Tree House Villas = Heavenly!! Just Back [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

lugnut33

08-22-2009, 09:55 PM

UPDATE: Photos added on page 2

Just got back from a 5 night stay at the Tree House Villas and a night at Old Key West, and let me say the THVs are absolutely awesome. So awesome that I know that's where I want to stay every other year and plan on picking up another small contract so I can stay 7 nights. That is the place I want to be at (home resort is SSR).

So, what makes it so great in my opinion? I love how each unit is isolated from the rest. Actually, the whole resort feels isolated from WDW, though it's placed between SSR and OKW. When I looked out the windows I could barely see the neighboring unit, but still had a nice view of the golf course and the Sassagoula River. Even when parking it felt like I was isolated because there isn't a huge parking lot, matter of fact the spot I parked in every day was a individual stall surrounded by vegetation. It really made me feel like I was in a Florida swamp. Which of course it is!. There is water every where.

There were 8 (6 adults and 2 children) of us and we were all comfortable. We didn't feel cramped. The interiors are lovely and I love how the darker hues make you feel even more isolated. After being in parks that were really super crowded (due to free dining), it was so nice to come back to the peaceful villa.

Not everything was perfect. The air conditioning unit is located under the unit and you can hear it running all night. You need to be comfortable staying in a swamp, and I mean a real swamp. The living room can get crowded since it's not real big.

The last night we stayed at OKW and it felt like a huge huge downgrade (no offense to those OKW owners, but our non-refurbed room felt used and old. I was told at the front desk that next year they will begin a complete refurbishment of the resort, a complete strip down, update, and remodel).

Yup, I found my DVC happy place and it's the Tree House Villas.

kayla87

08-22-2009, 10:52 PM

Glad to hear you liked it! I don't see too many reviews for them, but what I have read makes me excited to stay there one day. Thanks!

ACDSNY

08-22-2009, 10:58 PM

I'm looking forward to our tester stay...2 nights after a Disney cruise. I believe we'll feel the same way about the THV. One of the reasons we enjoy SSR is for the peace and quiet after being in the parks so I'm sure the THV will feel like heaven.

Lauralee131

08-22-2009, 11:30 PM

Glad to hear a good review! Got any pictures??:confused3

minniemoms

08-23-2009, 01:42 AM

Please don't laugh at this question..I must have head my head in the sand, or i just wasn't paying attention to the tree house villas. We have SSR and now the Villas at Grand CA, so are the treehouse villas a part of SSR? So if you own at SSR are they your home resort too? WE live in CA so we only go to WDW about every 3 years or so, so we just use our points in DL. But after reading about these, we might want to stay there.. Just wondering

queenie82

08-23-2009, 02:01 AM

alamode

08-23-2009, 05:48 AM

are the treehouse villas a part of SSR? So if you own at SSR are they your home resort too?g

Yes and Yes. They are treated the same as a 2 bedroom at SSR point-wise, even though they sleep more.

I was hoping to book one of these for our first DVC trip next May, but they were already booked when I called.

maburke

08-23-2009, 06:24 AM

Yes and Yes. They are treated the same as a 2 bedroom at SSR point-wise, even though they sleep more.

They only sleep one more (9 versus 8). The advantage is that there are more beds and more bedrooms. (6 people could have their own bed at THV, versus 4 in an SSR 2BR.)

Cee

08-23-2009, 07:32 AM

We will be there in exactly two weeks and I am so excited to hear all the wonderful reports! There will only be four of us(all adults) so we will be able to spread out. I love it! :thumbsup2

rentayenta

08-23-2009, 07:36 AM

:thanks: for the review. We cannot wait to stay there next October! :cloud9: I am contemplating even doing a split stay now and just enjoying "home" for the full 11 nights. Decisions, decisions.................:hyper:

Kris10luvsDisney

08-23-2009, 07:37 AM

So glad to hear you loved the THV! SSR is our home resort too, and I can't wait to try one of the THV's out!:thumbsup2

bobbiwoz

08-23-2009, 07:48 AM

It's great that you are so enthusiastic about the treehouses! It sounds like a great match for you! I would love to try them, but only one other person in the family would be as enthusiastic as I am, and so, it's not going to work out for me to stay there.

Bobbi:goodvibes

TreesyB

08-23-2009, 08:34 AM

Sounds great! I will be doing the reverse type of stay with my family. OKW first night, and Treehouse Villas for 5 nights after. Sounds like a good treat going that way.:thumbsup2

lugnut33

08-23-2009, 08:42 AM

Are there lots of bugs around being a swamp:confused3
This has been my biggest worry since I first heard about these.
I get eaten alive around wetlands....and have sandfly allergies :(

Otherwise it sounds great:lmao:

There must be aggressive pest control program because we didn't have any bug problems at all. You would think being in a swamp it would be bad, but other than geckos being everywhere there was no problem. We didn't even see a snake eventhough I wanted to. In the 6 days we were there a vine did grow from a nearby tree over to our walkway.

as for photos, I'll post some up soon.

Oh, our THV had to be in the best location. We were as close as you can be to SSR, but still could see the river and golf course. And we were right in front of a bus stop. BTW, the busses are really no problem to use, but having a rental car is the way to go if staying at THV.

tjkraz

08-23-2009, 10:57 AM

Glad to hear you had a great trip! :)

We didn't have any bug problems back in June, either. There were some bugs buzzing around the outside lights after dark, but really it was no different than what you would find anywhere. During the day bugs were pretty much nonexistent.

dizney4us

08-23-2009, 11:08 AM

sounds like fun! Can't wait to see some pictures, thanks for the report!:goodvibes

aDVCguy

08-23-2009, 02:51 PM

:thumbsup2
WOW!
Just reviewed some pix from DVCnews.com...WOW!:cool1:
Just unbelievable!!!

Can't wait to stay there...and to think it'll accomodate up to 9 guests.
I took a look at the map of the THV's and no matter how you
slice it...there's a great spot for your tastes!

:worship::smickey:

bloat

08-23-2009, 03:18 PM

How difficult is it to book THV inside the 11 mth window?

What is the disadvantage if any of them vs a traditional SSR 2 or 3 bedroom unit?

oakmanner

08-23-2009, 04:01 PM

Nice TR... Thanks!:thumbsup2

liznboys

08-23-2009, 04:57 PM

That's great you enjoyed your THV stay! It sounds like you had a great location too.

We were in villa 7023 in June and loved that spot too. We did have bugs though, mosquitos. And spiders were around but those didn't bother us other than the ick factor.

supersuperwendy

08-23-2009, 08:16 PM

We just got home from The Grandstand and enjoyed walking through the Treehouses to the boat dock. My only concern would be the busing. Did you have your own car? It seems like a pain to have to change buses at the grandstand all the time.

BlakeNJ

08-23-2009, 08:29 PM

There must be aggressive pest control program because we didn't have any bug problems at all. You would think being in a swamp it would be bad, but other than geckos being everywhere there was no problem. We didn't even see a snake eventhough I wanted to. In the 6 days we were there a vine did grow from a nearby tree over to our walkway.

as for photos, I'll post some up soon.

Oh, our THV had to be in the best location. We were as close as you can be to SSR, but still could see the river and golf course. And we were right in front of a bus stop. BTW, the busses are really no problem to use, but having a rental car is the way to go if staying at THV.

Sounds like a great place! I can't wait to try it out someday. I think it must have been a villa we could see from our SSR room in March. We were on the golf course near the river.

lugnut33

08-23-2009, 10:10 PM

Our villa was 7033.

Having a car is the best way to do the villas, but honestly the bus wasn't that big of a deal. I hate using the busses and did it a couple of times anyways and didn't find it a bad experience. There is a bus all the time running through the THV it seemed. It was actually annoying because it seemed like we were always getting caught behind one in our car. LOL.

If you stay with a car, be careful when pulling out from the THV onto Vacation Club Way because the cars come up over a bridge and can be on top of you fast.

As for booking 11 months out I have no clue if it's difficult. We made the ressie the first day they were taking ressies. I hope it's not difficult in the future because that's where we want to stay..... forever.

katmittens

08-23-2009, 10:45 PM

Just got back from a 5 night stay at the Tree House Villas and a night at Old Key West, and let me say the THVs are absolutely awesome. So awesome that I know that's where I want to stay every other year and plan on picking up another small contract so I can stay 7 nights. That is the place I want to be at (home resort is SSR).

So, what makes it so great in my opinion? I love how each unit is isolated from the rest. Actually, the whole resort feels isolated from WDW, though it's placed between SSR and OKW. When I looked out the windows I could barely see the neighboring unit, but still had a nice view of the golf course and the Sassagoula River. Even when parking it felt like I was isolated because there isn't a huge parking lot, matter of fact the spot I parked in every day was a individual stall surrounded by vegetation. It really made me feel like I was in a Florida swamp. Which of course it is!. There is water every where.

There were 8 (6 adults and 2 children) of us and we were all comfortable. We didn't feel cramped. The interiors are lovely and I love how the darker hues make you feel even more isolated. After being in parks that were really super crowded (due to free dining), it was so nice to come back to the peaceful villa.

Not everything was perfect. The air conditioning unit is located under the unit and you can hear it running all night. You need to be comfortable staying in a swamp, and I mean a real swamp. The living room can get crowded since it's not real big.

The last night we stayed at OKW and it felt like a huge huge downgrade (no offense to those OKW owners, but our non-refurbed room felt used and old. I was told at the front desk that next year they will begin a complete refurbishment of the resort, a complete strip down, update, and remodel).

Yup, I found my DVC happy place and it's the Tree House Villas.
Do you have any more details about a rehab of OKW. We are not staying at OKW this year since we feel it is getting a little dated, but would love to stay there in June if it is being rehabed. Thanks for any info.

Beth

08-25-2009, 05:00 AM

...because that's where we want to stay..... forever.

We just checked out yesterday - there for only two nights - but my husband said the exact same thing. We've been owners since 1997, and his comment was, "I finally feel like I'm ready to tape the promotional video - I am SO happy to be a DVC member!" :)

We just loved it. Hardly left the villas. Walked to the pool Saturday night, then walked on over to SSR - to the main pool. Could not BELIEVE that we encountered no bugs. We brought all kinds of stuff with us, and didn't have to use ANY of it!

We cooked out on our grill Saturday afternoon..... it was just lovely!

vandy

08-25-2009, 04:24 PM

Glad to hear another good review of the THVs. We will stay in one next year. Also good to hear about the OKW rehad. We really like this resort as well and consider it our second home.

lugnut33

08-25-2009, 11:38 PM

Finally got some photos downloaded. I didn't take any of the interior because they are all over the internet anyways.

View from family room
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/Lugnut33/Disney_20090821_1061.jpg

View from master bedroom
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/Lugnut33/Disney_20090821_1062.jpg

Doorway To Dreams
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/Lugnut33/Disney_20090821_1063_edited-1.jpg

Look closely at the ground, note the standing water, its a swamp
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/Lugnut33/Disney_20090821_1064.jpg

Path that leads to Saratoga Springs
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/Lugnut33/Disney_20090821_1065.jpg

The path, but note the swamp water
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/Lugnut33/Disney_20090821_1066.jpg

Coach81

08-26-2009, 08:19 AM

Thanks for the great report! We've already booked our THV stay for next summer with my brother and his family.. we can't wait!!!!

BEASLYBOO

08-26-2009, 08:44 AM

Your post only makes me want to stay there even more. For many years I longed to stay in the original tree houses but now my son is the one who pines to stay in the new ones.

Thanks Again!

HallsInTheKingdom

08-26-2009, 10:10 AM

:thumbsup2 Thanks for the TR. We plan on doing labor day weekend 2010 in the THV. Glad to hear some good reviews, the bad ones were getting a little old. Thanks for helping me get excited about our trip, being it is over a year away!

BirdsOfPreyDave

08-26-2009, 10:19 AM

Could not BELIEVE that we encountered no bugs. We brought all kinds of stuff with us, and didn't have to use ANY of it!Same here. As I was packing it all to go back home, I commented that I won't have to buy any citronella for the next 5 years.

bmalonef45

08-26-2009, 10:56 AM

We are staying the the THV next June after a Disney Cruise. We are SSR members and had no problem booking at the 11 month window. I did call as early as I could and I think I heard a few days later that there were no more available during our stay. We've only been members since 2005 but our first trip was staying at OKW and every time we were on the boat we were so curious about the villas we saw in the trees. Now we get to find out first hand! Thanks for the great report.

Dale-Not-Chip

08-28-2009, 03:05 PM

We just booked the THV for July 26 2010. I originally called to book for the 20Th but there were 2 days that were taken and would have made me go on a wait list so I moved to the exact 11 month window.

We are really looking forward to staying there. It is a perfect layout for us. we are taken my brother and my daughter 12 year old friend. To get a 3 bedroom for the same points as a 2 bedroom is awesome. Sure the rooms are all smaller but an almost teen girl dosn't need to sleep in the same room as my brother. especially the non-family member. And it's my points so my wife and I get the master bedroom. and I really didn't want a week of people sleeping in the living room.

If you need the number of rooms of a grand villa but the beds of a 2 bedroom the THV is an answer to your prayers. I am so excited about this trip.

lundve

08-29-2009, 10:14 AM

thanks for your two cents - we are staying in ours just 3 short months from today! Can not wait!!

melissac

08-29-2009, 10:49 AM

I'm so glad you guys had a great time. We will be staying there in Oct. for 10 days:cool1::cool1: This is after being at HRH and US for 4 days. It will be so nice to relax and enjoy our vacation.

WonderinAland

08-29-2009, 10:53 AM

We are going with friends next July. They are SSR owners and had to make several calls before finding an open week. At 9:30 AM, he got THV number 59 of 60! I doubt it will be as busy at less-peak times. We just bought BLT and are staying there in March, so we'll be able to make a nice comparison. Now I'm worried we'll want to own at SSR, too! Especially since the booking advantage is necessary for the summer, it seems. We'll have 4 adults and 5 kids, total. Looking forward to it!

dreamlinda

08-29-2009, 11:53 AM

So how big are the bunk beds in the third bedroom? Can they work for an adult, say 5'10" guy of average weight (175-180)?

Cee

08-29-2009, 12:05 PM

We'll be arriving next Sunday, 9/6. I can't wait to be there. Thank you so much for the great report and pictures. :goodvibes

BirdsOfPreyDave

08-29-2009, 12:36 PM

So how big are the bunk beds in the third bedroom? Can they work for an adult, say 5'10" guy of average weight (175-180)?Check out this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2249094) with my THV trip report. I have a picture of my 16 y/o newphew (who is also 5' 10") lying in the bunk bed.

dreamlinda

08-29-2009, 12:49 PM

Check out this thread with my THV trip report. I have a picture of my 16 y/o newphew (who is also 5' 10") lying in the bunk bed.
__________________
Thanks you, at least it looks wide enough

lsutigger2

08-29-2009, 02:03 PM

Thanks for the report. I have friends using our points to stay at the THV's the week of Thanksgiving. They are five adults and an almost 4-yr-old. I think the sleeping arrangements will be perfect for them. We are going to join them the day before Thanksgiving {staying at SSR} so I'll get to see the THV's also. We are planning a Thanksgiving bar-be-que on the deck. That should be lots of fun :cool1::cool1:

tweed0099

08-29-2009, 02:26 PM

Wow. Those look nice. Just a few more posts and I'll be able to PM people! Yippie!

Moe

mom3sonstt

08-29-2009, 09:37 PM

Our villa was 7033.

Hi Neighbor! :wave2: We stayed in 7034! In fact - I think the parking spot you described in your first post was "ours". We were there Aug 2 - 10th. We drive a full size van, so that spot worked great for us. We lost it once (had to make an emergency run to WalMart) and felt pretty uncomfortable leaving our van in a slightly shorter spot - as soon as we saw it free again we moved back in and didn't leave!

The bus stop was right there, but we always walked (well I rode - I had an ECV) over to the Grandstand stop to get on. The one thing I dreaded about the Treehouses was going to be the two-bus deal. I requested a home near the walking path and never bothered with the Treehouse bus.

minniemoms

08-30-2009, 01:55 AM

Oh... It sounds so great

scot@dvcstore

09-01-2009, 05:16 PM

Sounds like a great trip and a great location. Thanks for sharing with the boards. Looking for more comments, pictures and updates on the Treehouses. :cool1::banana:

KS_Disney_Dad

09-01-2009, 10:48 PM

Ok...maybe a dumb question, BUT...you mentioned swamps. With swamps comes critters. Spot any critters - gators - while down there?

Beth

09-02-2009, 04:58 AM

lugnut33

09-02-2009, 03:59 PM

Did not see one critter or reptile the whole time. Closest I got to an animal was this crazy squirrel at DHS. The dude wanted my french fries.

BirdsOfPreyDave

09-02-2009, 04:08 PM

We live on a lake in west Florida - so we see gators all the time.

...We thought the same thing - so we were constantly looking. We saw NOTHING!

...Only snake we saw was actually over at Beach Club, on the walkway from the parking lot that passes over the canal....We had a frog who hung out under the lamp on our deck, and saw several lizzards. That's it, though. No snakes or gators.

5forDiz

09-02-2009, 04:53 PM

Nice photos & glad you enjoyed THVs :goodvibes

Cee

09-03-2009, 06:42 AM

We arrive on Sunday. Can't wait!:goodvibes Thanks for all the great info.

stopher1

09-04-2009, 09:00 AM

What a nice review. We'll be staying in one ourselves for the first 3 nights of our January split stay (THV/AKV) and can't wait. Went by them back in May while staying at at OKW and really liked the looks from the river. We leave for an extended weekend SSR stay at the beginning of Oct, and I'm looking forward to taking my DW and kids over to see them up close while we're there. Fun, fun.

KS_Disney_Dad

09-04-2009, 03:17 PM

mom3sonstt

09-04-2009, 07:17 PM

Disney wouldn't let you do it - if they knew. That said, I still think it would be miserable. The living area isn't that spacious, so while everyone is asleep you'd be ok, but when you are getting around in the mornings, or trying to relax after the parks there would just be people everywhere. In the living room there is a couch and 2 chairs - so that is only seating for half of the group - not even all of the adults could sit - unless you at in the chairs at the table. We were there with 6 adults - or at least adult-sized people, and while we weren't exactly tripping over each other, the living room could seem a little crowded. We would hook up our camera to the tv to look at our pics and videos each night and I was usually the one with a kitchen chair. :confused3

BirdsOfPreyDave

09-04-2009, 07:58 PM

Still haven't figured out Disney and DVC villa occupation numbers (some people say they don't care some say they do).

With that said, I'll throw this out anyways...

I know it's 9+1 for the THV, but is it possible to do 10+2?
6 adults, 2 tweens, 4yr, 3yr, 2yr, and 1yr old? My thought process is that myself and DW and 1yr would take master, parents would take other bedroom, tweens take the bunks with 4&3 on their Disney air mattress sleeping bags, sister and husband pull out, and their 2yr takes the sleep chair.

Is that possible or would it make for a miserable vacation?There were 7 of us and I thought it was close quarters. You'd be at each other's throats with that many people. It'd be absolutely miserable.

KS_Disney_Dad

09-05-2009, 12:17 AM

Thanks! Great to know in advance. Not the answer I wanted - the THV looks like a great place to stay but I'd rather the family reunion not end up on an episode of "Cops".

Cee

09-05-2009, 06:53 AM

Thanks! Great to know in advance. Not the answer I wanted - the THV looks like a great place to stay but I'd rather the family reunion not end up on an episode of "Cops".

:laughing: :thumbsup2

rentayenta

09-05-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks! Great to know in advance. Not the answer I wanted - the THV looks like a great place to stay but I'd rather the family reunion not end up on an episode of "Cops".

:rotfl: Love it, wise choice!!!

Dale-Not-Chip

09-05-2009, 10:19 AM

Still haven't figured out Disney and DVC villa occupation numbers (some people say they don't care some say they do).

With that said, I'll throw this out anyways...

I know it's 9+1 for the THV, but is it possible to do 10+2?
6 adults, 2 tweens, 4yr, 3yr, 2yr, and 1yr old? My thought process is that myself and DW and 1yr would take master, parents would take other bedroom, tweens take the bunks with 4&3 on their Disney air mattress sleeping bags, sister and husband pull out, and their 2yr takes the sleep chair.

Is that possible or would it make for a miserable vacation?

I imagine the old Marx brother movie where they all just kept going into a room then when the last person opens the door People flow out like a dam being burst.

The Team on the Dis Podcast reviewed the Tree house villa, and commented on how small they are. If you go beyond the actual bed space you will feel like you are all on top of each other.