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’m sorry but your negativity is exasperating! All the rugs, and artwork are from recycled materials with Polynesian input. Your gripe about the dishwasher is nitpicking as who the heck wants to do LAUNDRY on vacation??? We go down several times a year as DVC owners and only ONCE in decades have I done laundry and it was because January had a cold snap and we only had 2 pairs of pants per person. Everyone comments on how BIG the tower is but fails to comment on how outdated the Poly is with only Studio rooms. I welcome the new tower. I think the interior is beautiful and I look forward to staying there this Dec in the 1 bedroom theme park view room, which I snagged this morning!!!
I agree, Jen. I think the room looks awesome. To me, it now makes the original rooms look dated.
I personally love the design of these rooms, but like Tom, I’d 100% rather have a washer/dryer than a dishwasher. We use the w/d multiple times during our trips (so much so that I have our preferred detergent in our owners locker), but I couldn’t tell you the last time we’ve run the dishwasher.
I agree!
“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. ”
THIS. Why are we moving away from the ode to tiki culture that makes OG Poly so fun. We’ve seen how good Disney resort interiors CAN be (Riviera, the new GF rooms), so I was holding out hope for the Poly Tower interiors. Unfortunately, they’re a disappointment.
At least it solidifies my decision to buy VGF if-slash-when I get DVC, I guess.
Any update on other amenities that will be offered at the tower like a pool or restaurants? The Poly’s amenities are already crowded enough without dumping a giant tower onto the property with no additional stuff to disperse crowds. Ideally there would be a themed and unthemed pool, a counter service restaurant and an upscale table service restaurant. The table service restaurant should have better ambience than Kona Grill and better food at a lower or similar price to ‘Ohana because you aren’t paying for all the other stuff at ‘Ohana.
I know the counterparts at Contemporary and GF didn’t really do that, but they didn’t have quite the need for it the way the Poly already does before the new tower opens.
I hope Mr B still does a room video. Disney’s was good but nothing better than trying to find the hidden Toms’s reflected in a mirror, tv screen or well polished coffee pot.
It’s a nice hotel room.
For me, when I’m at Disney I want a bit more Disney-centric room. It doesn’t have to be over the top.
For instance my favorite Top Tier resort is Wilderness Lodge followed closely by AKL. Almost tied with them though is POP and CBR because of the Disney feel and the Skyliner. Then again, Fort Wilderness is flat out super fun, especially if you rent a golf cart or two.
This tower room doesn’t give me that Disney feel whereas the Poly itself is definitely old school Disney.
If I had to choose? I’d go with the Spirit of Aloha Luau.
@Virgil – when was the last time you stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in Waikiki? It looks nothing like this.
While I can understand some of the criticism with the palate of tan/beige, I think the rooms overall look GORGEOUS, and I love all the textures and local influence they’ve built in, such as the manta ray above the dining table, the sustainably produced area rug, etc. The addition of a second full bath in 1- and 2- bedroom villas is absolutely AWESOME (one of my favorite features of Bay Lake and AKL), and I love the art work on the pull-down murphy both when it is up, and down.
The studios seem to have a bit more color than the living area of the 1- and 2- bedroom, actually, I personally love that there’s a small, actual seating area with a little table; overall the newer studio design feels much more functional that previous generations of designs. The dishwasher is nice, though I do agree a washer/dryer combo would have been nice. Still, nobody’s mentioned that the DW will likely mean that we’ll see actual kitchen plateware/flatware/etc., which not all deluxe studios have.
My hope is that folks enjoy these villas in-person, I think there’s a lot of speculative and unwarranted criticism at this point. For me, I love the Polynesia- and Moana-inspired touches in this room with are earthy and seemingly high quality, though without ‘beating you over the head’. I don’t feel everyone wants the resort to be a deluxe, island version. Art of Animation (or at least, I certainly don’t).
I respect everyone’s opinion, but I’d also respect them even more if all the haters actually do stay away from this resort so it might be possible for my family to use it with our current, non-home-resort points.
Looks like a Marriott anywhere in the world. The wallpaper, minimal art, and rugs don’t make it Polynesian. The external of the building is a hideous series of connected rectangles. Where is the architecture or imagination? Paint a Moana mural on a cereal box and call it Polynesian? Disney? I call it CORPORATE blah.
@Steve – did you watch the video at all?
Vomit
I’d rather stay at the “old” POLY”! They are just making it harder to go have a WDW vacation & enjoying it! All the parks will be jammed….! It’s all about the $$$$!
Aloha,
The Tower is most definitely an eyesore and will greatly negatively impact upon the monorail and Poly amenities. Concur with the lack of a washer and dryer. It appears Disney is out to gut the best of the Poly for $$$$.
No mention of a restaurant?
I’ll say it. I like it a lot. And I love Riviera. Personally, I’m fine with the general design and look of both from the outside. And I spend far more time on the inside looking out, where this looks fantastic.
I’m tempted to add DVC points— beyond my current budget (paying 2 college tuitions), my hesitancy is the concern about the Poly infrastructure. How much dining and pool space will be added with this tower, and will it be sufficient. How is the transportation. Will the tower have its own bus stop, or a fairly long walk to the front of the Poly.
As someone mentioned, a freezer would be great — it seems like a super missed opportunity to put in a roll-out freezer where the dishwasher is. With the kitchenette, it’d be a great options for some frozen meals/freeze pops or that big ghirardelli sundae that you just weren’t quite able to finish.
Thanks, Tom for another great post. Love
it that they found room for a second bathroom in the one bedrooms. So great for families with kids. Still looking for the answer to whether these tower rooms will be part of the original Poly DVC association?????
Hi Katie,
That was answered some time ago and they will be a part of existing PVB association.
That is a whole lotta beige. The textures are gorgeous but I want more color. Kinda sad that the most beautiful, colored art work is hidden, only seen if you open up a bed. I will hold out final opinions til I see it in person and can “feel it.” My favorite Poly rooms were the PREVIOUS DVC version, with that gorgeous, saturated pinkish red — I loved that color in the lobby, too. Tom, you read my mind — give me LAUNDRY not a dishwasher. I can happily rinse off any dishes while waiting for family to shower… But not having a washer/dryer always bums me out. YES that table needs to be bigger, especially if these jokers ever bring back room service.
One word – “WOW!”
One word: “BLAAHHH!! BORING!! (Okay, 2 words).
Its kind of infuriating that with the overcrowding of parks- their main focus is squeezing more in. How about expanding the parks? Also having been on the monorail line a few stays the poly was already an overcrowded station- good luck with that
It’s so tan
I think I got whiplash comparing the above to the current Polynesian DVC rooms: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/polynesian-villas-bungalows-review/
To me, it’s a shame that the room theming is so utterly different, since it does look like the layout in these will be better.
It REALLY is. If someone told me that last photo was of a new Holiday Inn Express in Akron, Ohio I would totally believe it.
The interior design is so well done…but good lord, that’s a lot of beige!!!! Wonderful art throughout…but are they aware that there are other neutral colors other than beige!?!? Lucky are those that get to stay here, but too bad for the 99% of us that have to look at this McMansion and deal with the added congestion.
I agree that we don’t need a dishwasher in a studio, and I also agree that the washer/dryer would be the best replacement, but it won’t fit. However, what would fit and be very useful, would be a freezer in the studio! We love to freeze water bottles and bring them into the park, and also for ice cream treats or even frozen microwaveable frozen dinners.
I am not a fan of the outside of the tower, but these rooms look amazing! Especially when you watch the video and really see all the detail in the artwork and finishes. I just need to wait and see point charts to determine if I can afford to rent points to stay there!
Having spent a good amount of time in Hawaii, my opinion is that these rooms don’t capture the “spirit of the whatever it is they were trying to capture blah blah blah.” It DOES, however, capture the spirit of a kitschy Courtyard Marriott in Waikiki in all the worst possible ways. This is such a gross departure from the actual Polynesian resort that it seems almost insulting to have the “tower” adjacent to it. It almost has the vibe of a Hawaiian themed resort designed by someone who has never actually been to Hawaii. I really wanted to love this new addition. Unfortunately, the finished product looks to be wildly disappointing. And honestly, I’m getting really tired of saying that about resort builds/refurbs at WDW.
I disagree with the pushback on the color scheme. I want that mantaray carving for my own home!! I think the pale palette looks elegant and allows the art behind the pulldown beds to pull focus. My family stayed at Aulani for our first trip to Hawaii this winter. I think Aulani is the best Disney resort I have ever stayed at, and the most culturally respectful of any of the large tower hotels on Oahu. That said, we made a point of seeking out small local restaurants (mostly recommended by the Olelo Room staff), activities, and residential beaches. Modern Oahu’s buildings and interiors seem to use much more of this muted color palette than the stereotypical dark wood and vibrant sunset shades. I have deep nostalgic love for the original Poly Resort design, but, excluding the hideous tower exterior, I think it works here to offer another lens on Polynesia next to the fun and kitschy Tiki culture of the original resort.