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Disney’s Polynesian Tower Sparks Debate Over ‘Sterile’ Design

Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort has long been a favorite among Disney fans, thanks to its lush tropical theming, immersive island atmosphere, and prime location on the monorail loop. However, the resort’s newest expansion, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Island Tower, is sparking intense debate online, with some guests calling it a sleek, modern upgrade and others slamming its design as uninspired and lifeless.

Disney Vacation Club tower Polynesian Village
Credit: Disney

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A Highly Anticipated Addition… With Unexpected Backlash

Disney first announced the DVC expansion for the Polynesian Village Resort in 2022, promising a luxurious new option for Disney Vacation Club members. While some guests welcomed the additional accommodations, others were immediately skeptical. Many longtime fans feared that the tower’s construction would disrupt the resort’s carefully crafted Polynesian aesthetic.

As the project moved forward, concerns grew over whether the new addition would seamlessly blend with the beloved theming of the original resort.

New Disney Vacation Club Tower at Polynesian Village
Credit: Disney

Now that the Island Tower has officially opened, reactions have been mixed—if not outright negative. While some appreciate the modernized rooms and upgraded amenities, others argue that the design lacks the signature Disney magic that once made their resort stays feel so special.

“Like an Upscale Hospital”—Fans React to the Design

Social media has been buzzing with reactions to the Island Tower, with many expressing disappointment over the resort’s updated look.

One viral post from user @TRVLtruth on X (formerly Twitter) compared the hotel’s interior to a hospital, criticizing Disney for abandoning its traditionally immersive resort themes.

“The DVC Polynesian Tower has captured all the romance of the demilitarized zone. There are obviously no creatives left at Disney. This hotel has the character of an upscale hospital in Oahu. Shame on Disney.”

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Other users echoed this sentiment, stating that the hotel’s decor lacks the whimsy and charm that once set Disney resorts apart. One guest compared it to a generic Marriott, arguing that it feels more like a standard high-end hotel than a uniquely Disney experience.

“The newer Disney hotels are sterile and lack whimsy and charm. I’m sure the hotel is great for a Sheraton or Marriott, but for these prices and the reputation Disney had, I’d like to see more.”

Disney Vacation Club bedroom Polynesian Village
Credit: Disney

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Some also expressed frustration over the tower’s exterior lighting, claiming it disrupts the resort’s previously warm and inviting nighttime ambiance.

“The inside is bland, the outside is also bland, and why are there big LED lights shining next to the old Poly buildings? It should be torches and the old-style lights only. Horrible. It’s like they were going for Marriott vibes.”

the new DVC Island Tower Polynesian Village
Credit: Disney

Not Everyone is Upset—Some Fans Defend the Changes

While much of the discourse has been critical, some Disney fans have defended the new tower, arguing that it represents a more modern approach to theming.

One guest pointed out that the Moana (2016)-inspired artwork is subtly incorporated into the decor rather than being overly cartoonish, allowing for a more sophisticated Disney touch.

“Respectfully disagree. The Moana references are throughout, subtle but very present. The whole inside wall is a mural that has all the characters from the movie. It’s an obvious modernization of the Polynesian decor of the original resort.”

A Moana bedroom at the new Disney Vacation Club tower
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney’s “Worst” Hotel Condemned Over Bad Smell, Outdated Rooms

Others noted that Disney often faces backlash no matter what direction they take. If they lean into intellectual property, fans accuse them of over-commercialization. If they opt for a more refined design, they get slammed for being too bland.

“What’s an upscale hospital?? 😂 If it were more themed, you people would complain they’re shoving IP down your throats. Nothing makes you people happy.”

bathroom at Disney Vacation Club in Polynesian Village
Credit: Disney

The Future of Disney Resort Design

This isn’t the first time Disney has faced backlash over hotel redesigns. Recent updates to resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which introduced Incredibles (2004)-themed rooms, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, which swapped its pirate rooms for Little Mermaid (1989) -inspired designs, have been met with mixed reactions.

While some appreciate the sleek, modern aesthetics of these redesigns, others feel that Disney is straying too far from what once made its resorts feel immersive and magical.

disney-caribbean-beach-resort-little-mermaid-rooms
Credit: Disney

With fan reactions to the Polynesian Island Tower being so divisive, it remains to be seen whether Disney will continue down this path of minimalist resort updates or take guest feedback into account for future projects.

One thing is certain—Disney fans are passionate about the resort experience, and they aren’t afraid to voice their opinions. Whether the Island Tower ultimately proves to be a success or a misstep will depend on whether Disney can strike the right balance between modernization and the timeless magic that guests have come to expect.

What do you think of Disney’s newest resort addition? Does the Polynesian Tower live up to expectations, or does it fall flat compared to the original resort? Let us know in the comments!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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