This Iconic Disney Resort in Florida Is Getting a New Tower Hotel With Magic Kingdom Park Views and Penthouse Villas

The “Most Magical Place on Earth” is about to be on island time. Walt Disney World announced that its newest hotel tower is projected to open in December 2024. Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is a Disney Vacation Club property that will bridge Disney's distinct brand of magic with the spirit of Polynesia. And Disney has now released a never-before-seen look at what guests can expect.

The waterfront hotel is located along Seven Seas Lagoon with views of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. It will “immerse guests in the charm of the South Pacific islands” and keep with the existing theme of the resort, Disney shared. The tower will join the property’s other accommodations, which include over-the-water bungalows.

Bookings will open early to Disney Vacation Club members on June 4 and to Annual Passholders on June 5. General public reservations will begin on June 6.

“With stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and beautiful interiors that bring you into the storytelling of the South Pacific Islands, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be a spectacular addition to Walt Disney World Resort right in the heart of the magic,” Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, said in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure.

Island Tower will feature a variety of accommodation types, which can sleep from two to nine guests, including duo studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. In keeping with other Disney Vacation Club properties, rooms will feature just-like-home amenities, with some housing full kitchens and dining spaces.

When guests enter the 10-story tower they will be engulfed in the resort's Polynesian theme from a ceiling art installation inspired by South Pacific Islands and the native wildlife of the region. The resort promises to honor the “spirit of Polynesian Storytelling” and draw inspiration from Walt Disney Imagineering’s early concept art for the iconic property. The company also shared that Walt Disney Imagineering has partnered with various artists to tastefully celebrate the heritage of Polynesia while weaving its signature Disney magic throughout.

“Our main story narrative focuses on celebrating Polynesian wayfinding and the natural elements of water, earth, wind, and fire,” Madeline Day, a Walt Disney Imagineer, said in a statement. “During the artwork development, we focused on three guiding principles: Polynesian stories, sustainability stories, and Disney stories. This new tower features works created by contemporary Polynesian artists as well as artwork featuring subtle nods to ‘Moana’ and Disney Legend Mary Blair.”

Sustainability is also at the forefront of the property, keeping in line with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals. Disney anticipates that the Island Tower will use approximately 30 percent less energy than a standard resort of similar size. This will also mark Walt Disney World’s first all-electric kitchen in the tower’s restaurant. The tower will be part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Walt Disney World Resort joins other Disney Vacation Club properties at Walt Disney World, including Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Disney Vacation Club operates over a dozen resorts, spanning multiple resort locations, including its newest property, The Villas At Disneyland Hotel.