Full-Time
Character Performer
Entertainment
Posted on 9/24/2025
Westgate Resorts
1,001-5,000 employees
Sells vacation ownership interests in resorts
No salary listed
Las Vegas, NV, USA
In Person
 Customer Experience & Support (2) |
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- One to two years’ experience in guest relations, hospitality, or customer service positions is a plus.
- Previous experience as a mascot, performer, or in an entertainment role is preferred.
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to engage positively with guests of all ages.
- Enthusiastic and friendly personality with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
- Ability to maintain character integrity, including non-verbal communication while in costume.
- Comfortable performing in a mascot costume for extended periods, including in varying weather conditions.
- Excellent time management and reliability, with the ability to follow schedules and event timelines.
- Understanding of safety protocols for mascot performance and guest interactions.
- Must be able to lift 15 pounds.
- Must be able to withstand exposure to wet and/or humid conditions; outside weather conditions.
- Wear a mascot costume including head, torso, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Maintain character integrity by staying in character at all times, including non-verbal communication only. (Costume fits individuals between 5'0" and 5'10" tall and costume weighs up to 15 pounds.)
- Greet Guests and Owners warmly in the lobby during daily check-ins and interact with families and children throughout the resort. Be available for photos and ensure a positive guest experience.
- Attend and maintain an active presence at Westgate events, including Welcome Parties, Owner events, and any on-property gatherings.
- Distribute balloons, stickers, food, and drinks to families.
- Visit key resort locations such as the Lobby, Owners’ Club House, Picnic Area, Welcome Booth, swimming pools, and other areas as needed.
- Act as a “mascot handler” when needed to ensure safety and serve as a liaison between guests and the mascot.
- Assist with lobby and sales floor greetings when the mascot is not in use.
- Adhere to department training standards to ensure a seamless and consistent guest experience.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support resort operations.
- Previous experience as a mascot, performer, or in an entertainment role is preferred.
Westgate Resorts sells vacation ownership interests (timeshares) in luxury resorts across the United States. Buyers obtain the right to use a property for a set period each year, with financing options and ancillary revenue from management fees and the rental of unsold inventory. The product grants annual usage rights tied to ownership, often with exchange programs and access to amenities such as dining and recreation. Westgate differentiates itself through a large, diverse property portfolio, vertical integration across development, financing, and management, and a focus on delivering a full guest experience with services and entertainment; its goal is to grow its vacation ownership portfolio and related revenue streams.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Debt Financing
Total Funding
$206M
Headquarters
Fresno, California
Founded
1982
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Caesars SuperBook partnership boosts Las Vegas ancillary revenue before 2026 football season.
- $207 million securitization in March 2026 funds growth with 90% advance rate.
- Miss USA multi-year deal accesses 2,500 influencers for experiential marketing.
What critics are saying
- Caesars controls SuperBook profits and data post-Nevada approval in 3 months.
- VI integration fails, causing owner attrition across 40 properties in 6 months.
- Airbnb erodes timeshare sales with flexible rentals targeting same demographic.
What makes Westgate Resorts unique
- Westgate operates largest privately held timeshare club with 60 resorts since 1982.
- VI Resorts acquisition in February 2025 adds 40 West Coast properties uniquely.
- Iconic Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas defines resort sports betting experiences.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
Westgate Resorts completes $207 million securitization of timeshare loans. GlobeNewswire | Westgate Resorts Today at 9:43am PDT ORLANDO, Fla., March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare and vacation experience company, announced today that it has completed a securitization through Westgate Resorts 2026-1 LLC (the "Issuer") for the issuance of $207 million of timeshare collateralized notes to 15 different investors, its 18th securitization since 2012. The advance rate on the transaction was 90.28% percent. "We are very pleased with the results of this securitization, particularly given the current market backdrop," said John Willman, Chief Financial Officer of Westgate Resorts. "The strong investor demand resulted in six new investors and solid subscription levels across the capital stack, with nearly $1 billion in orders. The competitive pricing underscores the resilience of our platform and the discipline of our financing strategy." The securitization was rated by DBRS Morningstar, and four classes of Notes were issued for $80.4 million of AAA rated Class A Notes, $63.3 million of A rated Class B Notes, $44.7 million of BBB rated Class C Notes, and $18.6 million of BB rated Class D Notes. The transaction achieved an overall weighted average yield rate of 5.626%. Capital One Securities served as Sole Structuring Advisor and Joint Bookrunning Manager - Triumph Capital Markets served as Joint Bookrunner. The notes were offered in a private placement within the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act 1933, as amended. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act 1993, as amended, or any state securities law. Unless so registered, the Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, and Myrtle Beach. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com. MEDIA CONTACT Steven Goldsmith | [email protected] This is a paid placement. For further inquiries, please contact GlobeNewswire directly.
The deal structure includes credit support from a full turbo structure. All excess cash flow will be used to repay note holders without the issuer receiving excess spread until the notes are fully repaid.
Schoox and Westgate Resorts to present at UNLEASH America 2026 on connecting workforce performance to measurable business outcomes. AUSTIN, Texas, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Schoox, the Intelligent Learning and Growth Platform for frontline enterprises will join customer Westgate Resorts at UNLEASH America 2026 to lead a featured roundtable on how HR leaders can harness AI to connect learning directly to measurable business outcomes. The event takes place March 17-19 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. UNLEASH America brings together senior HR and people leaders, HR technology innovators, and digital transformation decision-makers focused on connecting workforce strategy to business performance and the strategic application of AI in HR and learning and development. Roundtable Session Driving Continuous Business Impact: Aligning People Strategies During Accelerating Change Wednesday, March 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. PT Roundtable 4 | Room 211 Caesars Forum, Las Vegas Gord Zeilstra, Chief Growth Officer at Schoox, will join Stephanie Ketron, VP of Learning & Development at Westgate Resorts, for a candid discussion on how HR leaders can connect workforce capability directly to measurable business performance - and forecast the impact before learning initiatives launch. The session will explore how leading HR teams are using AI to identify critical skill gaps, forecast workforce impact, and continuously align development initiatives to evolving business priorities. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for operationalizing change, building executive credibility, and ensuring learning investments translate directly into measurable performance improvements. "AI is not just accelerating change. It is redefining how organizations connect talent strategy to business results," said Gord Zeilstra, Chief Growth Officer at Schoox. "With the Learning Impact Suite, companies can start with the outcomes they need to achieve and use AI to map skills, generate personalized learning, and forecast impact before rollout. This is about moving from completion-driven learning to measurable business performance." "Learning Impact Suite allows us to rapidly deploy training at the pace our business demands," said Stephanie Ketron, VP of Learning & Development, Westgate Resorts. "It's also helping us think differently about the metrics that matter - surfacing data points I wouldn't have considered before and strengthening how we partner with the business." Visit Schoox at UNLEASH Attendees can visit Schoox at Booth #721 during expo hours: Wednesday, March 18 | 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. PT Thursday, March 19 | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. PT At UNLEASH, Schoox will demonstrate how the Learning Impact Suite maps workforce skills to business priorities, forecasts training ROI before launch, and measures impact against operational KPIs - not completion rates. About Schoox Schoox is an AI-engineered learning and growth platform for frontline enterprises. The company's award-winning frontline learning solutions connect business goals, skills intelligence, employee development, and measurable outcomes within a unified system. Unlike traditional learning management systems, Schoox continuously maps workforce skills to business priorities, forecasts the expected impact of training programs before they launch, and measures outcomes against operational KPIs. Through intelligent skills mapping, personalized development, and frontline-ready delivery, Schoox helps enterprises transform learning from a cost center into a performance function. Trusted by global brands including KIOTI Tractor, Sport Clips Haircuts, Sonesta Hotels, and Wingstop, Schoox is setting a new standard for what learning can do for business at enterprise scale. Learn more at www.schoox.com. SOURCE Schoox LLC
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park expands with new $26 million mountaintop lodge in Gatlinburg, tennessee. Mar 10, 2026 GATLINBURG, Tenn. - March 10, 2026 - Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare and vacation experience company, announced the opening of its newest mountaintop lodge at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park, introducing a refined rustic-modern aesthetic inspired by the enduring spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains. Located adjacent to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most visited national park with more than 12.2 million annual visits, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is nestled into the mountains at the gateway to one of the country's most traveled outdoor destinations. The new mountaintop lodge suites range from studio villas sleeping four guests, up to five-bedroom villas capable of sleeping 12. Part of a broader $26 million expansion project which brings the total room count to nearly 1,400, the design team developed a new concept incorporating layered materials and artwork reflective of the resort's connection to the destination, delivering luxury through simplicity and thoughtful detailing. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors offer guests incomparable views of the Smoky Mountain range. "This expansion represents a meaningful reinvestment in the guest and owner experience in one of the best vacation destinations in the United States," said Jared Saft, Chief Operating Officer at Westgate Resorts. "This new lodge reflects how we continue to evolve the resort with thoughtful design, long-lasting materials and modern functionality, while honoring what makes this destination so special to families who return year after year." Beyond the newly introduced mountaintop lodge suites, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park offers a full range of amenities designed to enhance every stay. Guests enjoy access to Wild Bear Falls Water Park, a climate-controlled indoor/outdoor attraction featuring slides and a lazy river; multiple heated outdoor pools and hot tubs with mountain views; on-site dining options including Southern Comfort(R) restaurant; the full-service Serenity Spa and fitness center; playgrounds and seasonal activities; and convenient shuttle access throughout the hillside property. The resort's proximity to downtown Gatlinburg and direct access to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park further position it as a seamless home base for both relaxation and outdoor adventure. This is the latest in a series of announcements by Westgate Resorts showcasing the company's growth. Last year, the company announced a partnership with Choice Hotels, launched a new timeshare brand, VI Resorts by Westgate, and opened Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience at Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center, and River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Florida. ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, and Myrtle Beach. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com. MEDIA CONTACT * Steven Goldsmith Vice President, Communications and Public Relations Orlando, FL [email protected]
Westgate Resorts names Saft as COO. Westgate Resorts, the largest privately held timeshare and vacation experience company, has named 20-year Westgate veteran Jared Saft as Chief Operating Officer. Saft brings a diverse set of experiences to the role, having held leadership positions across finance, operations, and sales and marketing. Most recently, he played a key role in the addition of VI Resorts which expanded the company to nearly 60 resorts and spearheaded the company's partnerships with Chuck E. Cheese and Choice Hotels. Saft also currently serves as the Chair-Elect of ARDA, the American Resort Development Association, and will become Chair of the industry association in May. As Chief Operating Officer, Saft will be responsible for all companywide resort and business operations in addition to guiding the strategic direction and management of Westgate Resorts' primary expansion projects. "Jared's deep institutional knowledge, operational expertise, and ability to connect with Team Members across the organization make him uniquely qualified to step into this role," said Jim Gissy, Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts. "I'm confident he will continue to strengthen our operations and culture as we grow." Mitch Less has assumed a new executive role at parent company,Central Florida Investments, where he will report to Gissy and continue to help the company evaluate new business opportunities at the parent company. "Over the past year, Mitch has played an important role in accelerating operational improvements and helping position Westgate for long-term success," said Gissy. "As we move into our next phase of growth, his experience and strategic insight will be invaluable to me." These leadership updates follow a period of significant expansion for Westgate Resorts, including international growth into Canada and Mexico, a near tripling of its resort portfolio to nearly 60 properties, and the addition of new amenities such as the Mystery Fun House Arcade Experience and River Country Water Park. Photo: Jared Salt (Westgate Resorts)