One of the hardest things to do when planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is deciding which resort to stay at. With eight fantastically themed Disney Vacation Club Resorts to choose from, it’s not easy to pick just one. Honestly, no matter where you stay, you’ll have a wonderful time. All the resorts have the same basic amenities: pools, exercise rooms, dining options, transportation, etc. Room types are consistent from one resort to the next: all the studios have a kitchenette, all the one and two bedroom units have in-room laundry. They all boast Disney’s reputation for quality and service. So how do you pick which resort to stay at?

At first glance, it seems the only difference between resorts is the theming. While that is certainly the case, each resort has several other unique features that set it apart from the other resorts. These things don’t necessarily make one resort better than another, but they are good things to consider when you’re trying to decide where to stay. I’ve assembled a list of unique features for each resort and today I’m sharing, in no particular order, my top 10 reasons to stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.

Gorgeous, Full-Service Spa

Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, features 10 treatment rooms offering an array of therapeutic services including water therapy, massage and facials. A glass mosaic tile mural featuring hummingbirds in a nature setting takes center stage in the whirlpool room. There are also heated loungers and a steam room providing relaxation and renewal. The two-story, full-service spa features a glass doorway that leads guests to three manicure and four pedicure stations, a great way to recharge after a day in the theme parks.

Five Fantastic Pools

Including the quiet pool at the Treehouse Villas, Saratoga Springs boasts five pools. The High Rocks pool and the Paddock pool are zero-entry pools and both have pool games hosted by Cast Members. Three of the pools have interactive splash play areas that young children love. The splash zone at the Paddock pool is particularly cool! For a nice quiet get-away, try the pool at Congress Park.

Tranquil Setting

Saratoga Springs is a quiet, serene respite from everything Disney. It’s not overly themed, with bright colors and loud music. Instead, you will find a subdued sense of peace and quiet here, where the loudest thing you’ll hear as you stroll the grounds are the birds singing.

Fabulous Fitness Room

Fitness buffs, take note. The biggest, best fitness room on Disney property is located at Saratoga Springs, inside the Senses Spa. This nice, clean facility has a wide variety of equipment available. Cardio machines include treadmills, exercise bikes, and stairclimbers. There are also a good number of circuit machines and free weights. A nice thing about this fitness center is that you won’t have to wait for equipment, as there is plenty for everyone.

Beautiful Grounds

The Saratoga Springs Resort covers 65 acres with beautiful, lush landscaping. Trees and shrubbery were chosen specifically to emulate the look of the scenic upstate New York countryside where the real Saratoga Springs is located. Disney did a good job of including formal gardens and bubbling fountains, as well as wide open spaces and a nature path. Saratoga Springs in New York is known for its hot springs and lakes and you’ll find them here too – or at least the look of them. This really is a beautiful, relaxing resort.

Saratoga Springs is located on a pretty nature trail that leads from Old Key West to Downtown Disney. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk to Old Key West and about a 10 minute walk to Downtown Disney. This trail is an especially nice way to reconnect with nature. For a nice relaxing evening, take a boat to Olivia’s at Old Key West for an early dinner, then stroll along the nature path back to Saratoga Springs, watching the birds fly in to roost for the night.

Golf

If golf is your thing, this is the resort for you. Saratoga Springs is home to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. The course winds its way through the resort, creating a beautiful view to enjoy from your room.

Big Resort

With 1,260 rooms, Saratoga Springs is the largest DVC resort at Walt Disney World. Plenty of rooms means lots of availability. Even as little as a month in advance, it’s usually pretty easy to rent a room at Saratoga Springs.

The Treehouse Villas add even more rooms to the total. Nestled in natural forest glens, all 60 three-bedroom Treehouse Villas are elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest environment. They each sleep nine and offer modern luxuries such as partial cathedral ceilings, a barbecue grill and flat-panel TVs, all presented in a style dubbed “cabin casual.”

Pretty Rooms

The rooms at this resort are cozy and comfortable with intricate woodwork and finely polished furnishings. The muted green and blue color palette and floral patterns recall the country retreats of upstate New York in the late 1800s. Artwork and other unique touches showcase Saratoga’s horse racing history.

Convenient Parking

The parking at Saratoga Springs is right outside your door, making it easy to carry in luggage and groceries.

Close to Downtown Disney

It’s an easy walk to Downtown Disney, and all it has to offer, from Saratoga Springs. Or, if you’d rather, you can hop on the DVC Ferry for a nice boat ride over instead of walking.

Honorable Mention: Best Hidden Mickey

One of my most favorite Hidden Mickeys is at Saratoga Springs, but it’s up to you to find it next time you are there!

So, there you have it, my top 10 reasons for choosing Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. If these things appeal to you, then Saratoga Springs would make a great resort for your next vacation. Check out the other articles in our Top 10 series below.

~ Barrie Brewer, Social Media Director

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa