Complete Guide to Saratoga Springs Resort (w/ review)

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is 1 of 12 Deluxe Villas at Walt Disney World. It’s also a Disney Vacation Club Resort.

Not only does the resort offer beautiful views of Disney Springs, but it’s also within walking distance to the shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Saratoga Springs definitely has a lot to offer.

Here’s everything you need to know about Saratoga Springs.

Quick review

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Can walk or take ferry to Disney Springs, can rent recreation equipment (bikes, surrey bikes, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard equipment), spa located on-site, beautiful grounds

Cons: Remote location, smallest rooms of all the DVC properties, theming isn’t as good as other resorts, bus rides can be long

Overview

The Deluxe Villa Resort can be found in the Disney Springs Resort Area and is quite an expansive hotel that sits right on Lake Buena Vista across from Disney Springs and next to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

The resort is inspired by Saratoga Springs, a New York retreat popular in the late 1800s for its spas and horse racing. There’s a lot of charm to the resort, especially thanks to the Victorian-style theming. 

There are multiple rooms to book, including studios, multi-bedroom villas, and the famous treehouse villas that are quite stunning. 

With two different types of complimentary Disney transportation offered, its close proximity to Disney Springs, a variety of dining choices, and home-like accommodations featured in each of the rooms, Saratoga Springs has a lot to offer.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

There are two types of room to book at Saratoga Springs and they include Studios and Villas. Depending on the room you book, you can even sleep up to 12 adults. 

Of course, the rooms feature the standard amenities, including a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a coffee maker, telephone, in-room safe, and an iron and ironing board.

There are even some great amenities like a toaster, a microwave, and a fully-equipped kitchen with either a full or mini-refrigerator. The Villas also feature a washer, dryer, dishwasher, and more.

If you’re wondering about outlets and USB ports, you can find both in all of the rooms, including by the beds and TV.

For those concerned about storage, there is both space underneath the beds for luggage or other items, in addition to closets and drawers for belongings. Some of the bathrooms have a smaller counter space, but there are drawers for personal items. 

As for the Treehouse Villas, they are quite spacious and offer all kinds of storage for luggage and whatever else you bring. There’s plenty of room to sit and relax, not to mention the Treehouse Villas are perfectly themed.

Here’s an overview of the rooms that are available to book.

Studios

• Deluxe Studio: Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave, and porch or balcony

• Deluxe Studio — Preferred: Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water; Close to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave, and porch or balcony

Villas

• 1 Bedroom Villa: Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa; Full kitchen and a split bathroom that features 2 sink areas

• 1 Bedroom Villa — Preferred: Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water; Close to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining; 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 King Bed; Full kitchen and a split bathroom that features 2 sink areas

• 2 Bedroom Villa: Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa1; Full kitchen, dining area, washer and dryer

• 2 Bedroom Villa — Preferred: Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water; Close to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining; 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa; Full kitchen, dining area, washer and dryer

• 3 Bedroom Grand Villa: Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways; 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

• 3 Bedroom Grand Villa — Preferred: Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways; lose to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining; 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

• Treehouse Villa: Views of Woodlands;  2 Queen Beds and 1 Bunk Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a full kitchen elevated off the ground

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms. 

You can check out room layouts below.

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Room Options

Room type(s)	Bed size	Max people per room	Floor plan
Deluxe Studio Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways	1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Pull Down Bed	4
Deluxe Studio – Preferred Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water Close to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining	1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Pull Down Bed	4
1 Bedroom Villa Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways	1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Twin-Size Pull-Down Bed	5
1 Bedroom Villa – Preferred Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water Close to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining	1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Twin-Size Pull-Down Bed	5
2 Bedroom Villa Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water	1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Twin-Size Pull-Down Bed	9
2 Bedroom Villa – Preferred Views of Garden, Courtyard, Woodlands or Water Close to Disney Springs or to The Carriage House and Dining	1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 1 Twin-Size Pull-Down Bed	9
3 Bedroom Grand Villa Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways	1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed	12
3 Bedroom Grand Villa – Preferred Views of Garden, Lake, Pool, Woodlands or Fairways	1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed	12
Treehouse Villa Views of Woodlands	2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Bunk Bed and 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair	9

VIDEO: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort tour (rooms, pools, dining)

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

The front desk is located in the main lobby. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

• Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
• Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

In addition to being able to check in, the lobby has seating for guests and provides access to dining, shopping, and more.

Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) is outside the lobby. Luggage storage is also right out in front of the lobby for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package & Delivery Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.

Parking

Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

Resort Map

Saratoga Springs Buildings

The Springs

Buildings: 4101-4436, 3501-3836, 3101-3436
Location Tips: Near Willow Lake, closest to the Carriage House (the main lobby), High Rock Spring Pool, resort dining, fitness center, bus stop, and more.

The Grandstand

Buildings: 8101-8436, 8501-8836, 9101-9436,9501-9836
Location Tips: Farther from main lobby and resort dining, but near a leisure pool, Backstretch Pool Bar, and The Grandstand bus stop.

Congress Park

Buildings: 1101-1436, 1501-1836, 2101-2436, 2501-2836
Location Tips: The closest section to the walkway that leads to Disney Springs. Far from main lobby and resort dining. Congress Park has its own leisure pool and bus stop.

The Paddock

Buildings: 4501-4836, 5101-5436, 5501-5836, 6101-6436, 6501-6836
Location Tips: This is the biggest section of guest rooms. If you’re in the 6501-6836 block of rooms, you’re close to the Disney Springs walkway. Located across Willow Lake, meaning you’re on the opposite side from the Carriage House. There is a feature pool here.

The Carousel

Buildings: 7101-7436, 7501-7836
Location Tips: Near The Paddock buildings, meaning this section is across Willow Lake and farther away from the main lobby and resort dining. Doesn’t have its own pool, so you’ll have to go to another area if you want to swim. There is a nearby bus stop.

Amenities And Shops

From gift shops, to on-site laundry services, there are several amenities offered to guests at Saratoga Springs.

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

• The Artist’s Palette: Find grab ‘n’ go food, gourmet foodstuffs, groceries, and made-to-order meals can be found here.
• Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Pro Shop: A selection of golf merchandise and top-of-the-line rentals. Find souvenirs like clubs, logo shirts, caps, and towels.

• Laundry Services: There are 24-hour laundry rooms at the resort near High Rock Spring Pool, Congress Park Pool, The Grandstand Pool, and The Paddock Pool. Treehouse Villas and Villas with one or more bedrooms feature an in-unit washer and dryer.
• Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: Full-service health club inspired by the 19th century wellness retreats of upstate New York.

• Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies outside.

Pools And Recreation

Saratoga Springs has two feature pools and three leisure pools. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool.

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

Feature Pools

• High Rock Spring Pool: Has gushing waterfalls, zero-depth entry, 128-foot-long slide, two whirlpool spas, and a Donald Duck play area for kids. There’s also the On the Rocks Pool Bar.
• The Paddock Pool: Features a 146-foot-long waterslide, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool spa, and an aquatic play area with 2 small waterslides for kids. You can even grab food and beverages at The Paddock Grill.

Leisure Pools

• There are three leisure pools with whirlpool spas available for all ages. You can find them at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park, and The Grandstand. Congress Park and The Grandstand also have children’s playgrounds and barbecue grilling areas.

Some other recreational options include:

• Disney-inspired painting class: Must be at least 12 years old to participate and costs $35 per person plus tax. Reservations are recommend and you can make them by visiting the front desk or calling (407) 939-7529.

• Sunrise Yoga: The complimentary session is offered on select mornings near Congress Park Pool overlooking Disney Spring. All ages can participate and mats and towels are provided.
• Community Hall: Complimentary ping-pong, foosball, arts and crafts, video games, DVDs, board games, and more. You can check out complimentary basketballs, tennis and shuffleboard equipment, and grilling tools.

• Campfire to roast marshmallows
• Bike rentals
• Surrey bike rentals

• Fishing
• Golf at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
• Tennis

• Basketball court
• Jogging trails

• Playgrounds
• Win, Place, or Show Arcade

How to get from Saratoga Springs Resort to anywhere at Disney World

There are two forms of transportation available: buses and water transportation. You can take a bus to all of the theme parks. There are several bus stop throughout the resort and internal bus service that travels between High Rock Spring Pool and the Treehouse Villas.

Water transportation is only available to and from Disney Springs with one water launch located at the Treehouse Villas and another is a short walk from The Turf Club Bar and Grill. All of the different ways to get from Saratoga Springs to anywhere in Disney World is detailed below.

Restaurant & Dining Options

You can find a few different dining options at Saratoga Springs, including Quick Service, Table Service bars, and lounges. Take note that The Artist’s Palette has Mobile Order, which you’ll definitely want to take advantage of.  You can read more about the dining options below.

Quick Service

The Artist’s Palette

This is a quick service-style restaurant with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and grab ‘n’ go items. Breakfast is also served daily.

Location type: Food Court
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit
• Pros: Great selection for a Quick Service location, good value when using Disney Dining Plan credits, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
• Cons:  Can be busy since the registers are shared with the market

The Paddock Grill

This is a pool bar and grill that is adjacent to the Paddock Pool and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to a full bar.

Location type: Pool Bar and Grill
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit
• Pros: Good salad/sandwich options available, convenient if you are spending time at the pool
• Cons:  Kids’ menu options are fairly limited (but remember that children’s Quick Service credits can be used to order any entree if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan)

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Café

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Café is a counter service location at the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. This is the main spot for golfers to grab a quick bite or drink while they’re playing golf. Other guests can order from here, too.

Location type: Counter Service
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast & lunch

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credits
• Pros: Lots of sandwich options and an easy stop for golfers who need something quick to eat
• Cons: Not a large menu and only outdoor tables

Table Service

The Turf Club Bar and Grill

A dimly lit and wood-paneled restaurant with attached cocktail lounge that features upscale American fare and is decorated with vintage equestrian memorabilia.

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American
Meals served: Dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit
• Pros: Rarely busy so easy to get a table, menu features food that appeals to many palettes
• Cons:  Service can be hit or miss, not much reason to come here if you’re not staying at Saratoga Springs

Everything Else

The Turf Club Lounge

A casual bar that is attached to The Turf Club Bar and Grill and features views of Disney Springs and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snacks/Lounge Fare

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros: Nice views, TVs available for sporting events in the lounge, pool tables
• Cons:  Food isn’t outstanding, worth a visit only if you’re staying nearby

On the Rocks

Location type: Quick service
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros: Saratoga Lager and TVs available here
• Cons:  No food available

Backstretch Pool Bar

Location type: Quick service
Type of food: A pool bar that serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit
• Pros: Great place to grab some standard pool bar food, but Saratoga Lager is also available on tap
• Cons:  Limited hours

Scheduled Refurbishments

Name: Pool Refurbishment
Description: Congress Park leisure pool and the Treehouse Villa pools will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, the High Rock Spring Pool, Grandstand Pool, and Paddock Pool will remain open during usual operating hours. Shuttle transportation between the Treehouse Villas and the High Rock Springs Pool will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
From: 10/03/2022
To: Mid-December 2022

Name: Dining Refurbishment
Description: On the Rocks Pool Bar will be closed to accommodate the refurbishment of the High Rock Springs Pool. Guests can eat at The Paddock Grill near The Paddock Pool or at the Backstretch Pool Bar located next to the Grandstand Pool.
From: 01/01/2023
To: 3/31/2023

Name: Pool Refurbishment
Description: The High Rock Spring Pool is undergoing refurbishment. The Grandstand Pool, The Paddock Pool, and Congress Park Pool will remain open.
From: 1/01/2023
To: 3/31/2023

Other Info

• Saratoga Springs maps
• How to rent DVC points to stay in a Deluxe Villa and pay moderate prices
• Pros and Cons of on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Saratoga Springs Trip Reports