Treehouses ??

[rosebud's mom]

What happened to the Treehouse Villas ? We had reservations in 1984 to stay there, but a family emergency forced us to cancel that trip. We were taking my aunt, cousin, and her children with us. It would have been a total of 11 people - one only 2 years old. The capacity must have been pretty large.

Now I guess I'll never have the chance to stay in one.

What took their place ? Anybody have pictures ?

 

[maelstrom]

The Treehouse Villas are still there, but they are not open. There are rumours of opening them again at some point as part of Saratoga Springs. You can see them from the Sassagoula River and you can see the entrance, it's somewhere by Saratoga Springs. There are many other threads on the Treehouses, so check those out because I think some linked to pictures. 11 people?! I didn't think they held that many. But I could be very wrong.

 

[tigsmom]

Here are some pictures...I've always wanted to stay there too...


Treehouse Villa pictures

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Unfortunately the treehouse Villas are closed now that the DI has become Saratoga Springs. I can't imagine Disney allowing them to sit like they are though and no do anything with them. I heard they can't be destroyed due to building laws in the area, so it wouldn't make sense for Disney to waste such valuable real estate. I think I can see them opening again in he future, I just don't know how long that it.

 

[ZHoyt]

There are conflicting laws that prevent both the destruction and the use of the treehouses. That area has been declared a wetland preserve or something of that sort and cannot be altered. There is also some law dealing specifically with the buildings. Basically, they're tied up and won't be used for anything but offices (as they are currently being used for) until there is a change made to federal law.

 

[shari71]

On the boat ride from POR to DTD, the boat captian told us that Disney doesn't have definite plans for them since the area is designated as a wetland. He said they can tear them down, but they will be unable to rebuild anything in their place or they can remodel them.

 

[VampireZombie]

I see a pool in those pictures, does anyone know the general state of that pool??

 

[Horizons78]

I fondly remember staying at both the tree houses and the vacation villas as a kid. Back then, Downtown Disney did not exsist as it does today, as their were a handfull of buildings, a small grocery market, and some shops. The pace was very relaxed, and the crowds were a fraction of what they are currently. We always rented an electric golf cart and you could pretty much get anywhere you wanted to in that area without having to get in your car. I have fond memories of character breakfasts at the Empress Lilly paddleboat back when it still had its grand paddle and gearing.

It's sad to me knowing that the villas are gone and the treehouses are in a poor state of disrepair and the Empress Lilly is now a crabhouse with no characters around. Not only this, but the peace and lazy atmosphere of the area is long gone now too.

It's funny how we evaluate progress. I have been to Downtown Disney plenty of times and I do enjoy many of the aspects of the additions. Change is inevitable though, and I guess what it all comes down to is whether you have certain memories or not. To someone who has never visited that area before they probably enjoy it as much as used to enjoy the villas. But having the memories that I do, the area is just ok with me now - and I have to admit that I cant walk through Downtown Disney without thinking about what it used to be like.

 

[Ringo8n24]

There was also a lot of damage to them from the hurricanes that we saw as we were going past them from POR to DTD. A lot of the fallen trees were still leaning on them as of last month. Is that still the case anyone who has been there recently?

 

[Feta]

I got a close up view of the treehouses about a month ago. We were staying at Saratoga Springs so I went jogging on the nature trail between there and Old Key West. For those of you who don't know about it, there's a nice paved trail that runs along the canals from the southern-most tip of Old Key West all the way to the West Side of Downtown Disney. If you cross the foot bridge beside the trail you can walk/run right through the treehouses. They were in a pretty sad state. Lots of trees down lying across the roofs and decks. As I ran around, tons of limbs lying everywhere. I started up the steps of one of the houses, but the blinds were shut. The wierdest thing was that at least two of them had their doors wide open. They looked pretty barren inside as far as decorations, but still had sheets on the beds. I really wanted to step in and take a look around, but it just felt strange. I already felt like I was somewhere where I shouldn't be, and really just had a feeling like I was being watched. Anyway, it's very sad to see them in such a state. They always looked pretty neat.

 

[vonpluto]

We were at OKW from 1017 - 10/29, and here is what we heard from a few CM's:
**Rumor Mode**put on your tinfoil Mickey Ears**
The old Fairway Villas (now housing international CM's) will be torn down and become the next phase of SSR. When they are completed, the Treehouses will come down and become the final SSR phase. The Treehouses are in some sort of enviromentally protected/restricted area, not a prohibited area. Disney must meet certain requirements and restrictions to build there, and enviro type architects, engineers, site designers and lawyers are are working on preliminary plans now.
**Rumo Mode Off**Remove your protective Ears**

I wonder what will happen to the five Grand Vista Homes when SSR is all done?

Frank

 

[doop]

Those treehouses were in my 1995 planning video, they look pretty neat.