MickeyBlog News for December 23rd, 2024
Over the past seven days, Disney has opened a new hotel and introduced a new cruise ship to its fleet.
While you were out holiday shopping, Disney changed a lot. We’ll talk about it all in MickeyBlog News.
The Island Tower Opens


Island Tower
MickeyBlog’s team of reporters has had a busy few days. While everyone else was sipping eggnog, they were covering two big stories.
We’ll lead with the Island Tower expansion at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, an enhancement we’ve tracked for years.


Gold Monorail
During the summer of 2022, Disney officials did the unthinkable: tearing down Luau Cove.
For those of you unfamiliar with the area, it’s where Disney hosted the media and luminaries at Walt Disney World…in 1971.
Yes, when Disney performed publicity for the opening of Walt Disney World, it sent the media to Luau Cove.
Generally, the iconic parts of theme park history are untouchable to Disney officials, but this situation was different.
Management knew that the Polynesian was capable of hosting many more guests on its campus.
That’s a ton of lost daily income vs. protecting Disney history. The economic side won as usual.
So, the Island Tower expansion has faced plenty of cynicism since its announcement.
Fans have complained that it’d be an eyesore that ruins the hotel’s line of sight to Magic Kingdom and other monorail landmarks.


Island Tower
Well, I’m happy to report that Disney was right, while its critics were wrong.
Simply stated, the Island Tower is a masterpiece. As you might imagine, I speak to plenty of Disney insiders.
Every single one who has spent time at the Island Tower has expressed amazement at its quality.
Somehow, the ten-story tower hotel extends and accentuates the Polynesian’s vibe rather than distracting away from its sibling.
Why You’ll Love the Island Tower



1-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower
Our staff showed you the highlights of this new resort, and its excellence is readily apparent.
Here’s the Deluxe Studio, the largest of the two available studios:
And here’s the smaller but adorable Duo Studio:
I wanted you to admire their artistry before we go next-level with the One-Bedroom Villa:
Somehow, that’s not even the most stunning room option. Here’s the Two-Bedroom Penthouse Villa:
After watching these videos, you’ll appreciate what Disney has accomplished here.



1-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower
These are thematically vibrant hotel rooms that exude the laid-back island vibe.
The room décor, from the paintings and mosaics to the matching tiles and flooring, provide a relaxing, beautiful backdrop for a hotel stay.


Wailulu Bar & Grill
This standalone tower also offers a new dining option, Wailulu Bar & Grill.
Disney has created something unusual here, as it’s a grab-and-go Quick Service restaurant for breakfast.


Wailulu Bar & Grill Lunch
At lunch and dinner, Table Service dining is available, but the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations.
Disney is encouraging people to walk over here and discover the plentiful Polynesian flavors. You can order lunch and dinner to go, too.


Wailulu Bar & Grill Display Items
Our staff reviewed Wailulu Bar & Grill and were big fans. I’ll add that Spam Musubi is on the menu, which is a huge deal to some of you.
Overall, we happily scoured every inch of the new Island Tower.


Wailulu Bar & Grill
The consensus is that Disney has once again knocked it out of the park. Speaking of which…
All Aboard!


Disney Treasure Grand Hall Stairs
As I mentioned last week, the Disney Treasure has officially set sail on its maiden voyage.
The discussion comes with an asterisk, as members of MickeyBlog’s staff already took a cruise before then.
Disney sometimes hosts trial sailings to give the media a look at the new offerings.
With the Treasure, this decision proved profound, as this ship has created a buzz like none I’ve ever covered.


Photo: Disney
Seriously, Royal Caribbean tried to generate similar publicity for the Icon of the Seas and mostly succeeded. It’s a great ship.
However, Royal Caribbean cannot possibly compete with something as impeccable as the Haunted Mansion Parlor.


Photo: Disney || AquaMouse
I said it last week, but it bears repeating. I’ve watched this lounge reduce jaded media critics and influencers to tears.
That is NOT an exaggeration. The chief difference between the Disney Wish and the Treasure is the theming.


Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Because the Wish came first, Imagineers took everything they learned from that ship and made the next vessel even better.
I heaped praise on the Wish when it debuted, yet the Treasure seemingly has it beat in several key areas.


(Kent Phillips, photographer)
You’ll find a more interesting set of shows, such as Disney The Tale of Moana.
Also, some of the lounges extend beloved theme park properties like Jungle Cruise to Disney Cruise Line.


Photo: Matt Stroshane/Disney
These touches turn a cruise into a full-fledged Disney experience rivaling anything you can do at the parks…and in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
You can read our complete coverage of the Disney Treasure here. The primary takeaway is that we love every bit of it.


Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Treasure
If you are interested in taking a cruise on the new flagship, Disney is offering a discount for a limited time.
So, in a matter of a week, Disney added a spectacular new hotel and the crown jewel of its cruise fleet.
Disney Miscellany


Photo: Disney
I know you’re busy right now, so I’m trying to be brief. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this story.
Bluey is officially coming to Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line. That’s such a coup for Disney.


Photo: Bluey.tv
I’ll discuss the story more in this week’s Disney’s Headlines because I can hear you all squealing with delight.
Disney also revealed five new experiences coming to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.


Photo: Disney
At Magic Kingdom, Hall of Presidents will close next month to undergo the standard post-election refurbishment.
Similarly, Astro Orbiter will undergo refurbishment in 2025 as well.
Oh, and there’s a crane behind Big Thunder Mountain. Gee, I wonder why…
At Disneyland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will add projection mapping to its nighttime presentation.


Photo: MCO
Finally, for those of you traveling this week, please know that Orlando expects record crowds at the airport.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, my many loves. You’re all wonderful people who deserve joy.
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Feature Photo: Disney