Creativity Meets Conservation at the Island Tower Addition 

The new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows celebrates the spirit of conservation in innovative ways, including through art installations made from sustainable materials that are at the heart of the tower’s design. 

Once inside the new restaurant, Wailulu Bar & Grill, guests may notice sustainably crafted fish sculptures “swimming” overhead throughout the space. The vibrant green and blue fish are modeled after trevally fish and are made from reclaimed fishing nets.  

Guests will also discover a celebration of nature in a stunning, one-of-a-kind art installation made from preserved moss. The installation will hang in the tower’s lobby, further bringing the natural world into the Island Tower addition. 

Tapa, which is a Polynesian cloth made from natural fibers, will also be displayed in the new tower. The custom piece is inspired by wayfinding on the ocean and further showcases the celebration of Polynesian culture through sustainable artwork. 

Sustainable details are truly woven into the fabric of the tower. In fact, recycled plastic has been transformed into a silk-like yarn using revolutionary technology to create luxurious rugs inside guest rooms. Inspired by ocean waves, the rugs feature a coral pattern and colors reminiscent of sand and sea to immerse guests in the beauty of Polynesian beaches. 

During construction of the tower addition, a tree dating back to Walt Disney World Resort’s opening day was preserved and relocated. A Ficus aurea, also known as a Florida Strangler Fig, and the unique Sabal palm growing within it, were identified as the most unique trees across the resort and have been part of many guests’ most-cherished moments at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Now relocated at the resort, guests can continue to enjoy the tree during future visits. 

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows aligns with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals in both its operation and design. 

The majority of the tower was constructed off-site using pre-fabrication techniques that helped minimize construction waste. The tower is projected to use approximately 30 percent less energy than a typical resort of a similar size through a variety of measures, including optimized heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient lighting and the first all-electric kitchen on Walt Disney World Resort property within the tower’s restaurant. 

As a result, the tower will be part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program, which recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources, alongside Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. 

Scheduled to debut on December 17, 2024, guests and Disney Vacation Club members will soon discover the beautifully displayed sustainable wonders featured across the unique property during their stay!