These 4 Disney Resorts Comprise the Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney Resorts By Location

Here is a list of the resort areas defined by Disney. Those highlighted in red are the ones we’ve covered to date. Anything highlighted in red will take you to the specific article related to that topic. (That goes for the entire site.)

• Magic Kingdom Resorts Area
• Epcot Resorts Area
• Animal Kingdom Resorts Area
• Disney Springs Area
• Wide World of Sports Area

We’ll be focusing on the following resorts, which comprise the Disney Springs Resort Area:

• Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
• Disney’s Old Key West
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

All of the above-listed resorts offer bus and boat transportation to Disney Springs. However, as we reported earlier this year, boat service is occasionally suspended due to low water levels. Additionally, guests staying at Saratoga Springs can walk to Disney Springs. Guests of Old Key West can also walk to Disney Springs during daylight hours, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. (See walking from Old Key West to Disney Springs for more details.)

Another interesting fact about the resorts in the Disney Springs area is their classification. Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside are moderate resorts, while Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are deluxe villas or Disney Vacation Club Resorts.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

We’ll start with Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, the smallest of the moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. We enjoy this resort because of its unique theming to New Orleans’s Garden District, with touches of Mardi Gras in the lobby and pool areas. Many consider this resort romantic and the perfect place for couples. But we also rank it on our list of the most kid-friendly resorts at Walt Disney World. It’s simple to get around, and even though it only has one pool, you couldn’t ask for one that’s more fun-themed. It’s too cute. (The Doubloon Lagoon Pool)

Guests can take a bus or water taxi from Port Orleans French Quarter to Disney Springs. You can walk, boat, or bus to Riverside, which adjoins the property. For everywhere else, you’ll need to take the bus. Epcot is the closest theme park to French Quarter. Animal Kingdom will be the furthest from the resort.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Next, we have Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, a vast resort. Many guests love the beautiful grounds ranging from Alligator Bayou to Magnolia Bend. Think swampy woods versus manicured grounds with mansions. The resort is so immense that we have a comparison report that contrasts both sections. If you enjoy exploring and are interested in the Deep South, you will likely enjoy your stay here. However, this resort is not for everyone. You could end up walking more steps than you like. If this is a concern, check our guide, which details the walking distances at Port Orleans Riverside.

Regarding transportation, you’ll have the same options as the neighboring French Quarter Resort. You can take a bus or boat to Disney Springs. You can walk, boat, or bus to the French Quarter, and everywhere else will require a bus ride. Epcot is the closest theme park to Port Orleans Riverside.

Disney’s Old Key West

Disney’s Old Key West is a resort that has grown on me over the years. It’s the original Disney Vacation Club Resort, but you do not have to be a DVC member to stay here (or at any DVC). The resort is themed after the Hemingway period of the Florida Keys. If you like a vintage vibe with dreamy pastels and numerous outdoor activities, you’ll likely enjoy it. I always feel a little more light-hearted after a stay here.

As discussed above, you can walk to Disney Springs from Old Key West, but it’s a long walk through a pretty remote area. We enjoy taking the DVC Water Ferry from Old Key West to Disney Springs. You can also take a bus. (Note that the bus stop often indicates that guests should take the boat to Disney Springs, but if you hang tight, the bus will come. It runs all day.) You’ll need to take a bus to every other destination. Epcot is the nearest theme park, and Hollywood Studios is not much further.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is the final Walt Disney World-owned and operated resort near Disney Springs. It is also the closest resort, with Disney Springs only a short walk or boat ride away. Bus service is also provided from the resort to Disney Springs, but it will take a little longer than the aforementioned options.

Saratoga Springs is themed to the original New York Saratoga Springs horse town and community. You’ll find nods to horses and plenty of springs across the grounds. This Disney Vacation Club Resort comprises units ranging from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. A DVC Resort is often the way to go if you’re looking for room to spreadout or some of the comforts of home (like kitchens and extra baths). However, they are among the priciest options.

We always enjoy our stays at Saratoga Springs, but like Old Key West above, it’s a tremendous resort with numerous bus stops. So you can expect to spend a little longer riding the bus around the resort before visiting the parks. Like the other resorts we’ve discussed, you must take a bus to the theme parks. But, again, you can walk, boat, or bus to Disney Springs.

*The Treehouse Villas is a separate section of Disney’s Saratoga Springs, comprised of treehouse style units.

Why Stay Near Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is a significant dining, entertainment, and shopping venue. It has approximately 90 shops, 70 dining options, and additional entertainment offerings. We enjoy visiting the venue for dining and enjoying seasonal offerings throughout the year. Disney Springs is home to multiple celebrity-owned restaurants that draw large crowds. A few of our favorites are Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Frontera Cocina by Chef Rick Bayless, and Morimoto Asia by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. You might enjoy learning more about these and other favorites in our top-ranked Disney Springs restaurant guide.

Naturally, you might stay at any of these resorts because they suit your needs more than others. However, being close to Disney Springs is a positive for anyone planning a couple of dining reservations there. Those who enjoy the dining scene or are looking for less park-heavy trips might further research some of these resort options.