In the seventh of my series on Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort (WDW), I’m covering Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.  The Resort is patterned after the historic New York retreat famous for its horse racing.  Being a DVC member gives my family the flexibility to stay in deluxe villas at different resorts at Walt Disney World (and beyond). I have covered the Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Villas at Disney’ Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, and Disney’s Boardwalk Villas.

1. Location

First, you can’t beat the location if you are interested in the new restaurants and shops at Disney Springs.  Cruise to Disney Springs on a boat known as a Disney Vacation Club Ferry. Watercrafts are located behind the Carriage House (just a short walk from The Turf Club Bar and Grill) and in the Treehouse Villas area.  The boats travel in a loop between the Treehouse Villas boat dock, the Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa boat dock near the Carriage House, and Disney Springs.  You can also walk to Disney Springs via walking path and bridges.  There is bus service to all of the Disney Parks.

2. Senses – A Disney Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort

Next, if you enjoy a trip to the spa while on vacation, Disney’s Saratoga Springs offers the Senses Spa, full-service spa and health club.  Enjoy a massage, facial, or body treatment.  Or check out their spa packages.  There is also a 24-hour fitness center.

Photo by Kent Phillips

3. Treehouse Villas

An exception value, the Treehouse Villas offer 3 bedroom accommodations for about the same point value as a 2 bedroom villa!  The Treehouse Villas are elevated 10 feet off the ground.  Keep this in mind if accessibility is an issue.  There are only stairs available to get to the villas. The villas also have a fully equipped kitchen, a flat panel TV, a private deck and a barbeque grill.  They are surrounded by woodlands along the Sassagoula River.  It’s like having your own hideaway just a walk or boat ride away from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney Springs.

Deck; Photographer Kent Phillips

4. Golf course

Do you like to golf?  The resort is near to the beautiful 18-hole Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.  There is also Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Pro Shop and Clubhouse at the golf course.  In addition, the course  has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour and USGA events.  No car, no worries.  As stated on the WDW website: “Complimentary transportation via taxi is available to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. You may request a ride at the Valet Desk or from Bell Services at select Resort hotels, and in the Pro Shop or from any golf operations staff members at the golf courses. Guests are advised to check with Guest Services or the Concierge for any transportation options offered by their hotel.”

5. Pools and Playgrounds

There are five pools throughout Disney’s Saratoga Springs. Notably, there are two feature pools as well as 3 “leisure pools” (quieter pools).  One feature pool is called The Paddock Pool.  Here you can enjoy the 146-foot-long water slide, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool spa and an easy zero-entry point.  The second feature pool is the High Rock Spring Pool.  This pool has waterfalls, another zero-depth entry point, a water slide built into rockwork, and a Donald Duck play area for kids.  There are also 3 playgrounds.  Check out the water cannons near The Grandstand Pool or climb and slide at the other playgrounds near The Paddock and Congress Park pools.

The Paddock Pool