6 Reasons Why Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Bad Disney Vacation Club Home Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa might seem like a dreamy DVC Home Resort at first glance, but it has its fair share downsides.

If you’re on the fence about choosing it as your home base, you’re not alone.

While it’s marketed as a tranquil, luxury escape inspired by the New York countryside, you might find that it falls short in several areas.

In this post, I’ll explain why Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa may not live up to the hype.

We’ll look into key issues like its location, amenities, and overall guest experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether this resort is the right fit for your Disney Vacation Club investment.

This post is all about the reasons why Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a bad Disney Vacation Club Home Resort.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Understanding Disney Vacation Club

Choosing a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home resort is a big decision. It can impact your vacation experience for years to come. To make an informed choice, it’s essential to understand what DVC is and how it works.

What is Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare program. It lets members buy a real estate interest in a Disney resort.

As a DVC member, you purchase “points.”

These points can be used to book stays at various DVC resorts or other Disney properties.

How Do Points Work?

Points are the currency of DVC. Every resort, room type, and time of year has a different “cost” in points. When you purchase a DVC membership, you get a set amount of points every year. You can bank, borrow, or use these points to tailor your vacations.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Bank: Save this year’s points for next year.
Borrow: Use next year’s points this year.
Use: Spend your points on vacations this year.

Why the Home Resort Matters

The home resort is the DVC property where you buy your real estate interest. It matters because:

Booking Window: You get an 11-month booking window at your home resort, compared to 7 months for others.
Annual Dues: These can vary by resort, affecting long-term costs.
Resale Value: Some resorts hold value better than others.

If you choose Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa as your home resort, you’d get these advantages at that specific property. However, some DVC members feel that the location and amenities at Saratoga Springs don’t justify making it their home base.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before you commit to a home resort, think about:

Location: How close is it to the parks? Is transportation convenient?
Amenities: Does it offer the extras that are important to you?
Resort Atmosphere: Does the theme and vibe match your vacation style?

1) Location and Accessibility

Distance from Major Parks

When choosing a DVC home resort, one key consideration is how close it is to the major Disney parks. Unfortunately, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is not exactly in a prime spot.

It is close to Disney Springs, but it isn’t super close to any of the parks.

Transportation Issues

Another major drawback is the heavy reliance on Disney buses for transportation. While many other DVC resorts offer various options like monorails, boats, or walking paths, Saratoga Springs relies buses to take you to the parks.

You can catch a boat or walk to Disney Springs, though, so there’s a small pro transportation-wise.

2) It Kind of Feels Like a Moderate Resort

Is Saratoga Springs considered a Deluxe Resort? Technically, yes. But when you stay there, you might feel it’s closer to a moderate resort.

Some aspects of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa don’t quite meet the high expectations you’d have for a Deluxe Resort. Let’s explore why this is the case.

Big Resort, Big Hassle

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a sprawling property. While some guests enjoy the expansive grounds, others find it a hassle.

Long Distances: Walking from one end of the resort to the other can feel like a marathon. If you’re placed far from the main building, just getting to breakfast becomes a trek.
Internal Bus System: Due to its size, the resort has its own internal bus system. This means you might have to hop on a bus just to get to the pool, dining areas, or the main bus stop. It adds another layer of hassle to your stay.

The resort feels spread out, which can be annoying when you want to quickly access amenities.

External Hallways

One of the defining features of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is its external hallways.

Similar to Disney’s Old Key West and unlike other Deluxe Resorts with grand lobbies and internal hallways, at Saratoga Springs, your room opens directly to the outside.

Weather Exposure: In Florida’s hot, humid weather (or sudden rain showers), the external hallways can be less than comfortable. You won’t feel that same sense of enclosed luxury that you get at other Deluxe Resorts.
Security Concerns: Some guests might feel less secure because anyone walking by can access the hallways. While Disney properties are generally safe, the lack of an internal hallway can feel less exclusive.

3) Cost and Value for Points

Saratoga Springs has a pretty low initial cost (and decent annual dues at $8.1388 per point in 2024) – as discussed in our previous post about why Saratoga Springs is a great DVC Home Resort.

But, there’s more to consider …

Resale Value

Another critical factor is the resale market. When you buy into Disney Vacation Club, it’s not just about how much you enjoy your stays. It’s also about how the investment holds up over time. Unfortunately, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa doesn’t shine in this department either.

Resale Market Performance: Saratoga Springs doesn’t fare as well on the resale market compared to other DVC properties. Its resale value tends to be lower, and it might take longer to sell your interest if you decide to move on. Resorts like Grand Floridian or Polynesian Village often hold their value much better.
Buyer Demand: One reason for this is buyer demand. Saratoga Springs simply isn’t as sought after. Factors like distance from the parks and the perceived lack of luxury amenities reduce its appeal.

In summary, while the high point costs at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa might make you question its value for a DVC home resort, the lower resale value further hurts its case. These factors are essential to keep in mind as you weigh your options, ensuring you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.

4) Aesthetic and Theming

When you stay at a Disney Vacation Club resort, part of the magic comes from the immersive theming and atmosphere. Unfortunately, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa seems to miss the mark in this department. Let’s dive into why its aesthetic and theming might leave you feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Lack of Strong Disney Theme

One of the biggest drawbacks of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is its lack of a strong Disney theme. When you think of a Disney resort, you probably imagine vibrant colors, whimsical decor, and characters around every corner. Saratoga Springs, inspired by the New York countryside and horse racing, doesn’t quite capture that magic.

Subtle Theme: The resort’s equestrian theme is subtle and might not feel very “Disney” to many guests. While the horse racing memorabilia and elegant architecture are charming, they don’t scream Disney like other resorts do.

Not as good for families: For families with children, the lack of a strong Disney theme can be a letdown. Kids often love the overt Disney theming found at other resorts, and Saratoga Springs doesn’t deliver on that front.

If you’re expecting a place where every corner drips with Disney magic, Saratoga Springs might not be your ideal home resort.

Older Design and Decor – Are all rooms refurbished at Saratoga Springs?

Yes, they are, and they look so much better now!

disney's saratoga springs resort & spa reviews. — Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Deluxe Studio – Refurbished

That being said, the theming may feel dated to some guests, but I would argue that it fits in with the Victorian theming quite well (I know I’m supposed to be critiquing this resort, but the rooms really are nice!).

5) Dining Options Are Not That Great

One of the most important aspects of any vacation is the dining experience, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa falls short in this area. Let’s break down why the dining options at this resort might leave you craving something better.

Limited Restaurant Choices

When you stay at a Disney resort, you expect a range of dining options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Unfortunately, Saratoga Springs doesn’t offer much variety.

The Turf Club Bar and Grill: This is the main sit-down restaurant at the resort. It is known for being subpar to bad – especially compared to the table service restaurants at Disney Springs.

The Artist’s Palette: This quick-service spot is convenient but falls short on options. You’ll find the basics, but it doesn’t stand out as an exciting quick service location.

Lack of Themed Dining

Disney is known for its themed dining, where the environment enhances the meal. Sadly, Saratoga Springs is missing out on this magical element.

No Character Dining: Many Disney resorts offer character meals where you can dine with Mickey, Minnie, and other beloved characters. These meals are a huge hit, especially with kids. Saratoga Springs doesn’t have any character dining options, which can be a big letdown for families looking for that Disney magic.
Minimal Theming: The dining areas lack imaginative theming. You won’t feel transported to another world while you eat. Other Disney resorts, like Animal Kingdom Lodge with its African-inspired decor and menu, provide an immersive experience that enhances the meal. Saratoga Springs’ dining spots feel generic in comparison.

Luckily, it is located right by Disney Springs, so at least you’re not far from some great dining options.

6) The spa is closed

Since the pandemic, the Senses spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has been closed.

Disney has not mentioned that it will re-open any time soon, so who knows if it will even re-open (I mean, at the time of writing this, it’s 2024!).

This probably isn’t a big deal to most guests, but considering the resort has ‘SPA’ in the name, you’re kind of expecting a spa!

Ta Ta For Now

Choosing Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa as your Disney Vacation Club Home Resort has significant drawbacks.

That being said, it is a gorgeous resort, and one of the best if you’re on a budget.

Would you ever consider making Saratoga Springs your DVC Home Resort?!

This post was all about the reasons why Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a bad Disney Vacation Club Home Resort.

6 Reasons Why Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a Bad Disney Vacation Club Home Resort