We like to try different resorts each time we visit Walt Disney World. We have stayed at deluxe and moderate resorts and had a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort next on our list.
In November we stayed for the first time at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, which opened on May 17, 2004. The resort was inspired by the late 1800’s New York retreat which was famous for horse racing and it’s spas. The Victorian-styled buildings in pastel colors, the fine architecture and well-manicured lawns present a calm and restful atmosphere. The resort is home to one of the two Senses spas and is located near the Lake Buena Vista golf course. The 1,320 rooms include Studios, and one, two and three bedroom villas. Each of these include a full kitchen, a living room, a dining room and a washer and dryer. There are also treehouse villas as part of this resort, which you may have seen if you have ever taken a boat to Disney Springs.
We stayed in the Springs section, which is positioned closest to the main lobby and bus transportation. In fact it was the last bus stop in the resort run which made our daily trips to the parks a lot easier.
We arrived very late to the resort on our first day and was graciously greeted by a cast member at the front desk who helped us navigate the resort. We were pleasantly surprised at the fact that we would have mousekeeping services every day if we wished. The walk to our room was short and quiet. This resort has the Disney quality but not Disney theming other resorts have.
Our room was a one bedroom villa on the 4th floor. As a first timer in a DVC room we were surprised to see the kitchen well stocked with plates, glasses, cups, cutlery and cooking utensils and pots. There was plenty of room to store your groceries if you intended to cook/eat in your room.
The living room was well themed with a hint of Disney in the animated horses highlighted on the couch pillows. The couch converted to a bed and your pillows and blankets could be stored in the table in front of the couch.
There were two bathroom areas - a soaker tub and sink attached to the bedroom, and a shower and sink area adjacent to it. Each bathroom was completely stocked with Disney's resort line of H2O+ Beauty products. While many resorts have the products attached to the bathroom walls, this resort had them presented in small containers in the shower and each sink throughout the hotel room. Just beyond the bathroom areas was a washer/dryer combo with the amenities stacked and tucked away in a closet.
The bedroom was spacious and had little hints of the Saratoga racing theme as well as Mickey Mouse details hidden throughout.
The room overall had an 'interesting' layout, confusing on first glance for a non-DVC member which left us wondering if all DVC rooms had a floor plan like this. Take a look in this video tour as we walk through the room, showing how each component connects.
The Artist's Palette, the store/food court at the resort, provides themed merchandise, quick service meals and fresh and refrigerated food items you can eat within the privacy of your room.
Looking to eat inside The Artist's Palette? After placing your order, you will receive a pager to take to your table after retrieving your refreshments. Once your food is ready, it is brought directly to you. We ate here twice and were pleased with the timely service and food selections.
It was nice to have a room to spread out more than usual and we could see the advantage of this type of room for larger families, those with little ones, anyone who prefers home cooked food to park or restaurant food, and those that intend to spend time at the hotel as well as the parks.
Overall our experience was a good one at Saratoga Springs! If you have stayed there, let us know what you think of the resort.
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