Hi there, Ann! Welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad that you've stopped by with your vacation planning question. I love chatting Disney with my pals, pal!
In less than a couple of weeks, you'll be arriving at
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, ready to begin your magical family adventure at The Most Magical Place on Earth. How exciting! No matter how many times I stay at Saratoga Springs Resort, I am always in awe of just how serene it is there. With the beautiful, newly renovated rooms, gorgeous grounds and location within walking distance to Disney Springs, it is the perfect peaceful home-away-from-home right in the middle of the magic. As someone who has traveled to Walt Disney World Resort with an infant, toddler and now an almost-Disney-adult, I'm more than happy to answer your question today.
The easiest and best way to get to all four of the theme parks from Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is by taking the complimentary
Disney bus system. Regardless of where your room is located at the Resort, there will be a bus stop near your section of the Resort. If you use online check-in, when you receive the text that your room is ready, it includes
a map of the Resort that I always find helpful in locating my nearest bus stop. If you check in at the front desk, they will also provide you with a Resort map. Just be aware that if you are bringing your own stroller, you will have to fold it up before getting on the bus. Then, hop on, sit back, relax, and enjoy your air-conditioned ride to the magic!
If you will be spending any time splashing around
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, you can either walk or take a bus from your Resort to Disney Springs (If you are near the Congress Park section, I recommend taking the lovely walk!) and then hop a bus from Disney Springs to Typhoon Lagoon. Just be sure to bring a park bag with a change of dry clothes for the bus ride back, as the busses are usually chilly, in my opinion.
The busses begin running about one hour before park opening and arrive about every 20 minutes or so, but be sure to use your My Disney Experience app to see when the busses will be arriving at your Resort's bus stop. Once you are checked in, just log in to the app, tap the "Resort Hotel" tile and then "See Bus Times" to see when your theme park's bus will be arriving at your bus stop. Then, you'll know when to arrive! Tip: Give yourself a little extra time to arrive at the bus stop. We all know that it can be hard to get out the door quickly with a toddler, and nothing is more frustrating than
just missing your bus!
Some Saratoga Springs tips! Be sure to take advantage of
the five pools at the Resort! My favorite pool is The Paddock Pool, for its zero-depth entry, oh-so-fun waterslide, water playground with mini slides for the littles and
The Paddock Grill, which is a hidden gem, in my opinion. Also, be sure to stop by the Community Hall to rent surrey bikes or participate in arts and crafts. There is no better Disney memory and souvenir than your little one's first Disney art piece!
I hope this was helpful, Ann, and I hope that you and your family have a magical and unforgettable upcoming vacation! Stop by any time with any questions you may have. You've got a friend in me!
See ya real soon,
Mandy