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

22 days ago 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.
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BrianLo14 hours ago

Nothing to wait for - there's no rooftop dining. Which is a missed opportunity. Just a pool bar spot that probably shares the kitchen with whatever the dining (?table service/quick service) will be on the main floor.

JoeCamel18 hours ago

You see the big open skyliner launch points? Imagine tables and cupcakes in those.....

CastAStone18 hours ago

Considering bookings open Tuesday I’m guessing we will learn a tremendous amount of detail on Monday.

MagicHappens197118 hours ago

Hmm. If there isn't a rooftop lounge/restaurant that was a huge miss as well. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

pdude8118 hours ago

Concept art has shown one restaurant at minimum, and I've seen some pictures recently that look like the pool bar at Boardwalk, which I expect you can order food from as well. I don't think any of us know 100% at this point

MagicHappens197118 hours ago

I've been following, but am still confused. Does this new tower not have Food & Beverage offerings? If not that seems like a total miss.

Tha Realest4 days ago

New restaurant = less room for DVCs, more overhead.

pdude814 days ago

You can also order food at the pool bar, though there is not a ton of seating. Aside from Sanaa to go.

nickys4 days ago

Sanaa does a QS breakfast option, where you can get what you want and either sit in the restaurant to eat or take it with you. The gift shop also has some grab and go items for breakfast.

Dayma4 days ago

We love the Polly but I am a little worried about where all these extra folks are going to go for food. Capt. Cooks is always slammed at lunch and we rarely find a place to sit. :( I actually like the way the pool is looking so far...

Disstevefan14 days ago

I hope its a restaurant. Gotta throw a bone to the DVCers...

Bocabear4 days ago

it sure does look like a restaurant/bar....too big to just be a pool bar. I am hoping they add some features to the final version of the pool...not just a plain pool....if anything it should be more over-the-top than the other pool considering the building is so lightly themed...

donaldtoo5 days ago

They’re straws to be offered up to the giant tiki gods so they can drink from Seven Seas Lagoon for good luck.

MisterPenguin5 days ago

It's a traditional Tiki arcade.