The anticipated new hotel tower expansion coming this year to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort officially has a name & an opening timeframe, Disney announced this weekend. The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, as it will be called, will open for bookings this December! 

The proposed 10-story tower will be apart of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), though cash-rate rooms will be made available for public bookings. The tower, which is already nearing vertical completion of it’s construction phase, will overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of Magic Kingdom Park and will “celebrate the natural world and the magic of Disney.”

According to Disney, “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.”

(c) Disney, Island Tower concept art

Along with a name & an opening timeframe, Disney also released new concept art in anticipation of the Polynesian addition. The first of these (above) shows the guest entrance for the Island Tower, where guests “will notice beautiful designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a gorgeous Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace.”

The second piece of new concept art released by Disney (below) shows the inside of the Island Tower lobby, where guests 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.”

(c) Disney; Island Tower concept art

Once completed, the Island Tower will offer multiple room types, including duo studios (sleeping up to 2 guests), deluxe studios (sleeping up to 4-5 guests), spacious one- and two-bedroom villas (sleeping up to 7 guests), and brand new two-bedroom penthouse villas (sleeping up to 9 guests).

Disney also stated that the Island Tower will be within walking distance to the Disney Monorail inside the Great Ceremonial House (the primary lobby for the traditional Polynesian Village Resort), all-but-confirming that the Island Tower will not be receiving it’s own dedicated monorail stop. Other potential transportation options for the tower, such as bus stops or boat launches, have not been announced at this time.

(c) Disney; Island Tower concept art

While an exact opening date is unknown at this time, we now know the new tower will open within the next 6 & a half months, and booking dates for guests are just around the corner!

• Beginning on June 4th, DVC members may begin making cash-only reservations over the phone.
• Beginning on June 5th, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders may begin making cash-only reservations over the phone.
• On June 6th, all guests will be able to make cash-only reservations, either over the phone, online, or with their travel agent.
• According to Disney, points-based reservations for DVC members will not be available until a later date.

If you want to visit this brand new tropical paradise for yourself, make sure to receive your complimentary vacation quote from a dedicated travel advisor, who can help you book the perfect island escape beginning on June 6th!