I always request the Grandstand when I stay at SS. It has a small pool and is an easy walk to the main building for food or another pool. If you're getting on the WDW bus, this is the first stop.
I've also stayed in the Paddock(not by choice) and didn't care for it. To me, it was too far a walk to the main building for breakfast in the morning(about a 10-15 min walk). You can catch the bus to the main building, but after staying in the Grandstand I didn't find the Paddock as convenient.
Grandstand is much more convienent to the main building, some of Grandstand is actually closer to the main restaurants than the Springs. I too, would not like to regularly walk from Paddock to AP to eat.
But it seems they do now serve breakfast at the Paddock Pool. Its not Mickey waffles so i would still make 1 trip to AP.. I would now be interested in staying at Paddock, and Carousel doesn't seem as bad, either. From allears: (since wdwinfo does not list Paddock in the restaurant menus)
http://allears.net/menu/menu_paddock.htm
Paddock Pool
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Menu Date: August 2011
Breakfast - open til 11am
French Toast served with bacon $5.29
Bounty Platter - scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, croissant, and french toast $8.29
Grilled Ham, egg, and cheddar croissant sandwich $5.99
Assorted Danish $2.39
Chocolate Croissant $2.79
Bagel with Cream Cheese $2.59
Assorted Muffins $2.59
Fruit Cup $3.39