A Resort 58 Years in the Making: The Story of Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

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Disney Legend and Walt Disney Imagineering creative icon, Marty Sklar always said, “A good idea never goes away!” Early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort included a multi-story terraced structure surrounded by three-story buildings along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. This idea will come to fruition at last on December 17 with the opening of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

To see where the idea began, let’s jump back to 1966, when Walt Disney unveiled plans for the expansive Florida Project featuring a theme park, hotels, recreation areas, E.P.C.O.T. and so much more. Disney’s area included “theme resort hotels” allowing visitors to stay at a variety of hotels and motels with distinct international themes all in one district, including a South Seas-inspired resort.

After Walt’s passing, Imagineers at WED Enterprises carried on his vision, evolving the Florida property into the “Vacation Kingdom of the World.” The new concept of this destination included the creation of Seven Seas Lagoon, providing a beautiful open space for recreational amenities like boating and surfing. Five international theme resorts representing unique cultures from around the world were designed to line the lagoon like “jewels on a necklace.” The resorts were designed to showcase the architectural expressions of their international destinations, including iconic towering structures, using the open space of the lagoon to create unique visual and thematic identities.

The original design for the tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would have been modern for the 1970s and reminiscent of the luxury hotels found on Waikiki Beach. Developing the Island Tower addition now has given Imagineers an opportunity to celebrate past and present Polynesian visual culture, including the use of natural materials, intricately designed patterns inspired by Polynesian tattoos, and a color scheme that is modern and complementary to the adjacent Longhouses.

Drawing inspiration from the lush, landscaped terraces of the original Polynesian tower vision, four tropical terrace gardens have been designed into the new tower. These vibrant spaces will offer intimate seating areas, where Members can go to gather amidst colorful artwork and foliage. The tower boasts magnificent views across Seven Seas Lagoon, with a panorama looking towards Magic Kingdom Park and beyond. The unobstructed views from the lobby level will be impressive whether you’re enjoying the pool or dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill. 

The newest addition to Disney Vacation Club will truly evoke the spirit of Polynesia, blending its natural elements with traditions of wayfinding and Disney’s signature storytelling. Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is designed to inspire new journeys for our guests, and honors the rich legacy of the past, fulfilling the vision first dreamed up by Imagineers decades ago.

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