Join MickeyBlog For Our Stay at Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows officially opened its doors to guests today, giving DVC members yet another amazing resort to call home.
If you have been reading along here at MickeyBlog, you know we have been closely following the development and opening of Island Tower. Needless to say, we could not be more excited to see the resort open!
Good morning from the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! 🍍 pic.twitter.com/J8tGN3czaO
— MickeyTravels, LLC (@MickeyTravels) December 17, 2024
As we will be among the first guests staying at Island Tower, we want to bring you along for the ride. So, let’s start our Polynesian adventure, shall we?
Where to Park
Guests staying at Island Tower will park in the large lot in front of the resort.
To enter the lot, guests must tap their MagicBand or card to open the gate.
Unlike other Disney resorts, there is no security booth at the entrance, though there were security personnel and Cast Members on hand to help.
It should be noted that only guests staying at Island Tower can park in the lot. If you are visiting someone, you need to park elsewhere.
Approaching the Tower
As you approach Island Tower, the beauty and majesty of the structure become clear.
The Walt Disney World monorail driving by adds to the magical feeling.
Here is a closer look at the entryway.
It’s beautiful!
Here is a look at the other side of the tower.
As you can see, Wailulu Bar looks amazing!
The whole structure is gorgeous.
Let’s go inside, shall we?
The Lobby
Island Tower’s lobby is airy and beautiful.
There are also plenty of places to sit and relax!
If you look at the ceiling, you will notice large plates hanging above.
These represent the different islands of Polynesia.
Here is another look.
The lights, meanwhile, represent the stick charts used to navigate the waters.
Finally, the four pillars represent the four foundational elements.
If this wall looks familiar, it should! The wall was designed to pay homage to the original Polynesian Resort floral pattern.
The other side of the lobby features a biophilic chandelier made of preserved moss.
Here is a closer look
There is also a massive three-story mural that has been sculpted from natural materials.
Finally, early concept art for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort lines the walls.
These paintings celebrate the resort’s history and show that a tower was always intended for it.
In total there are four pieces of concept art displayed.
Here is the third painting.
And the last one.
Checking In
Heading over to the front desk, we were able to confirm that our room was ready.
Additionally, there were maps readily available.
We even got a First Stay card!
There are a limited number of these available.
DVC guests are also being given an adorable lei.
As you can see, they were created especially for the grand opening!
Shopping
While Island Tower does not have its own shop, we found merchandise dedicated to the new DVC resort at Boutiki.
Te Fiti’s Terrace
Just outside the lobby, guests can find Te Fiti’s Terrace.
This outdoor congregation area is the perfect place to relax and have some fun in the sun.
The Moana Splash Pad
Heading outside, we had to stop by the Moana splash pad that we had heard so much about.
The central Moana figure looks amazing!
Here is a closer look at the wayfinder and her canoe.
The details on this figure are amazing!
As you can see, the splash pad looks like a blast.
I love the blue color scheme. It really makes the whole area pop.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
The flagship restaurant at Island Tower is Wailulu Bar & Grill.
The restaurant itself opens at 11 AM daily. However, the bar and outdoor patio offer a grab-and-go breakfast.
As you can see, the island theming continues throughout the eatery.
Artwork, sculptures, and stained-glass windows can be found throughout the dining room.
I love these windows.
Moana even makes an appearance!
Large fish hang overhead.
Here is a look at some of the tables.
As you can see, there are plenty of places to eat!
Outdoor Seating
In addition to the indoor dining room, guests can also sit outdoors at Wailulu.
The outdoor dining room gives guests incredible views of the pool area and the Seven Seas Lagoon!
Here is a closer look at the bar.
There is a ton of seating.
The outdoor dining room is great!
Refillable Mug Station
Guests looking to enjoy a refreshment by the Island Tower pool do not need to go far.
In addition to the Wailulu Bar & Grill, guests can grab a drink at the refillable mug station located next to the pool and fitness center.
Here, two Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are available.
Nearby, guests can get complimentary cranberry and elderberry water and towels as they prepare for their workout.
Fitness Center
Speaking of the fitness center, guests staying at Island Tower can get their workout in, even while on vacation.
There are plenty of weight machines, Peloton bikes, and treadmills ready and waiting.
The fitness center is open 24 hours, giving guests the flexibility to work out at any time!
Guest Laundry Room
Like all Walt Disney World Resort’s Island Tower has its own laundry room.
The facility is nice and open and features plenty of washing machines.
There are a couple of chairs in which to relax.
The dryers are also big!
Terrace Gardens
One of the most highly anticipated features of Island Tower is the four tropical terrace hideaways. Located on floors 3, 4, 5, and 6, the garden terraces provide both immaculate views and a relaxing retreat. At night, they also provide a breathtaking place to take in the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.


Island Tower Wave Break Terrace
Currently, anyone can enter the terraces. Signs, however, indicate that MagicBands or a room key might be necessary to enter in the future.
Bamboo Forrest Terrace
We will start on Floor 3 with the Bamboo Forest Terrace.
This terrace is a true tropical hideaway, providing a breathtaking view of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
As you can see, true to its name, bamboo plays an important role in the decor.
Here is one last look.
Lava Rock Terrace
On Floor 4, guests can find the Lava Rock Terrace.
Here, guests can get away from the hustle and bustle and look out over Disney’s Polynesian Village resort.
As you can see, the terrace has a distinctly volcanic motif.
Here is another look.
Wave Break Terrace
On Floor 5, guests can find the Wave Break Terrace.
Here tropical foliage and warm colors create a tropical atmosphere where guests can relax.
As you can see, flowers play an important role in this garden terrace.
Here is the view!
Lagoon Roof Terrace
Last but certainly not least, we have the Lagoon Roof Terrace.
Located on Island Tower’s sixth floor, this terrace has an under-the-sea theme.
Blue walls and bright cushions help give the terrace a distinct feel.
Once again the terrace provides an immaculate view.
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