The New Island Tower: A Modern Oasis at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Village Resort
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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