Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | Resort Review

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Disney Vacation Club Resort located within the Walt Disney World Resort. The resort, which is modeled after the city of Saratoga Springs in New York, is themed to an 1880’s Victorian upstate New York lakeside retreat. It’s namesake was known for natural mineral springs as well as horse racing, among other things, which are all hinted at throughout the resort.

There are 2 factors that contribute to the appeal of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa; availability and location. Located near Disney Springs, the shopping and entertainment district of Walt Disney World, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is somewhat out of the way. For some guests, this makes it the least desirable of all the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, which contributes to the availability. Known by some as the resort of last resorts, Disney’s Saratoga Springs is usually a place you can find a room in a pinch. Of course, there are also vacationers who prefer to be out of the way or find the idea of being walking distance from Disney Springs appealing. For these guests, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an ideal place to stay.

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In terms of theme, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa knocks it out of the park. . . . at least as far as I am concerned. From the architecture to the landscaping, walking around the grounds of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa really does feel like you’re strolling through an upscale lakeside retreat somewhere in the Northeast. Not only are there lakes and large grassy areas, but there’s also the hints of mineral springs and horse racing; both things Saratoga Springs is known for. That said, the theming is somewhat subtle and you might not notice it if you’re not looking.

You may also notice that there isn’t a whole lot of Disney theming at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. This isn’t especially unique to this resort, as you tend to find less Disney theming at higher end hotels at Walt Disney World, but I still think it’s worth mentioning. Though there are a few touches here and there, you’ll need to have a keen eye to find most of them. This includes some Mickey Mouse shaped details on some of the balconies and even images of Disney horses at the Carriage House.

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The next thing to be aware of if you’re planning on staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is the layout of the resort. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a large and sprawling resort that sits on 65-acres. The resort is separated into different sections including The Grandstand, The Paddock, Congress Park, The Springs, The Carousel and The Treehouse Villas. There’s also The Carriage House, which is the resort’s lobby. For guests who will be walking, nearly every part of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is about half a mile from The Carriage House. The exception to this is The Treehouse Villas which comes in at just under a mile. This means that getting that morning coffee or grabbing something quick from the counter service restaurant will be a 1 to 2 mile walk round trip.

Something similar can be said for those who want to spend time lounging by the pool. Though there are some sections of the resort where the pools are nearby, others are quite a walk a way depending on the building you are staying in. A notable example of this are some of the buildings in The Paddock that are closest to Congress Park.

For those who are driving to Walt Disney World or will have a car when they arrive, this may not be much of an issue. As there is parking nearby every building, you can simply walk out to your car and drive to wherever it is you need to go around the resort. However, this is something you want to be aware of if you’ll be without a car of your own; especially if you’re planning on enjoying the parks. Though a relaxing mile long walk to get some dinner might appeal to some guests, it can be quite the daunting journey for those who have spent the day circling the parks.

Dining at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa leaves a lot to be desired. The resort features an unremarkable table service restaurant [currently closed], 2 counter service restaurants and a few pool bars. The selection at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa mostly consists of sandwiches, salads and flat bread pizzas with a few basic familiar favorites like chicken nuggets and chilli. There are a few unique looking items on the menu also, some of which we’ve tried, but we’ve always been underwhelmed.

Though you can get something to eat in a pinch at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you’ll have better luck at Disney Springs across the river.

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Finally, we’ve got to talk a little bit about transportation. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has 2 forms of transportation for guests to take advantage of; bus transportation and boat transportation.

In most cases, getting somewhere outside of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will mean getting on a bus. These buses are available at each area of the resort and will bring you to each of the 4 theme parks and Disney Springs. Though it will get you where you need to go, Disney Bus Transportation from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa can be very time consuming. This is because of the number of stops available at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

The second form of transportation is exclusively for guests traveling to Disney Springs. Under normal circumstances, guests can take a boat from The Springs to Disney Springs. This is a very quick and convenient way to get to Disney Springs without having to walk. Of course, there is also a walking path available for guests who’d like to take that route.

[NOTE: Currently the boat between Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is not running.]

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Overall, I think that Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is the definition of a hit or miss resort. Though there are areas of the resort where you can find yourself having a relaxed vacation, there are others that will have you feeling like you’re endurance is being tested. Of course, as with everything, the way you vacation will impact how great or terrible this particular resort will end up being.

For me, as someone who enjoys visiting the parks, this resort is less than ideal under the best circumstances. That said, having spent 2 weeks in a room where I was nowhere near anything, when it is bad. . . it’s awful. Though I think that you can absolutely make it work at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, I think that this resort is best for guests who are traveling with a vehicle of their own and intend to spend most of their time around the resort or at Disney Springs.