Island Tower at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

[I Run Long]

I really like the design themes of the rooms and I'm saying this as someone who's least favourite DVC resort is the Poly. I'm glad they didn't go overboard with the IP. I really hope that when the refurb for my home resort (AKV) starts, that they don't start putting all sorts of IP in the new designs. I like that they went subtle with the Moana themes and that they incorporated artwork made by local artists. Here's hoping they are just as subtle with AKV.

 

[Jwaire]

I really like the design themes of the rooms and I'm saying this as someone who's least favourite DVC resort is the Poly.

I always find this take fascinating when we have DVC resorts that have 7 bus stops with few amenities and practically no theming at all.

But carry on.

 

[DVCsloth]

So many people swore up and down that Disneyland Hotel would have a higher points chart than Grand Cal, or that FW cabins would be priced at the top of the 1BR range. But no matter how many times points chart inflation is disproven, the narrative never

They need to be careful with the point chart because of TOT at VDH and high dues at CFW IMO.

 

[Cabius]

There are two types of people: those who’ve been to the Islands (the more often and longer the better) and appreciate how much more authentic this style is to actual Island life and decor, and those who think that anything that doesn’t look like Don the Beachcomber in Marina Del Rey, circa 1966 (which is exactly where the Imagineers likely hung out for their inspiration), is a thematic sellout.

This is basically true, but I really like both fake tiki kitsch and authentic Polynesian culture. They're thematically different, but both wonderful!

Hi. Here is some info I just got.

Memorial Day weekend - May 23-26 2025 (3 nights). 2BR Penthouse Preferred View $11,559. 2BR Theme Park View $7,580. Cancellation policy in 2025 will be 8 days prior to reservation for full refund.

I suspect this means that there are 'Preferred' and 'Theme Park' views of the 2BR Penthouse. One of each, based on the concept art?

 

[pkrieger2287]

I need a nap...

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

Has anyone who called to book a room today been told anything about amenities at Island Tower… dining options, gym, spa, etc?

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

There are two types of people: those who’ve been to the Islands (the more often and longer the better) and appreciate how much more authentic this style is to actual Island life and decor, and those who think that anything that doesn’t look like Don the Beachcomber in Marina Del Rey, circa 1966 (which is exactly where the Imagineers likely hung out for their inspiration), is a thematic sellout.

Best of both eras... The Coco Palms & Kona Village of days gone by & yes, today's "island" design, as I hoped it would be.

 

[maui22]

Has anyone who called to book a room today been told anything about amenities at Island Tower… dining options, gym, spa, etc?

I asked about dining. CM checked and there is nothing new listed. She said it is still being built and things are happening fast. She expects that information will come out in the next couple months.

 

[DonMacGregor]

This is basically true, but I really like both fake tiki kitsch and authentic Polynesian culture. They're thematically different, but both wonderful!

You are 100% correct. I actually love both as well. Growing up in the OC, we were both immersed in Tiki Culture AND spent our vacations in Hawaii. My sister is about as mid-century modern, and Tiki obsessed as a human being can get. Heck, we rented out the Huntington Beach location of the Beachcomber for my 50th birthday party, complete with hula dancers and Richard Blade DJ'ing, so I do embrace the kitch! I just chuckle when I see people make comments like "It doesn't look very Polynesian to me" or "What's going on with all the beiges and other neutral tones?".

 

[BigBadBobbyH]

Has anyone who called to book a room today been told anything about amenities at Island Tower… dining options, gym, spa, etc?

I was on the phone with them just now so I asked for you. They said they have no info on amenities including dining, gym, spa, etc.

 

[WinterSolider]

You are 100% correct. I actually love both as well. Growing up in So Cal, we were both immersed in Tiki Culture AND spent our vacations in Hawaii. My sister is about as mid-century modern, and Tiki obsessed as a human being can get. Heck, we rented out the Huntington Beach location of the Beachcomber for my 50th birthday party, complete with hula dancers and Richard Blade DJ'ing, so I do embrace the kitch! I just chuckle when I see people make comments like "It doesn't look very Polynesian to me" or "What's going on with all the beiges and other neutral tones?".

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I'm convinced that the picture they have you take with the hula dancers is designed to make the rest of us feel old and ugly by comparison. They get me every time.

 

[BigBadBobbyH]

Huh, that’s interesting. Or maybe there’s 2 PH views, preferred and theme park sitting on both sides of the tower and they only gave you info on the PV? Cause what else can we call the rooms with the big balconies facing MK? Maybe they’re already sold out the cash booking for that room on Memorial Day so they didn’t bother giving the info? Seems a stretch but idk

I confirmed that there are actually both preferred and theme park views for the 2BR Penthouses. I edited my original comment to reflect that. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[SugarSweetLee]

It certainly will outperform them the first few months, regardless of pricing…it will be interesting after that to see how DVD plays with incentives for both RIV and CFW come fall.

For someone who toys with more RiV points, I’d love for them to get more aggressive for 100 points or less!

Do you think Disney would give better incentives for RIV right when Poly launches to try to keep its numbers up, or will they wait and see how everything does in the first few months of sales before adjusting?

 

[thank_the_phoenicians88]

Do you think Disney would give better incentives for RIV right when Poly launches to try to keep its numbers up, or will they wait and see how everything does in the first few months of sales before adjusting?

II would think that they would want Polynesian to come out super strong at launch, and better incentives for RIV would distract from having a killer opening month?

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

I was on the phone with them just now so I asked for you. They said they have no info on amenities including dining, gym, spa, etc.

Thank you!!

 

[SugarSweetLee]

II would think that they would want Polynesian to come out super strong at launch, and better incentives for RIV would distract from having a killer opening month?

Good point. I think Poly will be strong regardless though.

 

[hockeydad21]

Do you think Disney would give better incentives for RIV right when Poly launches to try to keep its numbers up, or will they wait and see how everything does in the first few months of sales before adjusting?

I think they wait on lowering Riv incentives. I also think the poly direct sales will have “good” incentives for an initial launch. I’m expecting $185-190pp for 300 points or more.

 

[WinterSolider]

I think they wait on lowering Riv incentives. I also think the poly direct sales will have “good” incentives for an initial launch. I’m expecting $185-190pp for 300 points or more.

Remember when people thought they would open VGF2 at $255?

 

[DonMacGregor]

I'm convinced that the picture they have you take with the hula dancers is designed to make the rest of us feel old and ugly by comparison. They get me every time.

Well, for what my sisters paid for them, I was getting as many photos as I could get. I think we had just under 100 people there if my aging memory serves me, and there's photos with me and the girls and just about every other guy that was there, LOL.

I will agree I look far better (and younger) next to Blade...

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

You are 100% correct. I actually love both as well. Growing up in So Cal, we were both immersed in Tiki Culture AND spent our vacations in Hawaii. My sister is about as mid-century modern, and Tiki obsessed as a human being can get. Heck, we rented out the Huntington Beach location of the Beachcomber for my 50th birthday party, complete with hula dancers and Richard Blade DJ'ing, so I do embrace the kitch! I just chuckle when I see people make comments like "It doesn't look very Polynesian to me" or "What's going on with all the beiges and other neutral tones?".

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So a good time was had by all!!

Agree very much with your IP views... I try to remember that Disney resorts are, after all, a destination for kids too so I get why IP is still incorporated into the design.
OT: I think OKW would be a perfect 'adults only' DVC resort one day. And would be a big hit!