Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa may be one of the most misunderstood Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World.
It doesn’t have the monorail access of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It doesn’t have the immersive theming of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. And its enormous size can be both a benefit and a drawback.
But Saratoga Springs offers something that can be surprisingly difficult to find at a Disney Deluxe resort: space, comfort and relatively good value.
So, is it actually underrated, or does it deserve its reputation as a sprawling resort that’s a little too far from the parks?
The answer depends on how you vacation.
Related article: How to Have a Deluxe Disney Vacation
Watch My Saratoga Springs Resort Review
Prefer to watch? I recently spent time at Saratoga Springs to take a closer look at this often-overlooked Disney Deluxe resort. Watch my full resort review below.
If you’re just getting started, be sure to visit my Disney World Vacation Planning Guide, your complete resource for planning a magical vacation. From choosing the right Disney Resort hotel and understanding ticket options to mastering Lightning Lanes, and beyond, the guide brings together everything you need to plan with confidence. Then come back here to discover where to find the best quick-service breakfasts and coffee in each Walt Disney World theme park.
What Makes Saratoga Springs Different?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa occupies an interesting spot among Walt Disney World’s Deluxe resorts. It offers many of the amenities and benefits you expect from a Deluxe stay, but it doesn’t necessarily feel like one of the more traditional Disney Deluxe resorts.
For starters, Saratoga Springs is enormous. Instead of one primary building or a compact collection of guest buildings, the resort is spread across several distinct sections connected by winding paths and an internal transportation loop. That size can be a drawback if you want to be close to everything, but it also creates a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than you might expect from a Walt Disney World resort.
The accommodations are a positive here. Saratoga Springs offers everything from Deluxe Studios to spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. It also offers the distinctive Treehouse Villas. For families traveling together or larger groups, having a separate living area, full kitchen and additional space can completely change the experience of a Disney vacation.
And then there’s the location.
Saratoga Springs isn’t the closest Disney resort to the theme parks, and getting to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Hollywood Studios requires a bus. But it has a major advantage that shouldn’t be overlooked: Disney Springs is practically in its backyard. Guests can walk or use the water taxi to reach Disney Springs, depending on location and operating conditions, putting an enormous variety of restaurants, shopping and entertainment just a short trip away.
So, in many ways, Saratoga Springs asks you to make a trade.
Saratoga Springs at a Glance
YOU’RE TRADING:
Immersive Disney theming + proximity to the theme parks
FOR:
Spacious accommodations + a quieter resort atmosphere + Deluxe amenities + easy access to Disney Springs
Saratoga Springs may be a great fit if you:
- Value space and comfort over immersive theming
- Want access to Deluxe resort benefits
- Are traveling with a larger family or group
- Enjoy spending time at Disney Springs
- Don’t mind relying on buses to reach the theme parks
- Want a resort that can feel more like a retreat after a busy park day
And that’s really the question to keep in mind as you consider Saratoga Springs: What matters most to you in a Disney World resort?
If your answer is location and immersive theming, there are probably better choices.
If your answer is space, comfort, value and Disney Springs access, Saratoga Springs starts looking a lot more interesting.
Related article: Disney’s Extended Evening Hours: Are They Worth Your Time?
Saratoga Springs Room Options: Which One Makes Sense?
Let’s take a look at the room options.
Deluxe Studios
Who are they good for?
- Couples, solo travelers, smaller families and anyone who wants Deluxe resort amenities without paying for a larger villa.
One-Bedroom Villas
Who benefits from the extra space?
- Smaller groups who want the added comfort of a washer and dryer plus a living space including a full kitchen.
Two-Bedroom Villas
- Perfect for larger families or multigenerational groups who want everyone together without necessarily sharing one traditional hotel room.
Three-Bedroom Grand Villas
This is where Saratoga Springs becomes particularly interesting for large groups.
Large groups or multi-generational families wanting to stay in one space/room.
Treehouse Villas
If you’re traveling with a larger family or group and want something more memorable than a traditional hotel room, the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs deserve a serious look. These unique three-bedroom villas are elevated among the trees along the Sassagoula River, creating a secluded, almost retreat-like atmosphere while still offering the conveniences of a Disney Deluxe Villa. Each sleeps up to nine guests and includes a full kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, two full bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and a private deck.
One thing to keep in mind: the seclusion that makes the Treehouse Villas special also means they’re removed from the main resort area, so you’ll want to factor transportation and travel time into your decision. That’s a trade-off—but for many families, the privacy and extra space may be worth it.
🌳 Sleeps up to 9 guests
🛏️ Three bedrooms
🍳 Full kitchen
🧺 Washer & dryer
🛋️ Separate living & dining space
🌿 Private outdoor deck
✨ A secluded Disney stay that’s unlike a traditional hotel room
Saratoga Springs vs. Other Disney Deluxe Resorts
Still not sure if Saratoga Springs is the right fit? That’s where the comparison gets interesting. Every Disney Deluxe resort has its strengths, and the “best” choice really comes down to what matters most to you. Let’s see how Saratoga Springs stacks up against a few other popular Deluxe options—and what you gain or give up with each one.
Saratoga Springs vs. Contemporary
Choose Saratoga Springs if:
You value space, Disney Springs access and potentially lower Deluxe pricing.
Choose Contemporary if:
Being close to Magic Kingdom and having monorail access is a priority.
Saratoga Springs vs. Wilderness Lodge
Choose Saratoga Springs if:
You want villa accommodations, Disney Springs access and a quieter resort atmosphere.
Choose Wilderness Lodge if:
Immersive theming and proximity to Magic Kingdom matter more.
Related article: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review
Saratoga Springs vs. BoardWalk
Choose Saratoga Springs if:
You want space and Disney Springs.
Choose BoardWalk if:
You want walking access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and a lively resort atmosphere.
Related articles
The Disney Springs Advantage
While you are further away from the Disney Theme Parks at Saratoga Springs, you much closer to the FREE entertainment at Disney Springs! In fact, it’s steps from the resort which means you can walk or the resort also offers complimentary water taxi service.
Disney Springs has so much to offer outside of visitng the parks including premium outlet shopping, award winning restaurants, live entertainment and family freindly fun!
Why Disney Springs Changes the Dining Equation
One of the biggest questions I hear when guests consider Saratoga Springs is, “But what about dining?”
And that’s a legitimate question. But Saratoga Springs has something other resorts don’t: Disney Springs is essentially in your backyard. While the Turf Club Bar & Grill is available for table service dining on site, Disney Springs just a short trip away offers possibly every type of cuisine and service you can think of.
Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Disney Springs 2026
My Favorite Reason to Choose Saratoga Springs
For me, this resort works so well for guests looking for a quiet place to land after hours spent overstimulated and tired in the theme parks. The comfortable rooms and quiet atomosphere make this resort a personal favorite for allowing down time for an otherwise very busy vacation.
The Biggest Saratoga Springs Drawback: Size
This resort is very big! There are multiple sections, an internal bus loop and you may wind up further away from the amenities you are looking forward to. It is something to consider when making your choice. You can request a specific section of the resort.
You also have the option to book a stay in the “Preferred Room” category. These rooms a little more expensive, however your room location is well…preferred, i.e. closer to the lobby, feature pools, Disney Springs and transportation.
Where Should You Request a Room?
Let’s take a look at the secitons at Saratoga Springs:
Congress Park
The Springs
Carousel
The Paddock
The Grandstand
Closest to Disney Springs
Closest to the Lobby Buiding, High Rocks Pool and Dining
Furthest section from amenities
Largest section, closest to the Paddock pool
Closer to the Lobby and main amenities
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This resort is particularly good for larger families or groups looking for added space in their rooms.
Yes! Saratoga Springs is good for couples who plan to spend time at the resort and at Disney Springs
This resort would not be my first choice for first time guests unless they were traveling with a larger group, Disney Springs was high on their list or the price and benefits made the most sense.
What About the “Spa”?
Wait…Where’s the Spa?
Currently Senses Spa is not operating at Saratoga Springs and Disney has it listed as “Unavailable”. There is no official word on when or if it will re-open, but I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for an update.
My Take: Is Saratoga Springs Underrated?
I understand why Saratoga Springs isn’t everyone’s favorite Disney Deluxe resort.
But I also think it’s easy to judge this resort by what it isn’t. It isn’t the most convenient resort for Magic Kingdom.
It isn’t the most heavily themed. It isn’t small and intimate.
But if you value space, comfort, Disney Springs access and Deluxe resort benefits, those shortcomings may matter a lot less. And that’s why I’ve personally chosen to stay here multiple times.
Saratoga Springs may not be the best Disney Deluxe resort—but it could be the best Deluxe resort for you.
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning your Disney vacation goes well beyond deciding where to eat breakfast! Continue exploring these helpful guides before your trip:
- Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
- Disney Dining Guide
- Guide to Disney Resort Hotels
- Beginner’s Guide to Lightning Lanes
- Disney Transportation Guide
- Best Disney World Snacks
Ready to Plan Your Vacation?
Every family vacations differently. That’s why I never recommend the same itinerary twice.
The best vacation plan isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that fits your family’s priorities.
That’s where I can help.
As a travel advisor with DizN Vacations, I help families, couples, multi-generational groups, and first-time visitors plan unforgettable Disney vacations tailored to their travel style and budget. From the moment you book until you return home, I’ll be here to answer questions, offer personalized recommendations, monitor for eligible promotions, and help you navigate every step of the planning process—at no additional cost to you.
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