Planning a Resort Day at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

There’s nothing like a resort day at Walt Disney World to take a break from the chaos of the parks.  We love getting our Disney fix at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, but some of our favorite discoveries have been made by exploring the resort we’re staying at.  From pools to dining to special activities to gift shops, there’s a lot to kick back and enjoy at every Disney resort!  If you’re spending a day at Disney’s Saratoga Springs (highly recommended!), here are a few tips to ensure it’s a great day.

1. Plan Ahead

It’s best to incorporate your resort day into your vacation schedule from the start.  This way, you can save money by not buying park tickets that day; you’ll also want to avoid making advanced dining reservations for restaurants inside the parks.  Luckily, there are plenty of dining options at Saratoga Springs and nearby Disney Springs to keep you satisfied! 

2. Pool Time

One of the advantages of a resort day is that you can dedicate as much time as you want to the pool(s).  Before we started planning resort days, we’d have to try to squeeze in a bit of pool time after a long day in the parks – not ideal.  At Saratoga Springs, you can spend time at one or both of the feature pools: High Rock Spring Pool and the Paddock Pool.  Both boast massive waterslides, zero-depth entry, mini waterslides and play areas for little ones, and whirlpool spas for adults.  Looking for a quieter pool experience?  Check out the 3 leisure pools, which also contain whirlpools (two even have playground and BBQ areas).  They’re spread out across the resort, so pick the one closest to your room and enjoy!

3. Meals

Whether you’re looking for a quick poolside snack and drink, or a casual meal with a view of the resort and golf course, there’s a dining option for you at Disney’s Saratoga Springs.  Relax between laps at the Backstretch Pool Bar, or order your favorite cocktail or mocktail from On the Rocks Pool Bar.  Enjoy a quick service meal at Paddock Grill or Artist’s Palette.  If you’re a golfer, then Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Café, a snack stand at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, or the Turf Club Lounge, with fabulous views of the golf course, may be more your style.

4. Channel Your Inner Picasso

Yes, that’s right – you can brush up (pun absolutely intended) on your painting skills at Walt Disney World!  Guests aged 12 and up can join a class led by an expert painter, to create their very own Disney-inspired creations, and then take their painting home.  No previous experience is required.  Classes are held weekly, and it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

5. Golf

Some guests may want to plan their resort day around tee time.  Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is a world-class golf course that has hosted a few golf events you may have heard of, like the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.  It’s open to guests ranging from tweens to adults, and Disney can even store and transport your clubs from one Disney golf course to another.  After your game, you can take advantage of the locker rooms and showers on site.  A driving range, practice putting green and golf lessons are available.

6. Work Up a Sweat

If golfing isn’t raising your heart rate quite enough, set aside some time to work out in the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa health club.  With all the high-tech equipment you could ask for in a gym, you’ll be working up a sweat in no time.

7. Activities Galore

There are plenty of other activities available at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, and with a dedicated resort day, you’ll have a chance to try them all.  Begin your day with a half-hour sunrise yoga class, check out a tennis racket for a friendly game or enlist a tennis instructor, take a jog along one of the beautiful jogging trails on site, or shoot some hoops with the family.

8. Kid-Friendly Fun

If little ones are part of your resort day, Disney’s Saratoga Springs has lots to keep them smiling, too!  They’ll love the resort’s arcade, featuring pinball, race cars, and air hockey (plus many more).  And who could resist a good ol’ fashioned campfire, complete with marshmallows to roast?  After the campfire, the whole family can enjoy an outdoor screening of a Disney (of course!) movie.

There’s endless fun to be had during a resort day at Disney’s Saratoga Springs.  And once you’ve tried adding a resort day to your vacation, you may never go back!