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.
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Incomudro1 hour ago

Exactly. It's to keep people safe from that initial unseen blast out of the water that crocodilian's do from the waters edge.

Master Yoda4 hours ago

Chip Chipperson6 hours ago

That sounds just like something a gator would say if it was trying to lure me into a false sense of security. And you have green skin in your profile pic! Gator!!!!

Master Yoda11 hours ago

The barriers are more about keeping people away from the edge of the water vs trying to contain alligators. Gators will climb fences so they are a deterrent at best. Gators are ambush predators. They wait at the edge of the water and go after what they perceive as prey when it is at the water's edge. The gator problem is largely solved if you can keep people away from the edge of the water.

John park hopper1 day ago

Hey Disney-- gator hunting is legal in FL AK attraction --what a way to make money you could have gator hunting and clear the lake of gators. There was a time you could swim in the lake Gator safari only $999.99 choose your method Hunting methods You can use: Bang sticks Bows Crossbows Pre-charged pneumatic airbows Gigs Harpoons Spears Spearguns

etc981 day ago

Ahh ok. I’m guessing this section here? Based on the aerial it does seem like the railing just abruptly stops, which doesn’t look great. But I think it does make sense where it’s stopped. It stops right around the point where the distance between the path and the water increases significantly. And as it continues on towards Riviera, it looks like there is a bunch of plantings between the path and the water, which Disney might consider enough of a barrier. Maybe?

JoeCamel2 days ago

:hilarious: :hilarious: :hilarious: :hilarious: They browned the yellow in the picture......

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

OK, I'm actually referring on the side in front of the Riviera Skyliner Station along between Caribbean Beach there and The Skyliner to Riviera on this section.

JD802 days ago

Got some mail

etc982 days ago

The beach at Riviera also has rock, fence, and signs. It seems consistent to me. They have the fencing and signs up at the beaches and in places where the pathway goes directly along the water. In areas where the pathway is further from the water, they don’t.

Prince-13 days ago

No idea. Next time you are there ask them and get back to me.

Eric Graham3 days ago

Posted this somewhere else....thank y'all for all of the wonderful pictures that you posted:

Chef idea Mickey`=3 days ago

They didn't put signs up before this incident. Why didn't they if they knew!

Chef idea Mickey`=3 days ago

Some places such as an example Caribbean Beach has the fencing and sign just like 7 Seas Lagoon, however once you approach Riviera it ends and it's all open.. why 😅😶