As I first reported two years ago, a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) tower is under construction adjacent to the existing Polynesian Resort at Disney World, which currently houses standard rooms, DVC Deluxe Studio Rooms, and the bungalows. (See my ultimate guide and review of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, with extra tips for parents). We now have a name, opening date, and new updates about Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the new Disney Vacation Club resort. This will cover the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort booking details and updates, and what to expect when it opens in December 2024.
Design and Theming
Inspired by the rich culture of the Polynesian Islands, the concept art of the exterior shows ornate designs featuring a Manta Ray “that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace.”
The lobby will feature designs inspired by wildlife native to Polynesian Islands. Art around the resort—from moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets—will embody Polynesia and the spirit of conservation.
Room Types
Island Tower will add 268 new rooms, and room types will be capable of sleeping from two to nine guests, with the following options:
- Duo Studios
- One-Bedroom Villas
- Two-Bedroom Villas
- Brand New Two-Bedroom Penthouse Villas (note there won’t be three-bedroom Grand Villas that other DVC rooms boast).
On June 4, Disney shared a look at the bedrooms and theming. As expected, decor is an elevated take on the island theming, heavily inspired by Moana. The higher levels will offer unrivaled views of both Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. The Deluxe Studios, for the first time at a DVC resort, include a dishwasher.
When You Can Make a Reservation
- June 4: DVC members can make early reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. DVC members can make points-based reservations at a later date.
- June 5: Disney World Annual Passholders can make reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.
- June 6: All guests can make reservations either online or by contacting (407) 934-7639.
Transportation
Worth noting is that Island Tower will not have its own monorail station stop—see my explainer for using the monorail here—but will be working walking distance to the monorail station at the existing Polynesian Resort, and also the Transportation and Ticket Center (which has a direct line to EPCOT).
My Thoughts On Island Tower
Not unlike the adjacent tower strategy seen across Seven Seas Lagoon at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (one of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World—see my full guide and review here), Island Tower seems like a safe, and necessary decision for Disney. Let me explain.
Variety of Room Sizes at the Polynesian
The Polynesian is one of the most popular Disney resorts, an opening day symbol of the Disney from yesteryear. But it doesn’t have large rooms—mainly standard rooms and DVC Deluxe Studios— and the rooms that are big can only be found in the bungalows, which are pricey and hard to book. Island Tower creates needed capacity for families seeking a great location with extra space.
Modernity and Amenities
This is the first resort new Disney resort since 2019, when Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in all its splendor. I just returned from a stay at the Riviera, and I can confirm (after visiting often before) that it has set the new standard. The modern rooms, subtle-yet-Disney decor, the food, access to the Disney Skyliner (see my guide to the Disney Skyliner here), it’s a clear cut above the rest. The Poly is a classic and I by no means wanting it to change. Island Tower provides Disney with the opportunity to keep the Poly as is, and add a new destination with modern flourishes that keeps the essence of the existing Polynesian—it’s a win-win.
But the Riviera is its own resort, with its own standalone dining options and amenities. The other tower resort on the Monorail Loop is Bay Lake Tower which only consists of rooms and pools (its lobby is mostly a hallway, to be frank), a Community Hall, and a lounge, called Top of the World Lounge – Villain’s Lair that is only available for DVC members). Bay Lake Tower—which I love, to be sure—essentially boasts access to the nearby dining and amenities at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (another one of my favorites), and big rooms in a great location. I’m curious to see the dining, pools, and lounge options that will come to Island Tower. With its great locations and ability to tap into the existing Polynesian theming, I can imagine the offerings will be sure to impress. And with the building consisting of 10 stories, it’s views of Seven Seas Lagoon, and thus, the Electrical Water Pageant and the Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular, a rooftop terrace is a no-brainer, and sure to give both Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera (see my guide and how to get a reservation)and California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a run for their money.
Location
As mentioned, the The Island Tower won’t boast its own monorail station, but guests will be able to walk to the station at the Polynesian (which may lead to increased crowds, especially at peak hours; time will tell), or the Transportation and Ticket Center, which is the hub for the Disney Monorail System, with lines that stop at each resort and the Magic Kingdom, Express lines straight to the Magic Kingdom, and lines straight to EPCOT. This is a huge bonus for guests who will be able to access two theme parks and all of the restaurants and amenities along the Monorail Loop. Staying there is worth it for the magic alone, but also, for parents of toddlers like me, literally a time and back saver during a vacation.
Guests will also be able to walk to dedicated water taxi access to the Magic Kingdom and resorts surrounding Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake (meaning, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Bay Lake Tower and The Contemporary, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness, and the dedicated ferry to and from the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center (see my ultimate guide to Disney World boat transportation).
Further, guests could also walk to the Magic Kingdom if it suits their fancy; because of how close Island Tower will be to Disney’s Grand Floridian resort, guests can use the dedicated path for that resort and be at the Magic Kingdom in minutes. I realize some guests don’t want to deal with additional walking on a Disney trip—but I’ve walked that path pre-construction, and it takes less time than I anticipated, making this a great option for guests wanting to avoid the monorail or ferryboat/water taxi crowds.
Lastly, I personally, like the idea of the new tower, as distinct as it is from the Polynesian’s famous longhouses, harkening back to the original design—Disney indicated that a tower was intended to occupy the Polynesian, but didn’t elaborate further. Since becoming a family of five, we essentially cannot fit comfortably—at least while the kids are so small and napping at differing times—in a standard room or Deluxe Studio, meaning options like the have Polynesian been off the table for our recent trips. With Island Tower opening soon, I look forward to the island vibes and Polynesian details with a little extra space (and hopefully a rooftop terrace with views of the Electrical Water Pageant)!
Are you excited about Island Tower? Let me know in the comments.
Love staying in the Disney Bubble? Check out my guides to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Disney’s Polynesian Village and Resort, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club, and Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside.
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See ya real soon!
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