Nothing turns a good vacation deal into a great one like free waterpark access. Think about it: a day at a standalone waterpark costs $50-80 per person. For a family of four, that's $200-320 for one day of water slides and lazy rivers. Now imagine getting that every day of your trip, included in a resort deal that already costs less than a regular hotel. That's the magic of timeshare resort water parks, and it's one of the best-kept secrets in family travel. See all our vacation deals with resort amenities included.
Resorts with the Best Water Parks
Orange Lake Resort — Kissimmee, FL ($89/Night)
Orange Lake is the undisputed water park champion of the timeshare world. Their River Island water park features a 1,200-foot lazy river, an 80-foot water slide tower, a kid's splash zone, multiple hot tubs, and a poolside bar and grill. This isn't a couple of slides bolted onto a pool — it's a legitimate water park that rivals standalone attractions. All included with your resort stay.
The resort also has three other pool complexes scattered across the property, so even when River Island is crowded, you have options. At $89/night through our under-$100 deals, this is arguably the best family value in Orlando.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort — Gatlinburg, TN ($69/Night)
Wild Bear Falls is Westgate Smoky Mountain's indoor/outdoor water park, and it's fantastic. The indoor section means rainy days and cold weather don't ruin water park plans — a huge advantage over Orlando's outdoor-only options. Features include a wave pool, water slides, lazy river, children's play area, and hot tubs. All included with your Gatlinburg vacation deal at just $69 per night.
Westgate Lakes Resort — Orlando, FL ($89/Night)
Westgate Lakes has seven — yes, seven — pool areas including a massive lazy river and water slide complex. While not as large as Orange Lake's water park, the variety of pool areas means you'll never feel crowded, and the lazy river is one of the longest on any resort property in Orlando. Check out Westgate deals for current pricing.
Water Park Deals Comparison
| Resort | Location | Price/Night | Water Park Features | Indoor/Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Lake Resort | Kissimmee, FL | $89 | Lazy river, slides, splash pad, 4 pool areas | Outdoor |
| Westgate Smoky Mountain | Gatlinburg, TN | $69 | Wave pool, slides, lazy river, kids area | Indoor + Outdoor |
| Westgate Lakes | Orlando, FL | $89 | 7 pool areas, lazy river, water slides | Outdoor |
| Westgate Town Center | Kissimmee, FL | $79 | Shipwreck Island water park, slides | Outdoor |
| Marriott's Harbour Lake | Orlando, FL | $119 | Pirate ship water park, splash pad | Outdoor |
| Holiday Inn Club | Orlando, FL | $99 | Water slides, splash pad, pool | Outdoor |
Why Resort Water Parks Beat Standalone Parks
No Additional Admission Cost
Standalone waterparks like Volcano Bay ($80/person), Aquatica ($70/person), or Dollywood Splash Country ($55/person) charge per person per day. Resort water parks are included in your stay — unlimited access for your entire trip at zero additional cost.
No Transportation Hassle
Walk out of your suite in your swimsuit and you're at the water park in minutes. No driving, no parking, no packing a car with coolers and bags. Forgot something in your room? It's a 5-minute walk back.
Less Crowded
Resort water parks are only open to resort guests, which means dramatically smaller crowds than public waterparks. Wait times for slides are typically 5-10 minutes versus 20-45 minutes at standalone parks.
All-Day Flexibility
Go for an hour in the morning, back to your room for lunch, another swim after the midday heat breaks, then hot tub in the evening. You're not trying to maximize a single-day admission ticket — the water park is there whenever you want it.
Best Water Park Deals by Family Size
Family of 2-3: Westgate Smoky Mountain ($69/Night)
The indoor water park is perfect for smaller families because you get full-scale water park fun without needing perfect weather. At $69/night, this is the cheapest water park resort deal available.
Family of 4-5: Orange Lake Resort ($89/Night)
Four pool areas plus the River Island water park mean there's always something to do for every age group. Two-bedroom suites comfortably fit five, and the full kitchen keeps food costs manageable.
Family of 6+: Westgate Lakes ($89/Night)
Seven pool areas means you can spread out a large group without anyone feeling crowded. The two-bedroom suites with pullout sofas can accommodate larger families.
Tips for Maximizing Water Park Resort Deals
Bring your own pool gear. Towels are provided by the resort, but bring your own goggles, water shoes, sunscreen, and pool toys. Resort gift shops charge premium prices for items you can buy at Dollar Tree.
Schedule the presentation for the morning. Get it done early so you have the rest of the day for the water park. Nothing worse than leaving the lazy river to go sit in a sales room.
Use the kitchen for poolside meals. Pack sandwiches, fruit, and drinks from your suite kitchen into a cooler. Most pool areas have tables and covered areas where you can eat. Save $50+ per day versus buying food at the poolside grill.
Bottom Line
Vacation deals at resorts with water parks deliver the best family value in travel. You're getting a full resort stay with unlimited water park access for $69-119 per night — less than the cost of a single day's admission at a standalone waterpark for a family of four. Orange Lake Resort, Westgate Smoky Mountain, and Westgate Lakes lead the pack with genuine water parks that kids (and adults) love. Check our deals page for current availability and pricing.