Top Reasons to Love Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Saratoga Springs was part of my family’s first ever Disney Vacation Club split-stay at Disney World.  We will always have a special love for this property.  My wife and I recently discussed perhaps adding another property to our current DVC portfolio, and after much research and number crunching, Saratoga Springs came up as the best value winner for us!

There are many reasons why Saratoga Springs is a wonderful Resort choice. In a nutshell, this resort offers a few key real estate factors, namely, Location and Waterfront!  While it may not have more ‘location-appeal’ than Beach Club, for example, it does put you closest to Disney Springs.

Want to relax on acres of Victorian-styled grounds while waiting for the bugle to make the famous Saratoga Springs ‘Call to Post’?  Want a short walk or water taxi ride over to Disney Springs?  Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is the place for you!  

Top 5 Reasons I Love Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 

#5. Victorian-Styled Grounds with Horse Racing Theme

At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, be prepared to be overwhelmed by the vast amount of rolling grounds, spectacular water features, pastel colours, and wonderful walking trails throughout acres of park-like gardens. And at set times throughout the day you may be lucky enough to hear the sounds of nature interrupted by a familiar bugle ringing out a ‘call to post’ across the resort!  Horse racing fans will anticipate that anthem!

#4. Turf Club and Artist’s Palette

Saratoga Springs Resort continues the Horse Racing theme through to its main restaurant & social area, The Turf Club. Jockey attire or ‘racing silks’ hang on the walls, and the deep hardwoods of the furnishings give you that VIP, upscale Turf Club feel for only the exclusive race enthusiasts. Enjoy a drink from the bar while playing billiards or socializing before dinner. My wife has had Salmon at many Disney restaurants, but she has only ever praised the Grilled Verlasso Salmon at two restaurants: The Turf Club and Flying Fish.

Be prepared for some upscale dining; like this elevated Grilled Romaine Salad and Creamy, Wild Mushroom Soup….

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also love the counter service at Saratoga Springs Resort, Artist’s Palette. It is a bright, clean area that offers guests wonderful food choices. A few of our favourite options are Lobster Sandwich and the Cheeseburger Flatbread! And, of course, who can resist these tasty treats?  Not me!

 

#3. Great Activities

While all resorts offer activities and some have arcades and/or community hall facilities, Saratoga Springs offers a very comprehensive program. While staying near the lobby area, it just felt that there was always fun stuff happening! The pool games were always very well attended at Saratoga Springs, and my son absolutely loved the various competitions and prizes. From Duck Tosses to Critter Round-Up tournaments, he always loved getting a candy treat or balloon prize for participating.

 Saratoga Springs offers the standard poolside billiard tables and air hockey tables, in addition to fire pits for making S’mores, and a Movie Under the Stars lawn. Saratoga Springs also offers a relatively large, well-equipped Arcade where families can spend hours playing games.

The Community Hall at Saratoga Springs is also a must-visit spot with a variety of crafts, colouring projects, boardgames, movies, and much more! My son just loved making Character Magnets.

#2. Pools, Pools, Pools!

Saratoga Springs does not have just one Feature Pool, but it offers TWO FEATURE POOLS – High Rock Spring, and the Paddock Pool. At the High Rock Spring Pool, there is also a wonderful Donald Duck Bubbler Pad and a Waterfall. The High Rock Spring Pool has a kiddie slide and a big slide, while the Paddock Pool has a twirl-around slide encircling an old water tower. There is also a fun water play area at the Paddock Pool. From Preferred Rooms – High Rock Springs area, you are only a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the High Rock Springs Pool, and a short, pleasant walk over to the Paddock Pool and play area.

Think that’s enough Pool Fun?  Well, there is more!  Saratoga Springs has 3 more leisure pools on property!  

Our favourite of the three is also just a short walk from the High Rock Springs area, and it is called the Backstretch Pool. This is a gorgeous leisure pool with stark reds accenting whites and marked by the azure-blue water of the pool.  Water sprays from race-track posts into the main pool while kids use horse shaped water blasters and run through the starting gates at the Backstretch Water Play Area. You could literally spend all day visiting, swimming, relaxing, and frolicking in the different pool and aqua play areas.  And, of course, such activities are well supported by poolside snack, food and drink facilities at each!

#1. Proximity to Disney Springs

So, we made it to the Number One Reason for loving Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Being so close to the day and night activities, sites, shops, and culinary delights waiting for you at Disney Springs separates this resort from all others. Disney Springs is a major Disney World attraction that appeals to kids and adults alike.  From delectable treats to award-worthy dining options, your taste buds will thank you for visiting Disney Springs.  

One of our favourite spots for dinner is Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. The Pasta with Meatballs dish is AMAZING!

And who can resist a dessert from Ghirardelli’s?

Disney Springs is a fun spot for live entertainment, socializing or just doing some shopping. Adults can enjoy upscale or casual lounge environments, while kids can enjoy fun stores like Lego,  Rainforest Café, T-Rex, and our beloved Goofy’s Candy Company!

Verdict:

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is an elegant resort with recent room renovations, great pool options, as well as lots of walking trails amidst water features, foliage, and fragrant gardens.  The Resort offers tons of activities and it puts you only steps away from the food, fun, and shopping at Disney Springs.  

 

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Previous blogs by Jason Swain:

TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT

TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT

TOP REASON’S TO LOVE DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S BAY LAKE TOWER