Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 1
Artist Rendering © Disney

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Island Tower Celebrates Sustainability and Polynesian Culture

The highly anticipated Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is set to open on December 17, 2024, and it promises to bring more than just luxury to Walt Disney World Resort. This innovative expansion weaves sustainability into its very design, offering guests a stay that celebrates the natural world, Polynesian culture, and cutting-edge environmental practices.

Related: Food & Beverage Guide to New Wailulu Bar & Grill at Island Tower in Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Wailulu Bar & Grill - Dining Room | Artist Rendering | Island To
Artist rendering of the dining room of new Wailulu Bar & Grill, opening on December 17. The casual restaurant will feature a variety of Polynesian-inspired artwork created exclusively for the space. © Disney

Art Inspired by Nature and Conservation

Inside the new Wailulu Bar & Grill, guests will encounter vibrant fish sculptures modeled after trevally fish “swimming” above the dining space. These stunning sculptures are crafted from reclaimed fishing nets, a creative nod to ocean conservation.

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 3
© Disney

The tower’s lobby features a breathtaking art installation made from preserved moss, further blending natural beauty with modern design. Additionally, a custom Polynesian tapa cloth—made from natural fibers—will be displayed in the tower, celebrating traditional Polynesian wayfinding and craftsmanship.


Eco-Friendly Details in Guest Rooms

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 4
© Disney

Even the smallest details in the Island Tower highlight sustainability. Luxurious rugs in the guest rooms are made from recycled plastics, transformed into silk-like yarn through revolutionary technology. These rugs, inspired by ocean waves and coral patterns, immerse guests in the serene beauty of Polynesian beaches.

Preserving History While Building the Future

Related: New Mural Complete at DVC Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Embrace Sustainability with New Island Tower 5
© Disney

During construction, a historic tree dating back to Walt Disney World’s opening day was carefully preserved and relocated within the resort. The Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) and the Sabal palm growing within it are iconic features of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can now enjoy this piece of history, which has been part of cherished memories for decades.

Sustainability at the Core of Design

The Island Tower was constructed with sustainability in mind, aligning with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals. The majority of the structure was pre-fabricated off-site, significantly reducing construction waste. Energy-efficient features such as optimized heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, and the first all-electric kitchen at Walt Disney World Resort make this tower a model of eco-friendly innovation. As a result, the tower has been recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program.

Opening December 17, 2024

Guests and Disney Vacation Club members will soon have the opportunity to experience the Island Tower’s unique blend of luxury, culture, and sustainability. From its art installations crafted from reclaimed materials to its energy-saving operations, this addition to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows represents a bold step forward in responsible tourism and immersive storytelling.

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Chris is a Pennsylvania native who escaped the cold and relocated to the Orlando area. Our resident Universal expert, Chris has been visiting the Universal Orlando Resort since the 1990s. Chris is a Universal and Walt Disney World Passholder, and can often be found exploring the parks taking in the sites (and finding new things to write about!).
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