Island Tower at Polynesian Village
Updated: January 23rd, 2025
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!
Overview | Room Tour | Dining |
Amenities |
Overview
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.
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.
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!
One of our favorite parts about this new hotel is the exclusive fireworks viewing locations!
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.
Room Tour
We were able to tour a Duo Studio Room, and we have a LOT to share. These rooms are meant for up to two people, so these are the smallest rooms in the tower. Right as you walk through the door, you will be greeted with a light, tropical atmosphere.
The entryway leads into the room itself, where you’ll see a seating area with a comfy couch, a footstool, and a full-length mirror.
So, at this point, you might be wondering, “Where’s the bed?” Well, that sofa is actually part of a Murphy bed that you can pull down.
The idea here is to utilize space effectively.
Of course, there’s a flatscreen television and a dresser opposite the bed.
Beside the bed is a kitchenette with a stove and microwave, as well as a coffee maker and everything you need to make a quick meal in your room. This is also where you’ll find the “Hey, Disney” Alexa device.
The bathroom is next to that, and there is a toilet and shower.
This room also has a balcony.
The balcony overlooks a stunning view of Seven Seas Lagoon — this hotel is about as close to the water as you can get in Disney World. One thing we discovered, though, is that the balcony doors are a little hard to open because you get a lot of wind on that side of the building struggling against you.
We also got to tour a Deluxe Studio Room. This room sleeps up to four people. Let’s step inside.
This room is a bit larger and has a standard bed, as well as a sofa. The room layout is a little different, and there’s quite a bit more space in this room.
Opposite the bed is the TV and a dresser, as well as a seating area.
The sofa in this room is also a pulldown Murphy bed.
One thing we have to point out is that the views aren’t all equal. Some have views look out over the Grand Floridian, which kinda breaks the immersion.
The kitchenette is bigger in this room and includes a dishwasher.
The bathrooms are one big room, but the toilet is separated by a privacy door.
We’ve never seen that in a Disney World hotel before.
These rooms also have a shower.
We also got a look at a 2-Bedroom Villa. These rooms sleep up to nine people.
These rooms feature a full comfy living area.
Opposite the living area is a pull-out bed (and the TV).
These rooms also have a full kitchen.
There’s even a dining area.
The first bedroom is spacious and also has a view looking out over Seven Seas Lagoon.
The second bedroom has two beds and its own balcony and view.
The bathroom in these villas is unbelievable — there’s a shower and tub. Like in the other room, the toilet is in its own separate room.
The villas also have their own washer and dryer. You can also book similar 1-Bedroom Villas that include the same amenities.
Now we’re moving on up to the Penthouse! These are two-bedroom penthouse villas that can sleep up to eight guests. So, yes, these rooms are FANCY. There’s a massive living area and dining area.
The TV situation in the huge living area has a dual TV thing going on.
This villa also has a full kitchen.
The first bathroom (yes, there are multiple bathrooms) has a standard shower set-up.
There’s also a main bathroom that looks like the one we previously saw in the other villa.
The first bedroom is huge and features a lot of space.
The second bedroom has two beds.
Of course, the balcony has a beautiful view of the Lagoon.
Disney Vacation Club is debuting a stunning new type of accommodation in the new Tower:Â 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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
The pool area has gorgeous views of the surrounding areas as well!
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.
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!
