DVC Studio Archives - Living a Disney LifeLiving a Disney Life

DVC Studio Review – Saratoga Springs

A bit of research helped me figure out where the best room option for us would be. I called DVC and requested a studio in the Paddock area as close to the Congress Park section as possible. Congress Park is popular for its close proximity to the walkway to Disney Springs, but the studios there require a higher point usage. Because Raymond and Joseph wouldn’t be going with us, it seemed best (and nicest) to conserve points if possible. Staying Sunday – Wednesday used 47 points. Our room request was granted and we found ourselves also close to the Congress Park bus stop. While we weren’t planning on spending any time at the resort except for sleeping, we wanted to be able to walk easily (and safely) to Disney Springs and back for our Paddlefish reservation.

Our first impression of Saratoga Springs was great. Upon arrival, we parked near the Carriage House to check in and found the grounds and main building to be cheerful and welcoming. The staff was super friendly and in short order, we were on our way to studio 6612.

The entrance was welcoming, but the hallways and outside entrances felt a little gloomy. Inside we found a sink/vanity area outside the bathroom (tub/shower and toilet), a queen-sized bed, a small kitchenette area, and a sitting area with a sofa, ottoman and table and chairs.

The details were charming and the space (355 square feet) was perfect for the two of us. These studios sleep up to four with the pull-out sleeper sofa, but Megan and I thought it would be pretty crowded with more than the two of us unless the second two people were small children.

Final thoughts…

Saratoga Springs Pros –

Our location was convenient to Disney Springs and a bus stop.

We had plenty of space, were comfortable, and we liked the décor.

Our studio was quiet – we never heard any noise from neighbors.

Saratoga Springs Cons –

This resort (like Old Key West) felt more like a condominium complex than a Disney resort. Very spread out, many rooms are far from the main building/restaurants (which was okay for this visit, but might not work well all the time).

When it rained, there was quite a bit of flooding/high water to walk through.

The busses were SO slow and crowded. Particularly horrible leaving Magic Kingdom at the end of the night.

Have you stayed at Saratoga Springs? How was your experience? Do you prefer staying closer to the parks or do you like feeling like you’re away from all the commotion?

We have always loved Disney’s Contemporary Resort. More than the design and theme, which we like well enough (especially the Mary Blair mural in the Grand Canyon Concourse). We are crazy in love with the location – to us, the ability to walk to the Magic Kingdom just can’t be beat. And the restaurants – we love those too. And the monorail whooshing right on into the building. Well, you get the idea. We always knew if a DVC resort became available by the Contemporary, we’d be all in. That’s why Bay Lake Tower is our home away from home.

One of the most important aspects of the Disney Vacation Club for our family, is the ability to use your points how, when and where you like (based on availability). When we needed a place to sleep six, Bay Lake Tower’s two bedroom lock-off option was perfect for us – master bedroom (king bed) and bath, full kitchen with living room (pull-out queen sofa and chair-and-a-half) and a connecting studio (two double beds). When Raymond and I travel alone, we just need a studio. Able to book at our home resort 11 months in advance, we were, for our most recent visit, able to book a lake view studio (339 square feet) which was perfect in every way!

Arriving from the airport via Disney’s Magical Express, check-in is in the Contemporary lobby (we opted not to check-in online to see how the in-person version works). Greeted immediately upon stepping down from the bus by a very friendly and efficient Cast Member, we were promptly escorted into the lobby and handed off to the helpful young man at the check-in counter. The process was quick and easy and we were told our room was ready. We got our room number and informational materials and headed off for the short walk to Bay Lake Tower. There is now a new check-in counter in the Bay Lake Tower lobby, but it is not for guests arriving via Magical Express.

We were a tiny bit disappointed to find out our room was on the 3rd floor. The 5th floor is super convenient to the walkway between Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary. The higher floors seem to have the best views. We were surprisingly happy exactly where we were! Our balcony overlooked Bay Lake and the grounds of the Contemporary and – as a bonus – was a perfect viewing area for the Electrical Walter Pageant on the evenings we found ourselves back in our room in time to enjoy it.

Our room had a queen bed, sofa, table and chairs, television, dresser, kitchenette, and bathroom. The tiny kitchenette makes amazing use of a small space! In the far left corner of the kitchen area is a little extra vanity with shelves, mirror and outlets. I was able to shower first then move into the kitchenette to apply makeup, style my hair, etc. The kitchen also boasts an incredible amount of storage – including a very cool pull-out shelving unit. We utilized the coffee maker for brewing the delicious Joffrey’s Coffee we picked up in the Animal Kingdom Lodge gift shop on our first day of vacation.

Location, view, comfort, amenities – our Bay Lake Tower studio did not disappoint.

Are you a DVC member? What’s your home resort and what do you love most about it? If you have questions about our experiences with the Disney Vacation Club, ask away!