The New Island Tower: A Modern Oasis at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Village Resort
Get an exclusive look inside the newest hotel at Walt Disney World, Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. From the modern, Moana-inspired rooms to the jaw-dropping terrace views, find out why this new addition is the perfect blend of modern luxury and classic Disney magic.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to stay at the newest addition to Walt Disney World, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This new hotel offers a fresh, modern take on tropical luxury, while still honoring the classic Polynesian charm we all know and love.
Island Tower’s Polynesian themed lobby is flooded with natural light.
As a fan of the original Polynesian, I was immediately struck by the different vibe of the Island Tower. The main resort has a cozy, nostalgic feel with its mid-century modern design and tiki statues. In contrast, the Island Tower is a bright, airy, and open space flooded with natural light from its towering floor-to-ceiling windows. The lobby is a masterpiece of custom-made furniture, natural fabrics, and subtle, refined nods to Moana storytelling—a perfect example of Disney's ability to blend theming with high-end design.
Island Tower feels like a private, exclusive retreat, and a big reason for that is the security. You need a MagicBand or room key to access the rooms and upper floors, which adds to the sense of privacy. Once inside, you'll find thoughtfully designed spaces, like the Deluxe Studio I stayed in. At around 400 square feet, the room felt more like a vacation home than a standard hotel room. My favorite feature was the Murphy bed that folds down to reveal charming Moana-themed artwork.
The room's kitchenette is perfect for quick meals, with a mini-dishwasher and a dual-function coffee maker. The bathroom is simple, modern, and spacious. And every room has a private balcony. While my "Preferred View" overlooked a golf course and some construction, the view of the monorail gliding by and the spectacular sunsets were still pure Disney magic.
Beyond the rooms, the shared spaces are a highlight. The jaw-dropping Terrace Gardens offer stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, with Cinderella Castle and the Contemporary Resort visible in the distance. These terraces are a perfect place to relax, especially at sunset, and they offer world-class fireworks views for guests.
Returning to the main Polynesian Village Resort, you'll be reminded of the resort's legendary status. With the convenience of the monorail to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT and iconic dining options like 'Ohana and Captain Cook's, you're truly in the heart of the Disney magic.
For a full tour of the resort and an inside look at the rooms, be sure to check out my video on the best rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
Watch My Video on Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Related:
Best Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Darren spent nearly 20 years as an Orlando travel agent, helping families plan unforgettable vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Today, he has transitioned his passion for travel into writing and video production. As a travel writer and producer, Darren shares insider tips, reviews, and in-depth guides through his blog and his travel channel on YouTube, where viewers can explore destinations, resorts, and theme parks with him. You can find his videos here on his Travel Channel.
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Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
Saratoga is grand lakeside Resort that captures the spirit of Saratoga Springs, New York but in Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Saratoga is a grand lakeside Resort that captures the spirit of Saratoga Springs, New York but in Walt Disney World. Settle into a vacation villa with all the comforts of home just walking distance or a short boat ride away from the entertainment, shops, and dining of the Disney Springs area.
What makes it great
Walking distance to Disney Springs
Condo-style accommodations with full-size appliances
Recently refurbished rooms
Onsite dining options and at Disney Springs
Rooms
Villas have just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and separate bedrooms. These outstanding accommodations go beyond the traditional hotel room.
Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share quality time together
Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy, and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax, and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day
A washer and dryer, so you can pack lightly and avoid airline baggage fees
Treehouse Villas also feature private decks and charcoal grills. These unique accommodations are elevated 10 feet off the ground and nestled amid lush forest—so you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Deluxe Studios include a kitchenette and sleeper sofa—a great option for smaller travel parties and shorter stays.
Room Categories
Deluxe Studios - sleeps 4
1 Bedroom Villa - sleeps 5
2 Bedroom Villa - sleeps 9
Treehouse Villa - sleeps 9
3 Bedroom Villa - sleeps 12
Room Rates
Studio Amenities
Toaster
Internet - Free WiFi Service
Hairdryer
Microwave
Iron & Ironing Board
High Chair
Mini Refrigerator
Soaker Tub
Coffee maker
DVD Player
Villa Amenities
Toaster
Fully Equipped Kitchen with Refrigerator
Microwave
Internet - Free WiFi Service
Hairdryer
Iron & Ironing Board
Soaker Tub
Washer & Dryer
High Chair
Whirlpool Tub
Full-Size Refrigerator
Coffee maker
Club Level
Club level rooms are not offered at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Hotel Services
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Bell Services
Meeting Space
Business Center
Online Check-in
24-hour front desk
Vacation planning services
Free overnight parking
Free theme park parking
Disney Giftshop
Grab-and-go pantry
Daily housekeeping
Airport shuttle (additional cost)
Non-smoking hotel
Pool and recreation
High Rock Spring Pool — Soak up the sun at this pool with gushing waterfalls,
zero-depth entry and a 128-foot-long slide built into the rocks.
The Paddock Pool — Glide down a 146-foot-long waterslide that flows from atop a water tower.
3 Leisure Pools — All-ages leisure pools – each with a whirlpool spa – are located
at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park, and The Grandstand.
Sunrise Yoga
Lakeside Yoga
Movies Under the Stars
Saratoga Springs Campfire Activities
Jogging Trails
Community Hall
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Dining Options
TABLE-SERVICE DINING
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
QUICK-SERVICE DINING
The Artist’s Palette
The Paddock Grill
OTHER DINING OPTIONS
Backstretch Pool Bar
On the Rocks
The Turf Club Lounge
Chip ‘n Dale’s Café
Theme Park Transportation
Bus Service and boat service are available.
Bus Service Approximate Travel Times
Magic Kingdom - 61 minutes
Epcot - 50 minutes
Disney’s Hollywood Studios - 43 minutes
Disney’s Animal Kingdom - 50 minutes
Boat Service Approximate Travel Times
Disney Springs - 33 minutes
Travel times include waiting for transportation to arrive, travel time, and walking to the destination’s entrance.
Similar Hotels
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Go Inside Disney's Villains Themed Top of the World Lounge
Top of the World Lounge: A Villians Lair is small on theme but big on views
The Top of the World Lounge is located on the roof of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It’s currently a private club for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. To get up to the Top of the World Lounge, you will need to have a current Disney Vacation Club reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort.
Reservations
Reservations are not required but there is usually a waitlist for walkups. You can find the waitlist downstairs in the north elevator bank (the side of the tower toward Space Mountain). If you just want to go up to see the lounge and rooftop view, you might not have to wait. Ask at the check-in podium on the first floor if you can go up just to walk around, a Cast Member will let you know if it’s possible.
The lounge is extremely popular during fireworks.
Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower | Disney’s Contemporary Resort
I love the contemporary furniture but I’m not seeing the villain theme yet.
Sometimes special events are held here for DVC Members. These events have a hefty cover charge but usually include an open bar, desserts and fireworks viewing. You can call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to inquire about special events being offered for your travel dates.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower
Finally found a Disney villain! There’s a picture on a tv monitor of The Evil Queen.
There’s a bowl of “wishing apples” and of course, a mirror.
Top of the World: A Villain’s Lair at Bay Lake Tower
Looks like the villains were just here, but left their coats and capes behind.
Impressive view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the roof of the Top of the World Lounge.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Tour Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Join me as I visit and tour Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is located 2 hours southeast of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
It’s actually part of the Walt Disney World collection of hotels - online check in is done through the Disney World mobile app.
The resort consists of standard hotel rooms, 1 and 2 bedroom villas, and 3-bedroom cottages.
On this trip we had an Ocean View hotel room. The extra cost for the view was well worth it.
Despite being a beach hotel, Disney has hidden the beach from any ground level area of the resort. Every possible view from the main floor or even outside on the sidewalk is blocked by thick vegetation.
I suspect this has to do with creating dark beaches for the sea turtles, so if you want to see the ocean, get an Ocean View room!
Tips for Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Sign up for activities as soon as you check-in, especially kid’s programs.
Check-in is a 4pm, rooms are seldom ready earlier. But you can arrive any time and use the pool and beach.
Beach chairs and cabanas are available to rent for a small fee or you can bring your own. Surprisingly Disney doesn’t overcharge you on the rentals.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is in a secluded location, there’s nothing for miles in either direction. Plan to spend most of your time in the resort. The village of Vero Beach is about 20 miles away.
Plan your trip as far in advance as possible. This resort is sold out every night of the year
December though February is considered the high season. September and October are the low season months.
Recommended Dining Near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.