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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Bocabear13 hours ago

The shap is a big part of it not feeling like it is a part 0f the same resort... Other than that, I would have married some of the design motifs of the original resort with this new building... The iconic rooflines for sure instead of the3 very modern looking roofline. I think right now it looks like the only thing in common is brown paint...

splah22 hours ago

for the creatives here that can produce a rendering, curious how you each would approach this project keeping the same basic shape (and it is just a basic shape that we're getting). what would you do it make it fit more with the current resort or even a modern take of the poly.

mysto4 days ago

That makes it better! The guest's ability to spend more than you proves they are more successful than you. They win the big game! The view is just more evidence of how soundly they are winning, the view itself doesn't really matter that much. However soon they can get the same view for cheaper at the polyday, that is winning even more. "she bought the holy grail, at a garage sale, she practically stole it" (Timbuk 3)

Bocabear4 days ago

Mrketing Marketing Marketing...along with a hefty price increase in everything....and somehow there are empty attraction buildings...

Club Cooloholic4 days ago

It's all about the company priorities. Universal has opened up tons of new hotel resorts over the last 20 years. There is some fanfare but it's not over the top as they would ratger guests focus on the new rides they are opening. Meanwhile Disney makes a big deal out of an addition to a current property or turning an attraction into a lounge.

Tha Realest4 days ago

You can, it just take a little creativity and willingness to break a few laws

JMcMahonEsq4 days ago

Have you ever stayed in the bungalows? Because I can tell you every time we have stayed there, and with all the people i have spoken with who stay there, no one is/was looking back at the main part of resort as their “view.” Your looking out at the lake, your watching the fireworks from the deck or the mini pool. That’s why you’re at the bungalows. The main selling point of a theme park view is unaffected by this new construction. Stylistic discussions are one thing, but ruining the view seems like just looking for problems

JoeCamel4 days ago

You can't feed alligators from your penthouse at the 4 Seasons so bungalows for the win....

John park hopper4 days ago

Stand corrected 3 + grand a night makes it even worse

nickys4 days ago

The Poly bungalows are way more than $600 a night.

Tha Realest4 days ago

I’m sure the GF wedding pavilion will love having the Polyday Inn in the background.

Chef idea Mickey`=5 days ago

I meant facing polynesian direction straight and West. The old polynesian buildings have islandesque architecture.

peter114355 days ago

I mean… you could always see the GFV building just to the right of this.

Chef idea Mickey`=5 days ago

Interesting point these window views from bungalows bedrooms I think once appeared you was on an island, well not anymore unless Hawaii islands with a giant resort count.