The treehouses opened in 1975 and were open to guests through 2002, though from 1996-2002 they were part of the Disney Institute. Beginning in 2002 the treehouses were used as homes for the international cast members that work in world showcase. In 2004 Hurricane Charley did a good bit of damage to the treehouses. Because of wetlands issues the property use in this area is very resrticted so Disney was not able to just demolish the tree houses and build something different. In 2008 it was announced that Disney would  reconstruct 60 treehouse units as part of the Saratoga Springs DVC resort.

While at Walt Disney World for the Florida Mom Blogger Mixer we stopped in at the new treehouses. I was excited to see how they looked today. They are beautiful! Very reminiscent of the original treehouses. The decor is beautiful and rustic at the same time. The only thing that disappointed me, and others who had stayed in the original treehouses, was the lack of the 2nd story loft and spiral staircase. They were beautiful parts of the original that, for some reason, were left out of the new design. The new design is 3-bedroom, 2-bath, sleeps nine so it is still a great option for a trip with extended family. Since this is a DVC resort you may rent a treehouse if there is availability, the per night cost for a treehouse villa is $545-$900 per night depending on the “season“.

Did you ever stay at the original treehouses? What is your favorite memory? Leave me a comment and let’s talk.

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This amazing resort boasts 295 spacious rooms ranging from studios to the 3 bedroom, 4 bath, multiple balconied  grand villas. Due to the resort’s location, guests have a choice of the standard view, Bay Lake view or the awe inducing Magic Kingdom view.

The crescent shaped resort beautifully compliments the A-framed Contemporary Resort to which it is attached. Bay Lake Tower is connected to The Contemporary Resort by the Sky Way Bridge (not the one in St. Petersburg). This room key accessible, covered walkway connects Bay Lake Tower to the restaurants, shops and monorail station of The Contemporary.

Sky Way Bridge

The resort lobby is modern and warm. The color palate used throughout the resort is very contemporary yet warm and inviting.

lobby

We toured a Grand Villa Suite with Magic Kingdom View. When we stepped into the suite there was a collective gasp as we saw the view from the 2-story window. I actually got goosebumps when I entered!

The View

The Kitchen

The loft sitting area

The master bedroom

The Disney artwork that hangs on the walls of this resort is very modern yet classy.

View from jaccuzzi tub

This picture doesn’t do it justice but you can sit in the jaccuzzi tub with the sliding wall open to the master bedroom and have the curtains open and watch the fireworks over Cinderella Castle! Turn your surround sound television to channel 20 and you can even listen to the narration and music for Wishes! I’m thinking add some chocolate covered strawberries and it could be the perfect evening

Bay Lake Tower offers a Mickey shaped pool, a kids splash fountain and awesome looking pool slide as part of it’s recreational features.

We are not DVC (Disney’s Vacation Club) owners, though we have dreamed about it. A stay at Bay Lake Tower will cost you anywhere from 12 points per night for a standard view studio to 153 points per night for this spectacular grand villa with Magic Kingdom View, depending on the season. Non-DVC owners can stay here on rented points or, when there are rooms available, they may stay here for anywhere between $395-$2000 per night depending on the room size, view and season. The #magicalmoms I toured with discussed each chipping in $167 + tax and having a one night reunion in this incredible suite.* I think it’s worth it!

*Disney does have minimum length of stay rule on most DVC resort stays so unfortunately this dream probably won’t become a reality.

Next time I’ll show you the very exclusive Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower.

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