Should YOU Stay at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort? 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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. :(

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!

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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

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!

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 .

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?

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!!

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

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

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!

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.

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!!

We loved our stay last March!!

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!!

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!

Love this series

I'm coming with my family in August 12 can't wait. ❤

I love Saratoga Springs! It is a great resort.

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

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

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!

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

My family’s favorite resort!!

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.

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.

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

My home resort 🥰

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.

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!

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

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.)

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.

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.

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)!

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

Can we get a Wilderness lodge one please

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

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

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.

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

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

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"

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.

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.

We're thinking of Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans 🤔

"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.

Old key west >saratoga springs

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

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

Not staying here with busses only

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!

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

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.

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.

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

So $$$$$$$😂😂😂

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

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

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.

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

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. .

FIRST 🎉

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.

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.