For Disney Vacation Club members, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa represent a unique slice of Disney magic. Tucked away in a secluded forest along the Sassagoula River, these standalone units offer a level of privacy rare at Walt Disney World.
After years of anticipation, it appears that Disney is finally moving forward with a major update. Recent permit filings indicate that a comprehensive refurbishment is on the horizon, bringing modern updates to the rustic retreat.
Permits Signal Upcoming Construction
The clearest sign that work is imminent comes from a recent Notice of Commencement filed by Disney. This legal document signals the beginning of construction work and identifies the partners involved. The permit lists Land-Ron as the general contractor for the project. Land-Ron is a firm well-known in the industry for managing luxury hotel refurbishments, suggesting that the scope of work will be substantial.
The permit lists an expiration date of January 7, 2027. This extended timeframe indicates that the project will likely be a significant undertaking, potentially spanning 18 months or more. While permits provide legal authorization, they align with information previously shared by Disney Vacation Club in late 2024, which projected a summer 2025 start date for the renovations.
Understanding the Renovation Cycle
To understand the significance of this update, it helps to look at the history of the Treehouse Villas. The current iteration of the Treehouses opened in the spring of 2009. Disney Vacation Club typically operates on a scheduled maintenance cycle for its properties:
- Soft Goods Refurbishment (approx. every 7 years): This usually involves replacing soft items like curtains, upholstery, and linens.
- Hard Goods Refurbishment (approx. every 14 years): This is a more extensive overhaul that includes replacing furniture, appliances, flooring, and sometimes fixtures.
Given that the Treehouse Villas opened in 2009, they are currently nearly two years overdue for their first full “hard goods” refurbishment. While crews did complete necessary structural work during the winter of 2024—specifically rebuilding decks and stairways—the interiors have been awaiting a modernize refresh for some time.
What Members Can Expect from the Updates
A hard goods refurbishment typically brings a resort up to modern standards, both aesthetically and functionally. While Disney has not released specific concept art for the new interiors, trends at other DVC resorts provide a strong indication of what might change.
Interior Design and Flooring
One of the most common updates in recent DVC renovations is the removal of carpeting in living areas and bedrooms, replacing it with hard-surface flooring. This change offers a cleaner look and is easier to maintain. Members can also expect new wall coverings, updated lighting fixtures, and fresh paint schemes that likely maintain the rustic “camp” vibe while brightening the space.
Furniture and Sleeping Arrangements
Currently, the Treehouse Villas sleep nine guests using a specific configuration: two queen beds in separate bedrooms, twin bunk beds in a third bedroom, and a living room featuring a pull-out sofa and a convertible twin chair.
A major request from membership has been the installation of pull-down Murphy beds. These units, which store a real mattress inside a cabinet console, have replaced traditional sleeper sofas at resorts like Disney’s Riviera Resort and the refurbished rooms at Saratoga Springs. It is highly probable that the renovation will include these upgraded sleeping solutions to improve comfort and maximize living space during the day.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Hard goods renovations often extend to the cabinetry and fixtures. This could mean updated kitchen cabinets, new countertops, and modern appliances. Bathrooms may also receive new vanities, tile work, and updated shower fixtures to align with the “luxury” experience associated with the contractor, Land-Ron.
Impact on Availability and Booking
Given the layout of the Treehouse Villas, 60 individual, standalone octagonal structures, the refurbishment will likely occur in phases. Rather than closing the entire section, Disney will likely take a small cluster of treehouses out of inventory at a time.
This phased approach allows the resort to remain open but will temporarily reduce the number of units available for booking. Members planning a stay at the Treehouse Villas starting in summer 2025 through 2026 should monitor availability closely. The 11-month booking window for home resort owners may become more competitive during the construction period.
Conclusion
The upcoming refurbishment of the Treehouse Villas is welcome news for owners and guests who love this quiet corner of Walt Disney World. By bringing in a reputable contractor and scheduling a comprehensive hard goods update, Disney ensures that these unique units remain a premium offering within the DVC portfolio. As the project kicks off in 2025, members can look forward to a refreshed interior that matches the charm of the surrounding forest.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
