Hi Margaret, It's always wonderful to hear from a fellow Massachusetts Disney fan!
You are going to love Disney's
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. My favorite area is called "Congress Park". Many of the rooms have views of
Downtown Disney. In addition, they are just a short walk from the Carriage House
area. I believe it takes us about 5-7 minutes (leisurely pushing a stroller) to
get to the Carriage House which houses the check-in, High Rock Spring (main)
Pool, Spa and Fitness Center, boat dock, restaurants and more. Congress Park
also has a pedestrian walkway to Downtown Disney and a great pool of its own.
To request Congress Park, you'll want to call Saratoga
Springs Resort & Spa directly at: 407-827-1100 nine days prior to your
arrival. That is when the Resorts get their arrival lists, so they can't help
you prior to that. When you call, ask to speak with the "Room Assigner". You'll
provide him/her with your reservation information and tell them that you would
like to be assigned to Congress Park. Be sure to ask again at check-in. With a
little luck and pixie dust...you should be all set.
As far as your other question, the only attractions in the Magic Kingdom that are currently scheduled for closure during your visit are Splash Mountain and the Liberty Square River Boat. The Fantasyland and Toontown attractions are still operational during that time.
Hope this helps and have a wonderful vacation,
Kaylene