Walt Disney World: Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Over the next few days I hope to post photos covering various aspects of my whirlwind trip to Orlando last week. Tonight I'd like to share some photos of our resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

There is nothing quite like the magic of staying at a Disney resort. From the minute the gate guard or desk clerk greets you with the words "Welcome home," you know you're in for a special experience. As a friend on the trip commented to me, "Disney knows how to make people happy."


This was my first stay at Saratoga Springs, having previously been a guest at Port Orleans Riverside, the Wilderness Lodge, the Contemporary Resort, and the Beach Club. Each resort is special in its own right and has unique things to recommend it. Saratoga Springs, modeled on a Victorian New York resort, is more subtly themed than some of the other resorts, but is very special in its own way.

We particularly appreciated the huge rooms -- our group had a two-room villa the size of a small apartment, including a full-sized kitchen. It was immaculate, a homey and relaxing place to return at the end of a long, fun day exploring the parks and other resorts.

Horses, racing, and art are the decorating themes of Saratoga Springs. The children's area of the lobby reflects this in whimsical fashion, with paintings of horses from Disney animated films lining the wall:


The focal point of the lobby is a carousel horse:


The "quick service" restaurant, Artist's Palette, has beautiful decorative pieces of glass hanging from the ceiling. Easels stocked with paper and crayons are available for children to amuse themselves in the dining area.


The "zero entry" pool is gorgeous.


It includes a tunnel slide and a beautiful water play area for the little ones:


I'm told this is the only resort with a poolside soda fountain to fill Disney Resorts' much-loved refillable mugs.

A view of the Artist's Palette in the distance beyond a poolside waterfall:


Saratoga Springs is in walking distance of Downtown Disney. You can take a virtual tour by clicking on the subject link.

Coming soon: other resorts, the Electrical Water Pageant, and of course, the parks!

Update: Walt Disney World: The Resorts; Walt Disney World: Disney's Hollywood Studios; Walt Disney World: Animal Kingdom; Walt Disney World: Epcot; Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom.