By DVC Diva
The original Treehouse Villas at Walt Disney world opened in 1975 and I was lucky to have stayed in them with my family around 1980. It’s one of my most vivid memories from my many childhood Walt Disney World vacations. The spiral staircase was quite the novelty, as I had never seen one before and wholeheartedly believed that they were reserved only for the rich and famous. I also vividly remember eating breakfast in our kitchen and looking outside our glass door to gaze in awe at a peacock showing off his beautiful fan of feathers… right there on our patio!
Well, those Treehouse Villas were closed to guests in 2002 and were resurrected as Disney Vacation Club Villas in 2009. No longer a two-story villa (with that fancy spiral staircase), Disney Imagineers redesigned the original Treehouse Villas to decrease their “footprint” on the forest and the new structures reduced the impact by 70% per structure!
In my opinion, the Disney Vacation Club Resorts can’t be beat. The style, luxury, attention to detail, and their own unique “Disney Side” sets them apart from any of the other comparable resorts that we’ve experienced.
Treehouse Villas Golf Course/Flights of Wonder View
The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort even go a step further. These villas are set in their own private section of the resort which feels very much like a campground…small, winding, one-way streets flanked by individual “homes” set up high off the ground, each one nestled into its own private wooded space. Entering this place feels like you’ve been transported and is quite a welcome transition from a day in the parks.
I was able to experience this resort for the first time last fall and fell in love. The resort is beautiful and secluded, but it’s also relatively “inexpensive” when paying with your Disney Vacation Club points. Considering the fact that these villas boost a total of 1,074 square feet including three bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a full kitchen and living room, which can sleep a total of nine people it’s a great deal! (In my humble opinion, I would suggest 4 adults and 5 children to be comfortable. I am a Diva, after all.)
Be advised that I DO NOT consider the Treehouse Villas “a steal” if you are paying Disney’s “rack rate.” Anything in the $700 per night range is a little tough for me to swallow. It’s certainly not big enough to justify that level of pricing. So if you are not a DVC member, I highly recommend renting points from another member to stay here and you can cut your pricing in half (give or take).
The Treehouse Villas can range anywhere from 39 to 76 points per night depending on the season and day of the week. Staying in one of these amazing resorts during the months of January, September, or the first half of December (in 2014) will only cost you 281 points for an entire week! Did I mention that this sleeps nine people? Bring another family and this trip is a steal. Each Villa includes 2 queen-size beds, 1 bunk bed, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, and 1 sleeper chair. Other amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, dishes, glasses, and utensils, pots and pans, refrigerator, stove and oven, toaster, microwave, washer and dryer, and whirlpool tub.
Treehouse Villas Floor Plan
It’s a fun “bonding” resort (in my opinion) too. Due to it’s campground feel, large private deck, and personal charcoal grill, living in your own single structure hovering 10 feet off the ground is definitely an experience unlike any of the other resorts at Walt Disney World.
As stated before, the Treehouse Villas are quiet and secluded. With that comes a downside if you prefer quick transportation. There is an internal bus transportation route to link the Treehouse Villas to the main resort and theme park busing. If you choose to walk, plan to add on about 15 minutes to your trip each way.
Treehouse Villas – Master Bedroom
Treehouse Villas – Master Bath
Treehouse Villas – 2nd Bedroom
Treehouse Villas – 2nd Bathroom
Treehouse Villas – Bunk Beds
The Treehouse Villas also boast their own peaceful pool but also share the plentiful amenities of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa including boat transportation to/from Downtown Disney (the Treehouse Villas has its own boat dock), tennis, bike rentals, kid’s playground, spa/fitness center, and the feature pool with slide.
So, if it’s in your budget and you require some extra space or are looking to bond with your family in a beautiful rustic setting away from the lights and glitz, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa may just be the Disney resort for you!
It had been on my bucket list for quite a while and I am so happy that I finally experienced it (since the renovations)! It definitely a change of pace from any typical resort. I hope you can stay someday too! Thanks for checking in 🙂