Everything You Need to Know About the New Polynesian Island Tower

Posted:  DVC Rentals Resorts

Now that Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower has been open for nearly three months, we’re here to let you know all the ins and outs of this resort. Here’s what you need to know if you’re visiting this amazing new resort expansion on your next Disney trip!

The monorail passes in front of the brown exterior building of Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower and some tall palm trees under a sunny blue sky.

Firstly, this expansion to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows can be found by going left out of the Great Ceremonial House [lobby], just past Trader Sam’s and the Fiji and Aotearoa buildings. 

A black floor mat reads “Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney Vacation Club” in front of 2 glass doors. Outside the doors the resort exterior can be seen as well as palm trees and the Seven Seas Lagoon.

You’ll first stumble across the brand-new Cove Pool, a gorgeous leisure pool surrounded by palm trees, with Moana’s Voyage splash area nearby! This is a great little play area for younger voyagers and features a life-sized figure of Moana atop her wayfinding boat. There is also a fitness center nearby, which is a first for this resort. Previously, Polynesian guests shared a fitness center with the Grand Floridian!

A life-sized figure of Moana stands upon her wooden wayfinding boat in the water play area for children at Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower. Water shoots up from fountains scattered around the blue floor, and the resort buildings can be seen in the background.

The Cove Pool is seen in front of the brown exterior building of Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower under a sunny sky. Around the pool are brown sun loungers, tall palm trees, and turquoise umbrellas.

Once you enter this resort, you may notice the elaborate and intricate decor! The new Island Tower was designed to celebrate the spirit of conservation, and the construction of this expansion was mainly done off-site to help minimize construction waste! Additionally, a lot of the materials that went into the decor and design of this resort are recycled. You’ll see reclaimed wood, rugs made from recycled plastics, and even fish sculptures made from reclaimed fishing nets!

4 grey wooden chairs sit around a stone table in the lobby of the Island Tower. The floor is marbled blue to resemble the ocean, and the walls are decorated with geometric designs cut from light wood.

You may also see some detailed art installations, including one-of-a-kind moss pillars hanging from the ceiling of the tower’s lobby. These are made from preserved moss, celebrating nature in a breathtaking way! 

Cylindrical pillars made of green preserved moss hang from the lobby ceiling at Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower. The large glass windows of the lobby and seating area are seen below.

The art installations also pay homage to Polynesian culture, as there are art pieces made from Tapa, which is a type of Polynesian cloth made from natural fibers. You can see all the meticulous efforts that went into the design and sustainability of this resort!

The light wood sign reading “Wailulu Bar & Grill” in dark blue writing sits above the entrance into the restaurant. The wood carved decorative features of the Island Tower lobby are seen outside, as well as the glass windows and doors of the restaurant interior.

Another great addition is Wailulu Bar & Grill, a new casual dining spot for guests to explore! This stunning new restaurant celebrates delicious flavors inspired by the Polynesian Islands in the South Pacific. Wailulu is derived from the Hawaiian words wai, meaning water, and lulu, meaning calm! Fittingly, this new restaurant features some picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you’re dining here in the evening, you can even watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks as the restaurant pipes in the music! Perfect for some core memories! 

The Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks are seen across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Wailulu Bar & Grill at Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower.

With the opening of the new Island Tower, guests can now enjoy over 260 newly designed rooms, all inspired by the islands of the South Pacific. The rooms here cater to many different parties, whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with a big group. 

The interior of a Duo Studio at Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower. On the left is a sliding door to the balcony, with the pull-down wall bed open in the center of the room, and the light wood cabinets and counter of the kitchenette are located on the right. Above the bed there is a Moana-inspired painting with purple and blue tones depicting the ocean, mountains, and starry night sky.

They have rooms as small as a Duo Studio that sleeps 2 guests and Deluxe Studios that sleep 4 guests, as well as One- and Two-Bedroom Villas that sleep up to 5 and 9 guests, respectively. The Deluxe Studios in the new tower are also the first to feature a dishwasher in the kitchenette! If you’re looking for luxury, this resort also offers a Two-Bedroom Penthouse, sleeping up to 8 people with loads of space for family time. 

The full kitchen and dining area of the Two-Bedroom Penthouse at Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower. The kitchen cabinets are light wood with stainless steel appliances, and the wooden table is surrounded by yellow chairs. There is a stingray art piece on the wall, and the door leading to the primary bedroom is open to the side.

You’ll also see gorgeous artwork in these rooms, with little nods to the Disney film Moana. Compared to the classic Studios at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the decor in the new Island Tower is more light and purposeful, with lots of natural elements and vibrant designs. Like the conservation efforts and inspirations you’ll see in the lobby and elsewhere at the tower, this carries over to the art in the rooms and will be sure to leave you breathless with how pretty it is. 

An abstract, colorful painting depicting the sky, wind, lands and mountains of a Polynesian island in shades of pink, purple, blue, green, yellow, and orange hangs over a green sofa in a Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower.

Finally, a new amenity guests at the new Island Tower can explore is the new Terrace Gardens! There are four of these new tropical hideaways offering stunning views and a different type of relaxing oasis with each terrace. 

A large, dark wooden, domed seating area with yellow cushions sits on a stone terrace, surrounded by green foliage and tropical flowers. The wall on the left displays a green, orange and tallow mural inspired by South Pacific imagery and the right wall is wooden panels cut to look as if tropical birds are flying along it.

Two new Terrace Gardens boast views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, making them a perfect spot to cozy up and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night. If you’re looking for a serene sunset view, then the two other terraces facing Disney’s picturesque golf courses are the place to be. These four terraces are the perfect photo spot to capture some breathtaking memories. 

Wooden chairs and orange benches are arranged around stone planters with tropical foliage on one of the Island Tower terraces. The side wall features a large, colorful mural with Polynesian-inspired designs, and a view of the sunny sky and landscaping are seen off in the distance.

I don’t know about you, but reading all this back makes me want to book a trip to this new expansion ASAP! Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower has suddenly bumped its way up our bucket lists, and we’re sure it’ll be on yours, too! 

The brown and yellow exterior of Disney’s Polynesian – Island Tower is seen under a blue sky. In front of the building there are leafy green trees and palm trees.

 

~Elyse

 

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