Disney World's Latest Lodge Emphasizes Sustainability and Polynesian Traditions
Disney's adaptable timeshare program, Disney Vacation Club, persists in growth with new properties cropping up throughout the United States. The latest establishment, Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, has officially commenced operations. The tower is situated along the coastline of Walt Disney World's Seven Seas Lagoon, providing breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom.
Island Tower constitutes an extension to the existing timeshare agreements for Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, providing a wider array of room choices for the resort's timeshare owners. The new 10-story construction introduces two-person duo studios, one-bedroom villas, and two-bedroom villas. Additionally, the expansion unveils a new room category for Disney Vacation Club, two-bedroom penthouse villas. Deluxe studios, similar to those in the original Polynesian Villas, are also available for booking. The new addition increases the existing 380 Disney Vacation Club rooms at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows by 268 rooms.
In Bill Diercksen's statement, the senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, he commends the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows as "a fantastic addition to this member-favorite resort." He shares his anticipation for members and guests to embrace their inner explorer and make cherished vacation memories.
Sustainability is paramount to Disney World's Island Tower
This is one of Disney's pioneering hotel ventures, emphasizing sustainable design and operational elements. Each room boasts area rugs primarily manufactured from reclaimed plastic bottles. The tower is expected to consume approximately 30% less energy than a similar-sized resort due to optimized heating and cooling systems, as well as energy-efficient lighting. The Island Tower also features Disney World's inaugural all-electric kitchen.
Just like its neighboring longhouses at Disney's Polynesian Village, the majority of the tower was constructed using off-site prefabrication techniques that conveniently diminish construction waste.
The Island Tower serves as part of Disney's environmental sustainability objectives, which include five primary components: emissions, water, waste, materials, and sustainable design. Some of the company's ambitions by 2030 include: achieving net zero emissions for direct operations, sourcing or generating 100% zero-carbon electricity, eliminating single-use plastics on cruise ships, employing lower-impact alternative materials for Disney-branded products, and attaining 90% waste diversion across new projects in the United States and Europe.
Exemplifying Polynesian culture at Disney World
The island tower distinguishes itself from its predecessor through the authentic Polynesian heritage embedded in the art and design throughout the hotel. Disney collaborated with artisans and cultural advisors to fashion interior spaces and exterior design choices that celebrated the splendor of natural elements.
"At The Island Tower, you will find various designs and artistic styles from various regions of Polynesia seamlessly combined in a unique manner to share the rich culture's tales of 'wayfinding', living in a sustainable manner, and relaying these stories with a touch of Disney," said Kama Hopkins, Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa.
Disney's design team, known as Imagineers, worked in close collaboration with cultural advisors to ensure the Island Tower reflected authentically Polynesian culture.
"Since the initiation of this project, we have worked hand-in-hand with cultural advisors to ensure that our designs and artwork reflected the essence of Polynesia and the Wayfinders. Kama Hopkins from Aulani has been an essential part of the team, contributing precisely to creating an environment that stimulates a sense of adventure and curiosity," said Madeleine Day, interior designer, Walt Disney Imagineering.
Imagineers delved into the archives of Walt Disney World hotels to discover concept art of what the 1960s Imagineers envisioned the original Polynesian-themed resort might resemble, including uncovering plans and artist renderings from when Walt Disney was still alive. The early concept art can now be viewed in the lobby of the Island Tower and features a more modern construction style, akin to the neighboring Disney's Contemporary Resort, rather than the lush tropical ambiance of the Polynesian.
"We are also inspired by the Polynesian Wayfinding tradition. We've endeavored to define the Disney version of Tropical Modernism. Guests will be captivated by clean architectural lines, warm and subtle textures and a color palette inspired by nature," said Day.
From patterns and textiles to food and drink, the Island Tower at Walt Disney World exemplifies the captivating and diverse attributes that make the islands so exciting.
The Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows offers a variety of Disney Vacation Club accommodations, including deluxe studios, one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom villas, and two-bedroom penthouse villas. These Disney World hotels, including the Island Tower, continue to uphold Disney's commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient lighting and an all-electric kitchen.
