Hi JoAnne:
Great news about your upgrade to
Saratoga Springs Resort. My family has enjoyed Saratoga Springs on two vacations. The resort is equestrian-themed and packed with activities, including a huge main pool area (plus several smaller pools), a deluxe spa and gym, and an arcade. The Resort is expansive, which some people like and others do not like.
I enjoy both dining options at Saratoga Springs. While you do not have to be a guest at the Resort to eat there, it's nice to know that tasty dining options are close by. For quick service food, stop by the Artist's Palette, serving tasty sandwiches, flatbreads and entrees. My family finds the Resort's sit-down restaurant,
The Turf Club Bar and Grill, serving American fare, to be an "undiscovered" gem of disney dining.
For me, a big advantage of Saratoga Springs is that parts of the Resort are within walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and attractions in Downtown Disney. In addition to quick and easy access to Downtown Disney, being close to Downtown Disney also means you can also take advantage of direct buses from Downtown Disney to other resorts. When we travel to Disney, my family often likes to eat at restaurants at other resorts. When staying at Saratoga Springs, we can save time and still use Disney's free transportation system with a quick walk to Downtown Disney to catch a direct bus to the Resort destination without having to make a transfer. Request a room in the Congress Park section of Saratoga Springs to be close to Downtown Disney.
You can get a taxi on property to take you to Orlando. Usually taxis are waiting outside resorts such as Saratoga Springs. If not, ask the front desk to call a taxi for you.
Enjoy your vacation.