Disney Makes Permanent Change To Historic Florida Landmark, Whether Guests Like It or Not

Today is a big day for Disney World!

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It’s official: the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now open, forever changing the landscape of Walt Disney World Resort. This new expansion officially opened on December 17, 2024, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Walt Disney World as a whole.

“Located along the stunning shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the new tower will celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Polynesian Islands,” states Disney, as well as the “natural elements and our favorite wayfinder, Moana.”

The new tower features over 260 rooms, each equipped with “stunning” interior spaces and brand-new amenities that will excite both new and longtime Disney World fans. However, Disney’s new Island Tower is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, Disney’s in-house vacation service.

With the grand opening of Disney’s Polynesian tower comes a big change to the Walt Disney World Resort map, which now features the new location. This was shown by reporter and Disney World fan Scott Gustin, who shared the before and after of the space that now houses Disney’s new Island Tower.

The Walt Disney World digital map was updated this morning to include the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. pic.twitter.com/v85urIzotV

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) December 17, 2024

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It’s been a long and winding road to get where we are now, with the project officially unveiled back in 2022. Guests have watched as the landscape of both the Polynesian and Walt Disney World changed and evolved to make way for the new expansion, with many fans feeling divided over the design of the new building.

While luxurious and filled with classic Disney World magic, many found the original concept art for Disney’s new Polynesian Island Tower to feel lifeless and generic, with some even comparing it to a “Marriott.” Fans certainly found ways to appreciate this new aesthetic, but there’s bound to be controversy anytime Disney makes changes to landmarks as iconic as its Polynesian Village.

Guests have plenty of options when it comes to staying at the new Island Tower. For those traveling in a small group, guests can choose the duo studio for two or a deluxe studio that sleeps up to four. Of course, the price increases in accordance with the space and amenities guests choose to spring for, with the two penthouse villas offering one of the most luxurious places to stay at Walt Disney World.

What do you think of Disney World’s newest DVC hotel?