There is something fitting about Disney taking its design inspiration of "health, history and horses," from one of America's earliest resort communities -- Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The pace is different here at this sprawling resort. Less park frantic and more "let's take a stroll," which is similar to how high-society folks like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers holidayed in Saratoga more than a century ago, and certainly how vacationers enjoy my former hometown now, lounging at a spa, strolling through Congress Park's gardens and watching thoroughbreds race.

In typical Disney fashion, they've transported a bit of Saratoga's flare (sans the horse racing) here to Florida, via Victorian architecture, lovely fountains, a Saratoga Race Course starting gate that looks just like the real thing, plus beautiful paintings by renowned artists of Saratoga's most beloved sites, past and present.

While adults appreciate Disney Saratoga's emphasis on history and health (through the spa), children love the horse-related fare, from the jockey silks to the row of framed portraits of Disney's own famous horses, like Toy Story's Bullseye and Mulan's horse Khan.

This campus-style resort (similar to the Old Key West property) was once home to Disney's training institute. The main buildings were renovated and additional ones added for the resort's opening in 2004. Today, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers 1,320 units spread out over 107 acres, plus one of only two spas available at a Disney resort. In addition, the property is home to Disney's largest resort fitness facility, making it a popular choice for guests of Disney's marathon and other running events. Saratoga Springs Resort also is home to Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas.

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