Editor’s note: Thank you to Westgate Resorts for providing airfare for Chrissy and Sarah to attend this event in exchange for a blog review. 

In December 2021, Westgate Resorts continued its decade-long tradition of honoring our military service members, veterans, and their families. Westgate, a collection of 27 stunning resorts located all across America, hosted 900 military families at their Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, for their Military Weekend event.

Ranked as a top resort among Orlando hotels, Westgate Town Center Resort is located just a short drive from Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and other major Orlando attractions. Its sprawling resort offers guests myriad luxury amenities and activities, as well as beautiful rooms and spacious villas. The resort offered a complimentary two-night stay to the first 900 qualifying military personnel who applied on their website, along with a host of exclusive events and activities for the entire family.

Photos by Sarah Robichaud, Army Wife Network Communications Liaison

I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to attend the Westgate Resort Military Weekend, alongside Army Wife Network’s content curator Chrissy Gibbs. Upon check-in, we each received a welcome bag filled with gifts from the resort and its vendors, as well as a wristband to access Shipwreck Island Water Park, conveniently located on the resort property. Once we were comfortably settled into our newly renovated rooms, we set out to attend the resort’s military resource fair, which offered military members and their families a chance to talk to many military-friendly organizations and support groups. Following the resource fair, we were treated to a private screening of Michael Grier’s documentary Wounded Heroes as well as a Q&A session with the director. 

The second day of our complimentary stay at Westgate Town Center Resort was a fun, action-packed day from sunrise to sunset. We began our day with the Red, White, & Blue 5k race through the resort’s sprawling property, allowing us to take in the views of the lakes and swaying palm trees. Following our 5k, we grabbed brunch at an on-site restaurant, Drafts Sports Bar and Grill (I highly recommend their breakfast “totchos”), and spent some time dancing and meeting new friends at the Family Field Day. Westgate Resorts also gave many families a chance to visit SeaWorld with two complimentary tickets per family while supplies lasted. 

Throughout the afternoon, we were treated to a historic military vehicle static display as well as a live-fire demonstration of tanks and armored vehicles dating back to World War II. For anyone with a passion for tanks and loud noises (like my cavalry husband), this was a major highlight of the weekend. The team that conducted the display and demonstration was friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the history of their vehicles. 

Following the historic military display, we decided to escape the Florida sun by spending a few refreshing hours at Shipwreck Island Water Park. If you or your children enjoy spending time in the pool, resting in the lazy river, or flying down high-speed water slides, Shipwreck Island will be the highlight of your weekend. The water park also had locations to purchase food and beverages, all discounted with a simple show of your wristband. 

The showcase event of the Military Weekend took place on Saturday evening with a free outdoor concert featuring the Chris Weaver Band. Guests were given complimentary picnic blankets to take home, as well as food, water, and soft drinks for the whole family. The concert concluded with a breathtaking fireworks show and patriotic music, bringing home the true spirit of the military community. 

If a service member, veteran, or family member was not able to attend the Westgate Resorts Military Weekend in December but is still looking for military discounts in Orlando, Westgate Resorts graciously offers a military rate for all qualifying military personnel. Their website allows you to effortlessly search for and plan your next great adventure. Be sure to keep an eye out for their 2022 Military Weekend!

Army Wife Network is a volunteer-powered organization and grateful to Westgate Resorts for the opportunity to experience such an empowering and uplifting event for our military community. We thank them for their continued support and service to the brave men and women who have and continue to serve our country.