Serenity, Splashes, and More – The Top 3 Reasons I Love Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa!
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is the largest location in the DVC family, and not only is it big in size, it is also big on amenities, recreational activities, and of course, charm!
Horse-racing and luxurious spas were the big draws for the popular upstate New York destination in the late 1800s, and these inspirations are paid homage to beautifully at this resort at Walt Disney World. From golf, to swimming, to a leisurely evening sitting by the water, and resting your head in a modern, deluxe villa, there is so much magic to be found here! Today, I’d like to share with you the top three reasons why I love Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort!
#3 – The Close Proximity to Disney Springs!
Those who know me will be quick to tell you I LOVE to shop! I can easily spend several hours wandering through stores and boutiques, browsing all of the shiny new things for sale. Not only do I love to shop, but I find it also makes me work up an appetite, so it’s fantastic when you find somewhere with stores you love that also happens to have a wide variety of world-class restaurants and snacks nearby! This makes me a big fan of Disney Springs, and one of my favorite things about staying at Saratoga Springs is that it means all of those dining, shopping and entertainment options are just moments away from my villa door!
Did you know that you can actually walk right from the Saratoga Springs Resort to Disney Springs? The walking path runs along the waterway and offers stunning views of the complex as you make your way past the pretty pastel buildings of the resort.
Along the walkway to Disney Springs, there are also several spots where you can sit out and enjoy the sounds of the lovely live music coming across from the neighboring complex. I have really enjoyed sitting out here in the evening and relaxing as the lights sparkle on the waterway, and the tunes drift over on the breeze.
If your legs could use a break after the hustle and bustle of busy days in the theme parks, however, there is also boat transportation available to whisk you across the water to all of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment Disney Springs has to offer!
#2 – The Pools!
On those warm, sunshiny Florida days, it’s great to have a spectacular resort pool to pop to so you can cool down and relax. One of my favorite things about Saratoga Springs is that you don’t have just one pool to make a splash in; you have FIVE to choose from!
The Paddock Pool, located in the resort’s Paddock area, and the High Rock Spring Pool, which is located in the Springs area, are the two feature pools. Both feature pools have water play areas and awesome waterslides, so there is no shortage of fun in the sun for kids of all ages to enjoy!
Congress Park, the Grandstand, and the Treehouse Villas areas each have their leisure pools as well, so no matter which area of the resort your villa happens to be located in, you can be sure that a refreshing and inviting pool isn’t too far away! Each leisure pool area also features a whirlpool spa, which I personally love, as they are so great for soaking your tired legs and feet after a long day pounding the pavement in the parks!
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#1 – The Relaxed Atmosphere
We all know that the theme parks are full of fun, but they can also be busy, and with so much to see and do, sometimes you can feel a little bit of sensory overload. While I love the buzzing energy of the parks, at the end of the day, it’s nice to have a peaceful and serene resort to head back to. This is probably my favorite thing about staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort! Just like the historic and peaceful retreat that inspired it, the lush and sprawling grounds lend themselves to creating a very relaxed atmosphere.
As this is the largest DVC resort, I find that popular public spaces such as dining locations and pools feel less crowded than they might at other smaller resorts, as there is more room for guests to spread out and enjoy all of the amazing amenities. The grounds are also typically pretty quiet, allowing you to enjoy the mellow moments, hearing only the soft music coming across from Disney Springs, or the kind “hello” and “welcome home” greetings from friendly Cast Members and fellow guests who might cross your path.
The soft pastel colors of the Victorian-style buildings that make up the resort combine effortlessly with the foliage and landscaping to create a tranquil ambiance for guests. There are several winding walkways that are perfect for taking a leisurely stroll, and you can spot sparkling water features and themed outdoor décor honoring the horse-racing history and influences.
While there are so many fun activities to be found at Saratoga Springs, the resort’s laid-back atmosphere seems to lull you into keeping a slower pace, where you take the time to stop and smell the flowers and savor the magic in each moment of your stay.
While these are the top 3 reasons why I love Saratoga Springs, I must admit that there are many more I could list! There truly is something for everyone here! From the kind Cast Members to the endless recreational activities, on-site spa and golf, beautiful scenery, and unique villa options such as the Treehouses, there are so many reasons to choose Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa for your next magical vacation!
~Stacy
