Opening December 2024, the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Offering an intricate lobby, nine-person villas and a change to the Seven Seas Lagoon skyline, this large expansion is making its mark on the Magic Kingdom Resorts.
Opening this year, the Island Tower will add new rooms, views and entertainment offerings to Walt Disney World. One of numerous Disney Vacation Club expansions over the years, this next iteration adds onto Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Comparing concept to reality
Work is not yet complete, and there is a lot of theming yet to happen. But, you can see the skeleton of this upcoming resort expansion. It is no small building on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon. As expected with Disney, this space will soon be filled with foliage, decor and inviting nighttime lighting.
A new pool area will be a part of this expansion. Guests in this tower will also have their own lobby. Like many DVC (Disney Vacation Club) expansions, there will most likely be a dedicated spot for Members to check in and speak to Cast Members all times of the day. And, of course, hard working Cast Member will be there to say “Welcome Home” (a signature phrase of DVC Resorts).
New Disney Vacation Club Tower, same monorail
This new expansion will not have its own dedicated monorail station. Much like Bay Lake Tower, also part of the Disney Vacation Club, guests will need to walk over to their monorail station. From this new location, it will be slightly closer to jump over to the Polynesian Resort monorail pickup. But guests can also walk over to the Grand Floridian pickup as well.
A lobby inspired by the Polynesian Islands
Disney has given us a first look inside of the lobby. Imagineers worked hard to bring out the rich culture of the Polynesian Islands into this space. Disney states, “Inside the lobby, you will be greeted by an art panel installation on the ceiling inspired by several Polynesian Islands, showcasing wildlife native to each locale. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to Polynesians.”
Polynesian DVC Tower accepting reservations June 4
Reservations begin soon, with Disney Vacation Club Members being invited to grab a reservation, as of June 4, by calling (800) 800-9800. Walt Disney World Passholders can snag a room the next day, June 5. Everyone else is welcome to book a stay as of June 6.
While certainly different looking on the exterior when compared to the rest of the resort, Imagineers wanted to keep the spirit of the Polynesian strong. Disney states, “Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with over a dozen artists from around the world to create unique artworks that will be displayed throughout the resort. From preserved moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, each piece will be inspired by the spirit of conservation and embody the rich cultures of Polynesia.”
Two person studios to nine person penthouses
The Island Tower will offer rooms big and small. For those looking to add the Polynesian to their Disney Vacation Club Membership, rooms will range from two-to-nine person sizes. This includes duo studios, one and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Views will feature the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, the Disney Golf Courses and the Magic Kingdom parking lot.
Is the Disney Vacation Club worth it?
The Disney Vacation Club is essentially a membership into a magical timeshare. While not exactly like that, it does share similarities. For a set initial fee, and a yearly fee, guests can stay in some of the best Disney Resort hotels on Earth. Rooms are usually larger than a standard room, and come with special amenities. This includes discounts, a dedicated Disney phone line, yearly park events and more.
If you are someone who continually visits the Walt Disney World Resort, the DVC may be right for you. It can save money over the years, depending on how you vacation. Yes, there are cheaper ways to visit. But for those that like large rooms, extra space, additional beds or look for suites, the DVC system can save you money. In exchange for your money, you can get DVC points.
These points translate into rooms, but you are not locked into a single resort or room. Instead, DVC Members can stay in the same room again-and-again, or try out new locations. Disney has all the details, including pricing and available resorts. While not for everyone, the Disney Vacation Club can be a worry-free option for those who want to visit Disney Parks and Resorts on numerous occasions.
Disney isn’t the only one expanding in Florida. Great Wolf Lodge is also building up, with a new South Florida location that will house a 92,000 square foot indoor water park. This destination will have 500 family suites and a 60,000 square foot indoor activity center.
