Despite the pending debut of Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, other updates and renovations planned for the property are more than two years away from completion.
Disney has updated its resort refurbishment alert, indicating that guests may encounter some disturbances during their stays through the year 2026:
Before you visit, please be aware of ongoing construction and refurbishments.
Construction and Refurbishments Through 2026
We’re preparing for the proposed expansion of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Construction is underway.
Additionally, select portions of the Resort hotel are undergoing refurbishment.
Now through 2026, you may see and hear construction and refurbishment work during daytime hours. The ongoing enhancements may impact views of the theme park and other surrounding areas.To minimize disruptions during your stay, activities that may create noise will begin no earlier than 9:00 AM.
Refurbishment work is subject to change due to operational needs or weather conditions.
The new Disney Vacation Club expansion--dubbed Island Tower--is set to open on December 17, 2024. Based upon the notice above, it appears that Disney has plans for significant work throughout the property even beyond that date.
Via his Facebook page, Steve "Tikiman" Seifert has shared news of plans to update the former Tangeroa Terrace restaurant space. The building has not been used for guest activities in many years and has fallen into a state of disrepair. Unfortunately, that particular project does not appear to include and new services or amenities for resort guests. According to Seifert, the renovated space will largely consist of offices for management, housekeeping, security and other cast members.
Earlier this month, Disney filed a "Notice of Commencement" with Orange County for work on the Great Ceremonial House. The notice does not detail planned changes, describing the work as "general construction." This specific project has an estimated completion date of December 31, 2025. (h/t danlb_2000 at WDWMagic.com)
Presently, crews are working throughout the resort to update walkways and landscaping. The walkway connecting the Polynesian to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa remains closed while Island Tower is still under construction. Disney is currently accepting cash reservations for late-2024 stays at Island Tower. Sales of Disney Vacation Club points at the Polynesian have not yet formally reopened, nor are members able to make reservations for the tower using points.
DVC has confirmed that Island Tower will be part of the existing condominium association for the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Current and future owners in the joint Polynesian association will have 11-month booking rights for rooms in Island Tower, the current villas in the Moorea, Tokelau and Pago Pago longhouses and the overwater bungalows.
