Recent filings have provided further details about the new Island Tower, offering insights into its various amenities and layout of the new tower. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these updates and provide an overview of what to expect from this new addition to the DVC resort portfolio.
Dining Options
The Island Tower will feature an open-air table service restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining available. This outdoor dining section is complete with a bar, which draws comparisons to other dining locations at Walt Disney World, such as Geyser Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The restaurant will have a single entry point and a host/hostess podium, confirming its table service nature. While there is no evident quick service pickup location, the possibility of mobile orders and pickups exists, although not yet confirmed. Additionally, a self-serve beverage station is situated near the new pool area.
Lobby Amenities
The lobby area of the Island Tower appears straightforward based on the available concept art. Notably, it lacks amenities such as a gift shop, coffee bar, or a backroom office space for Cast Members. In line with Disney’s recent trend of personalized guest service, smaller podiums may be used instead of a large front desk. However, this absence is somewhat surprising given the building’s size and dedicated Porte Cochere. Guests may need to visit the Great Ceremonial House for additional services like assistance with MagicBand+ or purchasing groceries and merchandise.
Fitness Center
For the first time, the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a dedicated fitness center. Previously, guests had to use the facilities at the Grand Floridian. This new addition will be accessible to both Disney Vacation Club members and hotel guests, addressing a long-standing gap in the resort’s amenities.
Guest Laundry Facilities
A guest laundry room is located on the first floor, just west of the lobby. While floor plans for the entire building are not available, it will be interesting to see if additional laundry rooms are included on other floors. This is particularly relevant given the building’s numerous Duo Studio and Deluxe Studio rooms, which do not have in-room laundry facilities.
Duo Studios
The number of Duo Studios in the Island Tower is higher than initially estimated. These rooms, which appear outwardly similar to Deluxe Studio rooms, have a shallower interior space due to other facilities occupying some of the area. While detailed plans for floors three through eight are unavailable, this room pattern may continue throughout the building.
Upper Lobby Lounge
The second floor features a raised outdoor platform labeled as the “Lobby Lounge.” This area sits above the main lobby and offers large windows with views of the building’s rear. Despite being labeled on the plans, the access point to this platform is not immediately obvious. This area remains a mystery and may be clarified in future updates.
Viewing Platforms
The Island Tower includes numerous public viewing platforms, dubbed Pocket Gardens. These platforms are not connected to guest rooms and feature access doors. Concept art shows additional corner platforms near the pool on at least five floors. The roof also features four separate platforms, potentially popular spots for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks. However, managing crowd control for these viewing areas might prove challenging, given the multiple building access points.
Wrapping Up
The new Island Tower at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows brings several exciting features and amenities, addressing some of the gaps in the current resort offerings. From a dedicated fitness center to multiple public viewing platforms, the new building promises to enhance the guest experience. As we move closer to the start of DVC point sales and the building’s opening on December 17th, 2024, more details will undoubtedly emerge, providing further insights into what members and guests can expect.
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Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
