Saratoga Springs Resort – One-Bedroom Preferred Villa

Location: Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Room Type: One-Bedroom Preferred Villa (DVC Property)

Date of Stay: July 2025

Travel Style: Family stay / Convenience-focused Disney travel

Website: Saratoga Springs Resort

Overview

Saratoga Springs Resort is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property located near Disney Springs, with villa-style accommodations designed for longer stays or families who want more space. We booked a one-bedroom preferred villa, though the view from our room was of a street and the DVC sales center, not what most would consider "preferred." Still, there’s plenty to like if you prioritize self sufficiency, access to Disney Springs, and resort amenities. Just be prepared for some trade-offs in layout and convenience.

Room Features

• Spacious entryway with updated thermostat

• Full kitchen with cookware, dishes, and full-size appliances

• Dining table and living room with pull out sofa (Murphy bed x2: twin and queen)

• In-room washer/dryer (convenient but very loud)

• Bedroom with king-size bed, large flat screen TV, and ample storage

• Dual bathroom zones: one with soaking tub and double vanity (no privacy door), another with walk-in shower, toilet, and single sink

• Disney Spa (formerly H2O+) bath products with a fresh scent

⚠️ The bathroom layout is inconvenient for groups; the toilet is inside the shower room, limiting access when the shower is in use.

Dining & Groceries

• The Turf Club Bar & Grill : only sit down restaurant onsite

• The Artist’s Palette : café style dining and small market for essentials

• Nearby Disney Springs offers a wide variety of dining choices

💡 Tip: Order groceries through Instacart or similar delivery services. You’ll save money by preparing breakfast and lunch in the villa, and possibly dinner too, though most guests opt to eat out.

Resort Amenities

• Five pools across the property (two kid friendly, three leisure style)

• Playgrounds, walking/jogging trails, arcade, bike rentals

• Lake Buena Vista Golf Course on site; a bucket list item we haven’t tried yet

• 24/7 Fitness Center: a definite bonus for early risers or night owls

• Spa at Saratoga Springs: closed during our last two stays without notice

• Walking and boat access to Disney Springs (long walk, wear comfortable shoes)

  
  

Transportation

• Complimentary bus transportation only to all parks

• No monorail, skyliner, or boat to parks

• Long waits and crowded buses common due to the resort’s size

• Consider having a car if you want more control over park access

  
  

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Spacious villa-style layout with full kitchen and laundry	"Preferred" view may still be unremarkable
King-size bed with comfortable sleeping arrangements	Inconvenient bathroom layout for families or groups
Budget-friendly for longer stays via grocery delivery & home cooking	Dining options onsite are very limited
Walking/boat access to Disney Springs	Bus transportation only; long wait times and crowded buses
24/7 Fitness Center	Washer/dryer is loud — problematic for guests sleeping in living area
Family-friendly pools and activities spread throughout resort	Spa closed during recent visits
Quiet and peaceful compared to other Disney resorts	Layout is huge — may require long walks to amenities

Final Verdict: 4− / 5

Saratoga Springs is a solid mid-tier Disney resort, especially for DVC members or families looking for space and flexibility. You’ll get great value if you plan to cook some meals and spend time at Disney Springs. However, it's not without flaws: the bathroom layout is awkward, the transportation setup is lacking, and the on site dining is underwhelming. Still, the resort delivers comfort and quiet away from the park chaos.

If Disney’s Grand Floridian is the gold standard for luxury within the Disney family, then Saratoga Springs is the practical choice for families seeking more room, fewer frills, and a touch of home, with mouse ears.

Check out my video review of this one bedroom villa as I walk you through the space room by room!