One of Disney World’s most iconic hotels is getting a major new addition — but some fans have a few reservations about the expansion!
Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is about to have a brand new set of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rooms! Construction is well underway at the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. In fact, it’s currently set to open next month! But, as exciting as it is to have something new to experience at Disney World, some fans have a few concerns about what changes the Island Tower might bring.
The Island Tower is located on Seven Seas Lagoon, offering waterfront views. According to Disney, the new villas will be “inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.”
Concept Art ©Disney
We’ve been keeping a close eye on construction at the Island Tower with the opening date just about a month away, and sharing any official updates about what guests can expect when the expansion officially opens its doors.
Construction progress
We shared a few big updates on the Island Tower on our Facebook page a few months ago, and while there is definitely excitement about the addition, some commenters also raised concerns about what changes the expansion might bring with it.
One worry that came up was the potential for long lines and waits for the Monorail at the Polynesian Village Resort once the Island Tower is filled with guests. Reader Linda wrote, “Can’t imagine the line for the monorail with all the extra people staying there…”
Two Bedroom Suite Preview ©Disney
The expansion will add over 200 new guest rooms to the hotel, so it might end up being important to consider traffic patterns and peak times of day when taking transportation to the parks when it opens. Of course, we’ll check out all of the changes once it officially opens, but it’s worth keeping on your radar for now if you have a trip planned before the dust settles!
Monorail
Other commenters also pointed out that the Monorail might not be the only area with increased demand. Reader Pam said, “Will there be a new indoor restaurant or only a pool bar/grill[?] O’hana will be impossible to get into without another restaurant.”
Breakfast Skillets at ‘Ohana
The Island Tower expansion will include the Wailulu Bar & Grill, a casual walk-up pool bar and grill. This spot will feature an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, plus specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries for breakfast. But since it’s not a Table Service restaurant like ‘Ohana, it is possible that ‘Ohana reservations might be in higher demand after the Island Tower opens.
Concept Art ©Disney
Some of our readers also commented about the overall look of the Island Tower expansion, saying that the aesthetic of the taller building changes the vibe of the Polynesian Resort area for them. Amy said, “Aww. Kinda seems like it will diminish the charm of the Polynesian. Let’s hope not.”
Island Tower Construction
As exciting as it can be to have a brand new addition to explore in Disney World, we also understand the concerns about potential growing pains that can come along with it. That’s why we’ll be sure to check out the Island Tower — and all of its related changes — in ultra-detail when it opens so we can report back with any important details you need to know! Keep an eye on DFB for more coverage on the Island Tower when it opens next month!
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What are your thoughts on the new Island Tower? Share with us in the comments!
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Totally destroys the atmosphere of the Polynesian with the goal of cramming in as many guests as possible.
I’ve been driving by it all week. Frankly, it doesn’t seem to fit the rest of the resort and it’s kind of an eye sore. The tower really detracts from the views of the Grand Floridian. This in no way makes me want to stay at the Poly
The Polynesian bus stop along with the monorail station and F&B venues at the Grand Floridan will likely be impacted with increased volume. The building is an eyesore. Nothing should have been taller on Polynesian property than the Grand Ceremonial House. It would have been fine it this was the original building at the Polynesian, but wedging it in next to the Grand Floridan was very unfortunate and looks like the afterthought that it is.
I cannot believe they built that monstrosity. It ruins the Polynesian vibe and sticks out terrible.
What were they thinking? Oh I know, $$$$
Disney surely did not take into consideration the transportation needs of the guest when this expansion was under consideration. You can expect anywhere from 1000 to 1500 guests per day jamming the monorail station each and every day. That will surely impress the guests staying there. Can the platform accommodate the increase, only the guests will tell. Removing the Luau was another big mistake. Now all we have is the Hoop to do Review for a dinner show. Too bad.
This has become a big concern as Disney adds guest accommodations, but doesn’t keep pace with infrastructure such as resort restaurants (especially table service)–a poolside bar and grill will not address the hundreds of additional guests looking for a place to sit down and enjoy a meal inside. Florida weather is not terribly conducive to alfresco dining. Whenever I’ve been at WDW I either wanted to escape from the heat and humidity or the downpours when I ate.
Another concern is that while Disney keeps increasing guest accommodations, it hasn’t kept up with guest attractions. Most of the new attractions are just replacing older attractions, except for Pandora at AK and the Star Wars attractions at HS.
It takes away from the wedding chapel and the Grand Floridian as well.
It’s a sad commentary on the world we live in that most people’s first reaction to change is to dwell on all the ways things could go wrong.
It’s like community planners that build houses before they plan the infrastructure…the monorails are already crammed. Also, so far I am not seeing any Polynesian charm. It is another generic new Disney room…only “deluxe” by Disney standards.
Good article. These issues need addressing.
I’m sure that the monorail traffic will increase. Guest need to think about the other way to transport to the parks from the Poly. Like the boat that run from the dock to the MK or taking the short path to TTC going through security and getting on EPCOT monorail from there and using the very big ferry from the TTC to the MK. I have not taken it but I believe there is a walking route from MK to DGF and the Poly. Maybe DFB should run some articles on different ways to get to the parks from the new Tower. I think that would be very helpful to all the people that are afraid that new Tower is going to make their trip impossible. My DVC home is the Poly and I’m look forward to the new Tower. The building is in just the right place and the added MK firework viewing area are going to be great. I went to the “Luau” the food was OK and show was OK won’t miss it at all. The view from the DGF and wedding chapel still has a great view to the beach and lake so no problems there. ‘Ohana has always been a get your reservation in early dinning experiance. So nothing will change there. Now there will be more room for vacationer to book and those of us that call it “Home” will be able to get a room when we want, instead of having the Longhouses sold out before we can get a room even at 11 month out.
I always love staying at the Polynesian. The only place I wanted to stay . But now I don’t think I’ll be staying there any more. I don’t think staying there will make me feel like I’m in Hawaii. Why do people have to change thing that already good.
Think of the bus stop. Either, more guests piling into a tiny bus stop area, or another bus stop to add to transit time.
Potentially another 800-1000 guests added to this resort without expanding the overall footprint will impact the charm, ambience, amenities, and overall feels of this resort.
Missed opportunity to move Trader Sams to a bigger space. Missed opportunity to add an additional table service restaurant.
This class of Disney executives that formerly came from Las Vegas and Universal are ruining Disney.
The lose of the Luau is major, driving business to Universal Resorts, which still offers a Luau at the Royal Pacific Resort in Universal.