We just enjoyed our fourth stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa this fall and I wanted to share a new trip report from this resort and updated details since I last blogged about it in 2021. This is one of a few Disney resorts that you really don’t hear much about so I’ll cover off on the rooms, super cool treehouse accommodations, property, dining and amenities.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs—a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing—the resort has a charming, Victorian-style. It is picturesquely situated between golf course greens and lakes and overlooks Disney Springs. Saratoga Springs is in the deluxe resort category and is often the most affordable option in that category.
This is a sprawling resort with its own internal bus loop. Check-in is located in a central hub with swimming, shopping and dining. Based on where you room is, it could be a mile just to get over here.
Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs—a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing—this charming, Victorian-style Resort hotel feels miles away from the madness of the park. The pastel colored buildings are nestled between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista. It is a relaxing place to call home.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Recreation
Saratoga Springs is a large resort with MANY things to do outside of the theme parks.
Community Hall
A few deluxe resorts have Community Halls and my boys really enjoy them. These kid-of-all-ages playrooms usually feature complimentary ping-pong, foosball, arts and crafts, video games, DVDs, board games, pool tables and more. Check the Community Hall for special activities like the Jockey’s Hideout event on Friday nights with games, music and refreshments OR the Walking League power walk around the resort on Tuesdays at 10 AM.
Bike and Surrey Bike Rentals
Saratoga Springs is a lovely and expansive resort to explore on bike! Rentals happen out of the Horsing Around Rentals located next to Community Hall.
Tennis
Check out complimentary racquets and tennis balls and play on 2 clay courts located in the sport courts area.
Basketball Court
The basketball court is located in the sport courts area. Complimentary basketballs can be checked out from Horsing Around Rentals.
Jogging Trails
Every morning you will see early risers out enjoying a run along the manicured golf course greens and lakes on 1.44-mile and 0.8-mile jogging loops. If you go before 10AM, you can take an even further loop through a quiet Disney Springs.
Playgrounds
In addition to one regular playground, there are two wet splash areas!
Win, Place or Show Arcade
Arcades are not complimentary so I try to avoid them, but this one is located near the High Rock Spring Pool.
Swimming Pools
Saratoga Springs has FIVE pools, including two feature pools and three quiet pools.
The Paddock Pool
The Paddock Pool has a waterslide, horseshoe-shaped whirlpool spa and zero-depth entry point. In the kid play area there are two more miniature waterslides. There is also quick serve dining available here, which is a convenient option for those staying in the Paddock area.
High Rock Spring Pool
High Rock Spring Pool is located near the dining and lobby and has waterfalls, a zero-depth entry point and a waterslide built into the rocks. The Donald Duck play area has bubbling geysers and a miniature waterslide.
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Saratoga Springs overlooks the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. It is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and has 18-holes. My guys golfed twice during this most recent stay.
Sunrise Yoga
Start your day in a revitalizing way with a 30-minute gentle yoga class. Offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 7:00 AM, Sunrise Yoga is complimentary and is held in a tranquil atmosphere near Congress Park Pool overlooking Disney Springs.
Saratoga Springs Campfire and Movie Under the Stars
Toast marshmallows over a crackling fire and then gather together under the stars to watch a complimentary Disney film classic.
Derby Dash
Sign up for a family fun run Thursday mornings at 8AM. (cost $15)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Senses Spa – CLOSED
A full-service spa and health club inspired by the 19th century wellness retreats of upstate New York is located at the Saratoga Springs Resort. The other full service spa on property is at the Grand Floridian. I love both!
Honey and I had appointments here at Saratoga Springs after our race. The relaxation room is shared between women and men at this location, which was nice that we could enjoy champagne and relaxation together. At Grand Floridian it is separate.
The locker room areas are still separate and have eucalyptus steam rooms, whirlpool spas, showers and zero gravity heated loungers. They are truly relaxing.
Saratoga Springs Dining
Saratoga Springs has a sit down restaurant, quick serve restaurant and pool-side dining. The quiet pools also have grills for use by guests.
Turf Club
The table serve restaurant, Turf Club, is a hidden gem. It has a wonderful lounge area with tvs and a pool table. The restaurant is just off of the lounge and has a wonderful covered patio overlooking the golf course. Now, I would not travel over here specifically to dine at Turf Club but it is a nice option when staying at the resort.
The Artist’s Palette
The Artist’s Palette is the quick serve location serving standard quick serve fare. Be sure to look for the exclusive blondie brownies – they are SOOO good! We also love the avocado toast at breakfast and pizzas the rest of the day. One cute thing to do with the kids is to ask the cashier for paper and coloring supplies. Have them complete their art work while you dine and then turn it in to entered into the Artist of the Day contest.
Disney Springs
Now, the real upside to Saratoga Springs is its proximity to Disney Springs. On trips when we stayed here I enjoyed a quiet morning walk over for Joffrey’s Coffee. There is wonderful shopping, unique entertainment like movies and bowling, great nightlife until 2AM and so much more. Disney Springs is accessible by boat and a walking path.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Rooms
The resort rooms here are standard. Outside of Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Copper Creek, Animal Kingdom Savannah View rooms and Yacht Club, I feel like most Disney rooms are. That being said, they are among the biggest on property and do have a great variety to choose from. The recent renovations are beautiful!
Deluxe Studio
The studios sleep four with a queen bed and sleeper sofa. We love this set up because it gives us more room on the floor when we aren’t sleeping to move around comfortably. (These pictures are dated)
Studio rooms have not just the standard fridge in all rooms, but also feature a microwave, toaster and bar sink.
The bathroom vanity areas are spacious but the shower/toilet rooms are most dated.
Villa Accommodations
Now, in addition to studios, Saratoga Springs also has 1-bedroom, 2- bedroom and 3-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 12 with full kitchens, laundry and the amenities of home.
1 Bedroom Villa
We stayed in a gorgeous 1 bedroom villa on this most recent visit. I loved the charm, character and updates in this room. You enter the fill through a small foyer with a table and mirror. There is also space here for shoes and day bags, which I love so that the room stays tidy.
A breakfast banquette sits between the living room and full kitchen.
The living room is spacious, with an l-shaped sofa and large TV. Sliding doors open to a balcony.
There is a queen sized murphy bed, as well as a twin sized pull down bed. The villa sleeps 5 comfortably!
I adore the art and decorative touches in this space!
The bathroom is split so that you have a sink and spa tub area with closet, and separate area with a sink and shower, and then a toilet room. There is also a full sized washer and dryer in this villa.
The bedroom is spacious with a king sized bed, dresser and TV.
Treehouse Villas
There are also extremely unique 3-bedroom Treehouse Villas that sit 10 feet up off the ground surrounded by trees and the river. Staying in a treehouse as been on my boys’ Disney “bucket list” for at least 5 years. We finally made that dream come true and, I must admit, it was a VERY neat, unique experience! The treehouses are as remote as you could get and still be at Disney. They are located on a loop separate from the main resort, in pods of 4 treehouses.
Inside is a perfectly designed villa with all the amenities of home. You have a living room, dining area, full kitchen, and laundry closet in the main living space.
There are three separate bedrooms, including a master suite, a bedroom with a queen, a bedroom with a bunk, and a guest bathroom.
Master:
Second Bedroom
Third BEdroom
The sofa and chair also fold out in the living room for a total capacity of 9 guests. We have never slept so soundly on a vacation! There was literally NO noise. And I was mesmerized on many late afternoons as the thunderstorm rolled in and the trees gently swayed around us.
The treehouses have their own bus loop that deposits you at The Springs stop where you board another bus to get to the parks. I highly recommend having a car when staying here!
The treehouses have a dedicated water taxi stop to Disney Springs as well. The water taxis have not yet returned, but I’m hopeful they come back soon!
They also have their very own quiet pool nestled in the woods. It was charming and we had it to ourselves the whole time we were there.
A walking path along the golf course connects you to the main resort. Again, it is a LONG walk and you really need a car. I also recommend ordering groceries as you do not want to have to hike or take a bus to get your coffee and breakfast!
My Take on Saratoga Springs
The upside… The resort has wonderful amenities and the proximity to Disney Springs can’t be beat. Given that and the golf and spa, I think this resort is well suited to families with older kids or parties of just adults that want recreation outside of just the theme parks. And, with most theme parks closing by 9 PM, having a place to go for night owls is great. With the villa style accommodation options, this is also a great option for large families or multi-generational trips.
The downside… The resort is sprawling and you have to take a bus everywhere. Said bus hits multiple stops inside the resort before heading on your way to the parks.
I am happy to answer any questions!!
Let’s Travel & My Services
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience, and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Disneyland Paris, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Royal Caribbean and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
