Everything we know about the new Polynesian Island Tower opening at Walt Disney World in December
Editor's Note
If you’re like me and think nothing screams “vacation” more than a stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World, then I have some great news.
The new Island Tower being built at Disney’s Polynesian on the side of the resort nearest Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is now accepting reservations for stays beginning on Dec. 17, 2024.
Along with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the new cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort coming this summer, the new Island Tower is one of the biggest additions to Walt Disney World this year.
As with all DVC resorts, you don’t have to book a stay with DVC points that you own (or rent); you can also book stays with cash just like you would for Disney’s other resort hotels. In fact, in a somewhat unusual order of events, at least at first, only cash stays will be bookable to DVC members and nonmembers alike.
This new 10-story tower will not only open up more rooms for guests at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, but it'll also introduce, for the first time, some additional room sizes and types. Similar to many of the other recent DVC developments, including The Villas at Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Riviera Resort, the new tower will offer small duo studios for just two guests, deluxe studios (most similar in size to the existing rooms), one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas and two-bedroom penthouse villas that sleep up to nine guests.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will continue to offer two-bedroom overwater bungalows that are also bookable with (a lot) of cash or DVC points.
Related: How to rent Disney Vacation Club points and save hundreds of dollars on your vacation
How much does it cost to stay at Disney's new Polynesian Island Tower
While DVC points prices aren't yet available, initial cash prices are out for bookings at Disney's new Polynesian Island Tower.
So far, the duo studio for two starts around $500 per night, the deluxe studio for up to four starts around $700 per night, the one-bedroom villa starts around $1,100 per night and the two-bedroom villa starts around $1,650 per night.
Peak nights can cost much more, with the cheapest deluxe studio for four on the Dec. 17 opening day starting at $1,100 per night.
Contact TPG's Disney booking partner, Mouse Counselors, for help planning your stay.
What it's like at Disney's new Polynesian Island Tower
When it comes to styling, the new development appears to have a somewhat distinct look and feel from the existing Polynesian structures. For starters, it is one large hotel building rather than the multiple smaller longhouses that the Polynesian has traditionally used.
Beyond that, Disney shared that the architecture draws inspiration from the property’s early concept art; in regard to the design and feel of the resort, it references the thrill of exploration and the beauty of the natural world.
More specifically, the tower’s lobby features a ceiling art installation inspired by South Pacific islands that highlights a variety of native wildlife. Each animal symbolizes a connection to the islands as well as the values important to the people of the region.
Additionally, Disney shared that it leaned into Polynesian wayfinding and the natural elements of water, earth, wind and fire when styling the new tower. It will feature artwork from contemporary Polynesian artists, along with some art that gives subtle nods to both “Moana” (which is also true of the existing Polynesian rooms) and Disney’s iconic artist, Mary Blair, whose work is also prominent in the lobby mural of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Speaking of Moana, the hotel's new splash pad will be themed around her and her iconic life-sized canoe. The new Polynesian Island Tower will also get a zero-entry pool, named the Cove Pool.
The Polynesian Island Tower will be getting a new dining option: Wailulu Bar & Grill. This casual restaurant will have a walk-up pool bar and grill with not only a lunch and dinner menu but also some specialty coffee and grab-and-go pastry options in the mornings.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort purists may have some feelings about the departure from the traditional architecture and styling at the resort. However, others are likely excited about the diverse accommodation size options and the ability to book modern, all-new rooms at one of the most popular monorail resorts at Walt Disney World.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.