Bringing Walt’s Vision to Life: How the Island Tower at the Polynesian is 58 Years in the Making
On December 17, Disney fans and Disney Vacation Club Members can finally experience an expansion nearly 60 years in the making – the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This long-anticipated addition is bringing Walt’s vision to life: the South Seas-inspired, multi-story resort concept that Walt Disney and his Imagineers first envisioned for the Polynesian Village back in the 1960s.
Photo: Disney
When Walt Disney revealed the ambitious plans for the Florida Project in 1966, he envisioned “theme resort hotels” where guests could stay in unique accommodations, each with distinct international flair. Among these was the Polynesian Village, inspired by the South Seas.
Credit: Disney
Walt imagined the area around Seven Seas Lagoon as a “Vacation Kingdom of the World,” where each resort would showcase a specific international theme, connected like “jewels on a necklace” around the lagoon.
Credit: Disney
Following Walt’s passing, the Imagineers continued his vision, creating Seven Seas Lagoon and opening Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 1971. Though early concepts included plans for a modern, multi-story tower reminiscent of luxury hotels in Hawaii, the Polynesian Resort opened with a more intimate layout of longhouses nestled in lush greenery.
Photo: D23
But as Disney Legend Marty Sklar once said, “A good idea never goes away!” Now, in 2023, the idea of a towering, terraced structure inspired by the beauty of the South Pacific will finally become a reality.
Artist Concept by Disney
The Island Tower honors the spirit of the original Polynesian Village vision, incorporating Polynesian architectural influences and cultural motifs. Imagineers have crafted this new structure to reflect both Polynesian traditions and modern elegance, with natural materials, intricate patterns inspired by traditional Polynesian tattoos, and a harmonious color palette that complements the nearby longhouses.
Artist Concept by Disney
Inside the Island Tower, guests will find four terrace gardens designed to feel like lush, intimate tropical hideaways. The terraces offer cozy seating areas and vibrant Polynesian-inspired artwork, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the islands.
Artist Concept Disney
With magnificent views across Seven Seas Lagoon, the Island Tower provides stunning panoramas of the Magic Kingdom skyline and beyond, whether you’re dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill or relaxing by the pool.
A Moana-inspired splash pad area. Artist Concept by Disney
This new addition to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is more than just a building – it’s the culmination of a vision that Walt Disney and his team dreamed up decades ago.
Credit: Disney
The Island Tower blends Disney storytelling with the spirit of Polynesia, honoring both Disney’s legacy and the rich cultural traditions of the South Seas. It’s a place that invites new journeys, inspires wonder, and brings the magic of the Polynesian Islands to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new. We’re so excited the Island Tower is bringing Walt’s vision to life, 58 years later.
Artist Concept by Disney
Want to be among the first to stay at the new Island Tower? Contact me, Tori Carle Emerson, a travel agent with Mickey Travels! I can help you plan your stay at this incredible new addition to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Email me at Tori@MickeyTravels.com or visit my page to learn more.
