DVC Reveals Opening Date for the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

On June 4th, 2024, the Disney Vacation Club pulled back the curtain and showed guests the first rooms at the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Here’s the official Parks Blog video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUQcQ_n59O4

Along with this clip, DVC also announced the official opening date for the Polynesian’s new expansion tower. Let’s talk about everything we just learned about the Polynesian’s Island Tower.

When Will the Island Tower Open?

Disney had previously indicated a December opening for the expansion tower. With today’s announcement, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, as the Island Tower officially debuts on December 17th. That’s just in time for the 12 Days of Christmas and the Eight Nights of Hanukkah, the latter of which starts on December 25th, 2024. In other words, Disney has really nailed the timing here. 

Those of you who haven’t made your holiday plans yet enjoy a rare opportunity to book a popular DVC resort within the seven-month booking window. As a reminder, that reservation window opened this morning, and you can call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to get started. 

However, please understand that the initial bookings are for cash rooms. DVC has indicated that members can “make points-based reservations at a later date.” 

Those of you reading this who aren’t DVC members yet should know that annual passholders may book at the Island Tower tomorrow, June 5th. On June 6th, the reservation window opens for everyone. So, DVC members should act quickly, as we really only have a one-day booking advantage over everyone else. 

Let’s Discuss the Island Tower Studios

In addition to the above video, Disney also shared an Instagram post of the so-called Moana rooms. These are the Deluxe Studios at the Island Tower. 

Disney Parks Blog

You should know two things about these rooms. The first is that they should prove extremely popular. According to Nielsen, Moana was THE most-streamed movie of 2023, even though it was seven years old. 

Disney will release a sequel later this year, and its trailer earned the most first-day views of any Disney animated title to date. Moana is quietly a juggernaut, and kids will beg their parents to stay in these Studios. 

The other point of interest is a surprise amenity. The standard Studios will feature dishwashers in the kitchenette areas. As the video explains, DVC has chosen this tactic as a way to reduce trash and thereby meet Disney’s stated 2030 sustainability goals. I cannot speculate as to whether this is a one-off thing specific to the Island Tower or an upcoming trend with DVC refurbishments, but it’s exciting!

As the tour guide notes, the theme of the Deluxe Studios is Earth, with island shapes and palms. The in-wall pull-down bed also reveals a giant artistic rendering of Te Fiti, which film fans will adore.

Let’s Discuss the Island Tower One-Bedroom Villas

Conversely, the One-Bedroom Studios feature the theme of water. You’ll notice this theme more quickly since the aquatic visuals are unmistakable, starting with a carved manta ray covering one wall. 

Pay close attention to this drawing, and you’ll even recognize Maui’s hook in the middle! Little touches like this provide a second kind of Easter egg in addition to the plentiful Hidden Mickeys in each room. In fact, there’s one inverted just above Maui’s hook. The detail of this wall art is breathtaking.

Notably, the kitchen looks decidedly modern and stylish. As usual with DVC, the full kitchens come standard with One-Bedroom Villas and larger. These strike me as some of the nicest in the DVC library. 

Fans of the Polynesian will love to hear that the One-Bedrooms mirror the hotel’s current Studios in that the new Villas include a full second bathroom. You’ll find the main one right beside the master bedroom, but it’s nice to have a second option for showering/dressing. 

Finally, the tour guide says many rooms will offer stunning views. Here’s the exact quote. 

“Guests will not only have views of Seven Seas Lagoon (but also) direct views to Cinderella’s Castle and the fireworks at night. But on the opposite side, you’ll get views of our beautiful golf courses, the monorail will cut right through the middle of the site, and it’s also the sunset view.”

DVC Confirms Other Room Types

Finally, recent updates confirm previously discussed details and even some surprises. For example, the Island Tower will offer the Studio Duo room type. 

Disney Parks Blog

Also, DVC confirmed a new room type, the Two-Bedroom Penthouse Villas. Here’s the description of them: “Themed after the calming balance between water and the islands, the stunning villas will sleep up to eight and boast a spacious living room, and spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park from an expansive patio balcony.”

Disney Parks Blog

So, we’ll have plenty of exceptional options when the Island Tower officially opens on December 17th. I cannot think of a better way for families to spend part of the holiday season. Remember to act quickly since the DVC exclusive booking window ends tomorrow morning!