Our History
The Westgate story starts with the vision, persistence, and resourcefulness of Founder and Chairman Emeritus David A. Siegel (1935–2025), who began the company in a tiny orange grove near Walt Disney World. What started in a garage as a real estate venture—Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI)—evolved into the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world, with over 60 properties across top destinations redefining family vacations through spacious stays and resort-style
amenities.
1970s & 1980s: The Beginning
While working from his garage, David and his team—including several Siegel family members—founded Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI) in 1970 as a real estate development firm. By 1982, Westgate entered the vacation ownership industry with the opening of Westgate Vacation Villas, located just one mile from Disney’s west gate.
1976
Mystery Fun House was founded by David Siegel as an attraction complex in Orlando, Florida. The whimsical world of Mystery Fun House was created by The Wizard, who discovered the secret to eternal youth and happiness is simply fun! The attraction was a beloved landmark known throughout Central Florida...and found new life in the 21st Century.
1982
The Westgate Family of Resorts is born when Westgate Vacation Villas Resort starts sales just a few miles from Walt Disney World® Resort with 16 villas. A new era of family vacations is born, changing the Orlando vacation landscape forever and destined to grow into a national chain.
1970
David Siegel founded Central Florida Investments, a real estate firm, working out of his family garage.
1976
Mystery Fun House was founded by David Siegel as an attraction complex in Orlando, Florida. The whimsical world of Mystery Fun House was created by The Wizard, who discovered the secret to eternal youth and happiness is simply fun! The attraction was a beloved landmark known throughout Central Florida...and found new life in the 21st Century.
1982
The Westgate Family of Resorts is born when Westgate Vacation Villas Resort starts sales just a few miles from Walt Disney World® Resort with 16 villas. A new era of family vacations is born, changing the Orlando vacation landscape forever and destined to grow into a national chain.
1970
David Siegel founded Central Florida Investments, a real estate firm, working out of his family garage.
1976
Mystery Fun House was founded by David Siegel as an attraction complex in Orlando, Florida. The whimsical world of Mystery Fun House was created by The Wizard, who discovered the secret to eternal youth and happiness is simply fun! The attraction was a beloved landmark known throughout Central Florida...and found new life in the 21st Century.
1982
The Westgate Family of Resorts is born when Westgate Vacation Villas Resort starts sales just a few miles from Walt Disney World® Resort with 16 villas. A new era of family vacations is born, changing the Orlando vacation landscape forever and destined to grow into a national chain.
1990s: Amazing Growth
Westgate Resorts has expanded outward from its original resorts in Central Florida to include exciting, family-friendly destinations nationwide and, along with its parent company, CFI, it has become the largest private employer in Central Florida, employing over 3,500 people in the region.
1997
Westgate Towers Resort and Westgate Leisure Resort open just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, Harbour Beach Resort opens within walking distance of the world-famous Daytona Beach Pier, and CFI/Westgate Resorts becomes one of the largest privately help corporations in Central Florida, as well as one of the region's largest employers.
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.
1995
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort opens featuring 500 feet of sandy beach the only fishing pier on Miami Beach.
1996
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa opens in Orlando and becomes one of the largest timeshare resorts in the world. CFI publishes the first issue of I Love Orlando Magazine, and David Siegel is recognized by Ernst & Young as the Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Florida.
1997
Westgate Towers Resort and Westgate Leisure Resort open just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, Harbour Beach Resort opens within walking distance of the world-famous Daytona Beach Pier, and CFI/Westgate Resorts becomes one of the largest privately help corporations in Central Florida, as well as one of the region's largest employers.
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.
1995
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort opens featuring 500 feet of sandy beach the only fishing pier on Miami Beach.
1996
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa opens in Orlando and becomes one of the largest timeshare resorts in the world. CFI publishes the first issue of I Love Orlando Magazine, and David Siegel is recognized by Ernst & Young as the Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Florida.
1997
Westgate Towers Resort and Westgate Leisure Resort open just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, Harbour Beach Resort opens within walking distance of the world-famous Daytona Beach Pier, and CFI/Westgate Resorts becomes one of the largest privately help corporations in Central Florida, as well as one of the region's largest employers.
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.
2000s: Into the 21st Century
Through the years, the company remained focused on David’s mission - making vacation dreams accessible - and Westgate has remained focused on delivering spacious accommodations, resort-style amenities, and lasting value to its members.
2006
Two new resorts open, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Westgate Branson Woods Resort in Branson, Missouri.
2008
The indoor/outdoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2001
Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort opens in Las Vegas, and the Westgate Foundation is formed to serve local communities and support Team Members in need.
2002
The Westgate Family of Resorts adds three new locations in Florida - Westgate Blue Tree Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort in Miami Beach, and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, an authentic dude ranch near Lakes Wales, as well as Westgate Park City Resort & Spa in Utah.
2003
Two new properties open - Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando and Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia.
2004
Two new resorts open - Westgate Branson Lakes Resort in Hollister, Missouri, and Westgate Painted Mounain Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona. CFI publishes the first issue of I Love Las Vegas Magazine.
2006
Two new resorts open, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Westgate Branson Woods Resort in Branson, Missouri.
2008
The indoor/outdoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2001
Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort opens in Las Vegas, and the Westgate Foundation is formed to serve local communities and support Team Members in need.
2002
The Westgate Family of Resorts adds three new locations in Florida - Westgate Blue Tree Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort in Miami Beach, and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, an authentic dude ranch near Lakes Wales, as well as Westgate Park City Resort & Spa in Utah.
2003
Two new properties open - Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando and Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia.
2004
Two new resorts open - Westgate Branson Lakes Resort in Hollister, Missouri, and Westgate Painted Mounain Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona. CFI publishes the first issue of I Love Las Vegas Magazine.
2006
Two new resorts open, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Westgate Branson Woods Resort in Branson, Missouri.
2008
The indoor/outdoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2010s: Decade of Change
11 more properties were added to the Westgate resort portfolio with a refined vision of affordable family vacations. The Westgate signature experience—a comfortable blend of accommodations, entertainment, activities, and dining without leaving the resort—began to bear fruit, earning numerous accolades in the industry.
2018
Westgate New York Grand Central opens near Grand Central Station in Midtown East NYC and features 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.
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 an unprecedented seven "Best of State" Awards.
2014
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino opens, Westgate acquires the historical Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Westgate Resorts is named the #1 Best Place to Work among "Mega" sized companies by the Orlando Business Journal.
2015
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is awarded the coveted 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 the Cocoa Beach Pier. Wild Bear Inn opens in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and features Wild Bear Tavern, serving authentic German fare.
2018
Westgate New York Grand Central opens near Grand Central Station in Midtown East NYC and features 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.
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 an unprecedented seven "Best of State" Awards.
2014
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino opens, Westgate acquires the historical Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Westgate Resorts is named the #1 Best Place to Work among "Mega" sized companies by the Orlando Business Journal.
2015
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is awarded the coveted 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 the Cocoa Beach Pier. Wild Bear Inn opens in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and features Wild Bear Tavern, serving authentic German fare.
2018
Westgate New York Grand Central opens near Grand Central Station in Midtown East NYC and features 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.
2020s: Evolution & Expansion
In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, solidifying the vision once planted by David Siegel into the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world—now with a presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico.
2025
Introducing River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch!
Westgate's newest premier water park debuts with thrilling slides, a lazy river, kid-friendly attractions, and refreshing drinks—delivering nonstop family fun and epic aquatic adventures. Located in scenic Lake Wales, this water park enhance Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo as the ultimate off-the-grid family vacation destination in Central Florida.
2025
Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience
The groundbreaking family entertainment center Mystery Fun House returns as an Arcade Experience! This blast from the past joins the modern era with state-of-the-art arcade with retro gaming machines, MegaBITES food court, a variety of sports and action game simulators, and much more!
2021
Treasure Cove Water Park Opens
This pirate-themed water park at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa brings adventure with thrilling slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and a wave pool—perfect for nonstop family fun in the heart of Orlando.
2022
Westgate Resorts Celebrates 40 years of Creating Unforgettable Vacations
Westgate celebrates 40 incredible years by winning seven major categories at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) awards, and expanding its culinary scene with the addition of two new dining locations: River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort.
2023
WOW Loyalty at One Year
The World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program reaches over 250,000 members, showcasing its growing popularity. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo earns the prestigious title of the top glamping destination in the USA as recognized by USA Today, while also unveiling the exciting Cowboy Adventure Park. In a milestone moment, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino debuts its inaugural themed suite and celebrates a noteworthy accomplishment alongside Barry Manilow.
2024
Jim Gissy appointed Chief Executive Officer at Westgate Resorts
Jim joined Westgate in 1984 as a sales representative, and as a result of his tremendous sales ability and his talent in leading and developing others, Jim significantly expanded his management responsibilities over the years. He became Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing in January 1990. In 1996, Jim was the recipient of the exclusive ARDY Award from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) as the Top Sales Executive and has received numerous other industry accolades and awards over his nearly forty-year career.
2025
The Debut of VI Resorts by Westgate
Launched through the acquisition of Bellevue-based Vacation Ownership Sales (VOS), Westgate added 44 resorts in domestic and international vacation destinations — including Hawaii and Mexico. Timeshare Owners now enjoy priority inventory exchanges via Interval International, with access to more than 60 resorts combined.
2025
Introducing River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch!
Westgate's newest premier water park debuts with thrilling slides, a lazy river, kid-friendly attractions, and refreshing drinks—delivering nonstop family fun and epic aquatic adventures. Located in scenic Lake Wales, this water park enhance Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo as the ultimate off-the-grid family vacation destination in Central Florida.
2025
Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience
The groundbreaking family entertainment center Mystery Fun House returns as an Arcade Experience! This blast from the past joins the modern era with state-of-the-art arcade with retro gaming machines, MegaBITES food court, a variety of sports and action game simulators, and much more!
2021
Treasure Cove Water Park Opens
This pirate-themed water park at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa brings adventure with thrilling slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and a wave pool—perfect for nonstop family fun in the heart of Orlando.
2022
Westgate Resorts Celebrates 40 years of Creating Unforgettable Vacations
Westgate celebrates 40 incredible years by winning seven major categories at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) awards, and expanding its culinary scene with the addition of two new dining locations: River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort.
2023
WOW Loyalty at One Year
The World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty Program reaches over 250,000 members, showcasing its growing popularity. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo earns the prestigious title of the top glamping destination in the USA as recognized by USA Today, while also unveiling the exciting Cowboy Adventure Park. In a milestone moment, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino debuts its inaugural themed suite and celebrates a noteworthy accomplishment alongside Barry Manilow.
2024
Jim Gissy appointed Chief Executive Officer at Westgate Resorts
Jim joined Westgate in 1984 as a sales representative, and as a result of his tremendous sales ability and his talent in leading and developing others, Jim significantly expanded his management responsibilities over the years. He became Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing in January 1990. In 1996, Jim was the recipient of the exclusive ARDY Award from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) as the Top Sales Executive and has received numerous other industry accolades and awards over his nearly forty-year career.
2025
The Debut of VI Resorts by Westgate
Launched through the acquisition of Bellevue-based Vacation Ownership Sales (VOS), Westgate added 44 resorts in domestic and international vacation destinations — including Hawaii and Mexico. Timeshare Owners now enjoy priority inventory exchanges via Interval International, with access to more than 60 resorts combined.
2025
Introducing River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch!
Westgate's newest premier water park debuts with thrilling slides, a lazy river, kid-friendly attractions, and refreshing drinks—delivering nonstop family fun and epic aquatic adventures. Located in scenic Lake Wales, this water park enhance Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo as the ultimate off-the-grid family vacation destination in Central Florida.
2025
Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience
The groundbreaking family entertainment center Mystery Fun House returns as an Arcade Experience! This blast from the past joins the modern era with state-of-the-art arcade with retro gaming machines, MegaBITES food court, a variety of sports and action game simulators, and much more!
