costs extra - not included with most room bookings
Mountain weather changes quickly - pack layers even in summer
Villa kitchens are fully equipped - bring groceries to save on resort dining costs

Visitor Sentiment

Based on reviews

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.

Best Times to Visit Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Book well in advance for peak seasons (summer and fall foliage).

🔥Buzzing

Weekends & Holidays

☀️Relaxed

Midweek (Tue-Thu)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Wild Bear Falls Water Park?

Westgate owners get early admission at 10:00 AM daily. Regular hours vary by season, so call ahead to confirm current times. The water park typically closes earlier on weekdays and stays open later on weekends.

How much does Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort cost?

Villa rates vary by season and size, typically $150-400+ per night. Water park admission costs extra: $15 for adults, $10 for kids (owner rates) or up to $35 for adults (non-owner rates). Kids 3 and under get free water park admission.

Do I need reservations for Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort?

Yes, advance reservations are required for villa stays. Water park admission is typically available for walk-ins, but calling ahead ensures availability, especially during peak seasons and holidays.

How long should I spend at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort?

Most families stay 3-4 nights to fully enjoy the resort amenities and explore the Smokies. You can easily spend a full day at Wild Bear Falls, plus time for the pools, mini golf, and nearby attractions.

Is Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort good for kids?

Absolutely! It's designed for families. Wild Bear Falls water park works best for ages 2-12, with lazy river, slides, and play areas. Teens might find the water park small, but they'll love the location near Gatlinburg attractions.

Is there parking at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort?

Yes, free on-site parking is included with your stay. The resort is spread across a hillside, so parking can be tight and you might need to walk or use the shuttle to reach amenities.

Is the water park included with my stay?

Usually no - Wild Bear Falls admission costs extra unless you're a Westgate owner with specific packages. Many guests are surprised by this additional cost, so budget accordingly.

Will I be pressured to buy a timeshare?

Yes, expect multiple invitations for "owner updates" and sales presentations. You can decline, but many guests report persistent sales pressure throughout their stay. This is standard for Westgate properties.