Why We Loved Saratoga Springs Resort Disney World
Our Honest Review of Saratoga Springs Resort at Disney World
Before we stayed at Saratoga Springs Resort Disney World, I’ll be honest—I thought this resort might feel a little… boring. I pictured golf carts, lots of beige, and not a lot of that signature Disney magic. But as it turns out, I was totally wrong.
We stayed here with our crew (yes, all six kids!) and were genuinely surprised by how much we loved it. Spacious rooms, easy transportation, and a surprisingly charming theme made this one of our favorite resort stays to date.
If you’re considering Saratoga Springs for your next Disney trip—especially if you’re traveling with a big family—here’s everything you need to know from our real-life stay.
A Little About Saratoga Springs Resort Disney World
Saratoga Springs is a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World, and part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties. It’s inspired by the horse-racing town of Saratoga Springs, New York—think elegant equestrian touches, pastel-colored buildings, and big, shady trees.
It’s located just across the water from Disney Springs, and while it doesn’t offer monorail or Skyliner access, it does have bus transportation to all four parks, plus a boat or walking path to Disney Springs. That was more convenient than we expected, especially for dinners and evening strolls.
Our Room: 2-Bedroom Villa in the Grandstand Section
We stayed in a 2-bedroom villa by renting DVC points through David’s Vacation Club Rentals (yes, that’s our affiliate link—because we genuinely recommend them!). Renting points saved us a ton of money compared to booking directly through Disney, and it let us experience the deluxe life without the deluxe price tag.
Our villa had:
- A full kitchen (huge win for breakfasts and quick snacks)
- A washer and dryer (also huge when traveling with littles)
- Plenty of space to spread out—no one had to sleep in a bathtub or closet!
The Grandstand section was perfect for us. It was less than a 5-minute walk to the main building, pools, and dining. But the best part? The Grandstand is the first bus stop on the route. That meant:
- We always got seats on the bus (key with a stroller and tired kiddos)
- We were the first stop off after the parks—glorious after walking 25,000 steps
Dining & Amenities We Loved at Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney World
The Artist’s Palette
This is the main quick-service restaurant at Saratoga Springs, and it really impressed us. The food was fresh, the kids’ options were decent (not just nuggets!), and mobile ordering made it easy to grab meals without a long wait.
We used the kitchen in our villa for most breakfasts and the occasional dinner, but having a reliable quick-service option was a lifesaver more than once.
Resort Activities
We didn’t get to do everything the resort offers (there’s a spa, a golf course, bike rentals, and more), but we had a great resort day with just the basics:
- Pool time with the kids (there are several, and they’re all super family-friendly)
- Playground time
- A little arcade fun
- Evening activities near the main building
This resort has a relaxed, peaceful vibe, but still enough to keep your family entertained without needing to leave the grounds.
A Few Things to Know Before You Book
- It’s big. Like, really spread out. If you’re not in the Grandstand or near the Carriage House (the main building), you’ll be doing a lot of walking or waiting for the internal shuttle.
- No monorail or Skyliner access. It’s buses only to the parks, but we honestly found the bus service here to be very reliable.
- Not as “Disney” in-your-face. The theming is more subtle—so if your crew wants giant characters in the lobby, this might feel a little tame. But we appreciated the calm atmosphere at the end of a loud, overstimulating park day.
Would We Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. Saratoga Springs Resort at Disney World ended up being one of our most relaxing stays as a family. It had everything we needed: space, convenience, and a bit of magic without the chaos. Renting DVC points made it affordable, and the Grandstand location really sealed the deal.
It’s not the flashiest resort on property, but for large families who need room to breathe, it’s a hidden gem.
Related Posts You Might Love:
- Renting DVC Points: What You Need to Know
- Lightning Lane Planning Made Simple
- 8-Day Disney Itinerary for Families
Planning Your Stay?
If you’re thinking about booking a villa at Saratoga Springs, we highly recommend checking out David’s Vacation Club Rentals to see what’s available. And if you’ve stayed here before, we’d love to hear what your experience was like!
Let us know in the comments—or come hang out with us on Instagram for more big family Disney tips.
