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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Tha Realest12 hours ago

I used a Time Machine to go back to Epcot in 2000 and you could barely see the Millennium Wand while you were in the queues for most of the attractions

Adventureland Veranda13 hours ago

You're doing it wrong. You're supposed to only try to view the tower from the monorail.

Communicora1 day ago

I just watched a video featuring the tattoo artist who designed them. He also worked on Kona Cafe.

Haymarket20082 days ago

When you walk outside from the Great Ceremonial House and out over the lawn, it is towering over the whole sightline on the left.

DCBaker2 days ago

A few photos from the monorail earlier today: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54159804626_4ceffcb94f_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54160075513_408e4b8251_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54160111899_9381aa96c0_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54160111924_dd3c87bfe3_k.jpg

Disney Analyst6 days ago

Those palms trees are blocking my view of the Grand Flo 😤

cookiee_munster6 days ago

😆😆😆

Andrew C6 days ago

Dang...so ugly... Sad that they just don't care anymore.

JD806 days ago

The Grand Floridian is such a distraction and a stain on the horizon. All that giant un-adorned white should just be burned to the ground obviously to preserve Walt's original vision of never putting hotels near the Resort Kingdom of the World.

MisterPenguin6 days ago

You're doing it wrong. You're supposed to use a telephoto lens to exaggerate its looming presence. Photos that replicate what one would see in real life are just so uneditorial.

JD806 days ago

Few More - Ferry to WL If I had to guess, this tower is visable in some way or another from these locations at the monorail: Otherwise it's not very visable at the Poly or the Grand Flo unless you're in certain rooms. Bonus shot of a rainbow above Space Mountain:

JD806 days ago

These were taken 2 weeks ago, just to give everyone an idea of view. From the monorail leaving the Contemporary. From Trader Sams Tiki Terrace On the Monorail to Grand Flo - you can't see the building until this point: From the Monorail going in to Magic Kingdom. You can't see the building until this point coming from Grand Flo Example, here is the view from the Monorail heading to MK (this is from a video, excuse the resolution) 826187826188 Here you finally see the top: 826189 Walking from the buses to MK, it becomes more visable as you get in front of the train station. 826190

Bocabear7 days ago

Clearly based on Māori and Pacific Island tribal tattoos... When can we expect objections of cultural appropriation to start?

John park hopper7 days ago

If those tattoos are anything like on people can you imagine what they will look like in 20yrs ---yuck