Disney Shares New Details and First Look Inside New Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort

May 10, 2024 in "Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows"

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows concept art
Posted: Friday May 10, 2024 10:07am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has shared new details and a first look inside the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

The proposed 10-story tower, which will overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon and be projected to open in December 2024, will celebrate the natural world and the magic of Disney. 

"With stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and beautiful interiors that bring you into the storytelling of the South Pacific Islands, the Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be a spectacular addition to Walt Disney World Resort right in the heart of the magic," said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club.

When you arrive at Island Tower, you will notice designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection, and grace.

Inside the lobby, you will be greeted by an art panel installation on the ceiling inspired by several Polynesian Islands. The panel showcases wildlife native to each locale. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to Polynesians.

Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with over a dozen artists from around the world to create unique artworks that will be displayed throughout the resort. From preserved moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, each piece will be inspired by the spirit of conservation and embody the rich cultures of Polynesia.  

"Our main story narrative focuses on celebrating Polynesian wayfinding and the natural elements of water, earth, wind and fire. During the artwork development, we focused on three guiding principles: Polynesian stories, sustainability stories and Disney stories. This new tower features works created by contemporary Polynesian artists as well as artwork featuring subtle nods to 'Moana' and Disney Legend Mary Blair," said Walt Disney Imagineer Madeline Day.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a variety of room types that sleep two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one—and two-bedroom villas, and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. 

The Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows aligns with Disney's 2030 environmental goals while providing Guests with the experience and features they expect from Disney Vacation Club. The tower is projected to use approximately 30 percent less energy than a typical resort of a similar size through a variety of measures, including optimized heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient lighting, and the first all-electric kitchen on Walt Disney World Resort property within the tower's restaurant. Furthermore, the majority of the tower was constructed off-site using pre-fabrication techniques that help minimize construction waste. Like Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the tower will be a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging program, which recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources.

Here are some important timelines for the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

  • June 4: Disney Vacation Club members can make early rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date. 
  • June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639. 
  • June 6: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639.
Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

Disstevefan11 day ago

I will say, the decorations look beautiful.

MisterPenguin1 day ago

https://blogmickey.com/2024/12/polynesian-island-tower-christmas-decorations/

Fido Chuckwagon4 days ago

True, now people just book it for breakfast and park at poly all day while they’re in the Magic Kingdom.

Beacon Joe4 days ago

Wait until you see the "beach" and other waterfront, uh, decor afterthoughts. 😧 And the hanging green things that immediately bring to mind the aesthetics of the interior of an automated car wash combined with a cat tower/cat condo/scratching post. 🧐 Also willing to bet you'll lower your score for the pool after seeing its wonders in person. 😴 And also after visiting the pool area, I imagine you'll also lower your score re: scale/integration with the Poly. 🤢 The feature restaurant is nice though. I called it a long time ago. Walking around the property, the whole place would feel very much at home in Virginia Beach. On the higher end, north side of town, where the Cavalier, Embassy Suites, and Marriott are. In fact, the feeling I got at the Polyday Inn? Gave me a similar vibe as the VB Marriott. Which is a nice hotel I really like and frequent. But not a vibe that I'd ever want at WDW. YMMV. Will be interesting once real reviews start pouring in as opposed to the Sam Chui-style crop of Vloggers running around the place, gushing about what is very, very much non gush-worthy.

Beacon Joe4 days ago

Fortuitous business trip gave me a few hours to drive onto property and see this. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Chef idea Mickey`=4 days ago

And Plus+ You get to stare at Moana while your at it! 🤣

Chef idea Mickey`=4 days ago

Haha Love This! 😁

Disneylover695 days ago

Then tell the military people that it’s for their safety 🤣

cranbiz5 days ago

By removing the walkway and not building a bridge for them. 😆

Disney Analyst5 days ago

I literally just sobered up today after all that the other day! UGH. Sigh. (takes another shot)

Disneylover695 days ago

I do actually feel better about myself now that you mention it but wanna know what really makes me feel better? Knowing the riff raff from SoG can’t easily walk over to poly anymore 🤣 /s/

FiestaFunKid5 days ago

Hey! I was exaggerating to make a point on how gym time seems like a weird priority on a Disney trip....but I hope you feel so much better about yourself now that you put me down!

BrianLo5 days ago

Actually not the best and I think that’s for very structural DVC related reasons. The pricing is gouging, the points chart sucks and new buyers respond to pricing. Riviera actually outsold its first month this October, but to be fair that was a half month of posted new member sales versus wide open RIV. RIV (on sale 27th of the prior month) 59k* / 129k / 114k VGF2 (on sale the 3rd of the month/March 31 new members) 115k / 175k / 100k VDH (on sale the 2nd of the month/30th new members) 145k / 162k / 94k PIT (on sale 1st of the month/29th new members) 73k / 89k / December sales pending *Note 169k of copper creek was also sold in the opening month of RIV, again showing the power of pricing. Now longer term trends will probably tell a different story. Disneyland and Grand Floridian sort of fall down a cliff and Riviera actually was outpacing the lot through the start of the pandemic. I’d expect Poly will medium term do better than Disneyland hotel, but worse than Grand Floridian. I’d actually expect Riviera will be outselling Poly again in a couple months.

Disneylover695 days ago

🤣 haha some people just gotta put others down to feel better about themselves