Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort Officially Opens to Guests at Walt Disney World

5 hours ago in "Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows"

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort
Posted: Tuesday December 17, 2024 8:25am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has officially welcomed its newest addition, the Island Tower, which opened to guests today, December 17, 2024. The debut marks the latest expansion at the resort, offering Disney Vacation Club Members and guests new accommodations and amenities inspired by the beauty and culture of the South Pacific.



A Modern Addition with Polynesian Charm

The Island Tower features modern design elements while maintaining the signature Polynesian theming that has defined the resort since its opening. The addition brings new options for guests, including spacious accommodations, exclusive terrace gardens, and new dining and recreation areas.









Exclusive Guest Amenities

Wailulu Bar & Grill: Located within the tower, the new dining space features flowing water, lava rock-inspired details, and sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle. Guests can enjoy an on-the-go breakfast, a full lunch and dinner menu, and a walk-up pool bar for drinks and snacks.




Cove Pool: The new pool area offers a relaxing escape, complete with a sandy beach courtyard, whirlpool spa, and views of Seven Seas Lagoon.

Moana's Voyage Splash Area: Designed for younger guests, this interactive water play area features Moana, her outrigger canoe, and fun water features.


Guest Rooms and Suites

Duo Studios

With inspiration from the stars and the sky that the wayfinders used for celestial navigation, the bright and airy duo studios is the perfect retreat for two.

Studios for Families of Four 

Celebrating the lush flora and fauna of the islands, the deluxe studios will sleep up to four and include a first-of-its-kind feature for Disney Vacation Club deluxe studios – a dishwasher. The deluxe studios in the Island Tower will have a new layout, including a cozy seating area across from the kitchenette.  

One- & Two-Bedroom Villas for the Entire Family 

You and your family and friends will be able to spread out in a one- or two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine, respectively. Through unique artwork, each villa will showcase a voyager's journey both on land and under the sea. Embracing the beauty of water or earth, these spaces will feature a kitchen with full-size appliances, a dining area, a washer and dryer, and an outdoor patio area.  

NEW Two-Bedroom Penthouse Villas 


Disney Vacation Club introduces a brand-new type of accommodation in Island Tower: two-bedroom penthouse villas. Themed after the calming balance between water and the islands, the villas will sleep up to eight and boast a spacious living room, and spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park from an expansive patio balcony. 

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Disney AnalystLess than a minute ago

Room tour: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18N7BmMaW3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Disneylover6914 minutes ago

The way some of the posters have been defending the decision for Disney to do that really makes me think they truely believe the people staying at SOG are riff raff! I agree these people are staying at a hotel for like one week a year and want to act like they own the darn place and gate keep it from others. The real issue is Disney pulling a cash grab with DVC without increasing transportation capabilities not the resort who’s had a walkway for decades, who’s guests they cater too literally defend this country!

John park hopper19 minutes ago

I am a veteran and I used the term riff raft as sarcasm. The walk way was there for years. It is my understanding a pedestrian bridge was proposed and not going to cost Disney a dime and they said no and ripped up the walk end of discussion.

Casper Gutman1 hour ago

I mean, it seems like the proper target for anger here is the company charging the insane price of $900 for a product that isn’t remotely worth that and not the family of “outsiders” who would like to ride the monorail. “Resort hopping” used to be one of the great pleasures of Disney resorts and added a lot of value to staying on property. The barriers they’ve thrown up to prevent that practice hurt the overall Disney resort experience and it’s sad to see guests celebrating those measures because they’re afraid “undeserving” people might enjoy things they shouldn’t.

DisneyFanatic121 hour ago

So happy to be able to walk from TTC to MK again finally!

ToTBellHop1 hour ago

At least the cutouts have foliage, but I agree.

Disneylover691 hour ago

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of that since the road signs within Disney differ from the standard road signs (and often times for the worse). Either way the numerous ways to get to the poly are still all acceptable and allowed ways.

Disgruntled Walt1 hour ago

Really wish they had incorporated a water feature and foliage into the interior of the lobby, like the Great Ceremonial House used to have. It would have elevated it to "Disney-quality," whereas what's there is just a nicely decorated, generic hotel lobby.

mickEblu2 hours ago

Interesting I just came to this same conclusion and used the same examples (plus the HM shop at DL) posted over on the new DL entry gate thread. Prompted by this non sense….

monothingie2 hours ago

While the most parcels are owned by TWDC, most roads and all of the highways and most other utility infrastructure are maintained by CFTOD (RCID) and are considered public.

Disneylover692 hours ago

The entire Disney property is private property! Not just the resorts. The other way is walking from grand Floridian. There’s actually a lot of ways to get to the poly. You can go to Disney springs and take a bus also! Or go to any theme park and take a bus. Disney is very much an open transportation grid, just not with parking as obviously the resorts wouldn’t be able to accompany all the cars who want to park otherwise. I am not sure about the financial aspects of a substitute, I just know it was there and now it isn’t.

monothingie2 hours ago

It was likely more economical for SOG to use another provider, unfortunately that decision was not in the better interest of guests. The walkway is no longer there because a highway being built in the existing roadways place. I'm sure if SOG was willing to foot the bill to install a tunnel or pedestrian bridge it would have had a good possibility of being installed. But again it was a cost/benefit decision by SOG to evaluate the number of their guests using it versus the tremendous cost to install it. The resorts are private property. The big sign on the entrance gate says only resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations will be admitted. The only way I'm getting there if I'm not of the above categories is taking Disney Transportation or Walking from the TTC to get there.

Disneylover692 hours ago

It’s not silly at all. SOG had the appropriate transportation in place until Disney unilaterally got rid of it. That walkway has been there for DECADES! It’s silly to go and get rid of it and be like oh well they don’t deserve to have it anyways the plebs can figure it out. The feature of the resort are NOT only for guests of that specific resort except for things like their room, pool and fitness center, transportation and food places, all people are welcome. Your post completely ignores how Disney operates and is just very silly

ToTBellHop2 hours ago

Nah, I’m good with my opinions. Resorts that charge $900 per night should have better amenities than those charging $300 per night. I am astounded that this isn’t obvious to everyone. Military can save 25-30% at just about every deluxe resort through the end of 2025 if they’d like those amenities. I really don’t think they mistreat the military. I think there’s a park ticket deal, too.