Hi Elizabeth! I’m so happy you stopped by planDisney with your question. You are considering two of my very favorite villas at Walt Disney World Resort! I’ve stayed in both and would happily stay in either one on any vacation. Let’s do a breakdown of the benefits of each one to help you decide!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is my very favorite resort hotel at Walt Disney World! There is just something so iconic about the atmosphere, and I truly feel like I’ve been transported to an island vacation. By the way, the scent in the lobby is
simply divine! Besides the perfect theming, one of the best perks of the Polynesian is the convenience. It is situated right on the monorail loop, which means quick access to Magic Kingdom Theme Park and also a convenient monorail ride to EPCOT. The Polynesian is also home to my favorite Walt Disney World restaurant, ‘Ohana. It is very popular and books quickly for good reason!
Now let’s talk about the set-up in the Deluxe Studio. The Polynesian studios have some great perks. The first is that they sleep five adults with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a single pulldown trundle bed. The other bonus in these studios that I love is that there is a bonus bathroom! While it is not a full bath, there is a separate shower room with a sink and rain shower. This is in addition to the full bath where you’ll find a toilet, tub/shower combo, and vanity. These deluxe studios also have a small kitchenette generally with a mini fridge, toaster, coffee maker, and sink. Now, it’s important to note that the layout and features are different in the new deluxe studios at Island Tower, so you’ll want to be sure to take a look at the differences in that layout if you’re considering it. Notably, those studios have a larger kitchenette with a dishwasher but no separate shower room.
As for the 1-bedroom villa at
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, I see three major benefits – loads of space, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer! These villas also sleep five, but you get the feel of a true villa with a separate master bedroom, living room, and kitchen. I always feel like I’m in an apartment with the comforts of home! For me, the kitchen and washer/dryer are also total game changers. I can make breakfast with a full stove and oven and store more food in a full-size refrigerator. Plus, being able to do laundry at any point in our vacation is priceless. One of the only downsides is that this resort is much larger and spread out, and buses are your only available Disney transportation option to the theme parks. You do, however, have boats that will take you to Disney Springs!
Elizabeth, I hope this helps you decide which location feels perfect for your home base during your vacation! Whether you decide to take in those amazing island vibes or settle into the serene equestrian setting, you can’t go wrong. If you have any more questions,
be sure to send them my way. I would be so happy to continue helping you plan your magical getaway!
Casey