Saratoga Springs Project Problems & Progress
Saratoga Springs Resort is undergoing a 2-year construction project to refurbish building exteriors and reimagine guest rooms. In this post, we’ll share photos, an updated 2021 timeline, and thoughts on how this will impact stays at Walt Disney World’s largest DVC resort.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since we last checked in on construction at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and offered an update. Back in January, we did a stay and won the Walt Disney World lottery…twice! Not only were we put in a newly-reimagined room but we were also upgraded from a studio to a one-bedroom unit.
If you’re simply interested in the reimagined rooms, see our Splendid Stay at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, which features photos & video of the new rooms. Suffice to say, we’re big fans. It’s rare for a resort to get better with age, but we think Saratoga Springs is a more attractive property than when we joined DVC over a decade ago…
This marks Saratoga Springs Resort’s first hard goods refurbishment since it opened in phases from 2004 to 2007. In the most extreme cases, such as Congress Park, that means the resort rooms haven’t seen this type of work in just over 15 years.
Fortunately, Congress Park is now finished with the refurbishment, so those preferred buildings with the best location–an incredibly convenient walk to Disney Springs–are now finished.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the layout of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, above is a map to familiarize you with what we’ll be looking at in this post. The buildings that are pictured here are those in the Paddock, which is the green section–above the red Congress Park buildings.
This project began last June and at the time was projected to last nearly 2 full years, meaning it would be finished before Summer 2021. However, the best laid plans of the Mouse and men often go awry…
First came the closure of Walt Disney World, and subsequent pausing of virtually every construction project–including the overhaul of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
That pushed back the timeline by at least a few months, making the completion of the Saratoga Springs in only 2 calendar years from start to finish optimistic or ambitious.
Next came litigation. A fire code violation found at the resort caused major construction delays and spiked costs during what was expected to be a $48 million renovation.
According to a lawsuit that depicts a legal fight between Disney Vacation Club and Validus Construction Services, per the Orlando Sentinel.
The owner of that construction company also accused Disney’s construction team of making misogynistic comments and belittling her with memes and messages. The lawsuit further alleged that during the closure, Disney terminated the Validus contract without cause.
While the litigation has not been resolved, Disney Vacation Club has begun working with a new general contractor (previously a subcontractor on the job) to finish the project for $13 million more than Validus’ original deal. With that, work resumed over the summer.
It’s unclear how all of that will impact the timeline of the construction to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, but work has progressed at a relatively brisk pace since Walt Disney World reopened.
As of the beginning of this year (late January or early February), work had finished in Congress Park and those buildings had totally reopened, with crews moving on to the Springs (in purple above). The Springs was in the process of refurbishment when the closure occurred.
By early fall, work in the Springs had been completed, meaning that booking a preferred category room at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa guaranteed a new room.
At that point, construction crews bounced across the pond, commencing work in the Paddock. Before, the refurbishment was taking two buildings out of commission at a time, with exterior work being done on buildings that were still open.
Construction has now moved to the Paddock, with buildings 6101-6436 and 6501-6936 all having crews working on their interiors and exteriors. Work seems to be moving at a faster pace this fall than last summer through winter. Our assumption is that the pace has picked up on the construction because the refurbishment fell behind schedule and lower occupancy is allowing it.
Even with all of the aforementioned delays, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that the Saratoga Springs Resort refurbishment project is finished by Summer 2021. At the current rate, we’d be surprised if it’s not done by the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021.
As of right now, the Paddock buildings 4501-4836, 5101-5436 and 5501-5836 are now totally finished and reopened to guests. This also means there are a limited number of reimagined standard rooms available if you’ve booked that and want to place a room request.
These are located to the left of the Paddock Pool if you’re crossing the bridge from the main lobby area of the resort.
Speaking of which, Walt Disney World has announced on the official website that the Paddock Pool waterslide will close for refurbishment beginning this winter. As part of this work, the bridge connecting The Paddock to other resort areas will also temporarily close.
Guests can board the resort shuttle or follow posted signage for alternative routes around the lake while the bridge is under refurbishment. The Paddock Pool will remain open through the majority of this work. Additionally, guests can enjoy the High Rocks Spring feature pool and waterslide, as well as two leisure pools at Saratoga Springs Resort.
To each their own, but I would not want to stay in the buildings adjacent to the Paddock Pool while this bridge is closed. It’s a long hike around the water to access the lobby, restaurants, and main pool.
With that said, once work is done on the Paddock’s two buildings closest to Congress Park, we think those are “sleeper picks” for the best rooms at Saratoga Springs–convenient access to the core of the resort and an easy walk to Disney Springs.
Above is a closer look at the building interiors.
As you might be able to see, the windows are tagged in the two Paddock buildings that are actively under construction. They’ve all been gutted and there’s equipment inside some of them.
There are currently about a dozen lifts, closed parking, and dozens of construction workers in the Paddock as they work on the interiors and exteriors of these three buildings that are currently gutted. The waterfront walkway remains open, meaning there’s still access to the Paddock Pool and Disney Springs without taking the long route around.
Based upon what we observed, we’d expect building 6101-6436 to reopen by early January 2021. Building 6501-6836 is a bit further behind, but should be done later in the month, or by early February 2021. It would appear that the Carousel is next up, with staging starting in the parking lot of building 7501-7836.
While we did not do a stay at Saratoga Springs Resort for this construction update, our past experience was that there was minimal impact–and that was when we were staying adjacent to a building that was actively under construction. Right now, the construction is separated from guest-occupied buildings by bodies of water.
Moreover, the closed paths and parking area are around buildings that are closed, so these won’t impact you. Noise is minimal, and there are no large walls or heavy machinery outside of the construction area. The main paths connecting various sections of the resort to one another and to Disney Springs are all open. We would not hesitate to stay at Saratoga Springs Resort right now, and will probably do exactly that during the 2021 low season.
On a semi-related note, it was yet another great visit to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Even though this was during the end of December, it looked and felt like fall–a season that doesn’t “exist” in Florida. This is our home resort, and we bought into DVC here because of the strategic advantage and value SSR provided–but strongly disliked the property itself. (Conventional wisdom says “buy where you want to stay” but we ignored that.)
We ended up getting really lucky, because Saratoga Springs itself has improved considerably during that time with a variety of resort-wide improvements and now these excellent new rooms. More significantly, the transformation from Downtown Disney and a dead Pleasure Island to Disney Springs happened, reinvigorating that area. Most Walt Disney World resorts have their thematic integrity or allure erode over time–but Saratoga Springs Resort has aged like a fine wine! We can’t wait to see what else the future holds for this hotel, and we’ll keep you posted with periodic updates on this construction at Saratoga Springs!
Thinking about joining DVC? First be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Disney Vacation Club. This covers the pros & cons, resale v. direct, how much money you’ll save, and other important things to know before taking the plunge. If you still can’t decide whether membership is right for you, “try before you buy” and rent points from DVC Rental Store. If you are convinced a membership is for you, check out the discounted options at DVC Resale Market. Planning a Walt Disney World trip? For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know.
YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you looking forward to the room renovations at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa? Will these new rooms plus easy access to Disney Springs make the Springs, Paddock, or Congress Park more appealing to you? Do you agree (or disagree) that, unlike many other Walt Disney World resorts, Saratoga Springs has gotten better with age? Any additional insight into the construction? If you’re an owner at Saratoga, what do you think of the property? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
My family and I are headed to Saratoga Spring in just over a week and we booked a 2 bedroom villa through the WDW website. We’re not Disney Vacation Club owners, so we’re not using points – and also, can not see options for “preferred” or otherwise. Do you know if we’ll be relegated to “lower quality” rooms because of this?
Well, you might be there already, but the difference between preferred and standard is location. The villas are identical. Congress Park and Springs are considered preferred for location near to Disney Springs or to the Carriage House. Grandstand, Paddock and Carousel are a bit further from both Disney Springs and the Carriage House. But not that far. Before the difference was made, so many people were requesting Congress Park to be closer to Disney Springs or Springs to be closer to the Carriage House, that DVC decided to adjust the points requirement and make them booking categories.
Is it worth it to pay extra money for a preferred room? We have a standard one bedroom villa booked in June. We prefer to be in Congress Park. In a newly refurbished room. Do you think we should just take our chances and see what we get for a room, when we arrive? Or, call disney and put in special comments the request for Congress Park? Also, do they ever upgrade room categories? I’ve never been upgraded to a bigger room, only to a “preferred “ room.
Standard will get you Paddock, Carousel or Grandstand. Paddock is pretty much done and they are currently working on Carousel and Grandstand. By June they may be complete, so you should get a renovated villa. Preferred will get you either Congress Park or The Springs. Even preferred won’t guarantee Congress Park.
If you booked via DVC points, your request must go through Member Services. If you rented points, your request must be made by the member who made the reservation for you. Points stays rarely are upgraded; cash stays occasionally might be. It would depend on occupancy levels.
We became members when Saratoga Springs was being built. It truly is our home away from home! Our now adult children do not want to stay at any other resort. We have been in the renovated rooms in the Springs Villas (2 bedroom Dec. 2020) and the Paddock Villas (Studio Jan. 2021) and absolutely love them!! The remodel is so fresh and clean and the Murphy bed is absolutely a home run compared to the old sleeper sofa! We also live that they took out the lower counter seating area that seemed a waste of space in the living area. We wish they weren’t waiting to complete the Grandstand Villas last, as that area is our favorite!
We will be returning in early March and would greatly appreciate anyone sharing when the bridge to the Paddock Villas has reopened, as they did close it on Jan. 4th while we were there.
One of the reason my wife and I like the 1 bedroom at Saratoga is the large whirlpool tub. There’s only the 2 of us, so now and then we splurge and pay the extra points. We call the bathroom area in the 1 bedroom “the room of doors” since there were/are so many? In your picture of the bathroom, it appears the tub has been downsized and no longer has jets? That would be a disappointment.
We have reservations for a 2 bedroom at Old Key West this weekend which is our favorite of all the 1 or 2 bedroom layouts (meeting up with family). We also had reservations at Hilton Head for a 1 br over Christmas but ended up getting upgraded to a 2 br for the 2 of us. Ahhhh, whirlpool tub…great to relax in. Please tell me that Disney didn’t do away with them at Saratoga, our 1st and main DVC resort.
A lot of the jetted tubs have been replaced with either free standing tubs or bubbling tubs (not jets, just bubbles). OKW might be the only true jetted tub left.
I have always felt the Paddock was a hidden gem and a real bang for your buck on points. Twice we had a room over looking the pool. Kids love the pool, some decent QS options , close laundry and mug refill and a beautiful quick walk across the bridge. Shhhhh……
Do you recommend a particular building. We will be there starting June 23. Hopefully, the paddock pool will be open. We will also be using Disney transportation.
I see the new preferred 2 bedroom units have a 9th sleeper. Unfortunatly cant book for nine only 8 at this time. Do you have info in this? We have a group of 9 wanting to book for the summer.
They won’t officially sleep nine until all the renovations are completed. You might need to call to see if you can get a two bedroom that sleeps nine. It does say online at the member website that a ninth guest can be accommodated.
We’re staying there at a one bedroom standard in June 2021. Do you think it’s worth it to pay the extra money for a preferred room? Or do you think upgrades to a preferred section or two bedroom are possible? Thanks we would like to be in Congress Park.
We are staying there end of June this year for the first time. For economic reasons we are considering getting a small contract. We already have a small contract at copper creek. One of the pros for considering this resort is the Murphy bed in the studios.
Seeing Santa cruising along the water was fun from the rooms too. But the boats and surreys aren’t running and the lounge is quick service with a very limited menu with a closed full service restaurant so it will be nice when all that is available again hopefully soon!
We stayed in a refurbished unit this summer and we loved it (we own there for purely economical reasons). It would not be my first choice most trips because of the distance to parks, but as for the resort itself I liked it better than Beach Club. The rooms are beautiful, the pools are great, and access to Disney Springs is good. We don’t at all regret buying there. It’ll be nice when you don’t have to use extra points / pay extra for preferred to get a refurbished room.
Definitely better than the beach club in our opinion too! Did not like that shower set up at al either! Boardwalk is much better!
One thing we like about SSR is taking an early morning walk around the resort. It’s quiet, you might see a few small animals like squirrels and various birds. Then we head back to our villa for breakfast.
“ With that said, once work is done on the Paddock’s two buildings closest to Congress Park, we think those are “sleeper picks” for the best rooms at Saratoga Springs—convenient access to the core of the resort and an easy walk to Disney Springs.”
YES! We actually stayed in both of these buildings last January, bookending our first Disney cruise. I plan to request that location again for our January 2022 trip. It’s a great location for point conservation. We used the Congress Park bus stop and playground and it was a lovely walk to Disney Springs. I am so glad to hear that they’ve been working on the Paddock. I was worried that they’d get to it last and be so delayed that we would not get a refurbished room next time.
I totally agree about how Saratoga has only gotten better. We bought points on the resale market there because it seemed to be the best value and we knew that while we’d try to use our points at other resorts at the 7 month mark (which we have had pretty great luck with but are not expecting to for the next few years) we’d always be happy staying at Saratoga. In the 6 years since, it has only become better and better. We are actively counting down to our next stay!
Happy and healthy New Year, everyone!
Is Disney upgrading the mattress for the pullout couch? Last time we stayed at SSR, the mattress was so thin and uncomfortable. I was stuck sleeping on it and it was the most uncomfortable bed I’ve ever slept on. I don’t remember it being that bad at the other resorts.
It’ll be a pull-down bed now and not a mattress within the couch, so yes, in a roundabout way they are upgrading the mattresses.
We’re staying at Saratoga Springs Jan 10-17. Thanks for the timely article so we can make our building request!
this resort was originally the failed “disney institute” correct?
You’re correct
It probably wasn’t your intent, but “failed” might be a bit of a harsh term. It was a really clever and ambitious idea…but also not appealing to many Walt Disney World guests.
I stayed at the Institute once! Really enjoyed the programs they offered. Did a photography class and a tv production class.
I think the Disney Institute was just waaaay ahead of it’s time… recently, people were all about “buying experiences”. I think it would have done incredibly well in 2019
Hasnain – That’s a really good point! I toured Disney Institute when they were just about to open and was fascinated by it. I was about 14 and thought it was so cool. I agree….. it probably would have done better about 20 years later.
… and before that there were the Lake Buena Vista Villas!
Where are pics of the new rooms?
Never stayed there and really don’t go to DS bc I have three great malls in my area.
https://www.disneytouristblog.com/new-rooms-saratoga-springs-resort/
I understand about the shopping – but the dining at DS is fantastic! You might consider the trip over for that! My favorite is Art Smith’s, but Jock Lindsay’s is also really good – especially if you can be seated outside!
It would be nice if they would provide dates for the bridge closure!
We just finished our 3 day weekend staying at Congress Park in one of the new renovated rooms. It was beautiful. We love the fact that there is no more carpets (it looks cleaner)!
We just finished our eight night stay in a two bedroom at Congress Park. The second bedroom with two queen beds wnd family room does have “wood” flooring but the master bedroom area has very nice new carpet. We own at AK and VGF and only stayed there due to needing a bigger place with last minute plans. It is VERY quiet. No kids running the exterior halls (good for CV issues now but seems a little motel 6 to us). We liked the remodel a lot. My husband says he will never stay there again as he likes to be in the magic and felt like it was akin to a huge apartment complex. CMs are very nice and proud of the new rooms. We did have scaffolding in the open air staircase near our room but no work was done during the holidays. My biggest problem was the horrible or better yet nonexistent cleaning/trash and towel changing service even after multiple calls to guest services. We finally just washed the towels ourselves! And our mbr sheets had washed blood stains in them too…I will write a letter to the DVC on these issues because we have NEVER had these problems at other DVC resorts even during the pandemic. A little embarrassing with potential DVC guests but oh well…