Have you ever heard of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort? It’s one of the least ‘popular’ Disney Vacation Club resorts. Often it doesn’t come to mind when guests are planning to book a Disney vacation. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is often overlooked and often dismissed as a resort that just isn’t worth a second glance. That it’s just too big and not very ‘Disney’.
Guys, let me be the first to say, that the resort is big and, yes, the theming isn’t in your face ‘Disney’, but Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is AMAZING! It really is a ‘Diamond in the Rough’. If basking in a beautiful country club-like atmosphere if your idea of rough…
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is great for kids, couples, small families, large families, medium families, extended families, blended families and every other family type in between.
There was a time when I didn’t feel the love for Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort, but now I have a newfound appreciation for it and need to share it with everyone! That means I need to tell you all I know about Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. It’s time to clear the water about this underloved resort.
Let’s start by breaking the resort down bit-by-bit and doing a complete the ultimate Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort review.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa really is a diamond in the rough!
Where is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort’s address is 1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.
It is located by Disney Springs, the ‘downtown’ shopping and dining destination for Walt Disney World. Tucked next to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is sprawling and one of the most expansive resorts on Disney property.
When it comes to driving to the parks, Saratoga Springs is about 15 minutes from Epcot by car, the Disney park to which it is closest. Next comes Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which takes about 15- 20 minutes to reach when driving. Then, finally, it takes just 20 minutes or so to get to either Disney’s Animal Kingdom park or the Magic Kingdom. While the drive might seem a little long, it’s usually peaceful and straightforward.
Additionally, while it is on the outskirts of the Disney property, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is a short drive from the Disney Water Parks and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. The outlets are home to some pretty awesome stores, including a Disney outlet!
Theming of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
If you’ve seen pictures of the Disney resorts being advertised, odds are you’ve caught a glimpse or two of a very ‘Disney’ themed resort. For example, Art of Animation often comes to mind or any of the All-Star resorts. The larger than life characters draw you in, and you know without a doubt that the resort is a ‘Disney’ resort.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort does not have the larger than life Disney characters, nor does it have many obvious odes to Disney at all.
The Disney theming in the rooms includes hidden Mickeys and a few Disney horse references, such as Maximus from Disney’s Tangled.
Yet, guess what? What the resort doesn’t supply in ‘Disney’ related theming, it does in class and relaxed elegance. In a way that only Disney can do. Based on the real Saratoga Springs from years past, located in upstate New York, with an emphasis is on horse racing, Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort shines in many unspoken ways.
The beautifully manicured grounds that surround the pastel-colored villas make you feel as though you are far away at some private location. Someplace victorian, that is very grand. As though you are staying in the heart of an upscale golf club and not in the middle of a busy, thriving tourist destination.
The best part about the theming? Beyond all the beautifulness and class?
It’s calming.
Let me step back for a moment.
You know how Disney is the epicenter of fun, excitement, noise, and all things in your face HAPPY?
How your senses are on overload from the moment you walk into the parks until the moment you leave?
How that intensity is so very welcome because it is exciting and thrilling, but, how, at times, it can be a bit much?
I know, it’s kinda backward to say Disney can be a ‘bit much’ on a Disney blog post. Yet, here I am doing so. It can be a ‘bit much’. It’s a good ‘bit much’, but at times we still need a break from the ‘bit much’.
Enter: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
With it’s calming pastel colors and pretty light filtering through tall trees, Disney’s Saratoga Springs’ theming is the perfect antidote to a busy day at the Disney parks.
Therefore, while you might not find a larger than life Mr. Potato head on the property, you will some peace and quiet at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
That my friends is the most beautiful theme of all…
What Types of Rooms Does Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Have?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort has is a Disney Vacation Club resort and offers villa and studios style rooms. The rooms all have very similar decor and different layouts to accommodate a certain number of guests. Let’s take a little deeper look at what each room as to offer.
Studio Room at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The studio room at SSR is the perfect size for a family of 2-4. We used it when we traveled with our family of three and found the room to have more than enough space for two adults and a baby.
There is a kitchenette area with a mini-fridge and microwave, plus a toaster and a coffee pot. Basically all the essentials for living on your own!
If you plan to spend most of your days at the parks, having these simple appliances will be more than enough to meet your needs.
One-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The one-bedroom villa is very similar to the studio rooms at SSR, except for a few major details.
In the one-bedroom villa, there is a full-sized kitchen!
The kitchen is located on one side of the villa near the pull-out sleeper sofa couch and sitting area. In addition to the full-sized kitchen is a kitchen table with bench seating. Trust me, it’s nice to have a spot for your family to eat a meal other than a tiny circle table or in bed.
On the other side of the villa, separated by a wall, is the bedroom which houses the king bed. Having the deviation of the wall between the bedroom and the sitting/kitchen area can make ALL the difference when it comes to families that don’t all go to bed at the same time. Or families that don’t WANT to all go to bed at the same time.
But wait, there’s more…
Laundry!
That’s right, the one-bedroom villas have a washer and dryer! They are a small, stacked unit, tucked away in a closet, but they do the trick! I’m actually a fan of doing laundry when I’m on vacation. I know, that’s a little odd.
Vacation is supposed to be a time to relax and recharge, not do chores, right?
I agree, 100%.
Yet, when I come home from vacation, I want that relaxation to continue. At least for a day or two before we jump back into the daily grind.
One of the best ways to do that?
By not bringing home tons of laundry from our vacation. Being able to have the laundry completed while we are in our room is amazing. It doesn’t really eat away at your vacation time and you don’t have to worry about running back to the guest laundry room to grab your load if you’re using a shared laundry area.
Instead, you can set it and forget it!
Except, don’t forget it too long as you don’t want to have to wash the load twice.
Two-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Moving on up, we have the two-bedroom villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. The two-bedroom villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort have all the items listed in the one-bedroom villa, plus they have ANOTHER bedroom.
Big surprise, eh?
The best part about having two bedrooms is family members can head to their own individual areas at the end of the day. There are TVs in every room, so everyone can relax and unwind after a long day of sun-and-fun in the parks.
Plus, along with two bedrooms comes two bathrooms!! All family members rejoice! Nothing says vacation like not having to rush out of the bathroom because there is a long line up of people waiting to get in.
Am I right?
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Ah, yes the granddaddy of them all. The three-bedroom Villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort!!
We have stayed in this massive two-story housing unit before and loved it. It doesn’t feel like you are staying in a hotel. It feels as though you have purchased a deluxe off-site rental property to lounge in for the duration of your vacation.
The three-bedroom grand villa has a split style setup with the main, master bedroom on the first floor. Upstairs are two more bedrooms, each with 2 queen beds apiece. The three-bedroom grand villa is set up for 12 to sleep if you include the pull-out sofa on the main floor as a bed.
The huge massive ceiling and open-air sitting area in the three-bedroom villa can be viewed as wasted space by some, but from an aesthetic and calming perspective, it adds beautiful light and a relaxed atmosphere to the accommodations.
Oh, and yes, it has all the items listed above from the one and two-bedroom villas as well.
Plus, it has a full-sized kitchen table that can seat your entire party!! Woot woot!
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Treehouse Villas are an additional option for staying on the SSR property. The Treehouse Villas feel as though you are camping high above the wilderness in the trees. As though you were in a treehouse. Go figure!
They are one of the ultimate ways to remove yourself from the hustle-and-bustle of a theme park day.
The Treehouse Villas are a unique experience, but to be honest, I am not a huge fan of how far away they are from the main areas of Saratoga Springs resort. There is an internal bus system that can cut down on walking time. Yet, having to take a park bus and an internal bus just to get back to your room isn’t my favorite. The alternative to getting back to your room is walking, so just keep the need to use buses in mind if you aren’t a huge fan of walking.
Additionally, while the villas do indeed sleep 9, a few of those 9 sleeping accommodations at the Treehouse villas are for little ones. The villas feature bunk beds and a twin pull-out sleeper chair, which probably won’t be the most comfortable for more full-grown adults.
Since they are essential treehouse hotels, even though they aren’t my favorite the villas have tons of perks. They feature full kitchens and you could fully take advantage of them in order to not need to head over to the main dining areas daily. Plus, you can think of them as a type of ‘glamping’ adventure out in the wilderness. You have all the modern accommodations present but you’re surrounded by nature.
Have you ever stayed in the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort? How was your experience?
Where Do Babies Sleep at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
If you find yourself relaxing at all of the above-mentioned resort room types and you’re traveling with kids, you might be wondering where your little baby or toddler is going to sleep.
Well, wonder no more! Disney offers pack-and-plays for little ones. Often we have found the pack-and-play in the closest at our resort, but this is not always the case. When you are completing check-in or when you first get to your room make a call to the front desk and request a pack-and-play. One will be brought up to you shortly.
We have often emphasized how we need the pack-and-play quickly and it usually arrives in ten minutes or less. Just try to get it set-up and ready before your little one is ready for bed!
But, let’s be honest, babies sleep wherever they want to sleep when they are at Disney.
How Many Pools are at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
There are five pools in total at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. You might find yourself wanting to spend your entire vacation at the pools at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. I wouldn’t blame you if you did!
High Rock Spring Pool
The main feature pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is the High Rock Spring Pool. Featuring the main swimming pool with a zero-depth entry, a small kiddie slide, a larger ‘big kid’ water slide, a Donald Duck splash pad, waterfall features, and a hot tub!
Wow.
Talk about lots of features!
Plus, that’s not all! There is a daily pool party hosted by Disney cast members for the littles to enjoy. A small arcade not too far from the pool, a bathroom with changing areas, and a bar area that supplies food and drinks. And, you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from the Artist’s Pallete for even more delicious eats and the DVC lounge area for more fun and entertainment.
Why would you ever want to leave the High Rock Spring Pool? I mean, I know I wouldn’t! And, sometimes, I don’t!
One of the challenging things about the High Rock Spring Pool is the popularity. It can be a struggle at times to get seats unless you get to the pool early or catch a seat when people are leaving in the late afternoon to head back to the parks.
Just something to keep in mind if you are planning a pool day.
Paddock Pool
The Paddock pool is the second feature pool area at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Having two feature pools is a very unique feature at all resorts and especially a Disney resort. Even better, the Paddock Pool might rival the High Rock Spring Pool as the best pool on Disney’s Saratoga Springs property! Meaning, both feature pools are epic! Two epic pools at one resort. That’s pretty amazing.
The Paddock pool boasts a twisty, turny slide that is 146 feet in length and a children’s splash area with kid-sized water slides as well. The kid’s splash area is really sweet, but the water slide might be a little much for littles. It’s worth a try, but the slide at High Rock Spring Pool might be a little more little/big kid-friendly (aka those kids around the age of four).
Then, when it’s time for some relaxing at the Paddock Pool area, you can head over to the horseshoe-shaped hot tub. While you probably don’t want to take a dip in a hot tub in the warmer months of the year when it cools down in Florida you can relax in, what is sure to be, a ‘good luck’ hot tub. Get it…
Grandstand Pool
The Grandstand Pool, located near the Grandstand accommodations area, features a pool and hot tub. There are a few water features in the main pool, so just be aware of where you are so you don’t get an unexpected squirt. Plus, there is a fun water feature for the young (or those young at heart!) to splash around.
Ample seating can be found surrounding the pool and since it is a little less popular pool, you might not have to stake out seats super early in the day.
Tables and chairs can be found setup if you care to dine on a quick meal from the Grandstand Bar. The Grandstand Bar features quick snack and lunch items and is seasonal. You might have to grab food from the Artist’s Palette if the Grandstand Pool isn’t open.
One, random thing, to mention about the Grandstand Pool, is it is very red.
Yes, red as in the color red.
Nothing against the color red, but when you see this red it kinda smacks you in the face. I believe this is mostly because a majority of Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is decked out in pleasant pastel colors.
So, you’ll be walking along, enjoy the sunshine, when all of a sudden- BAM! A vision of the Grandstand Pool smacks you in the face.
It’s all good because you know you found the pool. Yet, I feel like I would be doing y’all a disservice if I didn’t make mention of this. Now you can be prepared!
Congress Park Pool
The pool in the Congress Park area of Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is pretty basic when it comes to pools.
I mean, don’t get me wrong. Basic is pretty amazing when it’s a pool, outside in the middle of a hot Florida summer.
Plus, basic might be just what you’re looking for after a long day at the parks. Due to not having many of the ‘feature’ items, like the ones at the Paddock Pool and the High Rock Springs pool, the Congress Park pool tends to be very quiet.
Families and those with littles tend to be drawn towards the other pools for their awesome kid-friendly features.
That being said, if you find yourself at the Congress Park pool with littles, you’re still in for a good time. Not only can you all relax at the pool, but there is also a kid’s playscape located close to the pool.
Woohoo!
So, head to the Congress Park pool and start Operation: Tire Out the Kids! Have them run up and down the playground and then jump in the pool for some laps.
Oh! The best, best, best part of the Congress Park pool (aside from being able to begin Operation: Tire Out the Kids)?
The view of Disney Springs!
You can lounge in the pool and make your dinner plans all at the same time!
Basic (in the world of pools) might be becoming your new favorite!
Treehouse Villas Pool
The fifth pool at Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is the pool at the Treehouse villas.
It’s a simple pool and hot tub combo that gets the job done when you just need to jump in and cool off. The Treehouse Villas pool is probably not worth the walk if you aren’t staying at the villas when there are so many other cool pools located a little closer, but if you’re staying at the Treehouse villas, you’ll be thankful that it is there!
How is Transportation at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
There are five bus stops at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
In good Disney fashion, they thought out the placement of each of the bus stops and, no matter what area of the resort you are in, odds are you don’t have to go far in order to get to a bus stop.
There are bus stops located at the Grandstand, at the Carousel, at the Paddock, at Congress Park and at the Springs.
The bus stops all coordinated with their respective housing areas, but the Springs bus stop is dual purpose. Not only does it drop guests off at the Springs ‘living’ area, but it also is the closest bus stop to the Artist’s Palette and the Turf Club Bar and Grill. Aka: The Food.
Coming from the parks, the buses come off of Disney Vacation Club Way and head towards the Grandstand stop first. The buses then circle around and pick up guests at the Carousel, the Paddock, Congress Park and finally at the Springs.
Once boarding at the Grandstand stop, anticipate about 15 minutes or so for a round trip through Saratoga Springs resort itself. That’s the minor tradeoff for boarding the bus first and most likely being able to snag a seat.
We never found ourselves waiting more than 10-15 minutes for a bus during our last few visits to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Both of those stays were at the Springs area of the hotel, meaning we were at the very last bus stop.
At times the buses would be full from picking up passengers from the rest of the resort, but it happened very infrequently. The best trick to helping keep your wait time down is by using the My Disney Experience app to track the estimated bus arrival time.
Treehouse Villa Buses
In order to get to the Treehouse Villas, be sure to use the Grand Stand bus stop or The Springs bus stop. If you decide to use the Grand Stand station, be prepared for a little walk over to the villas. It’s not horrible, but you definitely aren’t be dropped off at your ‘front doorstep’. From the Springs you can hop on the internal bus system to head towards the Treehouse Villas or plan to walk. The walk from the Springs bus stop is a little longer as well, but you are able to stop in the Artist’s Palette for supplies for your trek.
What are Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort’s Restaurants?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort has restaurant options coming out of its ears. If you combo the dining options with the options found at Disney Springs, only a short walk away, the number is off the charts.
For the sake of simplicity, let’s take a look at the restaurant options located only on the property of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Artist’s Pallete
The Artist’s Pallete is located in the main building at Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort and features breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast includes Disney favorites such as Mickey Waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, and all that other typical breakfast fare. Lunch and dinner feature sandwiches, flatbreads, soups, salads, and a daily special among other items. Additionally, there are quick grab-and-go items, plenty of snacks and lots of frozen treats. Refillable mugs can be purchased and a drink station is located near the grab-and-go snacks. Plus, there is a whole section of bakery treats including Mickey cupcakes and cookies.
If you have plans to throw all healthy eating out the door and gorge on candy for the whole week, you’re in luck! Saratoga Springs Resort has tons of Goofy’s candy on hand for you to enjoy.
There is a lot of seating inside of the Artist’s Palette and a few tables located outside. If you plan to ‘dine-in’ a cast member will supply you with a pager before you search for a seat. Then, like magic, your food will find its way to your table.
…why, yes indeed, I would like my food served with a side of pixie dust. Please and thank you!
Turf Club Bar and Grill
The Turf Club Bar and Grill is the only true sit-down restaurant at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Tucked back behind the Artist’s Palette, it often goes unnoticed by most guests. Surprisingly, it is a really great place to eat. The menu includes things from steak to salmon to a few vegetarian options as well. Chefs are able to tailor meals in order to fit guest’s needs due to dietary restrictions as well.
There is an indoor seating area that has the feeling of a country club in upstate New York with walls that are decked out with horse racing items. Inside seating would be perfect for a date night as it is dark and cozy, making for a very romantic atmosphere.
‘Romance’ aside, families are more than welcome to dine at the Turf Club Bar and Grill. Ample seating spots available both indoors and out. Our favorite place to dine at the Turf Club Bar and Grill is outside on the patio.
Ooo, if you do dine here, get the Calamari! It’s delicious!
Paddock Grill
The Paddock Grill is located right by the Paddock Pool. It’s a match made in heaven as you can get your swim on and fill your belly all at the same time.
The grill features breakfast, lunch and dinner. Much like most McDonald’s here in the states, breakfast is only served until 11am. If Mickey Waffles are calling your name, be sure to snag some here before the cutoff time.
Seating is available outside or you can grab your grub and head back to your villa to feast on your spoils.
The Backstretch Pool Bar
Housed at the Grandstand Pool, the Backstretch Pool Bar features a few sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Unfortunately, breakfast and bigger meals are not served at this bar. It’s more for a quick bite to eat or a cold beverage to help you cool down.
As mentioned above, the bar operates seasonally, so it might not be open when you are in town. If this is the case, just head over to the Artist’s Palette to grab some grub.
On the Rocks Pool Bar
The On the Rocks Pool Bar is located at the High Rock Spring Pool. It features many of the items found inside of the Artist’s Pallet, but with less walking necessary to obtain them. A drink refill location can also be found at the On the Rocks Pool Bar.
Oh, and the best part, with the help of a magical pixie-dusted pager (I’m sure this is a real thing), your food can magically find you and your party stationed around the pool as well. Just place your order, grab a pager and get ready to dig in!
Be sure to check the Disney website for details on the different menus at the various locations.
Where is the Best Part of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort to Stay?
If you recall in the opening of this post, one of the biggest critiques of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is its size. It is sprawling and expansive and often this can be off-putting for guests.
Taking a look at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, it can be broken down into 5 main areas, the Grandstand, the Carousel, the Paddock, the Springs, and Congress Park. Plus, the Treehouse Villas, if you want to get technical.
That’s a lot of spots!
However, due to a few different factors, the hugeness of Disney’s Saratoga Springs doesn’t need to be an issue. Let’s explore those factors.
Food Distances
First, odds are, no matter where you are staying, you will be close to some type of hot food. The Artist’s Pallete or the main quick service food area at Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is located near the Springs and relatively close to the Grandstand.
However, the Paddock Grill is located near the Paddock area and the Carousel area. Both are within walking distance from the grill and are closer than a walk to the Artist’s Palette.
The Grandstand is also located close to the Backstretch Bar, which can supply you with a few quick sandwiches and snacks if you don’t feel like making the trek all the way to the Artist’s Palette.
Disney Springs Food Options
Alternatively, if you find yourself in the area that seems like it’s a walk from most of the food areas, you’re actually in luck. You, my friend, are most likely by Disney Springs! This is exactly the case when it comes to the Congress Park area. Here, at Disney Springs, your food options are plentiful!! Whether you’re craving something quick or something more elaborate, Disney Springs will have an answer for all of your needs.
Or, in order to combat the need to even go out and walk any type of distance for any of your meals, you could just stock your room full of supplies. All rooms, including the studios, have microwaves and a fridge. If you grab a few packets of instant oatmeal, you’re good to go! Plus, with the mini-fridge on hand, you can stash some fruit and drinks within an arms reach.
Best Location According to Bus Stop
Due to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort having five bus stops, there really isn’t a need to request a room based on a bus stop. There are locations near all of the main housing areas.
If you’re concerned as to whether or not the buses are going to be full before they reach your stop, make a request to stay at the Grandstand. The Grandstand is the first bus stop to be picked up at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
Plus, it’s super close to the Artist’s Palette!
Pools
Disney understands that it is super hot in Florida. Aside from AC, the best way to combat that heat is by a dip in a pool. Knowing that you don’t want to walk far, Disney positioned it’s five pools by a majority of its ‘housing areas’. The only section that doesn’t have a pool directly by it is the Carousel. It is, however, within a short walking distance of the feature pool located at the Paddock.
Bottom-line, you’ll never be too far from a pool at Disney!
What Extra Amenities Are Included with Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
Senses Spa
Saratoga Springs Resort is home to a spa where guests can relax and ‘rejuvenate’ during their vacation.
Disney is often known as a go-go-go type of vacation. In addition, it’s often a vacation that is spent with kids. Kids have two speeds. Go-go-go and sleep. The first of the two speeds being much, much more plentiful. It’s a tad tiring, that’s for sure!
Being able to carve out some downtime and relax at Saratoga Springs Resort Spa, Senses is a huge blessing.
If you happen to step foot inside, or even near, the spa, the smells will draw you in like no other. It smells SO good and you won’t be able to resist!!
Saratoga Springs Fitness Room
There is also a massive fitness room on the property at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Compared to a few of the other deluxe resorts, the SSR fitness room might be one of the best ones on Disney property. It definitely is one of the largest. There are a variety of cardio machines, weight machines and free weights for guests to use and get their sweat on.
Oh, and the best part? There is air conditioning. June through August in Florida can’t stop you from getting your sweat on when Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort pumps out that cool AC!
Are You Able to Run at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
YES!
You can make running outside at any Disney resort work, but Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort makes running easy. Due to the expansiveness of the property, Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort makes it easy to cover 5-6 miles. There might be a few loops over the course of the property, but the buildings are pretty to look at and the elevation is flat. Together the pair make for a nice run.
There are also a few New Balance running trail signs posted around the SSR property as well. The trails are 1.44 and 0.88 miles in length. These trails stick rather closely to the main area of the resort, so you are easily able to add on if you head to different parts of the resort.
If the heat is too much for you though, just check out the sweet fitness room mentioned above. That AC can be heaven!
Does Disney’s SSR Resort Offer Laundry?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort sure does offer laundry! All of the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas (plus the Treehouse villas) all have a washer and dryer inside. As you saw above, I’m a huge fan of this as you are able to get the laundry done when you want to.
If you’re staying in an SSR studio room, you too can have the luxury of completing laundry on your vacation. (There was no sarcasm in that last statement. Seriously. Doing laundry on vacation is a game-changer for your return home.)
There are locations at the High Rock Spring Pool, Congress Park Pool, The Grandstand Pool, and the Paddock Pools that offer self-service laundry. The laundry rooms are open all the time, making it easy for you to pick a time that works with your schedule to be able to complete laundry. We like to use a resort day or a pool day to complete a little laundry.
Is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Kid Friendly?
YES!
We have stayed at Disney’s Saratoga Spring Resort with our kids three times to date. Yes, the theming isn’t ‘over-the-top’ or ‘in-your-face-Disney’, but it still works great for kids.
Our kids love the different pools offered at the resort, including the cool water features for the little ones. My kids would spend the entire trip at a Disney pool if I let them.
DVC Lounge/Clubhouse Area
Plus, the DVC lounge area, located close to the High Rock Spring Pool, offers tons of different craft projects for kids to complete. Some are free and others are pay out of pocket, but the prices seemed reasonable for all.
The DVC clubhouse also has movies available for rent (free with a DVC membership!). Computers with video games available for use are set up in the clubhouse and a huge TV plays Disney movies during open hours of operation. Plus, there is a small arcade on the property as well.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort also offers bikes and surrey bikes on site. Kiddos can relax as parents and/or family members pedal them around the resort. While this might not be parent-friendly, it sure is kid-friendly!
Additionally, Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort is home to tons of little lizards. These little guys dart around the property so fast that no one can ever catch them, but my little ones love to at least try! I mean, that’s why you head to Walt Disney World anyhow, isn’t it? To chase all the little lizards?
Is it Easy to Book Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort?
Yes, it is easy to book! Due to its huge size, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort always seems to fill up a little slower than other Disney resorts. Once you fall in love with it, this is actually a huge blessing that you can snag a room on a shorter notice!
Biggest Benefit to Disney’s Saratoga Springs?
Hands down the best thing about Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is it’s proximity to Disney Springs. You are within walking distance of dozens of dining and shopping options. Many which have only been open for only a few years. You’ll be up on the latest and greatest Disney dining options.
Plus, if you don’t want to walk to Disney Springs from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, you have the option of hopping on a bus or taking a boat over to Disney Springs. The boat can be caught behind the main resort area that houses the Artist’s Pallete and the Turf Club Bar and Grill.
Is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Worth the Cost?
With all the amenities and the prime location next to Disney Springs, I do think Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is worth the cost. The extra space plus the ability to cook in your room is key. Not to mention the variety of dining options, a plethora of pools and water features. All which deserve high marks in my book. Then, the cherry on top, is the proximity to Disney Springs. It’s the best feature of all!
Additionally, in my opinion, after having a unique perspective of completing a split stay at Art of Animation and then transferring to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, I would say SSR is worth it for the calmness factor alone.
Art of Animation is an amazing resort, for sure and one that all Disney guests should experience at least once. It is also a very busy resort. Being able to come from the action-packed craziness at Disney’s Art of Animation to the peaceful calmness at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort was very much appreciated. It was almost like night-and-day and we welcomed that peacefulness with open arms!
For a more in-depth look at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, be sure to check out this video from ResortTV1.
Conclusion for Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Review: ‘A Diamond in the Rough’
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is slowly becoming one of my favorite resorts on property. Hopefully, this review shed some light on topics that are viewed as ‘issues’ when it comes to SSR. And, hopefully, by now, you know that they really aren’t even ‘issues’ after all!
Now that you know all the amazing reasons to love Disney’s Saratoga Spring Resort, take a look at why we think a resort day is totally worth it by reading this article here. Then, when you’re ready to venture off property, learn all the tips and tricks for utilizing the Disney bus system.
Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort? Did you like it? Thinking about staying here or know someone who is considering SSR? Be sure to share this post with them or on social media!
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