First Look at Guest Rooms & Opening Date for Island Tower at Polynesian Resort
Walt Disney World shared a sneak peek at the different guest rooms types and announced the opening date of the Island Tower at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This shares a look inside the various villas and other details about the upcoming addition to the Poly–which will open almost exactly 5 years after DVC’s last WDW resort!
Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom monorail line, the Island Tower at the Poly replaces the Spirit of Aloha luau. The new Disney Vacation Club tower is basically between the existing Polynesian Village Resort and Wedding Pavilion, which itself is adjacent to the Grand Floridian.
This high-profile Magic Kingdom resort area has already become overcrowded in recent years with the addition of the Villas at the Grand Floridian. A new tower will only exacerbate that, and could end up putting undue strain on infrastructure such as the monorail. It’ll be interesting to see how the monorail handles the increased traffic (or doesn’t) and whether Walt Disney World needs to put more resort restrictions in place. But that’s another topic for another day.
According to Disney, the new 10-story Island Tower’s architecture pulls inspiration from early concept art of the iconic property by Walt Disney Imagineering, also according to Disney. There will be a ceiling art installation in the tower’s lobby inspired by the South Pacific Islands and showcasing a variety of native wildlife.
Other art will exist in the lobby, from sculptures crafted from recycled fishing nets to chandeliers built of living moss plants. Walt Disney Imagineering has partnered with various artists to create art influenced by the heritage of Polynesia and the spirit of conservation, along with Disney references.
The Island Tower 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. The tower will also include deluxe studio rooms, adding to the deluxe studio rooms already available at the Poly Villas.
The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is projected to open on December 17, 2024, which is 5 years after Disney’s Riviera Resort opened on December 16, 2019. The new Poly tower will offer villas brimming with original artwork inspired by the Polynesian Islands, wayfinding and the natural elements: earth, water, wind and sky. Each guest room will also feature custom pieces inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Moana.”
Above is a look at the duo studios, which is a polarizing room type that debuted at Disney’s Riviera Resort and continued with the Villas at Disneyland Hotel. We were big fans of this as a couple, and it worked well for us when visiting with a newborn. Jury’s still out–for us at least–on how it works out with a baby during a longer stay. Guess we’ll find out!
According to Disney: With inspiration from the stars and the sky that the wayfinders used for celestial navigation, the bright and airy duo studios will offer the perfect retreat for two.
Celebrating the lush flora and fauna of the islands, the deluxe studios will sleep up to four and include a first-of-its-kind feature for Disney Vacation Club deluxe studios: a dishwasher! The deluxe studios in the Island Tower will have a new layout, including a cozy seating area across from the kitchenette.
I’m really intrigued by this new layout. The new seating area strikes me as a good thing, but the table there looks rather small and impractical. Definitely will withhold judgment on this, though. Especially since–if I’m being honest–I don’t quite know what our needs look like with regard to seating, storage, and floor space. I was surprised at just how much the extra square footage at the Contemporary came in handy during our first trip with a baby.
I’m sure other DVC members will have some very strong opinions about the changes. Off the top of my head, I guess I do have one–I wish the dishwasher were a washer and dryer (for clothes) instead. Zero desire or need to do dishes–especially with only a kitchenette and paper products stocked–but would love the ability to do laundry in-room. Guessing there’s not quite enough space for that, though. And it’s probably also a distinguishing factor they want to maintain for the 1-BR and larger villas!
Speaking of which, your family and friends will be able to spread out in a one- or two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine, respectively. Through unique artwork, each villa will showcase a voyager’s journey both on land and under the sea. Embracing the beauty of water or earth, these spaces will feature a kitchen with full-size appliances, a dining area, a washer and dryer, and an outdoor patio area.
It’s difficult to get a good read on these rooms based on the first look images shared by Disney Vacation Club, but the view is certainly impressive! I don’t doubt for a second that the rooms will be well-received by DVC members. Disney has been doing a great job with the new and reimagined rooms at the villas for the last 5 years. There’s no reason to believe that’ll change with the Island Tower at the Poly.
I’m not a fan of the Island Tower, but expectations about the guest rooms are not part of that criticism. Beyond the dishwasher vs. laundry machines quibble above, my only concern at this point is that the rooms like overly beige and ‘earthy.’ Given its mid-century and Polynesian roots, I was hoping for a lot more color. These are a bit on the bland side, which makes sense at Saratoga, but less so at the Poly.
(I really don’t want to beat a dead horse since I’ve already yammered on about the building’s exterior at length in the commentary to our main post about the Poly Tower…and it’s really not relevant here, anyway, since this is a post offering a first look inside.)
Disney Vacation Club will introduce a brand-new type of accommodation in Island Tower: two-bedroom penthouse villas. Themed after the calming balance between water and the islands, the stunning villas will sleep up to eight and boast a spacious living room, and spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom from an expansive patio balcony.
Same story here. I hate how the tower looks from the outside, but just like Riviera and Gran Destino before it, the ugly and undercooked tower should be great once you’re inside and enjoying views from it rather than of it. Except in this case, the Island Tower will offer big views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon, so it’ll be even better.
I’m a realist. It’s an eyesore and a blight on the monorail loop ‘skyline,’ but people are going to love the Island Tower. I have no doubt about that. It combines two things that score really well with guests–towers and the new styles of rooms. (These two things may not rate highly with you personally, but they do with guests as a whole.)
Here’s a full room tour that Walt Disney World has released:
According to Disney, several features within guest rooms contribute to the Island Tower’s sustainable design, in line with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals. For example, in addition to the convenience that comes with the first-ever dishwashers in the tower’s studios, they also contribute to the goal of minimizing waste by reducing the need for plastic utensils and single-use dishware.
You might also be surprised to know the plush rugs and carpets inside guest rooms are made from mostly recycled plastic bottles woven into fine yarn that feels like silk.
How to Book Your Stay at the Island Tower
- June 4, 2024: Beginning today, Disney Vacation Club members can make rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Note that this is for bookings with cash, meaning that members will pay the regular rack rate for the Deluxe Villas, which will undoubtedly be astronomical. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date.
- June 5, 2024: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.
- June 6, 2024: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of the various villas in the Island Tower? Do you like or dislike these room styles? Will you be booking the Island Tower via a cash rate or will you wait for availability with points? Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the Island Tower being added to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I am bummed that the studio only sleeps 4, and the 2 bedroom 9. Was really hoping for 5 in Studio and 10 in 2 bedroom.
Does the studio have the almost 2 bathrooms like the original Poly Studios? Does the 2 bedroom have 3 bathrooms like Bay Lake?
Yes the three bedroom has three bathrooms and 1 bedroom has two bathrooms. I’m not sure regarding studio however, as I had not asked when I spoke to the cast member. I do know it is 414 square feet so seems there might be room for that however I truly do not know for sure. Perhaps if you called they might have those specs for you since they did know square footage. It is too bad about the deluxe studio not having the 5th sleeper as it looks like it could have fit had they opted not to have the desk and l imagine. Good luck!
I meant to say the two bedroom, sorry about that. Yes two bedroom has three bathrooms. The third is off the hallway I believe.
I was able to get someone to share square footage if this helps folks. I haven’t seen this just yet, but the cast member was wonderful. Duo 293; Deluxe Studio 414; 1 Bedroom 834; 2 Bedroom 1,262; and 2 Bedroom Penthouse 1,448.
This is very helpful, thank you! Indeed, these are on the larger side of the DVC resort offers. For example, a deluxe studio at SSR (the smallest) is only 355 sq ft. I cannot wait to stay here, preferably with fam and friends in a 2-BR.
Don’t love the colors AT ALL and bummed they dont have studios for a family of 5. I enjoy the OG poly studios for our family, so will stay over there.
So sad the deluxe studios will only sleep 4… looks like we will be staying on the original side.
I think a dishwasher in a studio is a waste. I would prefer they find a spot for a washer/dryer. I think the sitting area is a cute idea. I appreciate all the Moana influence but feel they missed the boat with a lack of HeiHei.
Did you watch the full video? Heihei is represented in the mural of the murphy bed of the Studio and the second bedroom of a 2-BR, right under the beautiful (and very large) TeFiti image. Also the dishwasher is explained as it yes, it is a convenience but it will dramatically cut down on a disposable waste.
Any word on pools and restaurants for this new building? Polynesian is always so busy! Adding 1200 more guests is going to be mayhems. Only 2 small outdated elevators to bring guests with strollers to the monorail station currently and no word as to how they will address this bottleneck.
Yes, the Island Tower will have its own pool. I’m not sure if there will be a second quiet pool or just the one.
There will be at least one restaurant (with an all-electric kitchen). It may be that the pool bar being built is attached to the restaurant, which might allow for a second location with the same kitchen situation.
I take a vacation to NOT have to use the dishwasher…
Brown, beige and bland. Bland just like all of the towers they build. The rooms are nice, but the beige on beige and more beige color scheme is just….. disappointing. Especially for a tropical island resort tower. Attention Disney interior designers, there this thing called the color wheel. Hoping they can out do themselves with the new pool and make it at least as good as the Dolphins. But call me a sceptic.
puke emoji
Once this atrocity opens, I hope that Diz will remove the two dozen floating bungalows that currently block guests staying in the 28 ground floor rooms of the Moorrea and Hawaii buildings!!!
You know, given all those bungalow points floating around the DVC Poly pool, this should temporarily relieve the pressure of those rarely being used.
I wonder what percentage of rooms have to sell out before they get to be a burden again?
I honestly don’t understand all the bland beige. It’s not a matter of lazy design– a lot of thought and artistry clearly went into the design in terms of textures and art pieces (that manta ray carving would be amazing in a more Polynesian dark wood). Nor is it a matter of cost cutting, beige paint costs the same as any other color.
With the equally beige coat the lady hosting the video wears, someone must actually believe that beige is the “in” color.
Completely agree with you!
Beige is a color.
What it lacks in color contrast is made up for with a lot of texture in the entertainment center, wallpaper, soffit, lighting fixtures, etc. When things get monochromatic, the shadow play of the texture becomes the focal point, and I don’t think that probably translates very well two-dimensionally on a video. Plus, the neutral fixed elements give value to the pops of color in the art, flooring and textiles. When it’s time for a refresh, anything that is cycled in will always match with the neutral fixed elements and case goods. I also think it is subtly themed, and to great effect.
Very good work.
I absolutely agree. This is very classy and reads much more “luxury” to me than the in-your-face nature of say, the Incredibles theme at the Contemporary. I love the advancements I see in design and function – the texture, art pieces, and sustainability of the carpeting, the non-use of paper and plastics in the kitchenette, etc.
I do agree there could be a few more contrasting pops of color, but those are still present in the art work, and in the bath areas. I can’t believe that so many people are glossing over just how awesome it is to have a full second or third bath in the 1- and 2-bedroom villas.
Though I’m still not sold on the building’s exterior, and it will always look a little jarring in the “skyline”, the rooms look fabulous to me – classy AND functional.
I believe great care was given to include all aspects of the rich culture and customs of Hawaii/Polynesian Islands. Both older and newer tower pay homage the best they could. Niihau, King Kamehameha’s Forbidden Island gets little rain and has few flowers as a result. There is little color scheme yet the culture is rich with the color of life from that tiny island! And tattoo art is extremely important as has a rich history of its own. High tower windward side and longhouse’s leeward side. They tried to capture the essence. I will enjoy strolls to enjoy the beauty of time and Disney’s attempt to capture this in a western culture. I have appreciation of all the effort it took to represent earth and water, customs, sustainability to give back to our environment and yes even fire as tiki torches try to inspire! I think it’s going to be wonderful!
I was a little underwhelmed with all of the neutral/natural tones. The artwork looks incredible but I was hoping that they would be more bright and colorful -more inline with the recent updates to the main hotel rooms.
All of you negative Nellie’s, please stay on the other side of the Poly and leave more availability for me!
These are boring, bland and beige. The girl in the video with that beige jacket looked camoflauged right into the background.