
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
Best for families who want easy access to a large on-site water park and villa-style rooms for groups.
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Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a family-focused villa resort in Gatlinburg with an on-site indoor/outdoor water park and multiple pools; read this if you want lots of on-property water and family activities. HeartSong Lodge & Resort is a newer, Dollywood-affiliated upscale lodge in Pigeon Forge; read this if you prefer a resort close to Dollywood with modern lodge-style rooms and family-friendly services.
Updated · about 13 km apart

Best for families who want easy access to a large on-site water park and villa-style rooms for groups.

Best for travelers who want a newer, Dollywood-linked lodge experience near Pigeon Forge attractions.
When Westgate wins: Choose Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park if your priority is on-site water attractions (Wild Bear Falls), multiple outdoor pools, villa layouts for families or groups, and a full-service spa with lots of family-oriented activities on property.
When HeartSong wins: Choose HeartSong Lodge & Resort if you want a newer Dollywood-affiliated property in Pigeon Forge with modern lodge rooms, a strong guest rating, and convenient access to Dollywood and Island at Pigeon Forge.
Bottom line: Both are solid family options in the Smokies—pick Westgate for an all-in-one water-park and villa experience in Gatlinburg, pick HeartSong for a more recent lodge-style stay close to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
| Category | Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park | HeartSong Lodge & Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-focused villa resort with active water-park atmosphere | Upscale family lodge tied to Dollywood; modern lodge feel |
| Location | Gatlinburg hillside near Great Smoky Mountains NP and Parkway attractions | Pigeon Forge on Dollywood Resorts Blvd; minutes from Dollywood and Island at Pigeon Forge |
| Size (rooms) | Not published | 302 rooms |
| Audience / age policy | All ages; reservation holder must be 21+ to check in | All ages; not adults-only |
| Pools & water attractions | Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park (tickets usually separate), 2 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs | Outdoor seasonal pool and indoor pool; splash pad and hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Southern Comfort, Roaring Fork, Marketplace, Mountain Pizza, pool bar) | 1 restaurant, coffee shop/cafe, poolside bar |
| Spa & fitness | Serenity Spa by Westgate with over 50 treatments; fitness center with classes | Health or beauty spa nearby (on-site spa not clearly published) |
| Known for | Large indoor water park and villa accommodations for families/groups | Dollywood affiliation and newer lodge rooms close to Pigeon Forge attractions |
| Parking & transport | Free self-parking; Gatlinburg Trolley access nearby (free trolley) | Free self-parking; accessible shuttle available |
| Accessibility | Accessible routes, pool lift, accessible parking | Multiple accessibility features including pool hoist and wheelchair-accessible paths |
Westgate sits on a Gatlinburg hillside minutes from downtown and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Choose Westgate for proximity to Gatlinburg attractions and mountain-park access.
HeartSong Lodge & Resort is in Pigeon Forge on Dollywood Resorts Blvd, minutes from Dollywood and Island at Pigeon Forge.
Choose HeartSong if you want close access to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge attractions.
Westgate offers villa-style accommodations and a range of studio and multi-bedroom villas geared to families.
Westgate is suited to families and groups who need multi-bedroom space and basic in-room cooking/comfort.
HeartSong lists a range of lodge-style rooms and family suites with balcony options.
HeartSong provides modern lodge rooms and family suites with a variety of bed configurations for families.
Westgate has multiple restaurants and bars across the property to cover casual and sit-down meals.
Westgate offers more on-site dining variety—good for families who want multiple casual and full-service options without leaving property.
HeartSong provides a single on-site restaurant plus a coffee shop/cafe and poolside bar for casual needs.
HeartSong covers basics well and is convenient for park days, but has fewer on-site dining venues than Westgate.
Westgate's signature attraction is Wild Bear Falls Water Park plus multiple outdoor pools and hot tubs.
If an on-site water park is the main reason for your trip, Westgate is the clear choice.
HeartSong has indoor and outdoor pool options, a splash pad, and hot tub for family use.
HeartSong provides standard resort pool amenities suitable for families and younger children, but lacks a large on-site water park.
Westgate includes a full-service spa and fitness programming as part of its guest offering.
Westgate gives more dedicated wellness options on-site if spa treatments are a priority.
HeartSong lists on-property fitness and spa/health services in its amenities, with limited nightlife offerings.
HeartSong supports basic wellness and evening needs but lacks the larger spa program Westgate advertises.

Wild Bear Falls indoor/outdoor water park plus multiple pools and hot tubs make Westgate best for water-focused family trips.

HeartSong is minutes from Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country—ideal for park-focused stays.

Villas and multi-bedroom layouts at Westgate accommodate families and groups better than standard hotel rooms.

HeartSong's newer construction and high guest rating suit travelers who prefer modern lodge-style rooms near Pigeon Forge.
For most guests, admission to Wild Bear Falls is not included and must be purchased separately at the resort.
HeartSong Lodge & Resort is in Pigeon Forge, minutes from Dollywood; Westgate is in Gatlinburg and is a longer drive to Dollywood.
Both welcome families; Westgate is better if you want a big on-site water park and villa space, while HeartSong is convenient for park days and has family suites.
HeartSong's listing mentions a health/beauty spa nearby but does not clearly publish a full on-site spa program comparable to Westgate's Serenity Spa.
Explore how Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·