Disney4me Posted May 18, 2023 Report Share Posted May 18, 2023 Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be complicated — especially when you’re trying to choose between 25 resort hotels. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to these hotels, how do you make your final selection? Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Well, we’re here to walk you through the differences between Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. We want to help stretch your vacation dollars because trips to Disney World can be costly. Not surprisingly, hotel expenses can take up a big portion of your travel budget. How do you make the right decision for your family? We give you all the details, so you can choose wisely between Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Art of Animation Whether room size, location, pools, and/or restaurants are most important to you, we share the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision. After all, we want you stay at the hotel that is best for your family! Let’s get started and look at all the details so that you can plan your Disney trip with confidence. What a view from Saratoga Springs! The best way to tackle such a massive decision like this is with as much logic as possible, so we broke down this comparison into five categories: Common Ground, Theme/Rooms, Pools, Food, and Transportation. Let’s get started on your vacation research. COMMON GROUND Before we mention their differences, let’s take a look at what Saratoga Springs and Art of Animation have in common. First, both resorts offer bus transportation as well as one other mode of Disney transport. Disney bus Both resorts offer a quick service restaurant, several pools, and various room options. But what about their nightly rates? For Saratoga Springs, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $451 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $3,477 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates) For Art of Animation, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms start at $201 per night in value season, and a Finding Nemo Family Suite will cost about $912 per night during the December holiday season. Family suites sleep a whopping six guests comfortably! Hey Disney! at Art of Animation Resort! Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts! Extra Theme Park Hours Benefits for Disney World Resort Hotel Guests THEME/ROOMS Saratoga Springs This resort offers villa-type accommodations with studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom layouts. Speaking of spacious accommodations, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villas at various Disney Vacation Club properties can sleep up to 12 people! These rooms typically come with 3 bedrooms, 3 (or more) bathrooms, a (very large) full-sized kitchen, living area, dining area, and a balcony. These rooms are available first for DVC members to book, so they’re pretty difficult to score and pricing is not readily available to the public (unless you call Disney to book for a specific date). Studios have a kitchenette. The one-to-three-bedroom villas have a full kitchen, as well as washer and dryer. The Murphy bed at Saratoga Springs If you’re looking for convenience, these amenities might make your trip a whole lot easier! Here, you’ll escape to a 19th century equestrian resort, although there aren’t any horses! Opened in May 2004, the quaint gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere. The large resort layout consists of a central lobby building with outer buildings housings the actual hotel rooms. Saratoga Springs is a huge resort and thus, rooms are often available! Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Studio Studios at this resort provide a queen bed and pull-down bed; these rooms sleep four. Two bedrooms sleep up to 8 people. (Remember that a child under three does not count toward maximum occupancy.) As of 2020/2021, rooms have been renovated. Treehouse Villa However, the unique but very remote treehouse villas can accommodate up to nine guests. Art of Animation Celebrate the characters, colors, and creativity of Disney animated films at Art of Animation Resort! ©Disney Many of our readers tell us that Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the BEST value resort on Disney World property. It’s a great hotel for families, particularly if you’re needing some more space and you’re willing to pay for it. Guests may reserve a Lion King Family Suite, a Cars Family Suite, a Finding Nemo Family Suite, or a Little Mermaid Standard Room (277 sq. ft.) for their Art of Animation stay. The Little Mermaid Standard Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort The theme feels well done and intricate, so it’s at least a bit nicer than the other values. PHOTOS! Tour a Lion King FAMILY SUITE at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort! Results What location and price point do you prefer? If your focus is spending time at Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs might be the best pick for you. If you need a cheaper starting rate, Art of Animation fits the bill. However, we prefer the more deluxe accommodations at Saratoga Springs. If you are traveling with small kids, they’ll love the Disney icons situated around the resort at Art of Animation. NEWS! MAJOR HOTEL CHANGE Announced for Disney World POOLS When the weather is HOT or you just need a break from park queues, head to your resort pool! After all, the pools have their own unique features and special theming. Feature pools at Walt Disney World hotels usually have at least one slide and also offer poolside activities. Look at the hotel’s recreation schedule for more information. Some Disney resorts are so spread out that they also offer leisure pools. These swimming spots are family-friendly with at least one whirlpool spa. Leisure pools are quieter than the more crowded and active feature pools. Pool Area Note that poolside towels are always complimentary. Saratoga Springs This resort has two featured pools — High Rock Spring Pool and The Paddock Pool. High Rock Spring re-opened in late March 2023 after a renovation. This pool continues to offer a fun atmosphere with waterfalls, zero-depth entry, and a 128 ft. slide. You’ll find two whirlpool spas at this location. Got kids? They’ll love the Donald Duck splash area with a fun kiddie-sized slide. Pool at Saratoga Springs The zero-depth entry Paddock Pool showcases a slide that starts at the top of a water tower and provides 146 feet of fun! Kids can splash in the aquatic play area showcasing two small waterslides. Nearby, a horseshoe-shaped whirlpool offers a nice respite. Paddock Pool at Saratoga Springs Leisure pools with whirlpool spas can be found at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park, and The Grandstand. Art of Animation Art of Animation boasts the largest pool of any Disney Resort hotel: it’s The Big Blue Pool! Pool at Art of Animation Guests also have access to two more pools. The Cars section hosts the Cozy Cone Pool (complete with clever Cone Cabanas) and The Little Mermaid section hosts the Flippin’ Fins Pool. Results If you have small children, Art of Animation has one of the best splash pad areas — Schoolyard Sprayground — for little kids at Walt Disney World. And the pool at over 308,000 gallons is massive. However, Saratoga Springs is a more relaxing atmosphere for grownups! 10 Hidden Secrets About Disney World Pools FOOD Park days can be exhausting. Whether you’re taking a whole day to enjoy your resort, or you are relaxing after a shopping excursion at Disney Springs, once you’re at your Disney World hotel, you might not want to get back on a bus or boat for nourishment. So, you’ll want to know about the best options at your Disney World resort! Artist’s Palette at Saratoga Springs Take a look at the menus and decide which resort has the food that best suits your family. Saratoga Springs Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an equestrian-themed resort, with dining options that are simultaneously relaxed and refined. The Turf Club Bar and Grill features steaks and chops — along with pasta dishes — in a lovely atmosphere created with dark woods and forest greens. Pork Chop You can also enjoy spending some time at the Turf Club Lounge. (May I recommend the Mint Julep?) We do want to note that the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs is only open for dinner. Backstretch Pool Bar and On the Rocks Pool Bar serve cold specialty drinks that are perfect for relaxing by the pool on a sunny day. On the Rocks Pool Bar The Artist’s Palette is a Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spot made to resemble an artist’s studio in New York. The indoor seating is welcome on hot Florida days, chilly mornings and evenings, and during rainstorms! Fresh sandwiches, pizza, salads and more are on offer, and the bakery case always boasts some fantastic and creative cupcakes. Stop by Artist’s Palette for seasonal treats! The Paddock Grill is located by the Paddock Pool, offering substantial eats to enjoy poolside — even for the early risers at breakfast! Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort! Art of Animation The Landscape of Flavors food court which serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The menu offers classic counter service eats such as pizza and pasta, burgers, and more. You might even order up a stir-fry dish. Or you can grab a creative cupcake from the bakery case! One of our most recent meals from Landscape of Flavors Guests can also rest their fins and grab a drink at The Drop Off Pool Bar located by the Big Blue Pool. Pool Bar P.S. This is a GREAT place to stop and check out what they’re serving up for the Drink of the Month! Find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort HERE. Results While the variety at Saratoga Springs is rather slim, you’re not far from Disney Springs, which has a ton of restaurants. If your favorite eateries are at Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs may look more appealing to you. If you are just looking for a quick service food court, Art of Animation checks off that box. Plus, Art of Animation offers access to the Disney Skyliner, so you can easily get to the restaurants at Riviera Resort and other nearby resorts. TRANSPORTATION Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!! Saratoga Springs You can walk and boat to Disney Springs, but otherwise, you’re stuck with a moderately lengthy bus ride to get around. And beware of those internal stops again! This is a rather large resort, so it’s easy to get lost when trying to locate the different amenities featured on the property. Take a boat to Saratoga Springs! This hotel is fairly far away from the Disney parks — so getting to-and-from places using Disney’s complimentary transportation can take a big chunk out of your day. Art of Animation Resort Disney’s newest form of transportation, the Disney Skyliner, hosts a station located between Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This is a HUGE perk for Art of Animation guests that makes getting around Disney World a whole lot easier (and fun!). Skyliner gondola system From Pop Century and Art of Animation, the Skyliner goes directly to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where guests can then transfer to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. Additionally, guests have access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Results At Saratoga Springs, the Sassagoula Riverboats to Disney Springs are a pleasant mode of transportation, except during inclement weather. Art of Animation Resort has the perk of Disney Skyliner to two theme parks — Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! We’ll give this one to Art of Animation because the ability to take the Skyliner to two theme parks as well as to other resorts is a huge convenience! Note that ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry. Learn all about WDW Transportation THE WINNER! So, where do we think you should stay? Sorry, that decision has to be up to you. It depends on the people in your traveling party and what your plans are during your stay at Walt Disney World. If you’re wanting to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs, then Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort might be the resort to book! Or perhaps, you’ll be playing golf — Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is located on the sprawling property of Saratoga Springs. Enjoy relaxing at Saratoga Springs! Your hotel at Walt Disney World will either be a place just to sleep or a hang-out in between touring the parks and other Disney World diversions. If you’re seeking relaxation and don’t feel the need to rush to the parks, then Saratoga Springs provides an excellent respite from the crowds. If budget is your highest priority and/or you have small children, Art of Animation will likely be a fantastic option! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Where did you decide to stay? Share with us and your fellow readers! The post Saratoga Springs vs. Art of Animation Disney World Resort Guide 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saratoga Springs Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is an equestrian-themed resort, with dining options that are simultaneously relaxed and refined. The Turf Club Bar and Grill features steaks and chops — along with pasta dishes — in a lovely atmosphere created with dark woods and forest greens. Pork Chop You can also enjoy spending some time at the Turf Club Lounge. (May I recommend the Mint Julep?) We do want to note that the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs is only open for dinner. Backstretch Pool Bar and On the Rocks Pool Bar serve cold specialty drinks that are perfect for relaxing by the pool on a sunny day. On the Rocks Pool Bar The Artist’s Palette is a Counter Service option serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spot made to resemble an artist’s studio in New York. The indoor seating is welcome on hot Florida days, chilly mornings and evenings, and during rainstorms! Fresh sandwiches, pizza, salads and more are on offer, and the bakery case always boasts some fantastic and creative cupcakes. Stop by Artist’s Palette for seasonal treats! The Paddock Grill is located by the Paddock Pool, offering substantial eats to enjoy poolside — even for the early risers at breakfast! Click HERE for our Complete Guide to Eating at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort! Art of Animation The Landscape of Flavors food court which serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The menu offers classic counter service eats such as pizza and pasta, burgers, and more. You might even order up a stir-fry dish. Or you can grab a creative cupcake from the bakery case! One of our most recent meals from Landscape of Flavors Guests can also rest their fins and grab a drink at The Drop Off Pool Bar located by the Big Blue Pool. Pool Bar P.S. This is a GREAT place to stop and check out what they’re serving up for the Drink of the Month! Find our COMPLETE GUIDE TO EATING at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort HERE. Results While the variety at Saratoga Springs is rather slim, you’re not far from Disney Springs, which has a ton of restaurants. If your favorite eateries are at Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs may look more appealing to you. If you are just looking for a quick service food court, Art of Animation checks off that box. Plus, Art of Animation offers access to the Disney Skyliner, so you can easily get to the restaurants at Riviera Resort and other nearby resorts. TRANSPORTATION Do these resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!! Saratoga Springs You can walk and boat to Disney Springs, but otherwise, you’re stuck with a moderately lengthy bus ride to get around. And beware of those internal stops again! This is a rather large resort, so it’s easy to get lost when trying to locate the different amenities featured on the property. Take a boat to Saratoga Springs! This hotel is fairly far away from the Disney parks — so getting to-and-from places using Disney’s complimentary transportation can take a big chunk out of your day. Art of Animation Resort Disney’s newest form of transportation, the Disney Skyliner, hosts a station located between Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This is a HUGE perk for Art of Animation guests that makes getting around Disney World a whole lot easier (and fun!). Skyliner gondola system From Pop Century and Art of Animation, the Skyliner goes directly to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort where guests can then transfer to Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. Additionally, guests have access to Disney Bus Transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Results At Saratoga Springs, the Sassagoula Riverboats to Disney Springs are a pleasant mode of transportation, except during inclement weather. Art of Animation Resort has the perk of Disney Skyliner to two theme parks — Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT! We’ll give this one to Art of Animation because the ability to take the Skyliner to two theme parks as well as to other resorts is a huge convenience! Note that ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry. Learn all about WDW Transportation THE WINNER! So, where do we think you should stay? Sorry, that decision has to be up to you. It depends on the people in your traveling party and what your plans are during your stay at Walt Disney World. If you’re wanting to spend a lot of time at Disney Springs, then Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort might be the resort to book! Or perhaps, you’ll be playing golf — Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is located on the sprawling property of Saratoga Springs. Enjoy relaxing at Saratoga Springs! Your hotel at Walt Disney World will either be a place just to sleep or a hang-out in between touring the parks and other Disney World diversions. If you’re seeking relaxation and don’t feel the need to rush to the parks, then Saratoga Springs provides an excellent respite from the crowds. If budget is your highest priority and/or you have small children, Art of Animation will likely be a fantastic option! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/customemailexample.jpg Where did you decide to stay? Share with us and your fellow readers!
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