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All about the Extras
Checking in at Disney is always a festive event. I overheard little girls greeted as "Princess" and our boys' jaws almost hit the floor when a greeter approached and unrolled a strip of stickers as long as each son is tall.
Fitness Center
Saratoga's 3,000-square-foot fitness center is the largest resort facility at Disney World. The center includes treadmills, elliptical, regular and recumbent bikes, and stair climbers, as well as a weight machine circuit and free weights. Use of the health club is free to resort guests and those purchasing a spa treatment.
But don't just stay indoors. Jogging maps detail a .8 or 1.44 mile path through the resort and are available at the concierge desk in the lobby; or, better still: jog to and through Downtown Disney in the early morning for good views minus the crowds.
Magic Hours
A great perk for all Disney resort guests are the "Extra Magic Hours," that allow guests to take advantage of shorter waits for their favorite rides each day when one Disney theme park opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after the official park closing. Check the weekly schedule when you arrive and plan!
The Art of Smart Timing
The best prices and shortest waits at Disney are during the Value seasons: January to mid-February, mid-July to late-September, and post Thanksgiving through mid-December. Conversely, weekends and holidays are the busiest and most expensive times to stay at a Disney Resort, with New Years and the Christmas holidays typically the priciest.
Getting There & Around
Families can get by without a car thanks to Disney's Magical Express Service. This service, complimentary to Disney resort guests, allows families to check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport, and take Disney's comfortable motor coaches to their resort. Luggage is delivered to the room after check-in. The service must be booked in advance and is not available with all airlines (check with a Disney agent when you make your reservation).
Once on property, boat service and a walkway connect Saratoga Springs Resort and Downtown Disney. Bus service is available from each section of the Saratoga resort to the parks as well as within Saratoga's 'neighborhoods' via the Downtown Disney bus.
Note: A car saves time both in getting to and from the airport and between the resort and the parks. For those driving (or renting a car) the resort is approximately 26 miles from Orlando International Airport.
For Mom and Dad
Take the boat to Downtown Disney for dinner at Italian trattoria, Portobello, followed by a Cirque du Soleil show. For Cirque tickets call 407-WDW-SEAT.
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