Navigating Saratoga Springs: Advantages & Disadvantages Of Various Sections

Advantages

The Springs boasts numerous advantages for guests! Its proximity to the Carriage House, which houses the lobby and a range of amenities, is a prime benefit. These amenities include Artist’s Palette, a quick service restaurant, a drink refill station, and a store offering groceries, snacks, and souvenirs. The Springs is conveniently located near Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Cafe at the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, providing another quick service option for breakfast and lunch. For those who enjoy table service dining, the Turf Club Bar & Grill and its lounge are also accessible.

In terms of recreational activities, The Springs is nearby the High Rock Spring Pool, a zero-entry feature pool at Saratoga Springs. Here, guests can partake in pool activities such as relays and trivia, enjoy two whirlpool spas, a 128-foot-long water slide, the Donald Duck play area, and a water slide for the kids. The On the Rocks pool bar at the High Rock Spring Pool offers drinks, sandwiches, and salads.

Additional facilities in the vicinity include The Health Club, Horsing Around Rentals, Community Hall, Win, Place or Show Arcade, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, and a campfire in the DVC Courtyard perfect for nighttime marshmallow roasting. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity of The Springs to the Lake Buena Vista Golf course. Shoppers and food lovers will be pleased to know that the ferry boat to Disney Springs stops just behind the Carriage House.

Moreover, guests lodging in the Deluxe Studios at The Springs have easy access to a laundry location.

Disadvantages

On the downside, The Springs is the final bus stop before buses depart for the theme parks. During peak times such as park opening hours, the bus may be overcrowded with standing room only or completely full. This bus stop is also heavily frequented as guests from other resort sections use it to commute to and from the Carriage House.

As a Preferred section of the resort, staying at The Springs requires more points. Depending on the room type and season, this could mean a difference of anywhere between 1 to 15 points per night, which can add up over the duration of your stay.

Advantages

Congress Park’s prime advantage is its close proximity to Disney Springs, with all its dining and shopping options. A walking path conveniently connects Congress Park to the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. Additionally, some villas offer stunning views of Disney Springs.

Amenities-wise, Congress Park offers a leisure pool, barbecue grilling area, and a playground for guests to enjoy. The section comprises four buildings, all within a comfortable distance from the bus stop, which is the penultimate stop en route to the theme parks. For those residing in Deluxe Studios, Congress Park also provides a laundry facility.

Disadvantages

On the flip side, Congress Park’s close proximity to Disney Springs places it farther from the Carriage House and the High Rock Spring Pool.

Similar to The Springs, Congress Park is a Preferred section of Saratoga Springs, meaning the point values are slightly higher. For those mindful of their points, this can be viewed as a disadvantage.

Advantages

The Paddock, the largest section of Saratoga Springs with five buildings, boasts several advantages. It features its own zero-entry feature pool, The Paddock Pool, which hosts poolside activities, a 146-foot-long water slide, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool spa, and a kid’s aquatic play area with a mini slide. Additionally, the pool bar, Paddock Grill, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a drink refill station.

The Paddock, like other sections, also has a dedicated laundry facility. Some of the Paddock buildings are conveniently close to the walkway leading to Disney Springs, and others enjoy easy access to the Carriage House, courtesy of the bridge connecting the Paddock and Springs sections.

Disadvantages

However, given the expansive size of the Paddock, it can potentially mean longer walks to the Carriage House and its amenities depending on your location within the section. Moreover, with the Reedy Creek Fire Department located across from some parts of the Paddock, guests may occasionally hear sirens during rare emergency situations.

Advantages

The Carousel, with only two buildings, is more compact than other sections, offering a quieter environment that is easier to navigate. While it doesn’t boast a plethora of amenities, it does provide a barbecue grilling area complete with tables.

Disadvantages

On the downside, The Carousel is situated quite a distance from the Carriage House and High Rock Spring Pool. It also lacks its own pool and laundry facility, which may be inconvenient for some guests staying in Deluxe Studios.

Advantages

The Grandstand is conveniently located near the Carriage House, ferry boat dock, and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. It features its own leisure pool, complete with a whirlpool spa, splash pad, and barbecue grilling area. The Backstretch Pool Bar, serving sandwiches, ice cream bars, and beverages, along with a drink refill station, is also located here.

The Grandstand is the first stop on the bus route, making it easier to secure a seat. It’s also the initial stop when returning from the parks, which can be a comfort after a tiring day.

Disadvantages

Despite its prime location, the Backstretch Pool Bar operates seasonally and is often closed. Additionally, being the first stop on the bus route can have its drawbacks. While you’re more likely to catch an empty bus with ample seating, you’ll need to circle the entire resort before setting off for the theme parks.

Advantages

The Treehouse Villas are situated in their exclusive section of the resort, providing a more secluded and private experience compared to other parts of the resort. Each Villa comes with a vehicle spot, allowing you to park directly in front of your Villa. Additionally, the Treehouse Villas section features its own leisure pool and whirlpool spa located in the South loop.

Disadvantages

Due to their separate location, the Treehouse Villas can feel somewhat distant from the amenities at the Carriage House. To reach the theme parks by bus, you first need to take a bus to the Carriage House and then transfer to a theme park bus, which can be time-consuming. As a workaround, some guests prefer to walk from the Treehouse Villas to the Grandstand and catch a theme park bus from there to reduce travel time.

While it’s convenient to park right in front of your Treehouse Villa, the space is limited to one vehicle. Any additional vehicles must be parked in the resort’s main area.