A Long-Awaited Makeover for a Fan-Favorite Resort
One of the most unique and peaceful lodging options at the Walt Disney World Resort is finally getting a much-needed refresh. Tucked away along the Sassagoula River, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are undergoing a major refurbishment. Walt Disney Imagineering recently pulled back the curtain, sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and construction processes behind these newly redesigned standalone units.
While the main sections of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa completed a full room refurbishment in 2021, the 60 octagonal Treehouse Villas have remained largely untouched since they opened in 2009. This new hard goods update represents a major step forward, modernizing the living spaces while celebrating Disney’s rich animation history.
Bringing 100 Years of Disney Animation to the Woods
When updating these unique rustic retreats, Imagineers wanted to integrate Disney storytelling in a way that respects the natural, secluded setting of the villas. The creative team looked back across 100 years of Walt Disney Animation to select characters that would logically feel “at home” in a forested, treehouse environment.
Guests staying in the updated villas can expect to see subtle character decor, custom wall art, and organic details inspired by these classic films:
- Mulan
- The Princess and the Frog
- The Rescuers
- Cinderella
- Tangled
- The Fox and the Hound
- Sleeping Beauty
The interior design focuses heavily on natural materials, earthy and organic color palettes, and beautifully detailed wood carvings to keep the tranquil forest aesthetic intact.
Phased Timeline and Room Features
If you’re planning a stay at Saratoga Springs, you won’t have to worry about the entire section shutting down at once. Disney is executing this refurbishment in phases through mid-September 2026. The standalone villas are being updated one cluster at a time. This means that while some units are closed for construction, other clusters will remain available for guests to book and enjoy.
The renovation process itself is highly meticulous. Imagineers first developed a digital virtual model room to visualize the entire layout. This was followed by a functional model room to test layout usability and guest flow, and finally a contractor model room, which serves as the physical benchmark for construction teams as they renovate each individual villa.
While the villas are receiving a full aesthetic overhaul, new appliances, and modern furniture, early previews indicate that Disney is retaining the pull-out sofa beds in the living area rather than installing the pull-down Murphy beds that have become a staple of other recent Disney Vacation Club refurbs.
Our Take: The Perfect Balance of Rusticity and Disney Charm
The Treehouse Villas have always appealed to families seeking a quiet, spacious woodland escape that still offers easy boat access to Disney Springs. For years, however, the interiors felt a bit dated. By introducing subtle, nature-inspired Disney characters alongside modern upgrades, Disney is successfully giving these units a distinct personality without overshadowing their rustic charm. Keeping the cabins open in phases is a huge win for families planning their summer vacations, ensuring that this beloved lodging option remains accessible during the transition.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
Featured cover photo was generated using AI.