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

10 days ago in "Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows"

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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.

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows concept art

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.

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows concept art

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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danlb_20001 hour ago

Permit files today to reconfigure the entrance roads and parking lot... Here is what that area currently looks like...

Bocabear5 hours ago

so from the frying pan directly into the fire? plus a $100+ ticket to get in...Great....lol

mysto5 hours ago

Poly guests can always head over to MK at lunchtime to get away from the crowds.

Zummi Gummi6 hours ago

There's no way the tower won't have its own quick service, right? Captain Cook's, as mentioned, can't handle the current demand. This would send them over the edge. Surely Disney is aware of this.

Bocabear20 hours ago

It really is shocking to me...especially with as profit-driven as they are, that they would not have built a larger Trader Sam's or at least built a fabulous version of the Tangaroa Terrace type family restaurant that was completely themed for full service dining... yeah Yeah I know they have Kona upstairs, but Kona feels like a coffee shop...this could be whimsically done and a replacement experience for those that can't get into Trader Sam's... It would also then be really great to completely enforce a 21 and older in Trader Sam's... Once they have a beautifully done dining spot with a similar vibe, it will take the pressure off....

networkpro21 hours ago

We wont start discussing the capacity trainwreck that is Trader Sam's, Trader Sam's Terrace, and Tambu lounge currently without the addition of 268 more rooms to the existing 847.

Bocabear21 hours ago

I am supposing there will be something on the first floor...Looks like it in the artwork....probably be on the level with Sanaa I would guess, but they could sure use another bigger and better version of Captain Cooks...even if the convert the old Neverland Club/ Tangaroa Terrace back into a working restaurant it would give more space than Captain Cook's....

Ayla22 hours ago

Poly has been overwhelmed for years. Adding a new hotel next door with inadequate food service definitely isn't going to help.

Tha Realest1 day ago

Captain Cooks already feels overtaxed. Can’t imagine what adding that additional number of rooms without any commensurate increase in comparable food options will do.

Virtual Toad1 day ago

True, though I have seen that space used on occasion for conferences and athletic event staging, it does represent a possible expansion space. They managed to shoehorn in the shake shop downstairs so it's definitely possible. Back to the topic at hand, it seems Loews (which operates Cabana Bay) is not afraid to add capacity and "staff up" to meet customer demand, something Disney seems to go out of its way to avoid. Food and beverage sales at Cabana Bay have to be quite profitable for them to have so many options. Having those options also helps drive guest satisfaction and repeat business. Simply put, it's good for the brand. Hoping the DVC Poly adds enough new places to eat and drink so the original Poly is not overwhelmed.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

Sounds neat, however it being placed on or next to the monorail beam then this Cabana Bay style type resort would be expensive as heck! Disney's Florida Bay a DVC resort All that's missing is a 60's Diner on the second floor instead of a recreational convention style unused space.

Bocabear2 days ago

We have stayed at Cabana Bay a couple times and yes! It is an amazing resort and so much nicer than the WDW All Star and POP resorts.... Great pool area with a lazy river and as you said, great food options... Plus the location for Volcano Bay...and when we stayed there is was about half the price of Disney's Value resorts.... and did not feel value at all.

Chef idea Mickey`=3 days ago

Sounds neat*, however it being placed on or next to the monorail beam then this Cabana Bay style type resort would be expensive as heck! Disney's Florida Bay a DVC resort!

Virtual Toad3 days ago

LOL! Cabana Bay was exactly what I thought of as I read your post. But sadly what you describe is way more rich in theme than what they're building next to the Poly. Actually, what you describe reminds me a lot of the Disneyland Hotel circa 1995-2005-ish. A ton of nostalgic references and artifacts throughout. We'd stand in awe in front of the large display case in the lobby at every opportunity. Not to ramble, but I also thought of Cabana Bay in response to Haunted Pirate's comment about dining. CB has a giant food court, two quick service eateries at its pools, two pool bars, a lobby bar and sit-down dining (eta: and a bar!) at its on-site bowling alley. (eta): And a full-size Starbucks as well. (eta much later:)) And in-room pizza delivery. And an ice cream/shake shop! (whew!) Not bad for a value resort. Your move, WDW.