Unsurprisingly, not all Disney World change is met by a universal embrace.
If you’re like us, you’ve been extensively following the progress made on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort‘s NEW Island Tower Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas. Debuting on December 17th, 2024, this new tower promises a luxurious stay, but that doesn’t mean it’s been safe from controversy. The design has created a divide and, honestly, we understand both sides of the argument.
The Island Tower will feature a 10-story tower with villas that sleep two to nine people — including studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and two-bedroom Penthouse villas. Available to be booked by anyone despite being part of the DVC program, these villas will have water-view options, access to a new pool and beach, and, according to Disney, will “complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands.” Still, the new Polynesian Resort addition has been met with some very real backlash.
This past summer, we got a vibe check from YOU, fans of the Polynesian Resort, and the results weren’t particularly enthusiastic. In a poll, 60% of you said that you WON’T be staying at the Island Tower.
We heard all sorts of reasoning, the most prevalent relating to the tower’s theming.
We saw complaints that the tower aesthetic was “ugly”, bland, and lacking in true immersive theming that doesn’t justify the price point. One reader wrote, “If I’m going to pay deluxe resort money to stay in Disney I want to be immersed in theming. The new builds all look like corporate conference hotels you could find anywhere.”
The Polynesian Resort is famous for its ability to transport guests into an island getaway setting that plunges you into a luxuriously tropical vacation. Some complaints were tied to the choice to go more modern while abandoning the classic look of the rest of the resort. One reader wrote that the Island Tower “doesn’t match the era of the hotel at all. I want to feel like I just walked onto the set of a 1960s South Pacific film.”
Another reader added that the look was more akin to a Hilton resort while other complaints included the beige color scheme.
One major deterrent will definitely be the price point. One potential guest did some inquiring and came back with a quote of $25,000 for a 5-night stay…YIKES! It’s gonna take some serious DVC points to afford a stay here and will likely fall outside of the budget for many families visiting Disney World. “Maybe, if I win the lottery,” one reader wrote.
Many are hoping that the price starts to come down after the initial opening. Until then, they’ll bide their time and stay elsewhere. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most popular and beloved properties in all of Disney World, so to say the Island Tower will fail would be foolish, but it’s clear there are many (including several of our readers) who are willing to give it a chance once the prices become more manageable.
Of course, 60% isn’t 100% which means 40% of our readers are already keen on staying at the new DVC villas. Some love the design and others trust the resort to offer something amazing. In our opinion, the new tower does look a bit more light and bright than the current Polynesian buildings.
Its modern design rooted in island theming is an interesting way to blend the old with the new and we kind of like having the choice between the look of the classic resort versus the newer look when it comes to our stay. The ocean and beach colors inside the tower are beautiful despite being unexpected, so, all in all, we’re willing to give this new addition a chance before casting judgment.
Beginning October 29th, you can become a Member at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and new reservations for the Island Tower can be made in November. Reservations can be made online via the Disney World website or by calling (407) 934-7639.
You can check out more photos of the new rooms coming to Island Tower by clicking the link below!
SEE INSIDE the NEW Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Tower in Disney World
We’ll continue to keep you updated on all kinds of Disney World hotel news and updates so stay tuned right here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest!
FULL TOUR of a 2-Bedroom Suite at Disney’s NEW Polynesian Village Resort Island Tower
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Which side of the argument do you fall regarding the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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