Exploring the New Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

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Disney Vacation Club continues to expand its resort portfolio, and the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is an exciting addition for DVC members and renters. Located in the vibrant island setting of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this new development promises a fresh experience while staying true to the resort’s iconic theme.

Whether you’re a longtime DVC member or curious about what the Island Tower offers, this guide covers everything from its location and design to booking and point details. Let’s take a closer look!

Location

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The new Island Tower is located on the west side of the Polynesian Resort.

The Island Tower is situated in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, on the monorail loop of Walt Disney World Resort. This prime spot provides easy access to iconic parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Walt Disney World’s transportation system, including monorails, boats, and buses, gives guests various hassle-free travel options from this resort to anywhere in Walt Disney World.

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Ride the monorail directly to Magic Kingdom from the station at the Polynesian Resort!

The resort is situated along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering stunning views and quick access to dining, shopping, and entertainment in the Magic Kingdom resort area.

Design and Architecture

The Island Tower is a 10-story building with design queues that work perfectly with the tropical ambiance of the rest of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Drawing inspiration from the South Pacific, the tower incorporates lush landscaping, tiki-themed details, and an overall island-inspired aesthetic. The architecture also integrates modern influences, ensuring a balance between comfort and an authentic Polynesian atmosphere.

With stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and beautiful interiors that transport guests to the storytelling of the South Pacific Islands, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be a spectacular addition to Walt Disney World Resort, right in the heart of the magic.

Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club

The new tower will feature a brand-new lobby with warm tones and natural textures that evoke the feeling of immersion in a tropical retreat. Open layouts and oversized windows give the notion of endless spaciousness while showcasing the lush surroundings outside.

Terrace Gardens

Guests and members staying at the tower can unwind in four exclusive tropical garden hideaways, which feature decor inspired by the Polynesian Islands. These new spaces offer a relaxing place to enjoy stunning views of Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests can see the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks from two of the Terrace Gardens, while the other two provide a perfect vantage point to enjoy sunsets over Disney’s nearby golf courses.

New Pool & Kids’ Splash Zone

The newly unveiled Cove Pool area offers guests a relaxing retreat with a zero-entry swimming pool. At the same time, young visitors can delight in “Moana’s Voyage,” a splash zone complete with life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe.

Resort’s First Fitness Center

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The new tower will also introduce the resort’s first-ever fitness center, which will be open 24 hours a day. This will allow guests to fit their workouts into their vacation schedules.

Villa Sizes

The Island Tower offers a variety of accommodations to suit different types of stays. Guests can choose from deluxe studios and some new, larger villa sizes that have not previously been available at this resort. The latest villas have one or two bedrooms or even the all-new two-bedroom penthouse. Travelers seeking a larger space for families or groups will find the multi-bedroom options particularly appealing.

Previously, this resort only offered Deluxe Studios and 2-bedroom bungalows, which cost nearly 50% more DVC points than the new 2-bedroom villas. This expansion in villa types makes the new Island Tower much better suited for guests looking for one —or two-bedroom options. It offers more units for greater availability and more cost-effective options for larger parties.

Deluxe & Duo Studios

The Deluxe Studios features a queen-sized bed and a pull-down sofa bed, accommodating up to four guests. The design showcases bold colors and Polynesian-inspired artwork, crafting an inviting and culturally rich atmosphere.

1-Bedroom & 2-Bedroom Villas

Both one- and two-bedroom villas provide plenty of room, perfect for families or groups. They can host up to five and nine guests, respectively. Each villa showcases distinctive artwork that narrates a voyager’s adventures across land and sea. Designed to reflect the harmony of water and earth, these accommodations include a fully equipped kitchen, a dedicated dining area, a washer and dryer for added convenience, and an inviting outdoor patio.

The standard 2-bedroom villas are lock-off units comprised of a 1-bedroom and a Deluxe Studio. To take a virtual tour of the standard 2-bedroom villa, explore the room tours above for both the Deluxe Studio and the 1-bedroom villa.

Two-bedroom penthouse Villas (NEW)

Inspired by the tranquil connection between islands and water, the newly designed two-bedroom penthouse villas can host up to eight guests. These villas include a roomy living area and a spacious patio balcony that showcases stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park.

Dining Options

Staying at the Island Tower means enjoying the vast dining options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The resort offers something for every taste and dining style.

  • New Indoor-Outdoor Bar & Grill: The Wailulu Bar & Grill, a new dining destination at the Polynesian Island Tower, draws inspiration from the islands’ natural landscape. With banquette seating surrounded by flowing water and a bar design that resembles a rock, this new dining location offers picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests can choose from quick breakfast items or enjoy lunch and dinner, all complemented by a convenient walk-up poolside bar.
  • Casual Dining: Capt. Cook’s is a quick-service spot featuring Polynesian-inspired dishes and popular grab-and-go options.
  • Table Service: Kona Cafe delivers fresh flavors in a relaxed setting, including sushi and tropical-inspired entrees.
  • Signature Dining: Ohana is a guest favorite. It provides a family-style dining experience full of Hawaiian flavors and features character interactions with Lilo and Stitch!
  • Drinks and Snacks: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace offer playful cocktails and small plates in a fun, tropical atmosphere.

Whether you’re in the mood for full-service dining or a quick snack by the lagoon, there’s no shortage of delicious on-site options.

Booking Eligibility and Homeowner’s Association

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will integrate into the existing condominium association. This expansion includes 268 new villas, enhancing the resort’s accommodation options. Owners of any Polynesian contract will enjoy 11-month booking privileges when booking the new Island Tower villas.

Eligible owners of other DVC resorts can begin booking vacations at non-home resorts seven months in advance. However, it is important to note that certain members, including owners of resale points with home resorts at Disney’s Riviera Resort, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, are not able to make reservations at other DVC resorts during the seven-month booking window.

Island Tower Points Charts

2024-2025-pvb-090324The DVC points charts outline the number of points required for each reservation at the Island Tower. These charts are typically broken into categories based on accommodation type, travel period, and length of stay. For example, duo studios with standard views usually require fewer points than larger premium-view villas. Also, off-peak travel periods can offer lower point requirements than peak travel periods.

HavinAible points system allows DVC members to tailor their vacation plans based on travel preferences and priorities. Be sure to check out the points chart to determine how many points you may need to buy to plan your annual Disney vacations, and stay up to date as new charts are released to strategically plan your trips.

Sales and Booking Details

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Reservations at the Island Tower follow Disney Vacation Club’s standard booking rules. Members have an 11-month booking window at their home resort, which offers a priority advantage when making plans. Eligible members who book at a non-home resort can make reservations up to seven months in advance, subject to availability.

Sales have been active since late October, but be sure to cross-shop resale contracts! The price difference between buying resale and buying directly from Disney can represent considerable savings, so it’s worth looking into.

Final Thoughts

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is an exciting addition to the DVC portfolio. It offers members another luxurious, uniquely themed vacation destination. Its prime location, modern design, and a wide variety of accommodations make it an excellent choice for Disney fans and tropical vacation lovers alike.

Whether you’re eager to explore the parks, relax by the lagoon, or enjoy Polynesian-inspired dining, the Island Tower provides a welcoming home base for your Disney adventures. Whether you’re looking to purchase a Disney Vacation Club contract at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows or just planning a vacation to experience the magic of Disney’s signature hospitality, feel free to contact us for up-to-date resale and rental pricing!

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