I know what you are thinking: why compare Animal Kingdom Lodge to Saratoga Springs? I admit that they are very different, but I actually think that many people might find themselves choosing between them for their next Disney trip. There are two reasons for this – cost and availability. You see, not all Deluxe Resorts are created equal at Disney World. If fact, there is often a bigger gap in price between a low and high end deluxe resort than there is between a value and a low end deluxe.
The same is true for the DVC Villas. The cost per point and point charts for each resort is pretty similar. Additionally, they have similar availability, with Animal Kingdom Lodge typically booking up a little before Saratoga Springs.
What Makes These Resorts Comparable
Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge both occupy that “low end” deluxe resort category. Think $400-500 per night for a studio. Don’t get me wrong, these are still incredibly expensive and beautiful hotels. However, compare that to $700-800+ that you will spend on a comparable room at Grand Floridian or Polynesian and you will see why I am using the term “low end” deluxe resort. Others in this category would be Old Key West and Wilderness Lodge.
The second reason that these two are comparable is availability. They tend to be two of the last resorts to book up because of the amount of rooms and the lack of transportation options. This means that they might be your only options to spend DVC points before they expire or book a last minute Disney World trip. So what will it be: Animal Kingdom Lodge or Saratoga Springs?
Atmosphere
One of the main reasons to stay at a Disney owned hotel is the atmosphere. Disney works diligently to make their hotels immersive, with each having its own unique theme. Staying at the resort that has an atmosphere that you love can take a Disney trip to the next level. With that being said, atmosphere is subjective and everyone will have different preferences. Here is an overview of what you can expect from each of these hotels:
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most immersive hotels in all of Walt Disney World. You’ll feel like you are in a different hemisphere, exploring the savannas of Africa. You’ll spend a lot more time inside of the hotel itself – with its massive lobby, multiple restaurants, recreation facilities, and rooms all inside of the same building.
For our complete thoughts on Animal Kingdom Lodge, check out this review.
Saratoga Springs
The atmosphere here is the polar opposite. You are transported to upstate New York, with vibrant colors and horse racing themes. Most of the resort is outdoors, with dozens of separate buildings housing the lobby, stores, guest rooms, and more. This makes the resort feel less immersive when compared to Animal Kingdom Lodge. With that being said, the resort is quite beautiful and serene in its own right.
Where Each Resort Shines
Animal Kingdom Lodge has a lot going for it. I have often thought of it as the resort that simultaneously has the most pros and the most cons of them all. The cons include extremely long hallways, limited transportation options, and a long distance from parks (especially Magic Kingdom). Luckily, there are many more pros.
There are three great sit down restaurants, an above average quick service, and very nice lounge/bar options. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but we really enjoy Sanaa. It is more affordable than the other sit down places, and it feels like a hidden gem over at the Kidani Village side of the resort. Pools are another highlight here – both feature pools offer zero entry, water slides, kids areas, and pool bars.
Of course, the main appeal of Animal Kingdom Lodge is the savanna. It is truly a remarkable experience to wake up to Florida sunshine peaking through the curtains, opening them up, and seeing a group of zebras grazing right outside. The savanna really sets the tone for this resort; the authenticity of the African inspiration is on full display with real life African animals right for you to see.
On the Other Hand…
Saratoga Springs comes with a whole different set of pros, and many of the same cons. There is limited transportation, buildings are spread out, and you aren’t too close to any parks. One additional con is that there are 5 different bus stops, so depending on where you are you will be stopping multiple times on the way to and from the parks. That being said, this resort has a combination of features that isn’t found in any other Disney hotel.
Firstly, it is walking distance to Disney Springs. If you are a shopaholic, this is your resort! Disney Springs is also a great option for resort days – you get to walk around and experience Disney without paying the entry fee of a park. Disney Springs is also home to some of the very best quick service and sit down joints anywhere at Walt Disney World.
Another unique feature for this resort is the golf course. This isn’t for everyone, but if you are a golfer, it would be a huge perk. Even if not, the course is very well maintained and nice to look at.
The last of the unique features here is the spa. This is another feature that really isn’t our thing. But if you want to stay somewhere with a spa, and don’t want to spend Grand Floridian money, it is a great option. Ultimately, this resort won’t appeal to the masses. But if you love shopping, golfing, and massages, there’s nowhere better!
Verdict
These are two great options for anyone looking to stay on property in a deluxe Disney resort. Don’t be fooled by the fact that these hotels book up last – I think you’ll be impressed with either one you choose. For my money though, it’s gotta be Animal Kingdom Lodge. The dining, atmosphere, immersion, and pools make it a perfect place for my family to stay.
