Should YOU Stay at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort?

Horse races, golf courses, and treehouse sleepovers? Why is NOBODY talking about THIS deluxe Disney World Resort?
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[@johnvictor2451]

PLEASE don't stay at Saratoga Springs! It's way too far away from WDW for you, especially with a family, and there is zero theming. No sing alongs, no screaming in the restaurants, no characters, nothing! And the pools are really far from the rooms. The bus transportation is a LOOOONNNNGGGG around the park route, and the Tree Houses are inconvenient without a car. Yep. You don't want to stay at Saratoga at all! Thanks in advance for keeping the place uncrowded and quiet!

[@kathymcel]

😂😂

[@Boozak242]

If I could give you multiple likes, I would! It's our home resort and love that it's less kid-filled.

[@Piperirishdancer]

Agree- my home resort! Stay away please! I love the availibility at 11 months out.

[@davidandcarolmendenhall7024]

Agree SSR is our home resort and we love it. Stay away😊

[@tori5509]

this comment rlly had me scared for a sec😭

[@Amy-yh8kf]

Saratoga Springs is an underrated & under appreciated resort, which I absolutely LOVE! The only downside(in my opinion) are the food options, but, Disney Springs is a walk/bus ride/boat ride away!

[@Slappyhorse]

shhhhh dont tell anyone. its the only resort we stay at lol

[@Boston1girl]

I love this place

[@DisneyEnigmaticDreamer]

My family and I will be staying here in July. We go to Disney often, but the last time we stayed in this area of WDW was back in 1998 when there were townhomes where Saratoga now stands and Disney Springs was called "Downtown Disney." We're looking forward to it!

[@Samminish]

The only WDW RESORT within walking distance of GIDEONS where you can be first in line when they open @ 10AM and never have to get into the virtual queue .. .. A GEM!

[@AmyOuteda]

I think Saratoga Springs is so underrated! If you go to Disney often and don’t want to be at the parks from rope drop to close everyday this is a GREAT hotel! So relaxing, quiet, recently updated rooms, so many activities, and a great golf course too! Plus you can walk or take a boat to Disney Springs! We’ve been DVC members for a while and stayed at all of the other Deluxe Resorts and this is one of our favorites!

[@denisemanning5306]

Saratoga Springs is my home resort and we love it. Its a quiet place to just relax. The cast members there are super wonderful and make you feel really like home. 😊 This is a great Resort that is always over looked. :(

[@janp6006]

SSR is my home resort too…let’s keep it overlooked! 😂

[@MLBReviews]

Just returned from a 4 night stay in the 2 bedroom Villas at Paddock. We LOVED it. For 5 people it was so spacious and having the ability to prepare breakfast or whatever was really nice. In room laundry was another huge plus. The pools were awesome, quick service at Artist’s Palette was great. I can’t say enough about DSS - we’d stay again!

[@debbabe2254]

I always stay at the Paddock. Love the area. The bridge walk to the carriage house is beautiful. The Paddock Grill is a good counter service & we can refill our Disney mugs. I absolutely 🫶🏾 staying at SSR.

[@aoxc61]

I've been a DVC member since 2008 and I've always stayed at the Saratoga Springs. As well as being close to Disney Springs it is also a short car trip to restaurants just outside Disney property. These restaurants are less expensive than the ones in Disney Springs. I will be staying in the Saratoga Springs Resort from the 14th to 30th September this year 😊! I can't wait!

[@oriaanhunter]

As someone who lives in the actual Saratoga Springs in upstate NY, this is WILD to me. I will say, Disney seems to have captured the spirit of 'toga pretty well-- from the obsession with all things horses down to the Adirondack feel of the treehouses, though my desire to see how it measures up in person is outweighed by my need to experience something that I wouldn't ordinarily get in my hometown. If you can make it to New York for a weekend I'd highly recommend the real thing, but the mouse-eared version appears to be pretty damn close :)

[@pichipurinsesu]

SSR was the first Onsite Resort I stayed in with the family in 2017 and I actually really liked it. It was quite homey feeling and I loved being able to jump on the boat to Disney Springs. The theming wasn't anything to write home about - but where we were at the Grandstand and loved it. 2019 was Animal kingdom Lodge and loved that too but for a whole different reason.

[@grandmaestela7694]

Several years ago we became DVC members and chose Saratoga Springs. We liked the layout, because it's so spread out, with open spaces. And the upside for my husband (who likes to drive from Texas to Disney) is that you can park in front of your building, and not lug the suitcases across a huge parking lot. A couple of times we've stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and while it's beautiful with great places to eat he doesn't like how far he has to park. We don't mind the buses either, because we had to wait when we stayed at AK.

[@kaitlinwoodfield2428]

One of the things that surprised me most in this video is the dislike of outdoor hallways! We stayed at AKL one stay after being strictly SS or OKW people and I was miserable. I like feeling like I’m at home not in a hotel.

[@charity1620]

We stayed there in 2018 and it was perfect. We got a two bedroom villa and it worked out wonderfully for our family of five. We always drive, so transportation isn’t an issue for us.

[@jeffaltier5582]

Let's be honest. The internal busses are the norm at Disney World. There is zero reason to bring it up and complain since it's the same at pretty much every resort. Even with Riviera or Caribbean (for example) there is the skyliner to Epcot and Hollywood, but you need to bus to get to MK and AK and Disney Springs. Granted, some busses only have one stop at a resort, but many have multiple ones. You just need to factor the time in when going anywhere and let it go.

[@nicolehp90210]

Some don't mind it but after a long day I want one bus stop at a resort not 5 and another 25 minutes to get to my room. I don't mind one bus stop if I have to but not five. Totally personal preference. I just chose resorts without the internal bus system.

[@Keplowman]

I have to say I’ve stayed at 10 Disney resorts, and Saratoga springs had the worst and most confusing bus system of any resort I’ve stayed at. The buses at art of animation are faster and that’s saying something

[@24kgoldplatedvermeil]

@@Keplowman interesting care to elaborate? deciding on Saratoga springs or not at the moment and ive NEVER been to wdw before.. first timer here

[@Keplowman]

@@24kgoldplatedvermeil there’s a lotttt of buildings and something like six stops along the way. The boards were never updated correctly with arrival times and were confusing with directions. And no matter how close you are to a bus stop you have a heck of a walk. It’s like a very large apartment complex, maybe if you rent a car it’s better?

[@24kgoldplatedvermeil]

@@Keplowman will be renting a car and did plan on hitting up the golf range so maybe it won’t be so bad for me 😂 hopefully

[@allenchristensen9591]

It’s our home resort and we love the proximity to Disney springs as we walk over to have some great dinner options. And it’s a nice quiet location

[@efrance65]

Just got home from Saratoga Springs. Our family absolutely love this resort, super quiet and great amenities with the short walk to disney springs.

[@wdwexploreandchill]

Absolutely you should! Walking between there and Old Key West is one of my favorite things to do! 💜 Happy Sunday, y’all! 🖤🥂🎩

[@debbabe2254]

I just did the nature walk between SSR and OKW last April [2023] for the first time. It was wonderful. Lovely & peaceful. Can't wait to stay at Saratoga Springs in the future and enjoy this lovely walk again. 💚

[@wdwexploreandchill]

@@debbabe2254 And you can always take the boat back to Disney Springs if you are too hot or tired. 😍 Ha, I just tried to ❤️you! Habit I guess! 😂

[@kevinayres6553]

Actually recently stayed in June 2023 in a one bedroom villa which sleeps five with our three granddaughters and they loved it. Only planned one park day because of the heat but used the Paddock pool and the main pool area and they were good shape and both kid friendly. I would stay at Saratoga Springs again, as you stated a great place to unplug.

[@penelopepitstop762]

We stayed at SS on our first trip. We didn’t know anything about Disney back then but that’s where our TA put us. We really liked it and it will always be special to us. We like to stay at a different resort each trip but these days I’m more of a fan of the Boardwalk area, specifically Swalphin.

[@Upthemeds]

Because it's way too big of a resort and not very child friendly. Also it is not great with transport to the park

[@paperinkspirations]

Our family loved Saratoga Springs! Our building was close to the main buildings, pool and a bus stop. Artist's Palette was good for a small meal and Turf Club was delicious. Our boys loved the slide at the pool! Loved the subtle theming!

[@jrsarillana]

My family has DVC points at SSR. It IS very nice there. But we stayed at Kidani Village for our last trip, and I think we fell in love.

[@sandrabiscarner9587]

I stayed at Saratoga Springs, is such an underrated resort. It was beautiful 🤩

[@differentman1878]

Another great vid ! Can you make a list of cool (not hot) places to rest throughout the parks? Like places to relax or run through water?

[@eww2175]

Spent a week in the tree houses. Had a great time.

[@66justariot]

Stayed here for the first time after two dvc old key west stays and I really enjoyed it. Close to Disney springs, a nice size room and the Murphy bed/couch sealed it. Would stay here again and to price it, I am in late September! Poly in January, gotta love DVC resale!

[@stephanieann9890]

Staying here in a 2 bedroom in December. So excited!!

[@rossmiller9148]

We've stayed at Saratoga the last three times we've been down, and I don't know why people thing it's not a great hotel. Sure, it doesn't have some of the amenities other luxury resorts do, but we stayed at the grand area, right near the pool area. There's a pool bar right there, five minutes to the main pool, and there's a path to the west side of Disney Springs right around the corner. The bus loop does kind of, well... suck, but the grandstand is the first pick up and drop off point, so we had the first pick of seats and were the first to be dropped off. If you enjoy the nightlife of Disney Springs, Saratoga is where it's at!!

[@StargazerMom66]

I stayed there with my DVC. The bed and room was so comfortable. A little out of the way had lots to do on the property .

[@robkadel]

We booked a week-long stay at Saratoga Springs in January through David’s DVC Rentals. (Thanks to DFB Guide for recommending them.) Can’t wait!

[@johnruggieri9089]

We absolutely love Saratoga Springs!! A quiet respite from the chaotic fun of the parks!! It's a great place to vacation! We have stayed there 10+ times as a family of 4, 5, and 6 depending on who joins us!!

[@justincampbell5306]

I live in the real saratoga spring ny and I can't bring myself to stay at the Disney saratoga springs

[@tresastarling2075]

We loved our stay last March!!

[@denisehorner4683]

Thanks! I’m going to be there this September!

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

That beautiful resort is our next home away from home the next time we vacation using our DVC membership later this summer. We reserved one of the Treehouse Villas.

[@RLucas3000]

You are going to have an awesome time!

[@bolly10gama76]

This is one my favorite resorts!! Two bedroom villas are so beautiful!!you don’t need anything.. close to everything! About the dinning we go out every night! However the stake place and the casual restaurant are very nice!!

[@patrickday6822]

Love this series

[@deborahgray7136]

We love SSR! I watched this vid with my 9 year old daughter her response ‘why is that even a question? Yes you should!’ She said it’s her favourite and I tend to agree! The relaxing atmosphere is just wha is needed when not at the parks!

[@sharonhall7365]

I love Saratoga Springs! It is a great resort.

[@billrandolph8142]

We have stayed here and the room was great. We had dinner at the turf club which was very good and not to expensive. I'd say it's comparable to old key west, which we like better. If you don't have little kids wanting Mickey all the time either is a great choice. Use Dave's vacation rentals and save some money

[@wakeywarrior]

Saratoga is frankly the nicest resort on site. We love it, going back at Xmas. So relaxing.

[@cassandramiller4477]

We stayed at Saratoga on our last (and my first this century) trip to WDW in April. It was really nice, but all of your criticisms are definitely valid. Loved taking the boats to Disney Springs though!

[@roccosophie6498]

"Giddy up!" Indeed. All of Saratoga Springs, is within easy walking distance to Disney Springs. Walking, is the quickest way to get around. There is no walk that takes more than 15 minutes. Unless you're a debilitated senior. If that's the case there is an internal shuttle and, you can always rely on Bell services, if you need a more personalized, service. But I'm disgusted by your suggestion for dinning. The "Turf Club," is an excellent table service restaurant. That is, their table service dinning. And it is excellent!!! Your video also shows the old Saratoga lobby. Also the spa has been and remains closed since 2019. I don't think the spa will be back. If this matters to you as a "member," please make sure they know this fact.

[@disneyddzworld9259]

I am staying here next week end for 7 days we are a family of 4 and we are excited ❤

[@TheTraderStan]

My home resort 🥰

[@amydoran9987]

I’ve always wondered about this hotel.We usually have always stayed at the wilderness lodge resort and loved it. Having to take buses to the parks every time would not work.

[@ss-si7ip]

My family’s favorite resort!!

[@Rachellee11661]

FYI Saratoga Springs does have a formal sit down restaurant- The Turf Club “Steakhouse” been a DVC member since 2005 and my husband and really enjoy staying there. Sure if Beach Club or The Boardwalk have available studio we would love to stay there. Change it up makes visiting fresh and new. Saratoga Springs is our home and I don’t mind the open hallways.. It’s a great way to take in the beautiful landscape.

[@laurenanderson5542]

We’re staying here our first night before moving to our usual split stay at Beach Club and the Poly. We planned this add on night for the proximity to Disney Springs. Looking forward to trying the new restaurant Summer House on the Lake and the next morning, my daughters and I will head to Gideons to buy as many coffee cake cookies as we can carry while my husband golfs.

[@RLucas3000]

That’s actually a brilliant option. If you can work it in, you and your daughter might love some time at the spa also.

[@laurenanderson5542]

@@RLucas3000 I would love to do this! Has it reopened?

[@polemius01]

SS is my DVC home resort. I stay in Congress Park (A "preferred" villa), the portion closest to Disney Springs, a nice walk. I like the outdoor hallways! The theming is pleasant; I wish there were more places with food offerings, but CP is not too long a walk to the Carriage House. Also, a good deal of wildlife on the lakeside. Hint: If you're at a section of the resort other than The Springs, you can take any bus to CP and walk to Disney Springs from there. Grandstand is not too far a walk from the Carriage House, and it has the first bus stop!. As AJ said, avoid the Carousel at all costs! No pool or food, no views: Siberia!

[@RLucas3000]

I feel like they should put an actual carousel in The Carousel so at least there’s something there. A very quiet carousel

[@polemius01]

@@RLucas3000 A decorative "carousel" is there. You can't sit on the horses; there's a plexiglass sheet on top of each horse..

[@nycp1969]

I haven't stayed yet, but I plan to when my resale contract closes in a few months. I think this will be a good option for me in the winter months as I enjoy walking and bike riding. I also think it will make a lot of sense if I go to Gay Days, as this type of trip will focus on the event's activities rather than time at the resort, so SSR's toned down theming won't feel like I'm missing important amenities (like animals or Stormalong Bay.)

[@richardmercer2337]

The Treehouses are great for families! But a rental car is a necessity.

[@debbabe2254]

We stay at the SSR Treehouse Villas and take the eight minute walk to the Carriage House for drink refills & food. We walk to the Springs bus stop to go to the Parks and use the Grandstand bus stop when we return. We love the secluded feel of the Treehouse Villas that are actually close to everything Saratoga Springs. 🫶🏾

[@lawllaygoh]

Remember that Saratoga Springs did not start as Deluxe Resort. It was the Disney Institute. Several buildings were classrooms and other spaces besides rooms. I have enjoyed staying there as well as other resorts.

[@Keplowman]

I recently bought into DVC and gave Saratoga Springs a hard pass. We stayed there for a full week and I was asking by the third day to change resorts. And this was when they had a brand new rooms updated. The villas are beautiful interior wise don’t get me wrong, but this place is a nightmare to get around. It gives retirement Village vibes if that’s what you’re looking for.

[@andybiz4273]

Next time I visit Disney, I want to visit Saratoga Springs. I live about 20 minutes from the actual city in upstate New York (also, the track just opened this past week)!

[@Tigerlady248]

If you want spas and horseback riding and shopping . . . why are you going to Disney in the first place? I mean, just go to Colorado, or Utah, heck even Texas in the hill country has that!

[@kathymcel]

Because we want some days at the resort and some at the parks.

[@Tigerlady248]

@@kathymcel Fair, but to which I wonder, isn't it cheaper to just go to a different resort?

[@butlerjf3]

Why not use updated video of the Rooms. As they have been remolded with Murphy Beds vice pull out couches, which are comfortable. And some may even have the twin pull down as well.

[@aznbreakerboi51o]

Again, so glad you’re doing these videos! Please continue with this “should you stay at” series!

[@queenblacc4579]

It’s weird because when I take solo trips and I stay here as a last resort I always LOVE my stay but its never something I choose if there are better options. I’ve chosen All Star resorts over Saratoga lol. I will say if I’m taking somebody to Disney for the first time or I’m with my kid I never choose it.

[@Boston1girl]

Wow you would pick all star over this lolol

[@queenblacc4579]

@@Boston1girl I honestly have and would again lol.

[@janp6006]

I get that! When my kids were little and before we joined DVC, we loved Pop Century. The over the top theming and bright colors were perfect for that season. Now we prefer more our peace & quiet and shopping vibes.😉

[@vicp99]

Sure for a deal. But for similar money there are other resorts/places My family and I can stay where the main attraction is the resort or a special place and not leaving most days for a theme park 😅. I LIVE in Florida lol

[@Allilily22]

We were just doing a hotel hop once, and the directory is a mess! You dont know where you're going or how long it takes to get somewhere. I always wanted to stay at SS at least once, but now its like "huh. Now I'm not sure"

[@RobertMayfair]

I think I was under the impression it was a DVC only resort. Now I’m interested

[@beatlejeff65]

Nope, I'm booked at Riverside for my next stay.

[@patplescia3311]

We've stayed here several times. We loved it.

[@darren6862]

Absolutely disagree about the distance from the Grandstand to the Carriage House and all the amenities. It’s a 5 minute walk, tops.

[@RLucas3000]

I think she meant distance from the Carousel

[@darren6862]

She should have said that, I suppose.

[@MrZachary5757]

Can we get a Wilderness lodge one please

[@Patriotgrl01]

It has been a while since my first time staying at Saratoga, but it was definitely my last! I’d much rather stay at the Swan or Dolphin.

[@trinal4026]

I am stating at Saratoga the week before Christmas in a 2 bed villa. Rented DVC pts.

[@TC-wx3ln]

My home resort is GF but we are looking at staying at Saratoga for 6 nights in Feb and paying out of pocket. Are there any standard studios that are near the amenities? If so, what block? I don’t want to walk more than 10 mins to get a drink if I can avoid it and would prefer to not pay the preferred room fee. Thanks in advance

[@joyceandersen5023]

I have SS as one of 3 DVC contracts. Definitely NOT one of my favorites, although I can always get a room there First, the architecture. I am a New Yorker who has been to Saratoga Springs , NY. The resort is built like horse stables (paddocks) but Saratoga Springs, NY is a town of beautiful Victorian buildings. The resort could have used that as a template rather than stables. Next, the buildings are not clearly marked. I have had trouble finding my building everytime I been there (which have been many times). I don't mind staying in Grandstand but Carousel is just ridiculous to get to and utilize for going to parks or the Artist Palate, Turf Club (which I do enjoy), or the spa ( a great treat!). I do like the walk to the Springs and the boat service. I try to stay at OKW which is more comfortable to my family and my taste.

[@kathymcel]

We're thinking of Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans 🤔

[@brittanyenglish8313]

I live in Toga, That is why I wont stay here! But I dont' love all the internal buses

[@chloewildner167]

Do you have a car at WDW? Saratoga Springs can be good. Do you rely on WDW transportation? This will be a hassle. The resort is HUGE. I have no issue with Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs and will walk the whole resort for fun. Not true of Saratoga. And you can ask for “Preferred” but you could get near Disney Springs or near the lobby - no ability to request.

[@RLucas3000]

Near the lobby you can still take the boat to Disney Springs.

[@Fevirre]

It's alright, depending on which area you are at you may have to do a 3-5 minute walk to the busses, it's a bit fancy which kids may not like and to and from the park isn't that far!

[@MickeyGD23]

Honestly, many of the Disney resorts are getting toned down in theming. Lots of good points, but some of the same complaints mentioned here can apply to some of the other DVC locations as well. DVC may be classified "Deluxe", but due to the timeshare structure, it will be different than a regular Disney resort Deluxe hotel. Also for a video created post covid, the Springs Spa hasn't opened back up... hasn't been open since covid, and strong rumor is that DVC is not opening the spa back up. The shower facilities there are available though.

[@CarissaHelmer88]

Thanks for doing a beeakdown of the resorts, im loving this series and you bring some gopd insight other youtubers miss. Just a request for more disney guest friendly language. For example use of the word primary bedroom rather than master bedroom and accessibility rooms rather than handicapped accessible. Thanks for your consideration.

[@CheeseSandwich]

why’s everyone so mad all you did was list pros and cons

[@leslierogers2447]

So what building is best for transportation and what building is best for access to disney springs at Saratoga?

[@DFBGuide]

Congress Park area is going to be the best for Springs -- rooms starting with an 11 to 25. The bus stop order may not be the same all the time (sometimes when it's busy they'll split it up and make stops at just a few before heading to the park). The Grandstand (closest to the lobby and main pool) should be first, which means on your way to the park you need to make a few stops, but potentially you're first getting off on the way back

[@annlavine3576]

Not staying here with busses only

[@nicolehp90210]

Internal bus is a main reason I won’t stay here. Also the QS is horrible,

[@theGoodNightArmada]

Old key west >saratoga springs

[@CJSPENO]

So $$$$$$$😂😂😂

[@willmurnan]

As an actual local to Saratoga, 1) I hope AJ enjoyed her time here 2) not sure why this is a disney themed hotel - looks nothing like Saratoga except some of the paintings around property. that said, the rooms look nice for an adult stay

[@birbluv9595]

I spent a good part of my life in Schenectady with trips up to Saratoga. Other than the horse theme and the nod to a carousel, I don’t see much similarity to the real Saratoga Springs, with its beautiful old mansions, some of which I think you can stay in.

[@elainebower8776]

Love the resort except for the dining options. The worst food that I have ever had at Disney World.

[@gregharter8212]

please stay here. It will decrease the number of people staying at other, more preferable resorts where you don't have to wait FOREVER for a bus. .

[@simonehaughton6685]

I don't mind Saratoga resort. I think the only thing that I'm a little disappointed with is that it looks run down when you're actually close up to it. End it doesn't seem that far to walk when you're in it. But I was also in the springs and where I was with a two minute walk from the bus stop. And a 10 minute walk to the boat.

[@Gogopowerandy]

My fiancé and I stayed there as a gift from my brother for me graduating nursing school. It’s only a short walk from Disney Springs, and the room we had had an incredible view! However, the major drawback they have is that there’s no consistent room service. Imagine being all sweaty and coming back to your room with full garbages, wet towels, and unmade beds. You can always go to the pool to get more towels…but you shouldn’t have to. Their bizarre concept is “we want you to feel like you’re home.” I don’t want to be home BECAUSE no one cleans up after me, that’s why I’m not there right now. You can always request it, but housekeeping should be compulsory, something you opt out of.

[@nishiefb3352]

FIRST 🎉

[@rubix______1842]

Bad takes all around AJ, Saratoga Springs is by far, one of the very best resorts to stay at on Disney Property, its leisure vibe is far underrated while many want to drop 2x-3x the amount per night on other places with slightly more themed areas/rooms/amenities. The Saratoga Springs Resort being so close to down town disney also makes it unmatched compared to its peers. You claim this resort looks like an apartment complex, but what hotel isnt an apartment complex? Their standard room is just as fine as any room at any other hotel and there are no differentiating factors between this room and a room at other room.