Tree House Villas

[karana]

We own SSR and just added to our existing points mostly because of the new Tree House Villas. Has anyone tried one of these yet? Are they popular? Comfortable? Bus stops convenient?

They look cool in the video, but who knows how they really feel until you try 'em. If you have.. pls respond.. thanks!

 

[Pakey]

The overwhelming majority love them. We did not. I would not stay without a car. The one day we took the bus, we thought it was a pain. Also it's a long hIke to the Springs pool, the spa, etc.

It is our least favorite DVC property and we've stayed at all at WDW.

Our opinions are in the minority. In fact, I haven't read anyone else post that they dislike them.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We have only stayed in a Treehouse for 1 night because we wanted to test the waters so to speak. We had a great resort day, we loved the main pool area and food court at SSR. In the evening most of my family (4 adults and 3 children, 5,6, 7), went to DTD by boat (very convenient). I stayed relaxed in the treehouse and read a book. Since we didn't go to a park, I don't know about the buses, but from our FW cabin experiences, I do not think the bus situation will be a problem for my family. The experience of being in the wooded, treed section makes up for any inconvenience in our minds, and anyway, DS has a van that fits us all if there's ever a reason to get somewhere in a hurry.

We loved the treehouse and we have a long Halloween weekend stay in one come October. The grill on the open deck is calling us to have a picnic supper at least for one of the nights.

I have trouble on steps,and walking is not easy for me, so that's a consideration, but with my family helping me, it was no problem at all, and the happiness I felt when I stayed "home" while they went to DTD just couldn't be matched in any other DVC villa...well, maybe by the VWL, which is truly my absolute happy place in the World!

Bobbi

 

[TisBit]

The overwhelming majority love them. We did not. I would not stay without a car. The one day we took the bus, we thought it was a pain. Also it's a long hIke to the Springs pool, the spa, etc.

It is our least favorite DVC property and we've stayed at all at WDW.

Our opinions are in the minority. In fact, I haven't read anyone else post that they dislike them.

Your not the only one that feels that way. Question, is SSR your least favorite or the treehouses? There are a lot of people that don't like SSR because it is spread out, so you would naturally not like the THV's either, they are just as spread out.

We stayed there and expected some delays in transportation. Since we didn't have a car, we requested near the South bus stop, which is by the grandstand bath, THV pool and the boat dock. The walk over to grandstand for busses was not a real issue and we did that vs the internal shuttle (runs ever 10 minutes to the springs). When we were going to the pool at the springs we did take the shuttle.

With a car, I would want to be near the north bus stop, because it is close to the entrance to the THV's and you can get in and out pretty easy without being stuck behind a bus. Makes quick trips to the main part of SSR or the parks a breeze.

 

[bouncycat]

We're staying in a little over 2 weeks with 8 of us.....so I can always report back. I do love the FW cabins tho, this time we had too many people for the cabins. The family we're taking are all outdoorsy people, and love the idea of the theming, hopefully bus transportation won't be an issue, we'll have 2 cars, and to and from the parks everyday would be a pain with 2 cars. Plus, we'll have a sit and stand stroller, and a wheelchair, so disney transportation would be best I think. We're in no hurry to get anywhere, since we're doing the qsdp, so we're just gonna go with the flow and take it easy!

 

[Mtnman44]

They are great if you want/need to "spread out" in the unit. Three Bedrooms is fantastic.

However, if you are a "resort hermit" and like to be close to the pool, restaurants, activities, etc, you may not like the remote location.

I've only stayed at the treehouses one time and we had a car and were glad that we did. It made coming and going very easy and you always have a spot right in front of your unit.

I can't say for sure about the bus issue. Having to make a "connection" at SSR is probably not great, but overall may not be that big of a deal. An extra 10 minutes I guess. My level of patience is already maxed out with the WDW shuttle system so I don't think I would like this set up.

I love the master bath in the treehouses and it is great not having to use the couch for a bed (we are 5 all together). Note that the units are kinda dark inside. The lighting doesn't seem to do as much as it should and most lamps are not on a wall switch. The master BR is a Queen instead of a King. Overall I found it to be a great points value and we will definately stay there again.

 

[stopher1]

We stayed in one last year in January, with my folks along, and we all loved it. Can't wait to go back and stay again. I detailed our stay pretty extensively if you are interested in reading about it... in the Triple Whammy TR below in my signature. Lots of pictures. It was very, very enjoyable.

 

[OhioDVC]

The Treehouses are fantastic unless you do not like to walk. And if you don't like to walk, how do you get around at Disneyworld.

 

[Cee]

The Treehouses are fantastic unless you do not like to walk. And if you don't like to walk, how do you get around at Disneyworld.

That is a very, very good question. We LOVED the THV and cannot wait to return. Loved everything about them, even the pleasant walk to the main section of SSR.

 

[Pakey]

The Treehouses are fantastic unless you do not like to walk. And if you don't like to walk, how do you get around at Disneyworld.

I enjoy walking; and I have enjoyed our 5 vacations at SSR (I own at BCV but hard to get in there last minute and I'm not the best of planners). I still had a dislike of the Treehouses. I did not like the remoteness. I don't want to feel like I'm camping at WDW. We also had terrible mosquitos the week we were there (May 2010) which added to my dislike as we could not sit out on the patio at all. Our villa was water side but the windows had so much dense foilage that it was very dark inside and it felt like a cave. Since we've been to WDW so many times, we now spend a lot of time at the pool. The THV pool is smaller than my pool at home.

So there are other reasons to dislike it that have nothing to do with walking.

 

[poggs]

I loved it there. However I had a car and took it everywhere. I would not stay here without one, but to be honest, I have a car at every resort due to the rubbish bus service and my desire to eat off site.

 

[kendzee94]

Here is my trip report from January with lots of THV pix.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2651483

We love them if you can't tell from my report! That was our second stay there. We've stayed 8 nights, 5 nights and have a 10 night coming up at Christmas! With that said, out of the last five trips, we've stayed there (or will be there) three times! We've had villas 7030 and 7039.

We travel with no car, use ME, and decide once we get to the shuttle stop, no shuttle, we walk to the grandstand. Shuttle, take it! If we are not on aa time constraint and don't feel like walking, we just wait for the shuttle. I can't wait to stay there at Christmas with the level 10 crowds at the parks. It will be nice to go and get away from the hustle and bustle and craziness and have our own home that we don't have to share with anyone, won't have to hear our neighbors next to, above, or below us!

 

[KandiB47]

I loved the THV. They are one of my favorites I like the remoteness. The deck is big and awesome to relax on at night and to have breakfast in the morning. We had a really good location. We were right on the water, right next to the boat ramp, right next to the THV pool, and right next to the path to the Grandstands.

I also think the inside is great! 4 adults and 1 child were very comfortable. I really enjoyed hanging out with my extended family in the living room then going to my bedroom whenever I wanted. This was the first time I wanted to get away from the parks and get back to our DVC room. We will definitely go back when we have enough points!

 

[TisBit]

I've only stayed at the treehouses one time and we had a car and were glad that we did. It made coming and going very easy and you always have a spot right in front of your unit.

It is good to point out that you are only permited one vehicle at the THV's because of limited parking. Extra cars are to be parked at SSR, so this could be problematic for some. Also, if you have someone that doesn't do this, you very well might find the parking spaces near your villa full (they are not assigned spots, but I could see them becoming assigned if becomes an issue).

Also, the parking spots are not "at" the villa, but you have to go up a small path to the roadways, they are set back from the roads....just FYI for anyone bringing in groceries, etc.

 

[Orlanr]

We stayed there last Nov. It is isolated from most of the other resort. It was very quiet and our group loved it. It is better to have a car.

 

[karana]

Thank you all for your comments. I can see from the posts that the THV are a unique form of vacation. I agree that a car seems pretty necessary if you don't want to spend too much time waiting for a bus.

I really do love the spa are of SSR, so not sure I want to trade convenience for the tranquility of the THV. Sounds as though the THV will be a place we can just enjoy a quiet vacation sans theme parks when we try to "winter" in Florida once a year.

 

[TisBit]

Thank you all for your comments. I can see from the posts that the THV are a unique form of vacation. I agree that a car seems pretty necessary if you don't want to spend too much time waiting for a bus.

I really do love the spa are of SSR, so not sure I want to trade convenience for the tranquility of the THV. Sounds as though the THV will be a place we can just enjoy a quiet vacation sans theme parks when we try to "winter" in Florida once a year.

They are definitely unique, but I still say that a car is not "necessary", most people go in expecting them to be right near everything and if you just accept that they aren't you won't have an issues. I really, really didn't see more transportation issues than any other Disney Resort....and a lot of people complain about that, so of course THV's will get even more complaints...LOL

Also, the villa make up is so different, sometimes that will just make the decision for you. We loved having the extra rooms and the floorplan made being in the villa with a bunch of kids much more enjoyable than any other villa (not counting GV's).

 

[disney212]

Thinking of taking brother, sis-in-law and nephew to THV for their first visit to WDW. After reading these posts not sure it is "Disneyish" enough. Do you think it will give first times the "real" Disney feel we all love so much?

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Another vote for "love it!" We stayed there two summers ago, and have one reserved again for this coming August. Here's my trip report from last time. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2249094

You may also want to check out this recent thread in which several folks (myself included) gave pros and cons of the THV. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2709084

 

[Plutofan]

We are staying in the treehouse in about a month. We can not wait. They sound wonderful.