Hi Jill,
Thanks for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question! My family and I have stayed at
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - it is a relaxing, peaceful resort. I think that you have a good idea - if you want to be closest to amenities such as a pool and restaurants, The Springs area is a good section to request.
I suggest that you avoid requesting specific room numbers. If you request a particular room number, Disney may not know why you requested that room number and if that specific room is not available, they might not know where to assign you. The Springs is comprised of three buildings - with rooms numbered 3101 - 3436, 3501 - 3836, and 4101 - 4436. I think that you will be happy in any of the rooms in these buildings as they will all have you quite close to the amenities.
I suggest that you note on your reservation your request for a room in The Springs in order to be close to the amenities. Then, about 10 days before you check in, call Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa directly at 407-827-1100 to make sure that your request is noted on your reservation. Finally, when you check in, be sure to mention your request to the cast member who is checking you in. Sometimes, if you check in early in the day and your room request is not available, it will become available if you can be flexible and wait until later in the day for a room. Please know that all requests are requests only - Disney will do their best to honor them, but they are not guaranteed.
I hope that this information is helpful for you, Jill. Have a wonderful time planning your vacation, and please do not hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.