Walt Disney World Competitor Announces Hundreds of Job Cuts Immediately

A Disney World competitor in Central Florida has announced a massive series of job cuts that will affect hundreds of Orlando employees.

A bright, colorful resort courtyard with a large circular swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. Palm trees and multi-story buildings with balconies encircle the central area. A smaller circular kiddie pool with a dolphin fountain is in the foreground, reminiscent of Disney World magic. — Credit: Westgate Resorts

A Disney Competitor: One of the Largest Companies of Its Kind on Earth

Westgate Resorts was founded by David A. Siegel in 1982, and since then, it has grown to become one of the largest privately owned companies of its kind in the world.

According to the Orlando Business Journal, Siegel has made impressive choices in the building of the company, as over the years, he has “surrounded himself with one of the best Executive Leadership Teams in the nation.”

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the company operates numerous resorts in prime locations, offering luxurious accommodations and a variety of amenities. Central Florida, with its thriving tourism industry and numerous attractions, serves as a prime location for Westgate Resorts, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Aerial view of a waterfront resort, Disney World competitor, featuring three large buildings with red roofs and balconies, surrounded by lush greenery and parking areas. The vibrant blue water and shoreline are visible in the background, creating a serene and picturesque setting. — Credit: Westgate Resorts

The company offers various vacation experiences across the United States and has nearly 30 properties, including resorts, in different cities and states, including the following:

Central Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Park City, Utah
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Las Vegas, Nevada
Williamsburg, Virginia
Branson, Missouri
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Westgate’s Central Florida Properties

One of Westgate’s flagship properties in Central Florida is the Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. This sprawling resort is located near the major Orlando-area theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, making it an ideal choice for families and vacationers of all ages.

Aerial view of a large Disney World competitor resort with multiple orange-roofed buildings near a calm lake. Surrounding the resort are green areas and roads, with a major highway in the background. Small patches of water and greenery are also visible in the distance. — Credit: Westgate Resorts

The beautiful resort offers a range of accommodations, from studios to spacious multi-bedroom villas, catering to different needs and group sizes.

Amenities at the resort include multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, a fitness center, on-site dining options, and a variety of recreational activities such as mini-golf, paddle boats, and tennis courts. These facilities ensure that guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay, whether they are seeking relaxation or adventure.

Another notable property is the Westgate Town Center Resort, which is similarly close to Central Florida’s major attractions. This resort features an impressive array of amenities, including a water park, several dining options, and a movie theater.

The focus on family-friendly activities and entertainment options underscores Westgate’s commitment to providing a comprehensive vacation experience. Additionally, the resort offers shuttle services to nearby theme parks, enhancing convenience for guests.

Aerial view of an extensive outdoor water park at dusk. Features multiple water slides, lounging areas with colorful chairs, and a lazy river encircling the park. The pool area in the foreground glows under lighting, with resort buildings visible in the background—a true Disney World competitor. — Credit: Westgate Resorts

More Than Just Resorts

Westgate Resorts’ impact on Central Florida extends beyond hospitality. The company is known for its philanthropic efforts and community involvement, contributing to various local causes and organizations.

Westgate Resorts Foundation supports initiatives aimed at strengthening families and communities, reflecting the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility.

A Key Player in Central Florida Tourism Offerings

Overall, Westgate Resorts has established itself as a key player in Central Florida’s tourism industry. By offering high-quality accommodations, a plethora of amenities, and a strategic location near world-renowned attractions, Westgate continues to attract visitors looking for a blend of luxury, convenience, and family-friendly fun.

A collage of three images: a resort pool area with palm trees on the left, a brightly lit castle at sunset in the middle, and a large rotating globe with the word "Universal" on it to the right, showcasing a Disney World competitor. — Credit: DisneyDining

While not a direct competitor of Disney in the theme park industry, Westgate Resorts operates as a timeshare management company. As such, Westgate is in direct competition with Disney Vacation Club and with Disney’s Resort hotels when one considers that Westgate offers high-end accommodations and amenities within close proximity to the major theme park resorts in the Central Florida area.

Westgate Faces Massive Job Cuts in Central Florida

Now, however, Westgate Resorts, for all its success and philanthropic efforts–and despite being one of the largest timeshare resort operators in the world–is facing a massive series of mandatory job cuts.

News of the layoffs comes less than four months after David Siegel, the founder, announced he would be stepping down from his CEO role at Westgate to devote time to the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, which he created and named in honor of his daughter, who tragically died of an opioid overdose.

According to the announcement, 357 jobs will be cut in the Orlando area by August 30, 2024. No other details were immediately available.

Credit: Victoria’s Voice Foundation

It’s not clear what types of jobs are being cut this summer, and the impact the cuts will have on the company’s bottom line remains to be seen. Further, it’s not clear what led to the company’s decision to proceed with layoffs.

As this is a developing story, more information will be shared as it becomes available.