Splendid New Rooms at Saratoga Springs Resort
As part of the 2-Year Overhaul of Saratoga Springs Resort, totally new villas and hotel rooms are debuting. Thus far, only a handful of buildings with the reimagined rooms have debuted, all in the Congress Park section near Disney Springs. Here we’ll share photos and video from inside the new rooms at Walt Disney World’s largest Disney Vacation Club resort.
After seeing the concept art, construction around Saratoga Springs Resort, and touring the model rooms for Disney’s Riviera Resort, we were really eager to see the end result here. Figuring some rooms would be ready late last year, we booked a strategic stay for the beginning of 2020 during “Adventure Season” when the required points would be lowest.
Even then, we knew we were rolling the dice. Only a small percentage of the rooms at Saratoga Springs Resort have been completed, so there was a strong probability we’d get an old room. Worse yet, with our luck there was a chance we’d end up in an old room in the building half under construction. To the contrary, our luck turned out to be very good, and we won the Walt Disney World lottery…twice!
Not only were we put in a newly-reimagined room but we were also upgraded from a Deluxe Studio to a One-Bedroom Villa. This is exceedingly rare when using Disney Vacation Club points (as we were), but has actually happened to us twice in the last few years. I’m guessing it’s because we’re usually doing one-night stays, which makes it easier to shift around our reservation.
Upon seeing it was a 1BR unit, I asked Sarah whether we should request a studio instead. The are you nuts?! look on her face gave me my answer. I thought readers would be more interested in seeing a Deluxe Studio since that’s more in line with a normal hotel room and what we usually feature in posts here–I’ll guess you’ll just have to imagine how this translates to a Deluxe Studio.
Saratoga Springs Resort is actually our home DVC resort, but we haven’t stayed there in a while. In fact, for a while it was far and away our least favorite Disney Vacation Club resort. We cover the dilemma of which home resort to choose, and which we’d pick if we had to do it all over again in our Bay Lake Tower: Best DVC Home Resort? post. Spoiler: the answer is in the title.
In recent years, Saratoga Springs has grown us considerably. Some enhancements around the resort have given it more depth and character, Disney Springs has blossomed into the culinary epicenter of Walt Disney World, and new resorts have debuted (*cough*Riviera*cough*) that make it look better by comparison.
In any case, we were looking forward to a fun resort-centered visit, splitting time between the room and Disney Springs. We had a couple of meals at Disney Springs (4 Rivers Cantina and STK) and saw a couple of movies (Little Women and Ford v. Ferrari) in between time in the chairs on our balcony.
Not that you care, but even beyond the new rooms, it was a great stay at Saratoga Springs that gave us even more appreciation for the resort. We often mention how Animal Kingdom Lodge is the ultimate resort for a “no parks” long weekend getaway, but Disney Springs might give that a serious run for its money if you’re into eating, shopping, and filmgoing.
Moving on to the new rooms…
Before offering my commentary, check out the above video so you can form your own conclusions.
(Also, please enjoy our smooth and seamless teamwork to “magically” transform the main living room, ha!)
These have me a bit torn. Ultimately, I think the room is a clear and unequivocal upgrade from what Saratoga Springs Resort had before–and I actually liked those rooms at one point.
However, I think the plaid patterning and earth tones were starting to look a bit dated, and not in keeping with the light and bright look of the resort as a whole.
The new rooms are definitely lighter, brighter, and contain a variety of fun Disney touches.
The interior design features is generally low-key, but offers subtle sophistication, clever and engaging uses of texture, an abundance of clean lines, and upgraded finishings throughout. From the herringbone plank flooring to the wheel chandelier, the features have been plussed in a variety of ways.
In terms of functionality, there’s no question–these are far superior to what was there before. The pull-down Murphy bed is far more comfortable than the sofa sleeper.
This is identical to the system added at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and similar to the one at Pop Century and the All Stars (we think the mattress is slightly thinner here, but can’t confirm that).
The artwork is fun and gives the room some nice and on-theme Disney touches.
The concept art and paintings that used to be in the rooms were more my speed, but those were also arguably drab. Having more vibrant and lighthearted imagery is more suiting to the resort.
In the shelves in the living room, I really like the custom-made “Best Dad” and “Best Old Horse” trophies.
These are both very on-brand for Saratoga Springs Resort.
However (there’s always a however, isn’t there?!), a lot of the furnishings and stylistic choices strike me as being very on-trend and off-the-shelf.
Although not by choice, I watch a lot of HGTV, and many of the specific stylistic choices here are exactly what you’d find in the dozen-plus indistinguishable shows on that network. I feel like I’d see a lot of the same things here as a condo in Champions Gate, Davenport, or Reunion.
In some places, I also think the rooms look a bit too monochrome.
This art is a good example of both issues. The idea of inserting Disney characters into the on-theme photos is a neat one, but the display feels a bit drab and the lineup of frames looks really trendy.
I’m not sure whether that’s too harsh, though. All of this stuff is on-trend because it plays well with people, and this is like a good marriage of contemporary interior design complemented by Disney touches.
It’s not themed to the hilt like the new rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but nor is the exterior of Saratoga Springs Resort.
The new-look rooms are in keeping with Saratoga Springs Resort as a whole, which is arguably a Disneyfied condo community. If this were Wilderness Lodge or BoardWalk Inn, I’d be deriding the design.
But Saratoga Springs is a very different resort than those, and it’s always been more about function and comfort than theme. (And to be fair, these rooms are unquestionably better than the new ones at BoardWalk or Beach Club–and that’s without grading on a curve.)
Within that context, these new rooms at Saratoga Springs Resort are winners. I suspect most DVC members who call SSR their home resort will appreciate the choices and tradeoffs made here. As someone who skews towards the “highly-themed” end of the fan spectrum, Saratoga Springs Resort was never my favorite to begin with. It has definitely grown on me thanks to a variety of improvements in the last decade or so, and now these new rooms join that list.
Finally, we’ve referenced several other room overhauls in this post. If you’re interesting in reading/seeing our other posts concerning these new rooms to judge for yourself how Saratoga Springs Resort stacks here, here’s the full list of our reviews, with the letter grade I’d give to each in parentheses:
- All Star Movies (B)
- Animal Kingdom Lodge (A-)
- Beach Club (D)
- Old Key West (C)
- Pop Century (B)
- Port Orleans Riverside (C)
- Port Orleans French Quarter (C)
- Wilderness Lodge Test Rooms (F)
- Yacht Club (B+)
Note that these leaves off a few resorts (Caribbean Beach, Coronado, BoardWalk Inn) all of which we’ve covered elsewhere, mostly in updated resort reviews. See our updated Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page for those.
If you’re planning a WDW trip, we can help! For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of the new rooms at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Do you prefer the look of the old or new rooms? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Headed to SSR in a couple weeks we requested The Paddock any idea if that’s done or being done yet ?
We stayed in Paddock in mid Jan. Right now they are still working on one last building in Congress Park and looks like they’ve started on the Springs. We got a great 2br in the building that is closest to Congress Park. It was a perfect location (for those of us conserving points)! I can’t wait to go back when all the rooms are done!
My partner and I (who have no kids but do have a rad family and awesome nephews!) recently purchased points here, and it was because of what we view as extremely positive changes to- and for- this resort.
1. Proximity to a really revived Disney Springs, which to me is a fun escape from the general world of Disney (which I do adore anyway)
2. The *seeming* quality of the room refurb (prior to your brilliant review, Tom… so thanks for reinforcing), which still maintains a subtle equestrian + Disney theme, while plussing up the amenities to fully modernize
3. The general more adult feel of the resort compared to others. And, I dont mind the sprawling nature of the resort, though I get why some do
4. The direct and/or resale pricing per point – definitely a steal compared to other properties
Overall, I can’t wait to stay here, though we did use our points this coming year for a stay at the apparently controversial Riviera! Can’t wait to compare them all. 🙂
Sidenote: While I totally recognize DS is a stone’s throw away, I’d love for the Turf Club to get an overhaul. Any other SSR fan feel the same?
I was stalking the DVC reservation site over the weekend to get a couple days for a last minute trip next week and a whole block of preferred rooms in every category (studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR villa) all showed up all at once on Monday and they were open for the whole week. I grabbed a 1BR and have my fingers crossed that it’s a refurbished room that was just finished!
Do the rooms get new washer and dryers when they are updated? When we stayed at SSR twice last year each room (once a two bedroom and once a one bedroom) had a broken dryer! Just wouldn’t dry at all, very frustrating!
Also, what’s with the spam celebrity name comments in broken English?
The appliances are new.
The celebrity spam comments were a new one…at least those famous spammers had nice things to say, I guess? 😉
I’d say they *almost* had a solid marriage of current design trends and SSR theme – that last photo of the Murphy couch with just about half of the dining table is the illustrates it perfectly. Everything marries well together, feeling fresh while still nodding to the theme BUT for the hexagon mirror. *Sharp breath in through the teeth.* So close, Disney, but you had to let Ashleigh hang that far-too-on-trend hexagon mirror.
Overall though, it does look nice and comfortable. You guys had a stunning view!
Thanks for the video tour! Many fond memories at SSR! I must say I’m old-school in regards to themes being removed from the resorts, so all the new clean lines will take some getting used to. I enjoyed you showing the touches of horses here and there. Something about SSR seems to make life slow down. We always enjoyed visiting with family members there while walking outside or to the big main building or in the dining room or to pick up package deliveries. It truly feels like a vacation there! Thanks for bringing those special times back to mind for me!
Love the Karndean floors!
Was Sarah hiding behind the curtain?? It’s great to think of her running around to transform the living room before you come back in!
I was a little disappointed the room wasn’t transformed during our view from the balcony. 😉
when will the updating of the 1 bedroom Villa at this resort be done by May 2022?
Construction began and currently continues at the Preferred View points category neighborhoods: Congress Park and The Springs. Congress Park is basically complete, while The Springs is just starting. The whole resort should be complete by May 2022.
OMG the Johnny Fedora and Alice Blue Bonet artwork! I didn’t think anyone remembered those old cartoons. This makes me so happy!
Does anyone know if the new studios sleep 5? I believe the old 1BR used to sleep 4 but now it appears they sleep 5. I stayed at Saratoga during Christmas time and as always we loved it. Being able to walk to Disney springs is awesome and the food choices have improved dramatically! The boathouse is my favorite Disney restaurant.
I just stayed in a newly renovated preferred deluxe studio and it sleeps 4. There was the main bed and then a murphy bed that pulled down from the wall (like in Toms picture) and it was a full size i would say.
I wish that they would have put a twin pull down under the tv like the wilderness lodge studios. Maybe the studio rooms are just two small to accommodate. Thanks!
That view off the balcony and the spaciousness of the 1 bedroom makes me want to price out the points/cost for joining DVC. 1 week in that room coupled with a car rental to drive to the parks (over taking the buses) is probably much more affordable than the same at Grand Floridian or a studio at Polynesian even without the car rental.
I did marvel at your seamless room transformation (and you didn’t even use CGI). You must have spent some time on choreographing and rehearsing that. Sarah must be concealed behind the curtain, as I could hear the whoosh of them being drawn just as your camera pans back to them. Thank you for the review, well done.
I’m confused as to why everyone keeps mentioning the “lottery” when mentioning the renovated rooms. I guess if you receive a room assignment for Congress Park or The Springs without booking in the Preferred View category, that would be considered a lucky upgrade. Otherwise, if you spend the extra points, it’s much more likely you will land in a reimagined unit based on the construction schedule. I fully expect to “buy” my way in for my stay in April – if I land an old room in (as Tom mentioned) the half-finished construction site that will be The Springs at that point, i’ll be the “winner” of the loser lottery instead. 😀 If that actually happens, I will want my Preferred View points back!
First of all, in my opinion, you & Sarah have already won the Disney lottery by your many stays & fabulous meals at Disney resorts And secondly, the rooms are very nice. While I have never been there in person, I was disappointed when looking online, at some of the DVC resorts. They look even more dated as the value & moderate resorts get updated. This one would be great for my family. Gonna keep this in mind if we ever rent points. Thanks for the review!
How long is it going to take for the white walls and paneling, especially in the kitchen area, to get banged up and dingey? High maintainance items. . . .
I did find that video transition to be “magical”. And I like the new room design. We stayed there during Irma, in a two bedroom and the video tour brought back fond memories. I love the Murphy bed and I think the decor seems fine for that resort. Thanks for sharing!
I just left Disney on the 12th…First time ever renting DVC points and staying at Saratoga Springs. I absolutely loved it! My boyfriend and I (like you and Sarah) were extremely lucky to receive room assignment in a newly renovated Deluxe Studio in Congress Park! I actually didn’t realize how lucky we were until I was reading about all of the construction after our trip! The murphy bed was surprisingly comfortable and our TV was huge! We had multiple reservations throughout Disney Springs and the walkway was great. I don’t have one negative thing to say about our stay at Saratoga Springs!
Tom, I see you mentioned STK…one of the biggest let downs of our trip was STK. We made our reservations in September and my boyfriend, like you, is quite the steak lover. He was so excited to have his first dry-aged steak and we were on the Deluxe Dining Plan. Our reservation was for Janury 7th at 8PM. We arrive and are seated immediately and our server takes our drink orders and then asks if we are on the dining plan. I say yes and he responds with “oh well unfortunately, we are no longer a participating restaurant in the Disney Dining Plan…” Our hearts were broken. Apparently Disney cancelled STK on January 1st and did not send out any type of notification to inform of us of these changes. The manager came over and offered us free appetizers and drinks if we stayed or they could make us a reservation at another signature dining restaurant in Disney Springs. We had 4 credits to use to we decided to go to the Boathouse. Still a little upset that we were not notified at all of this change but I hope you enjoyed it!
Checking into a 1-bedroom this Saturday and hoping to also win the Disney lottery and stay in a renovated unit. I think the new rooms are beautiful. My only concern is the lack of clothing storage space in the living room for the person(s) using the Murphy beds.
I was wondering if there’s a dvd player anywhere in the refurbished villa. There used to be one in the living room but I’m not seeing one in the pictures and videos that people are posting. We are planning a trip there soon and wondering if we need to bring our own.
I love the look of the new rooms!! I have been thinking for a while that Saratoga is the best place and price for me to purchase DVC points because I need a lot of points and have a large family. Thanks for sharing!