P.S. whats going on at the Haunted Mansion and when is it expected to be complete?
Second: Saratoga is really nice, and the rooms are comfortable. However, if you like the hustle and bustle of a Disney Resort, this one doesn't have that. It's very spread out and you can't walk to any of the amenities at the main building in under 10 minutes if you aren't in a building right next to it. Also, if you like theming Saratoga's is subtler than most of the resorts. I am not as much a fan of it as I am the stronger themed hotels (my favorite is Wilderness Lodge.)
On the plus side, you can walk to Downtown Disney from Saratoga, which is really nice on a evening when you don't have anything planned.
As far as Port Orleans, I absolutely love the Alligator Bayou rooms at Port Orleans Riverside. The theming is great, the rooms feel secluded and the pool at Port Orleans is fantastic. Port Orleans Riverside is my second favorite Moderate Disney hotel. The food court is nice, and the table service restaurant at Riverside is great for an easy sit down breakfast. The only major drawback to Port Orleans as a whole is that Riverside and French Quarter (which used to be separate hotels) share one bus route a lot of the time. Because there are so many rooms at this hotel it makes for longer than usual waits for the ride back to the room if you use the buses.
One tip if you go to Port Orleans Riverside:
If you want the alligator Bayou rooms ask for rooms in one of these buildings: 14,15, or 18. They are the closest buildings to the main building. They make it really easy to get to food and the pool.
As for the rooms, if you want a bit more space, go to Old Key West. At Old Key West, they have better rooms. Unfortunately, I do have to report another negative of Saratgoa Springs. We did find some of the furniture in the room to be somewhat broken. The alarm clock did not work in the bedroom with two doubles, and the Armoir in the room had two broken drawers that came out. We were certainly unimpressed with that aspect.
I wish I could have more to say about the treehouses, they look amazing, and I can't wait till we stay in one in May. But I would advise to try to get into one of the Treehouses, or to vacation at Old Key West resort instead, where they have some nice touches to the resort.
As for Saratoga Springs, it is a very nice resort, but is pretty void of Disney. OKW at least gives subtle Disney. Still, a pretty good resort and close to Downtown Disney (which is a nice touch)
Yes, Saratoga Springs is somewhat removed from the others, but we find that to be a plus. The resort has a maturer feel than the others. The pools were not filled with screaming children; rather, they were usually barren and tranquil, perfect for late-night dips. Downtown Disney was a short walk away, which was excellent for late dinners or bar-hopping. The whole resort just felt much more relaxing than any of the others after a long day of sensory overload.
The dining options are sub-par, but Downtown Disney is just a short walk away.
And you are breaking my heart Josh! You are talking about my home away from home :( I love me some OKW and I always want to see what Olivia has in her Kitchen.
However, right on with Wilderness Lodge! Nice resort, but bad DVC rooms!
and Go STEELERS!!!
