Things That Makes You Buy Disney Saratoga Springs Points

Why Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Appeals to DVC Members

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa combines Victorian elegance with modern amenities, creating a relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from Disney's busier resorts. The property's lakefront setting and proximity to Disney Springs make it particularly attractive for families who want easy access to dining and entertainment without the intensity of being inside a theme park.

The Resort's Character and Setting

Saratoga Springs draws inspiration from the historic New York resort town of the same name, featuring Victorian-style architecture and peaceful lakeside views. The resort spans over 65 acres along Village Lake, offering a more tranquil Disney experience compared to the Magic Kingdom area resorts.

The property opened in 2004 as Disney's largest DVC resort, with accommodations ranging from studios to three-bedroom grand villas. Its design emphasizes relaxation and space, with wide walkways, mature landscaping, and multiple quiet areas where families can unwind between park visits.

What Sets Saratoga Springs Apart

Several features make Saratoga Springs particularly appealing to DVC members looking for a home resort that balances convenience with a resort-like atmosphere.

Multiple Recreation Options

The resort features five swimming pools spread across its different sections. The main feature pool includes a zero-entry design and a 140-foot water slide, while the four quiet pools provide more intimate spaces for relaxation. The variety means you can usually find pool space even during busy periods.

Golf enthusiasts appreciate the resort's proximity to Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, which offers an 18-hole championship course designed by Joe Lee. The course provides a nice break from the theme parks and is walkable from several resort buildings.

Disney Springs Connection

One of Saratoga Springs' most valued features is its connection to Disney Springs via walking paths and boat transportation. This access allows you to enjoy dinner, shopping, or entertainment without needing to drive or take Disney bus transportation. The boat ride across Village Lake is particularly pleasant in the evening.

Disney Springs offers everything from quick-service meals to signature dining, along with shopping and live entertainment. Having this variety within walking distance adds significant value to your stay, especially for longer vacations when you want dining options beyond the resort.

Home Resort Booking Priority

As with all DVC resorts, purchasing Saratoga Springs points gives you an 11-month booking window at your home resort, compared to seven months at other DVC properties. This advantage becomes particularly important during peak seasons like Christmas week, Easter, and summer holidays when availability fills quickly.

Saratoga Springs' size works in your favor here. With over 800 units, the resort typically has better availability than smaller DVC properties, even during busy periods. The variety of accommodation types also means you're more likely to find something that fits your family's needs.

Understanding DVC Points and Costs

Disney Vacation Club operates on an annual points system where each resort has a specific point chart that determines how many points you need for different room types and seasons. Saratoga Springs typically requires fewer points than newer resorts, making your ownership go further.

For reference, a studio at Saratoga Springs during a regular season week might require 11-14 points per night, while a one-bedroom villa could need 18-24 points. These numbers fluctuate based on the specific dates and demand, but Saratoga Springs generally offers good value within the DVC system.

Annual Dues and Contract Details

Saratoga Springs contracts expire in 2054, giving purchasers about 30 years of ownership remaining. Annual dues currently run approximately $7-8 per point, though this varies slightly each year based on resort operating costs and capital improvements.

These dues cover property maintenance, housekeeping, utilities, and Disney's management of the resort. While dues increase over time, they're often more predictable than hotel rate increases, and you're purchasing the right to use accommodations for decades rather than paying per stay.

Resale Market Considerations

The resale market offers significant savings compared to purchasing directly from Disney, with Saratoga Springs points typically selling for $120-150 per point depending on contract size and expiration year. Direct purchase prices are currently around $205 per point, making resale an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers.

When you purchase resale, you won't have access to certain Disney perks like booking at Disney's non-DVC resorts, Disney Cruise Line, or Adventures by Disney. However, you retain all the core DVC benefits: booking at any DVC resort, guest certificates for friends and family, and the ability to bank and borrow points.

Right of First Refusal Process

Disney maintains the right of first refusal on all DVC resale contracts, meaning they can choose to purchase the contract at the agreed-upon price instead of allowing it to transfer to the buyer. This process typically takes 30-45 days and occurs in roughly 10-20% of Saratoga Springs transactions, depending on current market conditions.

ROFR is most likely when contracts are priced significantly below market value or when Disney wants to reclaim inventory for their direct sales program. Most fairly priced contracts pass through without issue.

Making the Purchase Decision

Several factors can help determine if Saratoga Springs points align with your vacation plans and budget.

The resort works particularly well for families who appreciate a quieter Disney experience and value the Disney Springs connection. If you prefer being in the heart of the magic with immediate park access, you might want to consider Bay Lake Tower or the Grand Floridian instead.

From a practical standpoint, consider how many points you'll realistically use each year. We typically suggest estimating your vacation needs for the next 2-3 years and purchasing based on that average. Saratoga Springs' lower point requirements mean your points can stretch further, potentially allowing for longer stays or larger villas.

Working with a Resale Broker

The resale process involves several steps: finding an available contract, negotiating terms, completing Disney's estoppel process, and handling the title transfer. Working with an experienced broker can help navigate this process and ensure all paperwork is handled correctly.

At DVC Sales, we charge a 6.9% commission compared to the industry average of 9.5%, plus a $500 buyer administration fee and $150 seller estoppel fee. We've helped hundreds of families through the purchase process and can explain each step clearly.

Long-term Ownership Perspective

DVC ownership is most valuable when viewed as a long-term commitment. With Saratoga Springs contracts running through 2054, you're purchasing three decades of vacation accommodations. The key is ensuring the resort fits your family's travel patterns and preferences.

Many Saratoga Springs owners appreciate the resort's flexibility. The variety of room types and seasons means you can accommodate different family configurations and travel dates. The Disney Springs location also provides alternatives when you want to stay on property but take a break from the theme parks.

Consider also that your vacation needs will likely change over the years. Saratoga Springs' range of accommodations, from studios perfect for couples' getaways to three-bedroom villas that can house extended family, allows your ownership to adapt as your family grows or your travel style evolves.

Practical Ownership Tips

• Book Early: Take advantage of your 11-month home resort window, especially for popular times like holidays and special events.
• Understand the Point Charts: Familiarize yourself with Saratoga Springs' seasonal point requirements to maximize your vacation value.
• Consider Room Categories: Studios work well for short stays, while one-bedroom villas provide more space and full kitchens for longer vacations.
• Explore Transportation Options: Learn the boat schedules to Disney Springs and bus routes to the theme parks to plan your days efficiently.
• Budget for Dues: Factor annual dues into your vacation planning, as these represent your ongoing ownership costs.

If you're considering Saratoga Springs points, take time to visit the resort if possible, or at least research recent guest reviews and resort updates. Understanding what you're purchasing helps ensure your DVC investment aligns with your family's Disney vacation goals.

For more information about available Saratoga Springs contracts or questions about the DVC purchase process, we're here to help guide you through this important decision.