New details are being shared by Disney regarding the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Walt Disney World Resort. Work continues on this tower and it is expected to be opening in December 2024. With progress continuing to be made, reservations will also soon be available for guests who wish to stay there. Disney Vacation Club Members will have the first opportunity to make reservations on June 4. This will be followed by annual passholders on June 5. General guests will be able to make reservations on June 6. This can be done through Mouseways Travel, the official travel partner of Daps Magic.
This new addition to this beautiful resort will be a “striking waterfront retreat” that promises to immerse guests in “the charm of the South Pacific Islands, the thrill of exploration, and the beauty of the natural world.” There will be multiple different room types that will sleep anywhere from two to nine guests. This will include duo studios, one or two bedroom villas, and also new two-bedroom penthouse villas. The tower will also have deluxe studio rooms.
“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.
The views will come from the ten stories of this new tower which pulls inspiration from early concept art for the property that was created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Disney says that this new expansion will “unlock a new experience at the resort, beginning with an exquisite ceiling art installation in the tower’s lobby inspired by the South Pacific Islands and showcasing a variety of native wildlife. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to the people of the region.”
As guests enter the lobby, they will find larger-than-life artwork to bring the spirit of the islands to life. There will also be sculptures created from recycled fishing nets and chandeliers built from living moss plans. Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with various artists to create these beautiful pieces of art that are influenced by the heritage of Polynesia. They also hold true to the spirit of conservation. Of course, there is also some Disney magic included as well.
“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.
Along with being a beautiful to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the Island Tower also is in line with Disney’s 2030 environment goals. It will also continue to provide the service, experience, and features, Disney Vacation Club members know and love. It is projected that this tower will use approximately 30 percent less energy than a typical similar sized resort. This will be done through a variety of means. They include:
- Optimizing heating and cooling systems
- Energy-efficient lighting
- First all-electric kitchen on Walt Disney World Resort property in the tower’s restaurant.
A bulk of the tower was constructed offsite and used pre-fabrication techniques that helped minimize construction waste. Just like Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, this new tower will be a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging Program. This recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.
