Hidden among the trees of Disney World lies a resort so secluded that few people know it exists.
Part of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Treehouse Villas are part of Disney Vacation Club and are hidden across from Saratoga Springs. While these villas are not actually in a tree, you are surrounded by trees and greenery in a three-bedroom elevated villa. There are 60 treehouses, making the Treehouse Villas feel like its own neighborhood.
This resort is so hidden that if you did not leave the property, you would not really think you are at Disney World. The Treehouse Villas have a long history and were once even used for Disney College Program housing! On June 1st, 2009, they opened as we know them today. These villas are built in the natural forest glens along the Sassagoula River and are elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams.
Each treehouse can sleep up to nine people. Each treehouse has beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to take in all the sights and beauty of the forest glens. Depending on where your villa is located, you will have a view of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, the pool, forest glens, and even the Sassagoula River. On this particular visit, our villa was right by the river, and we could see the boats going by through the trees.
Now, we know rain can be annoying at Disney World, but trust us, it is so serene and peaceful when it rains at the Treehouse Villas. When we stay here, we secretly hope it rains so we can open the windows and be surrounded by the rain.
Transportation options are minimal at the Treehouse Villas. There are two bus stops: the North Bus Stop and the South Bus Stop. A bus comes through about every 30 minutes to take you over to Saratoga Springs to catch another bus to your destination. The roads are one-way and very tight, and it is a feat in itself that the busses are able to drive through this resort.
The Sassagoula River Cruise boats make a stop at the Treehouse Villas as well. The boat offers transportation to Saratoga Springs as well as Disney Springs. You can also take the boat to Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts and Disney’s Old Key West Resort from Disney Springs.
While secluded in the trees, you can emerge on a walking path to both Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. When we stayed here, we walked to both resorts and Disney Springs!
If you are looking for more efficient transportation but want to stay at the Treehouse Villas, we recommend you bring your own car or rent one. There are parking spots outside each block of treehouses.
While you are welcome to use the pools at Saratoga Springs, the Treehouse Villas has its own pool. It is nothing special as it is just a square pool with a water feature, but most of the time, you can find it empty since only a limited number of people can stay at this small resort.
There is even a hot tub and a bathroom on-site at the pool.
Now, let’s take a look inside one of these treehouses! When you arrive at your treehouse, you will have a private staircase to climb up. There are wheelchair-accessible treehouses that have a ramp instead of a staircase.
Here, you will find your own private patio—it is huge! It has a table, four chairs, and a bench. It is the perfect place for a morning coffee.
Once inside, you will find yourself in the kitchen and living room area. There is a large table that can seat six people and a bar that can seat three.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a stove, oven, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and a full fridge with a freezer and ice maker. There are also utensils, plates, bowls, glasses, and other cooking needs.
When we stay at a resort with a freezer, we like to buy Mickey Premium Bars to keep in our freezer so we can always have Mickey ice cream whenever we please! You can pick up Mickey ice cream and other quick meals at the Artist Palette inside the main building of Saratoga Springs.
The living room has a TV, two chairs, and a couch. The couch is a pull-out that converts into a queen-sized bed, and one of the single chairs converts into a twin-sized bed. Thus, the living room sleeps three.
This leads into the master bedroom, which sleeps two. It has a queen bed and its own connected bathroom.
The bathroom in the Master Bedroom has a tub inside the shower.
On the other side of the kitchen you will find the hallway that has the second bedroom. This room has a bunk bed and a TV. It can sleep two.
The third bedroom is right next to the room with the bunk beds. It has a queen bed, a TV, and can sleep two people.
Across from the third bedroom is the laundry closet. It contains a washer and dryer and some laundry supplies.
At the end of this hallway, there is a full bathroom.
The Treehouse Villas are a great escape for those who want a more laid-back vacation. It is also great for large families who want to stay together on vacation, or for smaller families who each want their own space.
If you prefer to be closer to the main lobby and have better transportation options, this resort may not be for you.
Regardless, the Treehouse Villas are beautiful and are indeed a hidden gem of Disney World.
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Marsha says
The first thing I noticed was how dirty that sofa looks. I am extremely particular about things being clean and that sofa needs to be replaced. I have always wanted to stay there but have never seen really good pictures of the inside that weren’t touched up to be viewed. The treehouse villas are expensive and you would think they would replace some of that old furniture. Looks like it needs to be updated…