Saratoga Springs, the Hidden Gem of Walt Disney World

May 31, 2019

Saratoga Springs has often been overlooked because it is further away from the majority of the parks at Walt Disney World. However, there are multiple sweet benefits to staying at Saratoga Springs that most guests are just unaware exist; and if you are a self proclaimed ‘foodie’, or you enjoy the nightlife, you don’t have small children, maybe you like to golf, OR you just want to go to the parks a little but not the whole time, then Saratoga Springs is your kind of place!

Benefit #1 – It’s close to Disney Springs

You can easily catch a boat to Disney Springs from Saratoga Springs. In fact, you may even catch a different view of Saratoga Springs from the boat than if you were rolling in on four tires. The imagineers created Disney’s Saratoga Springs to look like New York’s well known Victorian styled Saratoga Springs Spa & Resort, and some of the best views are from the boat!

(Speaking of boats…the Boathouse is a great place to dine in Disney Springs!)

If you haven’t been to Disney Springs in the last several years, you haven’t been to Disney Springs! This place is changing fast and it’s all in the right direction! The increase in gourmet food options and fun activities is phenomenal!

(Caprese Salad at Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar)

Friends. The food alone here at Disney Springs merits a full day…or week of exploration! Disney has brought in renowned chefs – Masaharu Morimoto at Morimoto Asia, Art Smith at Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Tony Mantuano at Terralina Crafted Italian and many more!! They even have Chicken Guy by Guy Fieri! Both Wolfgang Puck Express & Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill have excellent entrees that showcase the famous American-Austrian Chef!

Disney Springs even has a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! This means you can reserve some time at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs and spend your time at Magic Kingdom riding more rides or visiting more characters!

Disney Springs also offers a wide variety of shops to buy all things Disney! In World of Disney, you are sure to find something for everyone! Be sure to explore all the pixie dust at the checkout line, and watch Tinkerbell paint pictures that come to life! Not only that, but Stitch has a surprise your kids will love! Just go stand in front of him and look up.

Benefit #2 – The Treehouse Villas

Oh my wow. Treehouse Villas. Talk about feeling like the Swiss Family Robinson Family! If this sounds like something you would enjoy, check out Tom Bricker’s review on the Treehouse Villas. It’s a great way to spend time in the outdoors, away from everyone. And bonus – if you are a runner, this is a wonderful area to run through – whether you stay at the Treehouse Villas or somewhere else in Saratoga Springs.

Benefit #3 – Saratoga Springs is further away from the Parks

How is this a benefit? Think quiet. Less chaos. You can delight in the Senses Spa here and truly find relaxation and restoration.

If you want a peaceful vacation with just a touch of Disney…this is the place for you.

On a side note…guests really love the pools here…they seem to be more peaceful than other resort pools.

Benefit #4 – You Have Better Chances of Getting the Booking You Want, When You Want It

Because so many guests overlook Saratoga Springs, the availability is naturally higher here than at other Deluxe Disney Resorts! If this intrigues you, keep reading for benefit #8!

Benefit #5 – Oh just a Disney Golf Course…

Saratoga Springs is right next to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course! If you love golfing, this is the place for you to stay! You can take a whole day… or enjoy several days of golfing while you are here! In fact, some in your party may enjoy golfing while others would rather go shopping…or have a day at the spa. Side note, Disney is refurbishing Lake Buena Vista Golf Course in June 2019…so it will be even more improved by the time you get here!

(One of the greens at OKW – also part of Lake Buena Vista Golf Course)

Benefit #6 – Great Food Options

Turf Club and Artist’s Pallette offer great food selection! In fact, guests have often said that Artist’s Pallette is one of the best quick-service restaurants at a Disney Resort, especially if you are looking for a hot breakfast! Another fan-favorite is the poolside restaurant at Paddock Pool.

Benefit #7 – The Community Hall For Kiddos

Friends…did you know that only 5 DVC Resorts have a Community Hall for kids? And…let’s just say that the Saratoga Springs Community Hall has a variety of fun activities for your kids! Whether you need a day away from the parks, or you’re hiding from a monsoon…this is a great place to spend time as a family!

Every day has a fun new activity (Tuesday mornings you get to join a Disney Conservationist to check out the Purple Martin nests at Saratoga Springs!) They even have daily crafts your children can make and take with you as souvenirs!

Benefit #8 – $avings Galore

Saratoga Springs is a Deluxe Disney Resort so you get all the Disney luxury, and it’s usually listed in one of the three lowest resorts per points/$ per night. If you are looking for more savings, check out DVC Rental Store! A six night stay at Saratoga Springs in a Deluxe Studio averaged to $415.00 per night through Disney, and through DVC Rental Store it averaged out to $227.00 a night. That’s a savings of $1128 over 6 nights!