NEWS: Name & New Details of New Addition at Polynesian Announced

Today, Disney Vacation Club unveiled details for the Island Tower coming to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Walt Disney World Resort. The tower is under construction and projected to open in December 2024.

Here are the details from Disney Cast Member Heather Concannon:

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will take you on a storytelling journey that brings to life the spirit of Polynesia.

Projected to open in December 2024, the proposed 10-story tower overlooking the stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon will celebrate the natural world, and of course, the magic of Disney.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be within convenient walking distance to the Disney Monorail, making it the perfect base for visiting Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.

Did you know that original concept designs for Disney’s Polynesian Resort featured a prominent tower as the heart of the resort? Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands.

When you arrive at Island Tower, you will notice beautiful designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a gorgeous 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, showcasing 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.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a variety of room types that will sleep from two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Many rooms will feature spectacular views.

In the meantime, here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• • 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.

There’s just no telling how far we’ll go with Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows!

More on The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

In keeping with the existing theme of the resort, the striking waterfront retreat will immerse guests in the charm of the South Pacific islands, the thrill of exploration, and the beauty of the natural world.

“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.

“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.

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.