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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OG Runner1 hour ago

What you don't like Chinese food? 🤣🤣🤣

FiestaFunKid23 hours ago

Stole this pic from Twitter/X - I know we all have a bad side but ouch...Almost looks like an 1970s chinese restaurant that moved into an abandoned factory....

Disney Analyst31 days ago

JIMMYEDDIEDec 30, 2024

Or the space.......One thing those all had was plenty of land

JIMMYEDDIEDec 30, 2024

I love it

LSLSDec 27, 2024

So, calling people who enjoy gym time raving lunatics and make some insinuation about liking non-descript hotels is not an insult, but saying that you called people weird because they like something you don't, or giving an explanation as to why some people prefer it is an insult. Personally we have chosen the Coronado before specifically for the gym. As someone who enjoys lifting (not just walking), it's a big plus for me. I'm up before everyone else in my family, so rather than sit on my phone, I prefer getting up and go throw weights around. And judging by my experiences in the gym (or going around larger resorts), I'm far from alone.

nickysDec 27, 2024

It does now. But as to why not before, no idea.

JoeCamelDec 27, 2024

I'm sure they will adjust the price point accordingly......

CompedDec 27, 2024

Why doesn't Poly have a gym?

MisterPenguinDec 27, 2024

Per Perplexity.... Also, Swolphin, which is considered deluxe, also has a gym. Having a gym, high end retail and restaurants, a plussed pool, club level rooms, activities and events (e.g., tennis court, boating), a spa are also typical of deluxe accommodations.

Animaniac93-98Dec 27, 2024

It's a standard amenity at many hotels, not just "deluxe" ones. Even Universal's lowest tier hotels have decent gyms. Hotel "gyms" can range from a broom closet with one treadmill and/or one elliptical to large facilities that could rival your local club, but it's increasingly expected and common for hotels to have them. They offer the convenience of on site equipment without the need to drive to or pay and sign up for one near where you're staying. Even if people don't go as hard on vacation, having an indoor, air-conditioned space to exercise is a nice benefit. Polynesian finally having one is good for its guests, and for what they're paying, should not have to walk to GF to use one.

Sir_CliffDec 27, 2024

These posts don't seem in good faith, so I probably shouldn't respond. However, the fact that the other deluxe Disney resorts include gyms suggests that, whether you personally use them or not, they are an expected amenity in hotels of a certain level. You can also find lists of jogging and running trails at Walt Disney World on their website which I'm sure are of no interest to you, but are obviously of interest to someone.

FiestaFunKidDec 26, 2024

an exaggeration to make a point on the importance of gym in a disney resort, not an insult - guess you decided to take it at face value and it went over your head - and then started in on the insults instead which was a very insightful point (hint - don't take that at face value)

Prince-1Dec 26, 2024

You do realize your posts are filled with insults. 😂 And you seemingly missed the point of my post but that’s ok…you be you.