COMPLETE GUIDE: The NEW Island Tower Is NOW OPEN at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Can you believe it? The new addition to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is officially open!

Island Tower is open!

Island Tower is the new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) accommodation that is open NOW in Disney World! It features new rooms, a new dining location, fitness center, pool, and splash pad. We have already gotten a first peek at the new resort, and today we are checking in to experience even more of it! We can’t wait to show you all the details and take you along with us!

We will be updating this post throughout the day, so make sure to keep checking back for more updates!

One of the first things we noticed this morning is that the Island Tower is now showing up on the My Disney Experience app map! Before that, the area was just a green space, but now you can see the new hotel on the map.

©Disney

We also have some great news! The pathway between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian is also officially open again! You can now get from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom by walking.

The walkway is open again!

Atmosphere

Like the rest of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Island Tower is also inspired by the Polynesian Islands. Throughout the new hotel, you will find details that are influenced by the spirit of these islands.

Island Tower Lobby

Imagineers worked with artists all over the world to incorporate artwork that is unique to this hotel and immerses you into its theming. The lobby features many details, including a large moss chandelier hanging from the ceiling and art panels featuring wildlife native to the Polynesian Islands. Earth tones will surround you, and the floor design makes you feel like it is made of sand and water.

Lobby

We know our readers have been asking if the smell in the Island Tower is the same as it is in the Great Ceremonial House. We think the scent is a bit different, and CMs did not know for sure, but they have also debated the smell! Lots of friendly Cast Members greeted us and were able to check in for our room quickly. We even received a commemorative opening day room key!

Commemorative Room Key

One of our favorite parts about this new hotel is the exclusive fireworks viewing locations!

Fireworks from Island Tower

We checked out the fireworks views from two of the new hotel’s Terrace Garden areas. We caught the first portion of the fireworks show from the lower Bamboo Terrace, which is located on the hotel’s third floor. Then, we jetted up to the Wave Break Terrace on the hotel’s fifth floor. The views from this space were phenomenal, providing sweeping views of not just the castle and the fireworks, but all of Main Street, U.S.A. as well.

You Won’t Believe the Fireworks Views from Disney’s Newest Hotel!

Accommodations

But what do the rooms look like at this new tower? We got a firsthand look at the different accommodations in this new area, and if you’re a fan of more simplistic design with small nods to Disney theming, these are the rooms for you!

Deluxe Studio Room

The photo above is from our tour of a Deluxe Studio room, but we can’t wait to take you inside our room for the evening! Check back later for all the details.

Dining

There’s only one new dining spot at this tower, but thankfully, you’ve got tons of additional options right next door if Wailulu Bar & Grill isn’t what you’re looking for.

Wailulu Bar & Grill

This new spot serves grab-and-go breakfast options but an all-day lunch and dinner menu. While you dine, you can see some truly spectacular views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle, too!

Wailulu Bar & Grill

We got to sample some of the food from the restaurant during the media event, but we headed back for the full dining experience, too!

Food sampler from Media Event

We stopped by this morning to try the breakfast options at Wailulu Bar & Grill, including the pineapple-coconut bread, strawberry yogurt parfait, banana muffin, and more.

Quincy and Angie at Wailulu Bar & Grill

Check out our full review of breakfast at Wailulu Bar & Grill here!

Later, we returned for dinner! The food here is generally pretty great, and we really enjoyed the cultural aspects of the menu.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowl

Note that the food here is very much NOT typical theme park food. While you’ll find a burger on the menu, it’s not a basic in-the-park burger.

REVIEW: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of the NEW Wailulu Bar and Grill in Disney World

Amenities

What amenities does this hotel tower offer? Well, while you stay here, you can check out the new fitness center available to you, as well as the new Cove Pool!

Cove Pool

The little kids will love getting to explore Moana’s Voyage, which is one of the most impressive spots of this hotel to us — it’s a splash pad area with a life-size Moana with her canoe!

Moana’s Voyage

The pool area has gorgeous views of the surrounding areas as well!

We love the views!

Additionally, while staying at the resort, you can take advantage of four Terrace Gardens. Each of the Terrace Gardens features “vibrant artwork, lush foliage, and uniquely themed seating areas.” Plus, you can take in stunning views of Disney’s two golf courses, the Seven Seas Lagoon, and Magic Kingdom.

View from Terrace Garden

You know we will be taking all the amenities for a spin and bringing you along with us. We’ll be checking out this new hotel tower all day, so stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest details!