While you could choose to stay at one of the larger-than-life Disney World hotels, if you’d rather retreat to a resort that’s relatively free of Disney magic or you need a bunch of space, then the Disney Saratoga Springs Resort might be for you. So, how does this deluxe villa resort compare to other Disney hotels? Who should stay there? Read on for everything you need to know about this refined yet relaxed resort. (Updated September 7, 2022)
Staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Resplendent in powdery pastels, Victorian touches and equestrian details, the Disney Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a picturesque place to stay at Walt Disney World – with just a splash of pixie dust. This stately Disney resort is styled after Saratoga Springs, a historic resort town in New York famed for its mineral water baths and horse racing, circa the late-1800s.
Saratoga Springs Disney Rooms & Villas
Newly renovated, rooms at Saratoga Springs are bright and cozy with an air of understated elegance. Light finishes and floral accents keep things airy, while equine-inspired art hints at the resort’s horse-racing inspirations. You’ll even find nods to some of the steeds from classic Disney movies in the rooms’ pull-down beds.
In general, all studios and villas at Saratoga Springs come with the following amenities: flat-screen TV, DVD player, soaking tub, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, high chair, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, free Wi-Fi and usually either a porch or balcony.
To keep water bottles cold, guests staying in one of the deluxe studios can use the room’s mini-fridge. In contrast, while those staying in a Saratoga Springs villa have access to a full-sized refrigerator in a fully equipped kitchen. Villas also come complete with a whirlpool tub and an in-unit washer and dryer.
Saratoga Springs Deluxe Studio
- 1 queen bed and 1 double-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, lush fairways, lake or pool
Saratoga Springs Deluxe Studio – Preferred
- Close to either Disney Springs or The Carriage House and dining
- 1 queen bed and 1 double-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, courtyard or water
Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom Villa
- Comes with 1 king bed, 1 queen-sized pull-down bed and 1 twin-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, lush fairways, lake or pool
Saratoga Springs 1 Bedroom Villa – Preferred
- Close to either Disney Springs or The Carriage House and dining
- Comes with 1 king bed, 1 queen-sized pull-down bed and 1 twin-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, courtyard or water
Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom Villa
- 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 1 queen-sized pull-down bed and 1 twin-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 8 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, lush fairways, lake or pool
Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom Villa – Preferred
- Close to either Disney Springs or The Carriage House and dining
- 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, 1 queen-sized pull-down bed and 1 twin-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 8 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, courtyard or water
Saratoga Springs 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
- 1 king bed, 4 queen beds and 1 queen-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 12 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, lush fairways, lake or pool
Saratoga Springs 3 Bedroom Grand Villa – Preferred
- Close to either Disney Springs or The Carriage House and dining
- 1 king bed, 4 queen beds and 1 queen-sized pull-down bed
- Sleeps up to 12 adults
- Views of woodlands, garden, courtyard or water
Disney Treehouse Villas
Though they are technically part of the greater Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney Treehouse Villas feel worlds away from the Victorian, candy-colored charms of the rest of the hotel. Tucked back from the road amid a grove of trees with rustic, nature-inspired furnishings, the Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas feel more like the Fort Wilderness cabins than a classic, New York-style retreat.
Like a true treehouse, these villas are elevated above the ground, although you won’t need to climb a rope ladder to get in. Truly a unique place to stay at Walt Disney World.
Given the out-of-the-way location, getting from your Saratoga Springs treehouse to the rest of Disney World can be a challenge. This is especially true if you plan to use the complimentary Disney buses, as you will need to take an internal bus to the main resort first. Otherwise, you can walk it in about 10 to 15 minutes. So, if you do plan to stay in a Disney treehouse, we recommend you rent or bring your own car for ease of transportation.
- 2 queen beds, 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper, 1 bunk bed and 1 twin-sized sleeper chair
- Sleeps up to 9 adults
- Views of woodlands
Saratoga Springs Resort Rates
The Saratoga Springs Disney resort is ideally situated near Disney Springs. As a deluxe Disney villas resort, rates here can, accordingly, be a little on the steep side.
However, your specific room rate will depend on several factors, such as how much bed space you need and when you will be traveling. For those hoping to save some cash without skimping on space, visiting during the slow season will get you lower rates. In contrast, visiting during the bustling Christmas season could cause your rate to increase by $250 or more per night.
The cheapest room type is the deluxe studio, clocking in at around $450 a night in the low season up to $700 in the high season. While the Disney World treehouses give them a run for their money, literally, the most expensive room type is the 3 Bedroom Grand Villa with the preferred location, with rates starting in the low $2,000s and climbing to over $3,000 during the holidays.
Below are some examples of rate ranges for 2023 (rates for 2022 are slightly less), arranged by starting price, for rooms at Saratoga Springs:
- Deluxe Studio: $459 to $770
- Deluxe Studio – Preferred: $531 to $881
- 1 Bedroom Villa: $622 to $1,088
- 1 Bedroom Villa – Preferred: $712 to $1,227
- 2 Bedroom Villa: $891 to $1,713
- 2 Bedroom Villa – Preferred: $1,076 to $2,006
- Treehouse Villa: $1,114 to $2,134
- 3 Bedroom Grand Villa: $1,908 to $3,074
- 3 Bedroom Grand Villa – Preferred: $2,206 to $3,477
As for DVC points, Saratoga Springs deluxe studios are available from 9 vacation points per night (11 for a preferred room) during the slow season up to 25-28 points during the winter holidays.
1 Bedroom Villas are priced between 21 and 53 points, Disney Saratoga Springs 2 Bedroom Villas are available for 27 to 75 points, and the massive 3 Bedroom Grand Villa runs between 63 and 139 vacation points. Finally, you can stay in a Treehouse Villa for between 38 to 76 points.
Disney Saratoga Springs Resort Amenities
Aside from the huge, comfy rooms and convenient locations, one of the perks of staying at a deluxe Disney villa resort is a slate of amenities, and Saratoga Springs is no exception. From delicious restaurants and refreshing hotel pools to yoga classes and a serene spa, you’re sure to find something to please both kids and adults.
Restaurants at Saratoga Springs
While there aren’t as many restaurants here as at resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village or Animal Kingdom Lodge (sorry, no jazz-handing jockeys at a horseracing-themed Disney dinner show or restaurant with a view of the ponies here), Saratoga Springs does have some tempting options. Expect all-American flavors worthy of a day at the track.
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
Looking to celebrate a winning race (er, round) or just a day in the parks? Grab your fascinator and a Mint Julep and head to The Turf Club Bar and Grill. Overlooking the verdant fairways of Lake Buena Vista Golf Course rather than a green turf track, this casual table-service restaurant takes its inspiration from the horse-racing clubhouses of days gone by.
Sit down for elegant yet approachable American cuisine like Rancher’s Reserve Prime Rib, Pan-seared Airline Chicken or Carrot Gnocchi followed by a slice of Classic Lemon Meringue Pie. Or, for a more relaxed evening with laidback eats, The Turf Club Lounge is a good spot for a pizza or burger and a glass of beer or wine. Open dinner and bar service
The Artist’s Palette
Whether you’re looking for a to-go treat, a sit-down meal or some groceries for your villa’s fridge, The Artist’s Palette is your one-stop shop for all your fast-casual Disney dining needs. In the morning, stop by for your traditional Mickey-shaped Waffles or unique AM dishes (for Disney quick service restaurants, anyway) like Shrimp & Grits or French Toast Strata.
Then, choose from an assortment of savory options like Braised Meatballs or Lemon-Tarragon Roasted Chicken, along with pizzas, sandwiches and salads, for lunch and dinner. Or, just choose something from the market or to-go case. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
The Paddock Grill
Planning to hang out for a while near the Paddock Pool? Or, maybe you’re just looking for somewhere to grab breakfast that isn’t The Artist’s Palette. Then The Paddock Grill is for you. This open-air pool bar serves up both alcoholic and booze-free beverages, as well as filling fast-casual eats all day long.
Breakfast is all about portable basics. Think, breakfast sandwiches, overnight oats and French Toast Sticks. Lunch and dinner, meanwhile, offer bar food favorites like burgers, salad and Fish Tacos. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar service
On the Rocks
Unlike The Paddock Grill, the On the Rocks Pool Bar is only open refreshing libations, no food. After all, it is called On the Rocks – or maybe that’s due to its location near the High Rock Spring Pool. Sip on a cocktail, or go for a glass of beer, wine, cider or seltzer instead. Mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks like smoothies, juice and ginger beer are also available. Open for bar service
Backstretch Pool Bar
Located near the leisure pool at The Grandstand, the Backstretch Pool Bar is a seasonal counter-service dining option perfect for a quick bite to eat. The food options are minimal here, mostly pizza and light snacks like muffins, cookies, warm pretzels and even Worms in Dirt. Wash it all down with an alcoholic beverage or, for a jolt of a different kind, opt for a coffee. Open for snacks and bar service
Chip ‘n Dale’s Café
Technically part of Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, Chip ‘n Dale’s Café is also a convenient stop for Saratoga Springs resort guests. This snack stand offers an assortment of simple meal options like a Breakfast Burrito for breakfast or a quesadilla, wrap or deli-style sandwich for lunch. Fuel up for your round with a GOLFERAID or loosen up with a stiff drink like a beer or Bloody Mary. Open for snacks and bar service
Saratoga Springs Disney Pools
Saratoga Springs in New York is known for its mineral baths and horse racing, and while you won’t officially find either of those at Disney’s take, you can still take a rejuvenating soak in one of the Saratoga Springs pools. You’ll even see some nods to the resort’s equestrian inspirations.
High Rock Springs Pool takes its name from the healing springs found in the resort’s namesake city and features rushing waterfalls and a 128-foot slide, along with more subdued attractions like two whirlpool spas and a Donald Duck-themed play area complete with a pint-sized water slide.
That first water slide is fun enough as it is, but for even more thrills, make your way to The Paddock Pool for a trip down the 146-foot-long waterslide from the tippy-top of a water tower. Or, for more kid-friendly excitement, try the two miniature slides in the aquatic play area. Afterward, unwind in the pool’s horseshoe-shaped hot tub.
Looking for something with fewer people or that is closer to your room? Three leisure pools are located throughout the resort near The Grandstand, Congress Park and the Treehouse Villas.
Other Recreation at Saratoga Springs
As much as we love spending time in the theme parks, every now and then, we like hanging out back at the hotel. Heck, sometimes we even go Disney World resort hopping and make a day of it. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of things to do at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
Aside from the pools, kids will love roasting marshmallows and watching their favorite Disney films by moonlight during the Saratoga Springs campfire and Movies Under the Stars. During the daytime, keep the fun going with a trip to one of the playgrounds or the Win, Place or Show Arcade.
Finally, as a DVC resort, you can also go to the Community Hall for free things to do like video games, board games, foosball, ping-pong and arts & crafts. There’s even a painting class – Win, Paint, and Show! – for those hoping to unleash their inner artist.
Looking for some outdoorsy activities or a way to keep your workout intact while on vacation at Disney World? While it can’t match the slate of fitness-friendly offerings at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Saratoga Springs are nothing to snuff at.
Rent out a surrey bike or regular bike to explore the nearby Disney golf course without the steep greens fees, go on a guided fishing excursion in search of bass, get your zen on during sunrise yoga or go head-to-head with family and friends during a game of basketball or tennis.
Of course, you can also get in a round at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Or, for a more traditional workout, go for a jog past the fairways on one of the resort’s 1.44-mile or 0.8-mile running paths or visit the 24-hour fitness center.
Once you’ve worked out your body, work out those kinks with a visit to Senses, the resort’s Disney spa. Perfect for adults hoping to unwind, the spa takes its inspiration from New York’s mineral springs, making for the ideal place to indulge in therapeutic treatments.
Saratoga Springs Resort Disney Merchandise Locations
When we said The Artist’s Palette was a one-stop shop, we meant it. Not only is this restaurant the resort’s main quick-service restaurant, but it’s also its main merchandise outlet. Race through on your search for the perfect Disney keepsake, to replace something you may have forgotten at home or to stock up on groceries for later.
For souvenirs of a different kind, make a visit to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Pro Shop. This sporty shop stocks an array of golf merchandise, including branded Disney Golf swag.
Disney Saratoga Springs Resort FAQs
Want to know more about Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is Saratoga Springs only for DVC members?
Not a Disney Vacation Club member? No worries! You don’t have to be part of the Disney Vacation Club to stay at Saratoga Springs or any other DVC resort – as long as there are rooms available, that is.
Of course, DVC members do have the first shot at reserving those villas and studios, but whatever is left unbooked can be used by the rest of us. Just make your reservation through the Disney World website, call the Reservation Line or talk to your travel agent.
Where are the preferred rooms at Saratoga Springs?
When staying at one of the sprawling deluxe villas resorts, it’s all about location, location, location. If you don’t want to have to hoof it as far to get to the main part of the resort, be sure to request a room in one of the buildings closest to The Carriage House during booking or when completing your online check-in.
Saratoga Springs preferred units are located in Congress Park and The Springs. This will ensure you are just a short walk from either Disney Springs or the amenities and dining locations situated near the resort lobby.
Is Saratoga Springs renovated?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort recently underwent a renovation between June 2019 and Summer 2021. During the update, studios and villas received brand-new furniture, appliances and flooring.
Is Saratoga Springs connected to Disney Springs?
While Saratoga Springs isn’t technically connected to Disney Springs, it is just a short walk to the massive entertainment district, around 10 minutes or so, depending on your pace. Alternatively, you can also take a Friendship Boat, which is also approximately a 10-minute ride.
Can you walk from Saratoga Springs to Epcot?
Unfortunately not. Although Saratoga Springs is just a short drive from EPCOT, you aren’t able to walk to Disney’s most educational theme park from the resort. For a Disney hotel that is close enough to walk to, choose one in the Epcot Resort Area like the Yacht Club, Beach Club or BoardWalk Inn.
How long is the bus ride from Saratoga Springs to Magic Kingdom?
Believe it or not, Saratoga Springs is just a quick jaunt on the complimentary Disney World bus system to Magic Kingdom, around 10 minutes. However, keep in mind that depending on where the bus is in its route, you may have to wait 15 minutes for the bus to arrive, so be sure to plan your day accordingly.
Well, that concludes our race around the Disney Saratoga Springs Resort. With its ideal Disney Springs area location, newly renovated rooms, and an array of amenities, this charming Disney World hotel is perfect for big families or other large groups.
While you’re visiting, make the most of your time with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Then, go easy on your travel budget by booking our discounted Walt Disney World tickets.
Have you ever stayed at Saratoga Springs? How about the treehouse villas? Which building or pool do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
