Timeline
1982
Westgate Resorts begins its journey when sales at Westgate Vacation Villas begins. The property is aptly named for its location one mile west of the gate of Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
1995
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort opens, featuring 500 feet of sandy beach and the only fishing pier on Miami Beach.
1996
The opening of Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando marks a significant expansion, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities.
1997
Westgate Towers Resort and Westgate Leisure Resort open just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. Harbour Beach Resort opens within walking distance of Daytona Beach Pier. CFI/Westgate becomes one of the largest privately held corporations in Central Florida.
1999
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park opens in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Westgate Town Center Resort opens near Walt Disney World Resort.
2000
Westgate expands to popular vacation destinations, including the Smoky Mountains and Myrtle Beach, broadening our reach and appeal.
2001
Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort opens in Las Vegas, and the Westgate Foundation is formed to support local communities.
2002
Westgate adds new locations, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and Westgate Park City Resort & Spa.
2003
Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando and Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, open.
2004
Westgate Branson Lakes Resort and Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort open in Hollister, Missouri, and Mesa, Arizona.
2006
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and Westgate Branson Woods Resort open in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Branson, Missouri.
2008
The Wild Bear Falls Water Park opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2012
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa opens two new dining concepts, Drafts Burger Bar and Edge Steakhouse. Drafts Sports Bar & Grill opens at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort.
2013
Westgate Resorts is named one of Central Florida’s "Best Places to Work" by the Orlando Sentinel. Westgate Park City Resort & Spa receives seven "Best of State" Awards.
2014
The acquisition of the historic Las Vegas Hilton, rebranded as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, signifies a major entry into the Las Vegas market.
2014
Westgate acquires the historic Cocoa Beach Pier, and Westgate Resorts is named the Best Place to Work among "Mega" companies by the Orlando Business Journal.
2015
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is awarded the AAA Four Diamond Rating, and Shipwreck Island Water Park opens at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort.
2016
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort opens one mile from Cocoa Beach Pier. Wild Bear Inn opens in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, featuring Wild Bear Tavern.
2018
Westgate New York Grand Central opens near Grand Central Station, featuring Tudor City Tavern in partnership with Stella Artois.
2020
Villa Italiano Chophouse opens at Westgate Town Center Resort, and Southern Comfort Restaurant opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2021
Treasure Cove Water Park opens at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa.
2022
River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar opens at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar opens at Westgate Town Center Resort. Westgate Resorts celebrates its 40th anniversary and launches the World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty program. Westgate wins seven ARDA Awards.
2023
The WOW Loyalty program reaches over 250,000 members. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is named the top glamping destination by USA Today. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino celebrates Barry Manilow’s debut of its inaugural themed suite.
2024
Jim Gissy is appointed Chief Executive Officer at Westgate Resorts.
2025
Westgate Resorts adds VI Resorts and its more than 40 destinations to its management portfolio, embarking on its first international expansion in Mexico and Canada, as well as significantly increasing its footprint on the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii.
2025
Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience opens at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort in Kissimmee, FL, partnering with Chuck E. Cheese to create the retro state of the art arcade.
2025
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo opens its first waterpark, River Country.
Today
With over 20 resort destinations nationwide, Westgate Resorts continues to celebrate over 40 years of excellence, creating cherished memories for guests from all over the world.
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Content Type
BlogsPublish date
07/31/26
Summary
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Food and BeverageContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/27/26
Summary
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Content Type
BlogsPublish date
07/09/26
Summary
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Content Type
BlogsPublish date
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Summary
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Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/26
Summary
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