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Location
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Downtown Disney Area Resort
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Category
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Deluxe Villa
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Theme
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Health, History, Horses. The town of Saratoga Springs, NY is recreated here in a relaxing community of Victorian architecture celebrating the natural springs and Horse Racing history of that area.
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Central Building
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The Carriage House houses Registration, dining and shopping.
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Resort Layout
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Next to the Carriage House is High Rock Springs theme pool, Community Hall, Spa and other resort facilities. Three story buildings are clustered around several small lakes and Lake Buena Vista Golf fairways. Each cluster has a quiet pool and BBQ pavilion. They are The Springs, The Paddock, Congress Park, The Carousel and The Grandstan
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Facts & History
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Opening Year
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2004 |
| History |
Long before Vacation Clubs and Cirque du Soleil there was the Walt Disney World Village. In some of the earliest concept plans for Walt Disney World there is mention of a "Proposed Residential Community." Townhomes and villas were built around an eighteen hole golf course. Walt Disney World's first "Villa" resort - single bedroom bungalows, two story townhomes, high-pitched roof Fairway Villas and the infamous Treehouse Villas were available for guests. As part of this 'Village', the afore mentioned Lake Buena Vista golf course, the Walt Disney World Convention Center and Lake Buena Vista Shopping Center were constructed. In 1992, then CEO Michael Eisner got the brilliant idea that people want to go to Disney World and take classes about cooking and film making. And the Disney Institute began. The guest rooms remained, but new classroom, production and theater facilities were built next to the existing Registration and Clubhouse building. Within ten years the Institutes failure to get business resulted in the classes being widdled down and eventually disbanded altogether. The now thirty-plus year old, wooden, buildings were showing their age and were slated for demolition. The insanely popular, money-generating, Vacation Club eyed up the tasty piece of prime property (now next door to the also insanely popular Downtown Disney) and swooped in. The seventh DVC property, Saratoga Springs opened it's first phase in 2004. The old Institute facilities were repurposed as offices for DVC and guest activities (such as Community Hall, rentals and the arcade). The old outdoor amphitheater was dug out and became High Rock Springs pool. The only facility to survive unscathed was the Health & Fitness Center and Spa. The bungalows, townhomes and fairway villas were demolished to make way for new, four story, buildings designed after the actual community of Saratoga Springs, NY - known for it's natural therapeutic spas and horse racing. |
| Originally known as the Walt Disney World Village until 1992. Then it became The Villas at The Disney Institute until 2004. |
| Design |
Designed by Graham Gund Architects of Cambridge, MA. in the style of a 1880's Victorian, upstate New York lakeside retreat. |
| Expansion |
As part of the original Walt Disney World Village, the Treehouse Villas have been a guest favorite - even if they never stayed in one. Octagonal in shape, the two story Treehouses were scattered among the pine trees and along what is today called the Sassagoula River. Their uniqueness was their biggest draw. They were never connected directly to the 'Village' resort proper - they have their own separate entrance off the main road - so other than the one small pool, there were no other convenient facilities. When construction began on Saratoga Springs the Treehouse Villas were closed. They too needed TLC, but there were some issues - they were not wheelchair accessible and they are sitting on wetlands. By law, the Treehouses could be refurbished, but not torn down and replaced with something else. For a few years they were used the the Disney World College Program as dorm facilities. But in 2008, new hope has been found for these unique dwellings. Disney has developed plans for new Treehouses that comply with the wetland prtotection laws - these new structures will have all their facilities on one floor (the old Treehouses had a bedroom downstairs). The central column that holds up the second floor will have a smaller footprint than the old Treehouses. In late 2008, the old Treehouses (beaten and battered after the 2004 Hurricane season and general neglect) are being torn down. Starting in the summer of 2009, the Treehouse Villas are officially part of the Vacation Club. |
| Chritsmastime |
The Carriage House is festooned with Christmas decor celebrating Saratoga Springs rich Horseracing legacy with horse and jockey inspired trimmings. |
Types of rooms
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Deluxe Villa Studio
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355 Sq ft. Queen bed, Tub/shower & toilet, single vanity, Dresser with TV/DVD player, nightstand, full sleeper sofa, coffee table, ceiling fan. Kitchenette with small sink, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffeemaker, dishes & utensils. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryer, in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Villa One Bedroom
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714 Sq ft. In bedroom, King bed, Dresser with TV, easy chair, nightstand, desk with chair, ceiling fan. Split bathroom with Whirlpool tub & single vanity and Shower, single vanity & toilet. Kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Sitting room has queen sleeper sofa, coffee table, easy chair, TV/DVD player and table & chairs, ceiling fan. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, broom. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryer, in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail. Electric mixer upon request.
Accommodate 4 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Villa Two Bedroom
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1075 Sq ft. In Master bedroom, King bed, Dresser with TV, easy chair, nightstand, desk with chair, ceiling fan. Split bathroom with Whirlpool tub & single vanity and Shower, single vanity & toilet. In second bedroom, two Queen beds (or a Studio room if it is a “lock-out”), dresser with TV, nightstands, easy chair, ceiling fan. Bathroom with tub/shower & toilet and double vanity. Kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Sitting room has queen sleeper sofa, coffee table, easy chair, dresser with TV/DVD player and table & chairs, ceiling fan. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, broom. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryer, in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail. Electric mixer upon request.
Accommodate 8 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Treehouse Villa
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1200 Sq Ft. In Master Bedroom, Queen bed, dresser with flat panel TV, nightstands, desk and chair, ceiling fan. Master Bathroom has whirlpool tub, shower, toilet and single vanity. In second bedroom, Queen bed, dresser with flat panel TV, nightstands and ceiling fan. Third bedroom has bunk beds, dresser with flat panel TV, nightstands and ceiling fan. Second bathroom has tub/shower, toilet and single vanity. Kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Island bar with three stools and dining room table with six chairs. Living room has queen sleeper sofa, twin sleeper chair, armoire with flat panel TV/DVD player. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, & broom in laundry closet. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryers, in-wall safe, alarm clock radios, iron & board and phone with voicemail. Private deck and parking space at Villa.
Accommodate 9 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Deluxe Grand Villa
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2113 Sq ft. In Master bedroom, King bed, Dresser with TV, nightstand, easy chairs & table, ceiling fan. Bathroom with Whirlpool tub, double vanity and Shower. In second & third bedrooms, two Queen beds, dresser with TV, nightstands, easy chair, ceiling fan. Bathroom with tub/shower & toilet and single vanity. Kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, blender, tea kettle, sink with disposal, pots, dishes & utensils. Sitting room has double sleeper sofa, coffee table, easy chairs, dresser with TV/DVD player, ceiling fan. Dining room with table and 8 chairs. Third bathroom with shower, single vanity & toilet. Washer & Dryer, vacuum, broom in laundry room. Pak-n-Play crib. Hair dryer, in-wall safe, alarm clock radio, iron & board, phone with voicemail. Electric mixer upon request.
Accommodate 12 people + 1 child under 3 in crib.
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Handicapped
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Accessible versions of all accommodations exist. Inquire when making reservation.
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Exterior hallways
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All rooms have private balconies or patios.
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Room amenities
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See room descriptions. Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, facial soap & shower gel.
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Complimentary WiFi
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| Bed boards/rails and high chairs available by request |
Registration
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Check in
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room guaranteed by 4:00pm
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Check out
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by 11:00am
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Late check out
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can be requested the night before check-out
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Early arrival
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Be sure to Check-in at the Registration desk upon arrival, the room may be ready early, or at the very least they'll give a phone number you can call from any house phone in WDW to get you're room number - therefore you don’t have to go back to the registration desk.
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Express Check out
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Upon arrival you can leave a credit card on your room account. It can then be used to make charges to your room during your stay. And then, the morning you leave, an itemized bill will be on your door handle. If there are any problems, then you can contact the Front Desk - otherwise you're all set and can leave without going back to Registration.
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Magical Express
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For those of you flying into Orlando Intl Airport, Disney is making it even easier to get to their World. You’re given special tags to put on your luggage. Then when you arrive in Orlando, just get on the Magical Express bus – they’ll take you to your resort to check in. You go off and have fun, and you’re bags show up in your room later that day. Before your departure, you'll get a letter saying when you should be at the lobby to check your bags and catch your bus to the airport
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What you get at check in
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Resort Map: shows Saratoga Springs Resort
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Resort ‘newsletter’, Tip Sheet, includes dining, shopping, and recreation info for the resort. Also has other important resort information and phone numbers.
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"Your Guide to the Magic" with dining, shopping, recreation and WDW property map
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WDW Theme Park times Guide
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| Recreation Guide for Saratoga Springs Resort |
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Key to the World -- your room key not only opens your room, but is also your early entry ID, charge-to-room card, and perhaps your theme park ticket – Don’t Loose It
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If you drove, then you’ll get a parking pass – use it or your room key to park for free at the theme parks, and also to get through the security gate back at your resort.
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What to ask for
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Wild About Safety coloring book for kids (or big kids)
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Theme Park map
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Resort amenities
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Lobby Concierge
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your source for tickets, dining priority seating, dinner shows, recreation reservations, fishing or fireworks cruises, and other information
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Business Services
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fax and limited services at front desk in The Carriage House.
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Bell Services
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Luggage service, taxi.
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Valet Parking
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Not available at this resort
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Airline Check-in
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On the day of your flight you can print out your boarding passes for select airlines. Located at Hospitality House
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Laundry
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Located next to Community Hall and by the Congress Park, The Paddock and The Grandstand quiet pools.
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Fitness Center
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Spa & Fitness Center located in The Carriage House. No additional fee for resort guests.
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Salon
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Spa & Fitness Center located in The Carriage House. Full service spa treatments.
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Child Care
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Not at this resort. Call "Kid's Night Out" 407-828-0920
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Misc Services
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ATM, Pre-paid phone cards are inside Lobby. Stamps & postal box are located at Artist’s Point. Newspaper available at bus stops.
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Wifi
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Complimentary.
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Ice & Vending Machines
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Located on the first floor of each building.
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Wheelchair rental
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As a guest of the resort, you can request a length-of-stay wheelchair rental. A refundable deposit is given at Lobby Concierge and you are given use of a push-style wheelchair for the length of your stay. Available on a first-come first-serve basis
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Recreation
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Pools
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High Rock Springs pool with slide, kiddie pool and spa. Water pop jets play area.
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4 quiet pools and spas located in Congress Park, The Paddock, The Grandstand & at the Treehouse Villas.
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Towels available at all pools
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The Grandstand quiet pool also has water play area.
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There is no swimming in Sassagoula River, Ponds or Lake Buena Vista.
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| Life jackets available free of charge. Located at High Rock Springs Pool. |
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Arcade
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Win, Place or Show Arcade located in Carriage House
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Rentals
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Horsing Around Recreation Rentals
Surrey Bikes & bicycles
Sports equipment.
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Tennis, basketball, shuffleboard
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Community Hall has video games, movies, and activities
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Playground
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Located by the Congress Park and The Paddock quiet pools.
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Jogging trails
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Around the resort and over to Downtown Disney. Inquire in Spa & Fitness Center.
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Children’s activities
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By High Rock Springs Pool, ask pool staff and at Community Hall
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pressed penny machines
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Located in The Carriage House
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Disney cartoons
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Playing in Carriage House and Community Hall
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Other Entertainment
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Pool tables available in The Turf Club Bar.
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Dining
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The Turf Club
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Table Service. American fare. Located in The Carriage House
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Lunch noon-4:00pm
Dinner 5:00pm-9:00pm
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The Artist’s Palette
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Counter Service. Sandwiches, salads and nightly ‘home-made’ family dinner. Located in The Carriage House
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Breakfast 7:30am-10:30am
Lunch/dinner 11:30am-11:00pm
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The Turf Club Bar
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Full service bar. Located at The Carriage House.
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On the Rocks Pool bar
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Full service bar. Located at High Rock Springs Pool.
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Backstretch Pool Bar
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Full service bar. Located by The Grandstand quiet pool.
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BBQ Grill
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Self serve grill available Located by the Congress Park, The Paddock and the Grandstand quiet pools. Also at The Carousel.
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Refillable Mug
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Available for purchase and use at Artist’s Palette and On the Rocks.
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Shopping
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Artist’s Palette
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Saratoga Springs and Vacation Club logo items/clothes, standard WDW souvenirs, clothes for all ages, nick-nacks, housewares, etc. Food, drinks, and various sundries available. Limited groceries.
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Package Pick-up
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Packages sent to the resort from the Theme Parks can be picked up at the designated counter at Artist’s Palette
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Transportation
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Monorail
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Not available at this resort
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Buses
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There are 5 bus stops around the resort.
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| There are 2 bus stops at the Treehouse Villas. They are Only Internal Buses. They go to The Springs bus stop & back; transfer to your destination bus from here. |
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Bus transportation to all Theme Parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.
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Boat
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Two Docks located at The Carriage House & Treehouse Villas
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Boats travel to Downtown Disney Marketplace and Old Key West Resort.
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Walkway
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Walkway along Lake Buena Vista to Downtown Disney
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Pros
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Relaxed resort, nice atmosphere.
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Boat to Marketplace is really nice
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Cons
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You’ll have to bus mostly everywhere, and sometimes they don’t run very often (20-30 minutes).
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Smallest of the DVC rooms
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Other info
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Address & phone
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1960 Broadway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Main: (407)-827-1100
Fax: (407) 827-1151
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