When it comes to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, most people either love it, or they don’t. It’s the largest DVC resort and, therefore, one of the easiest to score a reservation. Because of its size, many think of it as a last hope when they can’t get their desired reservation. I genuinely feel that Saratoga Springs is an underappreciated resort. While it might not be my favorite DVC resort, I can’t help but stare longingly across Lake Buena Vista at those beautiful pastel buildings every time I’m in Disney Springs. Because there are so many reasons to show love to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, here are five of them to make you consider it a contender for your next DVC stay.
The Grounds and Architecture: Themed after its namesake in upstate New York, Saratoga Springs combines the charm of colorful Victorian-style buildings, horse racing, and Disney touches. The grounds here are full of lush greenery, lakes, trees, walking paths, and stonework. Most balcony views at this resort are looking out over the picturesque grounds, which is why I designated Saratoga one of my top views for your points in my article over on DVC Store’s blog.
Tranquil Atmosphere: Because of Saratoga’s sprawling grounds and distance to the parks, the atmosphere here is quiet and peaceful. Guests not staying at Saratoga Springs don’t typically visit here unless going to the DVC preview center. Therefore, it’s not a constantly bustling place as resorts like Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge tend to be. On our last stay here, it was so quiet that we felt like there was no one staying around us. This is the perfect resort to book when you want to disconnect from the hustle of the parks.
Proximity to Disney Springs: When you stay at Saratoga Springs, a mecca of food, shopping, and entertainment options are within walking distance. That makes this the perfect resort for anyone who loves Disney Springs or wants to plan a resort-only stay. If you don’t feel like walking, there is also boat service available. No other resort on property is this close to Disney Springs.
Amenities: There is no shortage of amenities when you stay at Saratoga Springs. This resort offers two feature pools-High Rock Spring Pool and The Paddock Pool-as well as three leisure pools. Saratoga Springs also has its own Senses-A Disney Spa, the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, a community hall, tennis and basketball courts, jogging trails, fishing, and bike rentals. These amenities make Saratoga Springs an excellent option for staying active or relaxing.
Refurbishment: With the Saratoga Springs refurbishment well underway, many guests are already finding themselves the opportunity to stay in a newly updated room. When the renovation is complete, Saratoga Springs will be a completely elevated resort. These rooms are stunning. The new look is crisp, clean, and modern with the perfect amount of theming and Disney touches. Paul and I are looking forward to staying in a newly designed room.
Let me know in the comments how you feel about Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and your thoughts on the newly designed rooms at this Disney Vacation Club resort. You can find out more information on Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa by visiting DVCStore.com!
We are new DVC members with Old Key West as our home. In January, we experienced our first Welcome Home visit with a split stay at OKW and SSR. We also fell in love with Saratoga Springs! While we still adore Old Key West, I would certainly consider purchasing an additional contract at Saratoga. I think it is an underappreciated jewel in the DVC crown!!
Love SSR. Love how it is removed from the parks and you can really relax and unwind when you get back to your room after a long day at the parks. Also love having so many dining options within walking distance at Disney Springs.
Great article Amy! Thanks for sharing!
I am glad you mentioned the golfing available at the Buena Vista course! One thing to mention is that it is a wet course, so it’s best played in the dry season (and make sure you bring good golfing shoes to keep your feet dry). But a great course overall!
Here now and loving it. The renovation is superb. I love being able to walk easily to Disney Springs as well as the main lobby area from my room at Congress Park. Bussing has been excellent. Very short waits and getting around the resort does not take as long as others led me to believe. Only complaint is that Community Hall is not as nice as I remember it being back in 2015.
SSR is a great escape from the hustle and bustle at the parks. It’s quiet and a great choice for multi generation families
We just had our first stay at SSR in January with my three sisters and their husbands in a 3 BD villa and loved it! I agree with all of your points, especially about how tranquil and quiet it is. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and I love the dedicated bus and multiple stops, rather than sharing with other resorts and having to walk all the way across the resort to one bus stop. We requested the Grandstand and were so glad we did because it’s the first stop on the bus route and was also very close to the main house with the restaurant and gift shop. We didn’t have a remodeled room this time but I hope we can stay there again after they’re all done, they look amazing! We really enjoyed our stay and definitely recommend it!
My family purchased points at SSR while it was still under construction. We have stayed there many times and have been pleased with it for many of the reasons listed above. Last month we stayed in one of the renovated units. While it was certainly nice, we felt like we could have been staying at a Marriott property. There was little in the way of decor to suggest this was a Disney property. We miss those unique touches that make the Disney Vacation Club such a cool place to stay.
I agree that SSR doesn’t get the love it deserves.
While I will never give up the convenience of my home resort at BCV, I do like SSR for a more relaxed visit. We are booked for a split stay this May.. 3 days at AK/Jambo House and 3 days at SSR/preferred. So excited to see the new rooms!
We love SSR. The resort is home to one of the best restaurants at the resorts, The Turf Club. We love the quiet after a long day at the parks.
We stayed there the first time a year ago January. The kitchen faucet leaked and they came right away to fix it and it needed to be replaced. And then the hot and cold were wrong, but rather than being inconvenienced again we left it and left a note when we checked out. Definitely needs updating! Will rent again (can not afford to be a DVC member)!
So close to Disney Springs and the exercise factor on property is excellent. Member since 2005 and love it!
Saratoga Springs was our first experience with DVC as an RCI trade in for a week in a 1 bedroom and we loved it! Several years later, we purchased DVC direct for Copper Creek and purchased a resale contract for Saratoga. We’ve had 2 great stays since becoming owners and our using our points to go to Aulani Spring Break. I like how there are multiple chances to catch a bus, if you’ve missed your first chance. Cast members have been great!
Agreed, its our go to resort, we have tried others but keep coming back. Yes its not as “Disney” themed as some others but after a day at the parks its nice to come back to, quiet yet plenty to do. Love the pools and grounds. We stay at the paddock or high springs areas. Love spending a pool day here. Quick service is just right. It has been looking tired and run down for awhile so looking forward to the refurbishment as we travel with a family of 5 and now they can all stay together. Will be there in 2021.
Heading back to SSR in May after a couple of years without visiting and so looking forward to it! Those refurb rooms look spectacular.
I am staying at SSR in April before going on DCL, in a preferred deluxe studio, and I am hoping to get one of the new rooms.