The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is now officially open and welcoming guests at Walt Disney World Resort. The new tower is inspired by the vibrant and rich cultures of the Polynesian Island. Located on the beautiful shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the waterfront retreat adds 268 rooms to the resort. This new expansion offers a variety of accommodations for Disney Vacation Club members and guests.
“Boasting spectacular views of Seven Seas Lagoon and located just a short monorail or boat ride away from Magic Kingdom Park, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is a fantastic addition to this member-favorite resort,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club. “We look forward to members and guests embracing their inner wayfinder and discovering new ways to make magical vacation memories together.”
Throughout the tower, a variety of artists from around the world are highlighted. This is to create a unique experience that is rooted in Polynesian heritage. Throughout the building, guests will immerse themselves in the beauty of natural elements coupled with the Disney difference.
Polynesian Storytelling
There are a variety of different types of rooms found throughout the 10-story tower. This allows for the different needs of different travelers to be met. This ranges from small intimate groups to large family reunions. In every room, there will be custom artwork found that is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana. There are also sustainable design elements including rugs that are made primarily from recycled plastic bottles.
There are a limited number of two-bedroom penthouse villas making their debut at the Island Tower. They can sleep up to eight guests. They also are themed after elements and Moana’s love for nature. These penthouses include a living room area, a full-sized kitchen, a dining area, and three full bathrooms. The new penthouse villas also have outdoor patio areas that either have a view of the Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses.
The one- and two-bedroom villas have a theme focused on the beauty of water or Moana’s love for nature. They can sleep five and nine guests, respectively. These villas include a full-zie kitchen, dining area, and also a living area with sofa seating that can be pulled down to become a queen-size bed and a story-themed mural inspired by Moana sailing her canoe to retrieve the heart of Te Fiti. These rooms also include two bathrooms, a primary bedroom, and a washer and dryer (a staple for Disney Vacation Club villas).
The deluxe studios are inspired by the fauna and flora of the islands and include an updated layout. In this new layout, there is a seating area across from a kitchenette (which features a dishwasher). This is a first for Disney Vacation Club deluxe studios. The deluxe studios offer a spa-like bathroom, an outdoor patio, and two queen-size beds. They can accommodate up to four guests.
Duo studios are perfect for two guests. They are inspired by the wind and sky. They have a queen-sized bed that tucks into the wall to reveal a sofa when not being used.
The addition of the Island Tower adds to the 380 Disney Vacation Club rooms already located at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. These allow guests to enjoy studios in the resort’s iconic Polynesian-themed three-story longhouses or two-bedroom bungalows.
Family Fun
There is no shortage of fun activities to be had by families when staying at the Island Tower. First off is the Cove Pool area. This is a beautiful aquatic oasis that is perfect for relaxation. It includes a zero-entry swimming pool. There is also Moana’s Voyage, a whimsical splash area that includes a statue of Moana and her canoe. There are also four tropical terrace gardens inspired by the islands of Polynesia that are accessible on floors three through six. Each garden is uniquely designed and provides a peaceful retreat and beautiful views of the surrounding areas, including wonderful views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. These gardens are accessible exclusively to guests staying at the Island Tower.
The Wailulu Bar & Grill is a casual dining spot at the Island Tower. It celebrates the sea and how the ocean life connects all life. The menu is influenced by ingredients that are common in the Polynesian islands and includes an all-day lunch and dinner menu. Both of these offer a variety of signature dishes. Guests will get to enjoy the spiced ham musubi or a beef short rib loco moco, among other things. There is both indoor and outdoor seating at Wailulu Bar & Grill. Throughout the restaurant, custom artwork is showcased and crafted from recycled materials. There are also lovely views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. This is another location that will offer beautiful fireworks viewing.
Designing a Green New Building
The Island Tower was designed with sustainability and conservation as a central consideration. While focusing on building a green new building, Disney also focused on providing guests with the Disney Vacation Club experience they know and love. Because of these efforts, the Island Tower is projected to use approximately 30 percent less energy than a resort of a similar size. This is because of a variety of measures that include optimized heating and cooling systems along with energy-efficient lighting. A bulk of the tower was also built off-site using pre-fabrication techniques that help minimize construction waste. The building will also be a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program, just like Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This program recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.
Many of the new amenities at the Island Tower can be enjoyed by Disney Vacation Club members and guests who are staying at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This includes restaurants, lounges, shops, and swimming pools at the resort. They can also enjoy the location that offers an easy walk to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or a quick monorail ride to Magic Kingdom.
Disney Vacation Club
There are 17 Disney Vacation Club properties that are found across four states. This is the newest one. There are other new offerings as well like The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
What do you think of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows? What do you like most about it? Do you want to stay there? If so, what kind of room would you want to be in? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
