Final Preparations Underway for Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort

1 day ago in "Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows"

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Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows construction - December 9, 2024

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Posted: Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:07am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is set to officially open its doors on December 17, 2024, and final preparations are in full swing. With just one week remaining, crews and Cast Members are working to ensure the newest addition to the Disney Vacation Club portfolio is ready to welcome its first guests.

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows construction - December 9, 2024

Exterior Finishing Touches

The exterior of the Island Tower is nearly complete. Crews have been adding the final details, including the installation of signage at the arrival area to guide guests as they check in. Landscaping enhancements are also being finalized, bringing lush, tropical greenery to the property.

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows construction - December 9, 2024

Interior Preparations

Inside, the focus is on the finishing touches. Crews are working to complete interior design elements and ensure all amenities are operational. Cast Members are also preparing the Island Tower for the first wave of guests, which includes readying the resort's new restaurant, the Wailulu Bar and Grill.

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows construction - December 9, 2024

The 10-story tower will feature a variety of room types, complete with original artwork inspired by the Polynesian Islands, wayfinding and the natural elements – earth, water, wind and sky.

Each guest room will also feature custom pieces inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios film, "Moana."

Duo Studios

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

Duo Studio

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.

Deluxe Studio

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

2 Bedroom Penthouse

Disney Vacation Club will introduce 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.

2 Bedroom Penthouse

Sustainable Design Details at the Island Tower

Several features within guest rooms contribute to the Island Tower's sustainable design, in line with Disney's 2030 environmental goals. For example, in addition to the convenience that comes with the first-ever dishwashers in the tower's studios, they also contribute to Disney's goal of minimizing waste by reducing the need for plastic utensils and single-use dishware. The plush rugs and carpets inside guest rooms are made from mostly recycled plastic bottles woven into fine yarn that feels like silk.

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John park hopper1 hour ago

It should just be called post WW II High Rise Hawaii nothing Polynesian about it other than the location

lazyboy97o3 hours ago

You used it as a design reference. You didnt have to name the Polynesian Cultural Center. Why would the Island Tower fit in perfectly fine? Is it because it reflects a unique vernacular style or because Oahu has been cluttered with the same sort of placeless contemporary design? Is highlighting vertical circulation a distinguishing feature of Polynesian design?

FigmentFan825 hours ago

so who's got dem lobby pics?

nickys5 hours ago

If you choose to pay cash to stay at a DVC resort, the rates will be exorbitant. Even more than staying at one of the non DVC deluxe resorts. And I think only the Gran Destino Tower has been a new non-DVC resort since AoA? Since everyone can have their own opinion I’m neither attacking nor defending the design. I said way back that the room interiors were too “samey” colour wise for me, whilst still appreciative of the design features. I would have preferred more contrast. Same applies to this exterior design feature. But ultimately it’s the point chart that will deter me from staying there, not the design of the building or rooms.

Blobbles5 hours ago

Someone needs to arrest it before it strikes again

TheCoasterNerd5 hours ago

That they do!!

Casper Gutman5 hours ago

Feel free to ignore my posts if you don’t intend to engage meaningfully with the ongoing conversation.

JoeCamel5 hours ago

But they have a killer pineapple whip

Epcot82Guy5 hours ago

I think that's the point, actually. If you put Grand Floridian along one of the primary stretches of Floridan beach, it would stand out as a unique, grand icon. (Much like the Del does in California.) Similarly, if you put any of the lodges in their respective locations, they would stand out as a unique icon. Aulani, while having some typical characteristics, stands out. By this same measure, the Contemporary (meant to be a modern luxury hotel) would also stand out as being something strange and unique in most modern cities outside of some equally quirky hotels (often tied to airports and other transportation hubs). Island Tower would fit in fine in Oahu. Same with Riviera in most any resort city. That's the issue. It's not about recreating a modern hotel that would fit in the chosen location. Don't get me wrong - I think many people share your view. That they want a nice hotel that would match the location. I just think that is going to get dated much more quickly. (Take a look at Hotel Plaza Blvd.) And, it is not what made Disney World resorts unique for 45 years prior. Again, as a standalone property, that's one thing. When it invades the escape of the main Disney resorts, that's what creates the push back.

JD806 hours ago

So only your opinion counts?

JD806 hours ago

Let's derail this thread. Skyliner >>>> monorail.

Ayla7 hours ago

Correct. It is a money funnel for the LDS church, complete with white missionary revisionist history. For good measure, they threw in some cultural appropriation, too.

Bocabear7 hours ago

I believe it is actually owned by the Mormons... you know, the missionaries that stripped the islands of their culture...now own a cultural center....