Reviews

Resort Review: Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

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WDW Park Planners Rating:

Location: Disney Springs Resort Area

Resort Category: Deluxe Villa Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs is a beautiful, Victorian-style resort inspired by the late 1800’s hotspot in New York. Famous for its spas and horse racing, the Disney resort carries over these traditions.

My husband and I spent a weekend here in December when we came in for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I’ll be honest, we probably only spent about 15 hours total (including sleep) at the hotel the entire weekend. We got in late Friday and headed straight to Magic Kingdom for the party, and then were up and at ‘em early Saturday. Same thing Saturday night/Sunday.

That being said, the resort was not what we needed for a quick weekend trip. Our biggest and only issue was that the resort was so large and sprawling. It took longer to get to/from the parks because there were multiple bus stops across the property that the buses had to stop at on their way in/out of the property. We quickly realized this and adjusted our departure times accordingly in the mornings (and this was a part of why we spent even less time at the hotel).

If we were a family traveling to WDW and staying for a week, then this location might be better. The pools looked great, and the property has a nice golf course and spa. Being only a skip and a hop away from Disney Springs, the location would be perfect for heading across the lake in the evening for some live music, drinks and delicious dinners.

The room was great – very spacious and clean, so no complaints there. However, we didn’t love the lobby layout compared to other resorts that have such awesome spaces. For a Deluxe Resort, this one was underwhelming to us for the amount of money we spent on our room.

WDW Park Planners Tip:

This hotel is made up of studios and villas, so it’s great for large groups or families. To save some $$ and to have some healthier options, you can order groceries on Amazon to be delivered directly to the hotel. It only needs to be done a few days in advance, and you can order perishable and non-perishable items. We always like to order breakfast foods such as cereal, afternoon snacks like granola bars and a case of water! You can do this at any resort 🙂

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Planning Tips

Why You Should Go To Walt Disney World as an Adult

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Walt Disney World is fun for adults (and you don’t have to have kids to go)!

Since launching WDW Park Planners, I’ve had more people say to me, “I never thought about going to Disney as an adult until I read your blog and newsletter!”

I love hearing this! I feel like I’ve done my job if I’ve successfully persuaded non-Disney people to just consider going to Disney.

Aside from the fact that adult beverages are now served at all of the parks, there are TONS of other great reasons to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth without kiddos. Read my top picks for adults at each location!

Magic Kingdom

This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!
-Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Walt Disney World is so much more than Dumbo and It’s a Small World. Magic Kingdom is home to what we fondly call “the mountains:” Space, Big Thunder and Splash. These are some of the best thrill rides in all of the parks, so try all three if you’re brave enough!

Or, stay for some late night fun and enjoy the breathtaking fireworks show “Happily Ever After.” Disney does fireworks better than anyone, and this show in particular really tugs on the heart strings (it gets me every time!).

Epcot

France has the best Grey Goose slushie drink!

The first place I usually tell adult groups to go is Epcot. World Showcase has 11 different countries (soon to be 12!) with a variety of culture – from food to drinks to entertainment – it really the best. Spend at least one night here enjoying everything it has to offer. If you didn’t do drinks around the world, did you even go to Epcot? Don’t forget to check out my post “Top 5 Must Do Rides at Epcot.”

Hollywood Studios

“I got you a really fast car!” -Rock ‘n” Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith

Hollywood Studios has some of the best thrill rides in all four parks – Tower of Terror, Rock “n” Roller Coaster, and Star Tours. The restaurants here are mediocre, but one newer bar we like to visit it Baseline Tap. Sit outside with a drink and just take in the sights and sounds of this incredible park. With the upcoming opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, this park is going to be huge hit for that adult fan base. If you’re any type of movie fan, this is the park to hit.

Animal Kingdom

Pandora is truly spectacular. Be sure to watch Avatar before you go!

Personally, I am a huge fan of Animal Kingdom. We typically don’t spend more than a half day here at a time (usually rope drop through lunch), but that’s all you need to get in the good rides and attractions. Check out my post “Top 5 Must Do Attractions at Animal Kingdom” for my list of favorites. If you like the movie Avatar, you NEED to check out the new Pandora area and rides. We also recently discovered our new favorite spot – Nomad Lounge. Check out my review for why we love this relaxing bar so much!

Disney Springs

This Irish pub is a family favorite of ours! Enjoy live music and world class Irish Dancing.

Formerly known as Downtown Disney, this non-park area has been renovated and expanded to a new level. It is an absolutely massive entertainment space with tons of foodie restaurants, fun bars and the best shopping in all of WDW. The live music everywhere at night is bumping, and the best part is, you don’t need a park ticket to visit here!

There is SO MUCH to do in Walt Disney World for families, adults and kids of all ages – and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by it all. I’m here to answer your questions, so send me a message today!

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