We have been home just over a week, its funny how it seems much longer. We had the most incredible time staying at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa in Walt Disney World; I can honestly say we were not disappointed one little bit. That can be credited to a number of factors, however for us location and accommodation is key.
We had visited Walt Disney World twice before and stayed in hotels on and off site, so we knew when booking staying on site was a priority for us. This was for a number of reasons
- Chris drives so many miles for work he did not want to be driving every day. And I did not want to drive at all
- We loved the Disney transport last time we stayed it was so convenient
- To be able to access the Extra Magic Hours that are available to on site guests.
- To be able to book our fast pass and restaurants early, a facility available to on site guests
- We wanted to be near Downtown Disney
- I just love being in the middle of the Disney Magic all the time, so leaving at the end of every day was just not an option
We chose the Saratoga Springs Resort, it is situated just over the river from Downtown Disney and for us was just an amazing location. Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, is a Walt Disney Vacation Club Resort and as such has a variety of accommodation on offer.
As soon as we arrived on site and drove through the resort gates I knew I had done the right thing. The resort is so warm and friendly; we were greeted at the gates by an attendant who said “Hi welcome home” honestly it gave me goose bumps. But that is how it felt a home from home.
Check-in was very quick and easy, we were given our Magic Bands, which I had aimed to photograph, but within seconds Joe had his on his wrist and was beaming ear to ear. He had been so excited about his magic band. I managed to get this shot later in the holiday.
As we were on the Disney Dining plan we were then directed to the food court to get our refillable resort mugs (which are just so fantastic) Here the lovely lady behind the counter explained exactly how the Dining plan worked.
Our room was just beautiful; we stayed in a 1-bedroom villa, which was so spacious and stylish. Now if you are considering booking a vacation resort and wondering if it is worth the extra for this room then please, let me tell you it absolutely is.
The rooms have everything you could possibly need to feel at home, but are also stylish and very comfortable. The lounge area also doubles as a bedroom with a double sleeper sofa with a TV and comfy chairs to sit on when the bed is folded out.
The main bedroom is just beautiful; it too has a TV and a huge bathtub that leads on to a dressing area with a vanity unit and lots of storage space. A kingsized bed and comfy chairs which I used lots. It felt like a real haven after a long day on the parks.
The bathroom also had a bath and shower so getting ready to go out in the evening did not seem a drama with a teen that takes ages. And were also restocked with toiletries every day.
The villa has a kitchen with everything you could possible need, including a large fridge freezer, oven, dishwasher and coffee maker. Should you want to cook the villa has everything you could possible need, along with a dining area to enjoy meals as a family. Dishwasher and washing powder. Washing up liquid, coffee, and coffee mate were replenished daily.
Something we would have never considered needing was a large washer and dryer, but we used this most days. When we return we will not be taking as many clothes, you just don’t need to when you have such great laundry facilities.
I just adored the beautiful balcony that we spent quite a bit of time enjoying a morning coffee or evening glass of wine. And the view over the lake from here was simply beautiful and felt so tranquil. Such a wonderful place to sit and reflect on the day and plan for the next.
Wednesday I will share what the resort has to offer, for us the Saratoga Springs was just the perfect resort, part of this was most definitely the villa we stayed in. It was spacious, beautifully stylish, clean and a great location. The problem is when you love your accommodation so much it makes it very hard to leave. Check out how we loved living the Disney Life at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.
Ah it’s great to see a review of one of the other resorts – we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and totally loved it, but I always like to do something different the next time we do a similar trip. I think we will do Disney again in the next couple of years – the kids are older and would get something different out of it this time; I like the idea of staying closer to downtown Disney as we didn’t do much there last time. Looks like you’ve had an incredible few weeks!
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I know what you mean, we loved the resort so much but would love to try one on the board walk next time, just because I would like to try a different experience and there are so many amazing hotels x
After staying in Disney hotels twice I wouldn’t stay anywhere else now. We used to go past Saratoga Springs on the boat from our resort (Old Key West). There is definitely something special about staying in Disney, and if you can get the free dining plan I honestly think its great value for what you get. Your villa looks amazing. So much space which is what you need with 2 boys. We ate in a number of Disney hotels last time we were there, and I loved checking them all out (especially the Grand Floridian). Can’t wait to read more x
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Oh yes Tracey it is amazing value, we loved the dining plan we got such a great deal and it was great that it was all included, I don’t think I would want to stay off site now x
SS looks lovely, definitely one we’ll earmark for the future.
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Angela it was such a haven after a busy day we loved it x
It looks absolutely incredible, you might have made me change my mind about where t stay. Sounds perfect Sarah.
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Karen we just loved it and a 2 bed suite would be just great for you, it just takes the stress out of the holiday. Well it did for you, no driving, no parking or in fat traveling about just let Disney do it all for you x
Oh my, Saratoga Springs Resort looks absolutely gorgeous! The rooms, the self-catering kitchen and that balcony… I think this is definitely on my wishlist for when we go to Disney! I have always thought staying on site would be too busy, but it looks like you’re in the middle of nowhere! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
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Ting it is the opposite, it is so tranquil we loved it there x
Wow! It looks amazing. I can’t wait to go there when the children are old enough. Think I’ll start saving now. What would you say is the best age for them to experience the magic for the first time? I will be coming to you for the whole trip planning! Xx
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Fran we first took the boys when they were 2 and a half and they loved it, but any age is great as there are so many different levels of experience x
SSR looks like such a beautiful resort! We stayed at OKW last year, and enjoyed it there – the boat ride to Downtown Disney was such a fab perk of staying there, and I know it’s the same at SSR.
We’re staying at Wilderness Lodge in a couple of months time – I can’t wait to see that “Welcome Home” sign as we cross the threshold!
Thanks for sharing your Disney post with me on #100DaysOfDisney! x
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I know Michelle it just gives you goose bumps, I cant wait to revisit x
What a stunning Disney villa! We are staying at SSR in February and I’m really looking forward to it. We only have a delux studio, so nothing as exciting as your villa. I’m looking forward to the location – although we stayed at the Polynesian and GF for our honeymoon, so I’m not sure how I will cope being more than a boat rise from MK lol.
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Oh wow Emma I bet that was amazing, we loved it there it was such a wonderful chilled haven x
Thanks for sharing your insights. We have stayed at a couple other resorts on property, but if and when we ever get back, this looks like another good option. I like the idea of being near Downtown Disney.
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Thank you, yes it is a great resort that actually makes you want to stay home some days and chill rather than hitting the parks everyday x
We are DVC owners so can happily always stay onsite at WDW.
Our home resorts are Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge but we tend to split stay and Saratoga Springs is often our ‘go to’ resort for the quieter part of our trip (1st week is when we take advantage of our jet lag and hit the parks hard, 2nd week we chill more).
Absolutely love it there and it’s great to be able to walk to Downtown Disney / Disney Springs too – especially now that they’ve created the new footpath.
This looks amazing. I will be thinking of this for the next trop we book. Looks like you have had a fabulous time.
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Lucy we just loved Saratoga Springs and would go back in a heartbeat especially the one bed villa they are so lovely x
Loved this post! Reminded me of when I took my kids to Disney. I can never get tired of visiting it. Now I’m going to start bringing my grandchildren. Thanks for sharing.
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I know Marie, me neither, I love Disney could never ever tire of visiting x
Great post and we loved Saratoga Spgs. We have disney planned with kids for this year so we cant wait. Thanks for reminding me.
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Oh I just love it, wish I could go every year x
This resort looks fabulous – I LOVE it when you stay somewhere that has a washing machine. How sad is that! haha! Love the views from the balcony too x
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Ha hA I know Sam as I am the same, honestly it is a wonderful resort we loved it, in fact I would love to stay again x
Loving that bed! It looks like a really great place to stay. so nice to have your own kitchen as well so you can look after yourself
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Oh Alison it is wonderful, the suite was gorgeous we just loved it x
Hey Sarah,
SS Resort looks absolutely stunning. We are also planning to visit Disney world in Next Year. Thanks for Sharing Review.