Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Photo: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Deluxe Disney Springs Resort Area
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Photo: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Saratoga Springs

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Deluxe

Area

Saratoga Springs

Disney Springs Resort Area

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Saratoga Springs

Boat, Walk, Bus

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Saratoga Springs

1 restaurant

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Saratoga Springs

6 locations

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

None

Pool Amenities

Saratoga Springs

Pool

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Saratoga Springs

Yes

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Yes

Top Highlight

Saratoga Springs

Boat service to Disney Springs is the most convenient of any resort

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex

Overview

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs—a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing—this charming, Victorian-style Resort hotel is nestled between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Lake Buena Vista. Delight in stately Studios and multi-bedroom Villas, dazzling pools and a spa.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The newer tower within the Swan and Dolphin complex, positioned near Crescent Lake and marketed as a more boutique-style Marriott option.

Amenities

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Recreation

  • Pool
  • disney's lake buena vista golf course
  • Children's themed interactive wet play area with pop-jet fountains
  • Tennis Courts
  • Running Trail listed in Activities & Recreation
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; information from Horsing Around Rentals

Wellness

  • Spa

Other

  • Laundry Facilities
  • Artist Palette shop and merchandise at Carriage House

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Recreation

  • Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Arcade
  • Playground
  • Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; water taxi access to parks

Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Spa

Other

  • Water taxi dock for park access
  • Resort shops available

Transportation

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Boat

    Disney Springs

  • Walk

    Disney Springs

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Walk

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Boat

    EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Bus

    Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs

Pros

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Boat service to Disney Springs is the most convenient of any resort
  • Largest Disney Vacation Club property with extensive room variety
  • Treehouse Villas offer a unique and secluded resort experience
  • Congress Park section has rooms literally adjacent to Disney Springs
  • Full spa and fitness center on property

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex
  • Spacious tower rooms with contemporary design and updated amenities
  • Same Crescent Lake location with walking access to EPCOT
  • Marriott Bonvoy points redemption available
  • Quieter and more upscale feel than the larger Swan and Dolphin hotels

Cons

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Very large resort with extremely long walks between some sections
  • Primarily a DVC property with limited cash booking options
  • Dated theming compared to newer Disney resorts
  • Bus-only transportation to theme parks; boat and walk options limited to Disney Springs
  • Pool complex is spread out, with multiple smaller pools instead of one standout

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • No Disney on-site perks such as Early Entry or booking advantages
  • High resort fees on top of nightly rate increase true cost
  • Smaller pool exclusive to Swan Reserve guests, main pools are at Swan/Dolphin
  • Limited dining within the Swan Reserve itself
  • No direct transportation to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom

On-Site Dining

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Backstretch Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • Chip 'n' Dale's Café at Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • On the Rocks Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

  • The Artist's Palette

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Paddock Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • The Turf Club Bar and Grill

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • The Turf Club Lounge

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Amare

    Table Service

    Mediterranean

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

  • Grounds

    Table Service

    Bakery, American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu

  • Stir

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

  • Tangerine

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

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