Tree House Villas = Heavenly!! Just Back

[supersuperwendy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

...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]

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]

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

View from master bedroom

Doorway To Dreams

Look closely at the ground, note the standing water, its a swamp

Path that leads to Saratoga Springs

The path, but note the swamp water

 

[Coach81]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[melissac]

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

 

[WonderinAland]

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]

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]

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.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

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 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]

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