Well, just a hop, skip and a jump down the bayou, eligible* Disney Vacation Club members can now enjoy Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge in Magic Kingdom Park.

 

Located in Frontierland, this brand new “home on the range” invites eligible members and their guests to relax, recharge and reconnect in a space steeped in Disney storytelling. Let’s take a closer look!

From the wood floors to the hand-carved stone fireplace, every aspect of this lounge tells a story, including its name!

The lounge’s namesake is Sam McKim, a Disney Legend and concept artist for the original Frontierland in Disneyland Park. To combine McKim’s everlasting contributions and the story of Frontierland, Imagineers were inspired by historic mile houses of the American West.

Mile houses were what we would now consider hotels. Spread across the frontier, travelers could check in to a mile house for a much-needed spell of rest and relaxation. Now, after an adventure with Princess Tiana or concert with the Country Bears, members and their guests can enjoy that same bit of respite in this new member lounge said to be operated by a fictional McKim family of hospitality pioneers.

As visitors gaze around the McKim house, they may notice stairs that appear to lead up to boarding rooms said to be occupied by some famous folks from around Frontierland. One room, for example, is designated as the host room of none other than the owner and founder of Big Thunder Mining Company, Barnabas T. Bullion. Just down the hall is the room occupied by M. Davis, a special recognition to Disney Legend Marc Davis.

Although members can’t access the lounge’s second floor, they can appreciate these Imagineering details from the comfort of the lounge’s seating area. And with a keen eye, they may even spot some original artwork and details from Sam McKim himself!

Ready to rest those feet? Visitors can mosey into “The Frontier’s Best Kept Secret,” a special nod to a former Disney Vacation Club slogan, “Discover the best kept Disney secret,” and relax in style on a variety of comfortable sofas and chairs.

Inside, as travelers kick up their spurs and sip on complimentary soft drinks, the space’s visual details bring special attention to the backstory of the fictional McKim host family, including drawings said to be created by the McKim children.

Along with these amenities and immersive storytelling details, the lounge also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and phone charging spaces.

Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge is open daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST and for all eligible* Disney Vacation Club Members with valid park tickets and reservations to Magic Kingdom Park.

While we’ve been shaking in our boots with excitement to finally welcome Disney Vacation Club members “home” to this new lounge, it’s not their only special space.

In Florida, eligible members also have access to Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, as well as the Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge atop the Imagination pavilion at EPCOT.

In California, members can recharge amongst the stars at Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – a Member Lounge, located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.

Wherever you rest your boots, y’all come back now, ya hear?

_{* Part of Membership Extras, which requires new Members to have an ownership interest with 150 Vacation Points or more purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC. Requires valid theme park admission. Lounges subject to operating hours and capacity limits} 

With over 260 beautifully designed rooms, stunning interior spaces and brand-new amenities, the waterfront expansion will become a new “home” for Disney Vacation Club members and guests to create new vacation memories.

Here are four reasons you will love the new Disney Vacation Club addition – which will be among the more than 25 Resort hotels located at Walt Disney World Resort. As Maui would say, “you’re welcome!”

Traveling with a small group? You can enjoy a cozy duo studio for two or a deluxe studio that sleeps up to four.

Need more room to stretch out? One- and two-bedroom villas are perfect for larger groups, sleeping five and nine respectively. The villas come complete with a full kitchen, comfy living area, outdoor patio, and even a washer and dryer.

Disney Vacation Club is debuting a stunning new type of accommodation in the new Tower: two-bedroom penthouse villas. Sleeping up to eight guests, these spaces will boast a spacious living room, dining room and gorgeous views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park or Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses.

Get ready to relax in four tropical garden hideaways, exclusively for guests and members staying at the tower. Each space will be inspired by the lush beauty of the Polynesian Islands and will offer unbeatable views of Walt Disney World Resort.

You will be able to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from two Terrace Gardens facing the park and a spectacular sunset over Disney’s scenic golf courses from the other two gardens. Trust us—you’ll want to see it to believe it!

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has long been a fan-favorite with close proximity to Magic Kingdom, whimsical pools, a collection of beloved restaurants, and, of course, an abundance of DOLE Whip! But get ready to soak up even more fun, because the new tower will be adding some incredible new features.

Guests will be able to unwind at the brand-new Cove Pool area, featuring a zero-entry swimming pool, or let little ones explore “Moana’s Voyage,” a splash area with life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe. The new tower will also be home to the resort’s first and only fitness center, which is sure to be a welcome addition to the many recreation activities offered today that are included in member and guest stays.

And if you’re still hungry for more, then you will be able to head to our next must-do…

A flavorful journey awaits at Wailulu Bar & Grill, the tower’s new casual dining venue. Drawing inspiration from the rich flavors of the Polynesian islands, the all-day Wailulu menu will offer delicious signature dishes like spiced ham musubi and beef short rib loco moco.

Whether grabbing lunch or settling in for dinner, Wailulu Bar & Grill will be the perfect spot to savor breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Plus, it will be a huge hit for those looking for a new spot to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks!

We have nearly 1,600 amazing resort cast members ready to welcome you to the new tower beginning on December 17, including a few who originally started at the Polynesian in the 1970s!

And with so many new and future experiences at Walt Disney World, Island Tower is another great option for families vacationing at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details about Disney Vacation Club, and visit DisneyVacationClub.com to learn more about Membership.

This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of timeshare interests.

To see where the idea began, let’s jump back to 1966, when Walt Disney unveiled plans for the expansive Florida Project featuring a theme park, hotels, recreation areas, E.P.C.O.T. and so much more. Disney’s area included “theme resort hotels” allowing visitors to stay at a variety of hotels and motels with distinct international themes all in one district, including a South Seas-inspired resort.

After Walt’s passing, Imagineers at WED Enterprises carried on his vision, evolving the Florida property into the “Vacation Kingdom of the World.” The new concept of this destination included the creation of Seven Seas Lagoon, providing a beautiful open space for recreational amenities like boating and surfing. Five international theme resorts representing unique cultures from around the world were designed to line the lagoon like “jewels on a necklace.” The resorts were designed to showcase the architectural expressions of their international destinations, including iconic towering structures, using the open space of the lagoon to create unique visual and thematic identities.

The original design for the tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would have been modern for the 1970s and reminiscent of the luxury hotels found on Waikiki Beach. Developing the Island Tower addition now has given Imagineers an opportunity to celebrate past and present Polynesian visual culture, including the use of natural materials, intricately designed patterns inspired by Polynesian tattoos, and a color scheme that is modern and complementary to the adjacent Longhouses.

Drawing inspiration from the lush, landscaped terraces of the original Polynesian tower vision, four tropical terrace gardens have been designed into the new tower. These vibrant spaces will offer intimate seating areas, where Members can go to gather amidst colorful artwork and foliage. The tower boasts magnificent views across Seven Seas Lagoon, with a panorama looking towards Magic Kingdom Park and beyond. The unobstructed views from the lobby level will be impressive whether you’re enjoying the pool or dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill.

The newest addition to Disney Vacation Club will truly evoke the spirit of Polynesia, blending its natural elements with traditions of wayfinding and Disney’s signature storytelling. Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is designed to inspire new journeys for our guests, and honors the rich legacy of the past, fulfilling the vision first dreamed up by Imagineers decades ago.

Make way and get ready to mark your calendars!

Disney Vacation Club will begin offering a new opportunity to call Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows home as the beloved resort expands with the new Island Tower addition, opening on December 17.

Located on the picturesque shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort, the beautiful expansion will embrace the resort’s theming and immerse guests in the adventurous spirit of the South Pacific islands.

Sales will open to current members on October 1 and the public on October 29.  

For more details, visit DisneyVacationClub.com.

Get ready to indulge in the delicious flavors of Polynesia at the Wailulu Bar & Grill. “Wailulu” gets its name from the Hawaiian words “wai,” which means water, and “lulu” which means calm, which is very fitting as this unique restaurant will boast breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Wailulu Bar & Grill will feature spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas and a spectacular bar space with views of Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. This casual walk-up pool bar will feature an all-day menu for lunch and dinner that is influenced by the Polynesian Islands’ local and indigenous ingredients. Specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries will be available for breakfast.

The dining room will be adorned with dazzling Polynesian-inspired artwork, created exclusively for the space, including floating tropical fish sculptures crafted from recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets. The fish will be “swimming” throughout the space, leading to a grand textile piece featured in the bar area, representing a colorful coral reef.

The center of the dining room will showcase an abstract Polynesian Stick Chart, an ancient navigation tool used to traverse the seas. A vibrant centerpiece composed of beautiful shades of blue, teal and green faux stained-glass will create an ambiance to dive in and explore the mouthwatering menu!

Speaking of exploration, our favorite wayfinding princess, Moana, will be featured in a painting on display in Wailulu Bar & Grill.

We will be sharing more information about Wailulu Bar & Grill and its menu in the near future, so make sure to stay tuned to Disney Eats on the Disney Parks Blog for more.

Little ones can embrace their inner wayfinder at Moana’s Voyage, a whimsical new splash area that will feature life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

The tower will also be home to Cove Pool, a brand-new zero entry pool offering even more opportunities to relax. Both Disney Vacation Club members and guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be able to experience these new aquatic features.

Members and guests staying at the Island Tower addition will enjoy exclusive access to four tropical terrace gardens.

Each terrace garden will feature vibrant artwork, lush foliage and uniquely themed seating areas. The distinctively designed hideaways will offer families a serene locale to gather and take in the views during their stay.

Speaking of views, these oases will offer picturesque views of Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses or Seven Seas Lagoon, making it a spectacular place for viewing Magic Kingdom fireworks.

The Island Tower addition is new developer inventory at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and is under construction, projected to open December 17, 2024. 

This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of timeshare interests.