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Walt Disney World’s Most Underrated Resort

Walt Disney World Resort has so many awesome hotel options. From iconic opening-day Resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Village Resort on the monorail line, to spots with fun pools like Caribbean Beach Resort, Yacht Club, and Beach Club. These higher visibility resorts tend to be the ones you think of when you discuss planning a Disney vacation. But have you ever booked a room at the most underrated Walt Disney World Resort? This quiet but beautiful Disney Hotel is located on the water near Disney Springs.

That’s right, I’m talking about Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. 

Water & Boat Saratoga Springs

Credit: Disney

Guests visiting Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will enjoy a restorative stay at a beautiful Resort in close proximity to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This Victorian-themed Resort has an equestrian touch that is elegant and charming. That’s right, you can get a Victorian theme on the Disney Property without the cost of a room at Disney’s Grand Floridian! Let’s look at this highly underrated Disney Resort, so you know why you should consider this spot for your next Walt Disney World Resort trip.

Saratoga Springs Carousel

Credit: Disney Dining

Related: Have You Dined at the Most Underrated Restaurant in EPCOT?

Extra Space

If your family or travel group needs extra space, you will love this Disney Resort. Snag a Deluxe Villa and choose from 1 or 2-bedroom options or a larger 3-bedroom treehouse villa. The 3-bedroom villa can sleep up to 9 Guests, meaning it is perfect for extended families or friend groups. Each of these villas is equipped with amenities like a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, separate bedrooms, and a living and dining area. The dining and living flex space is perfect for a Disney movie night, UNO card games, and group hangouts. 

Treehouse-villas-at-Disneys-Saratoga-Springs-1

Credit: Inside the Magic

The kitchen is the right size for as much cooking as you want to do. Plan dinners in, or just use the kitchen to store drinks and snacks while you indulge in Disney dining during vacation. The Treehouse Villas also have beautiful private decks with charcoal grills. Live out your The Swiss Family Robinson movie dreams in the Tree House villas that are elevated 10 feet off the ground in lush tree cover.

treehouse-villas-interior

Credit: Inside the Magic

Talk about a relaxing accommodation, this spot fits the bill! Deluxe Studio Villas are a great choice for smaller travel parties that want more space but don’t need a full living room and kitchen. This setup includes a kitchenette and a sleeper sofa. 

Related: Most Underrated Disney’s Animal Kingdom Restaurant? You Decide!

Golf Course

Disney Golf Course

Credit: DisneyDining.com

If relaxing on the green is a must-do activity, you are in luck. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is nearby Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. This beautiful 18-hole course has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and USGA events. It’s a certified Audubon International Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary and is the perfect place to enjoy golfing and nature while on vacation.

Related: One Time Only: Disney Restaurants We Won’t Be Dining at Again

Pool Time

saratoga springs resort pool

Credit: Disney

It’s true that Saratoga Springs is not known as the Disney hotel with the best pool. Still, I’m of the opinion that pools at this Resort are highly underrated.  You’ll enjoy two beautiful pools here that are absolutely worth planning a Resort day to enjoy. They are named the High Rock Spring Pool and the Paddock Pool and both have waterslides, zero-depth entry, and play areas for little ones nearby.

Saratoga Pool

Credit: Disney Dining

Younger kids that are amped to play on a waterslide but are too small for the big ones can enjoy mini slides. Mom and Dad can relax in relaxing whirlpools and sip on drinks from the nearby Backstretch Pool Bar.  

Related: First Disney Vacation Post-Pandemic? Here is What You Need to Know

Chow Down

Speaking of drinks and snacks, you’ll find some delicious and convenient Disney dining options at this Resort. The Turf Club Bar and Grill is the perfect table service dinner spot that serves up American fare like New York Cider-braised Mussels, Pan Seared Salmon, and Crispy Boneless Chicken. If you are looking for a midday meal or a dinner on the go, try the quick service spot at this resort — The Artist’s Palette. Chip & Dale’s CafĂ© and The Paddock Grill are two more great places to grab food on the property. Other bar options include the Turf Club Lounge and the On the Rocks Bar.

artists palette saratoga springs

Credit: Disney Dining

If you still are searching out dining or drink options, I have good news that perfectly segues into my favorite thing about this Resort. You are so close to Disney Springs

Proximity to Disney Springs

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is within walking distance from Disney Springs, but also runs a water taxi service from the Resort right to Disney Springs Marketplace. If you enjoy a leisurely walk and the weather is good, you can walk the trail to Disney Springs, which starts at the Congress Bus Stop at the Resort. The mile-long walking trail to Disney Springs is labeled and picturesque. The 10-15-minute walk varies based on your pace, but is a beautiful way to get your steps in and explore a new area of this Disney Resort Hotel.

@_disneyaesthetics_

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♬ La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts

If taking the water taxi is more your speed, you can board at Saratoga Springs docks near the Treehouse Villas or at a second dock near The Turf Club Bar and Grill. The water taxi service provides a fun ride, especially for little ones or folks looking for a laid-back Resort day, and is an activity within itself.

The short ten-minute ride to Disney Springs is the perfect way to enjoy taking in the scenery on your way to an afternoon of shopping and snacking. The water taxi docks at The Landing, so you are ready to hit the shops or grab a cocktail from a nearby stand as soon as you dock.

Path

Credit: dreamstime.com

Back at the Resort, you can enjoy amenities like a fun Arcade that kids and adults will enjoy. The health club on the property is the perfect place to break a sweat and get in your gym time, even on vacation. The Senses Spa is a not to be missed luxurious opportunity for those that want to indulge in pampering and relaxation on vacation.

This deluxe Resort is an incredible lodging option for your Disney vacation, but is a hidden spot that no one really talks about. Will you consider checking out this underrated Resort on your next vacation?

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.