New Disney+ Documentary Goes Behind the Scenes of Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian

Disney+ is giving us a rare look at the people who built Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. A new documentary — The Magic Behind Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows — premieres June 10, 2026, and it puts the Imagineers and artists at the center of the story rather than just showing off the finished resort.

Quick Summary

• The Magic Behind Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows premieres on Disney+ on June 10, 2026
• The documentary takes you behind the scenes with the artists and Walt Disney Imagineers who shaped the project
• Covers the cultural storytelling of the Island Tower, celebrating the spirit of the South Pacific
• Highlights the resort’s tropical palms, lush vegetation, and terrace gardens that pay homage to Bora Bora, Hawaii, Samoa, and Fiji
• The film puts the creatives and their decision-making front and center, not just the finished space
• A Disney+ subscription is required to stream

What the Documentary Covers

Rather than a straightforward resort tour, this documentary takes a creative storytelling approach. You’ll hear directly from the Imagineers and artists who made the key decisions about the Island Tower’s design, its details, and the cultural storytelling woven throughout the building. Disney describes it as a behind-the-scenes look at how their craft and creativity shaped the project.

A central theme is the celebration of South Pacific culture. The Island Tower’s terrace gardens pay direct homage to four island cultures — Bora Bora, Hawaii, Samoa, and Fiji — and the documentary explores how those cultural touchpoints were incorporated into the resort’s design. The tropical palms, lush vegetation, and the overall sense of place are all part of that story.

About Island Tower

Island Tower is the newest addition to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, expanding the Disney Vacation Club presence at one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved resort hotels. The tower brings new DVC villa accommodations with views across Seven Seas Lagoon and the surrounding resort grounds.

The project involved extensive collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and the Disney Vacation Club development team. The cultural design work — from the terrace gardens to the themed interiors — reflects a level of intentionality that the documentary will apparently explore in depth.

How to Watch

The Magic Behind Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows premieres on Disney+ on June 10, 2026. A Disney+ subscription is required to stream. If you have stayed at or are planning a trip to the Polynesian, this is worth watching in advance — it will give you a richer appreciation for the details you will encounter throughout the resort.

Disney+ documentaries about park and resort projects have become increasingly detailed and well-produced over recent years, so this one is worth adding to your watchlist whether you are a DVC member, a Polynesian fan, or just someone who loves seeing how Disney Imagineers approach their work. Mark June 10 on your calendar.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!