Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo will change everything you thought you knew about central Florida. The self-proclaimed “largest dude ranch East of the Mississippi” is the opposite of the theme park haven around nearby Orlando and Winter Haven. The upscale ranch instead beckons family travelers looking for a more refined ‘camping’ experience, plus there’s livestock grazing nearby.
Take it Easy from Florida’s Theme Parks at Westgate River Ranch
We rolled into Westgate River Ranch Rodeo after a few fun (but hectic) days at the nearby LEGOLAND Florida Resort less than 45-minutes away. After nonstop fun on the rides, swimming through the waterpark and running around the grounds at LEGOLAND’s Beach Retreat, we were ready for a slower pace and the chance to soak up some nature. We didn’t have to look far.
The first thing we spotted were grazing bison looking for an afternoon snack. A long-time visitor and middle schooler on his bike told us they weren’t buffalo, as we originally thought. He also explained that Penelope the horse loved apples and being scratched behind her ears. We complied, and soon were buying fresh apples from the General Store every day for the esteemed horse.
Bed Down in the Lodge, a Cabin or a Glamping Teepee at Westgate River Ranch
The cattle look right at home wandering beyond the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo’s lodging. Your options range from upscale lodge housing, to cabins, to more rustic campgrounds. Some guests pitch tents and areas to park RVs. But what makes the area unique are the upscale, luxury glamping options. Choose between glamping “tents,” colorful luxe teepees or furnished Conestoga wagons. All are complete with air conditioning and heat, access to private bathrooms and platform floors. The latter book-up quickly and are a draw to the ranch for visitors looking for a totally unique experience.
My daughter was a little forlorn we didn’t stay in a teepee ourselves. She did love the comfortable cottage within a stone’s throw from a pond stocked with fish.
Dining options are extensive and include delivery to the glamping units. Restaurant hours are, however, inconsistent. Overall, the cuisine is completely satisfying at Westgate Resort. We were pleased to find Starbucks, sandwiches and pizzas. Pick up sundries and cowboy inspired gifts at an adorable General Store staffed by friendly and helpful people. The Smokehouse Grill serves up burgers, salads, and barbecue for the type of dining you would expect from a ranch. Meanwhile, the River Ranch Saloon features a full bar, dinner options and foot-stompin’ entertainment like line dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Outdoor Adventure Meets Upscale Living
The stretch of road encompassing the Ranch is long enough for a good, long walk;. It’s also the perfect length to zip around on rented golfcarts. It felt like the best of both worlds. Our toddler squealed in excitement every time he caught a glimpse of resident longhorn, cow and horses. There was also a petting farm where kids waited for their turn to pet bunnies and chase after well-fed goats.
The bunnies scattered when they saw us coming, hiding in makeshift tunnels and crates. Fortunately, when they disappeared, our son moved onto the next unsuspecting farm animal. Pony rides are also available for a nominal fee (free for members of Westgate.) The cowgirl on staff led Red the donkey and a more placid horse around in a circle for about 10 spins. Though Red was a total crankpot, my daughter didn’t seem to notice and deemed him a “total sweetie.”
From Petting Zoo to Bungee Jumper at Westgate’s Adventure Zone
More adventurous families head to the Adventure Course with a bungee jumper, zipline and climbing wall. It keeps older kids and parents hard at work and entertained. Meanwhile, swamp buggy rides take visitors on a tour around area swampland where you may spot a small alligator or two. Play your heart out on nine holes of golf, minigolf, tennis or the skeet range. Take advantage of horseback riding. Compete with each other at the archery course. A kid-sized mechanical bull balances outdoor activities with your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
We spent most of our afternoons exploring the property, spending time with our new friends at the petting zoo, and at an outdoor playground near the cabins and grazing bison. In the late afternoon we rounded up the kids for the dinner hayride with new friends we made at the playground. A country western singer serenaded us with the latest hits and his own originals while the group watched for longhorn and cattle. Our daughter was too busy plotting what to feed Penelope next, and our son was busy stacking hay on the bench. The ride ended with a buffet style dinner of ribs, barbeque chicken, baked beans and cowboy fare.
Westgate River Ranch: Truly Our First Rodeo
The main attraction of Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is the rodeo itself. My 5½-year-old daughter and I made a date to go together. We loaded up on popcorn and lemonade from the concession stand before grabbing a seat. Tough kids should get there early and sign up to participate. Brave ones chased a seemingly terrified cow at top speed for a chance to grab one of its ribbons and win a prize. Mud flew and kids roamed the arena in a pack.
We anxiously waited for the cowboys to get started, and watched in awe as they catapulted onto a bull’s back out of a pin and held on for dear life for a chance at the grand prize. Some stayed on for mere seconds, others for over a minute. Bulls and cowboys were matched at random. I felt bad for the guy who got the bull nicknamed “Superman” that torpedoed out of the pen with fierce determination. In between bull riding, cowgirls competed in barrel racing and a talented 6-year-old nearly took the lead. Trick riders (including kids!) rode through the arena during down time. Kids love the little boy standing on two different horses at the same time. I’m pretty sure all of the parents in the arena nearly fainted at the sight.
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow at the Ranch
We made our way back to our adorable cottage ideally situated for a family with small kids. Our daughter showed us all the tricks she learned in the show with pillows posing as bulls and horses. She made sure to explain to her Dad that the cowboys had real bulls and horses — so we were all on the same page.
We were a little deflated to leave the ranch the next morning, but stopped to feed Penelope one last apple. Word around the ranch was that she was expecting a little horse of her own, and my daughter hoped we could come back and visit her new family.
I told her we would be sure to bring extra apples next time.
For more information and current specials at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, visit their website.
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