This New Disney World Resort Caters to Bigger Households

There’s no scarcity of choices when deciding the place your loved ones ought to keep on a trip to Walt Disney World. And with over two dozen resorts to choose from, there’s one thing for each price range and desire. I can attest to that as I’ve been visiting Disney World with my household for over three a long time and have stayed at each single one.

Now vacationers heading to the “most magical place on Earth” have a brand new property to choose from with the December 17, 2024 opening of The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. 

The Disney Trip Membership resort sits idyllically on the waterfront and is an attractive choice with an upscale really feel, spacious rooms, distinctive theming, and shut proximity to Magic Kingdom. Oh, and loads of Disney magic and island vibes. 

Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to learn about staying, what to see, and facilities your loved ones gained’t wish to miss.

The Island Tower Is The Latest Disney Trip Membership Resort

The Island Tower is an addition to the historic Disney’s Polynesian Resort, which opened with Disney World in 1971. It’s located subsequent to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, on the Seven Seas Lagoon throughout from Magic Kingdom. The brand new 10-story lodge tower honors the resort’s legacy with its design impressed by authentic idea artwork from a long time in the past. 

Like every Disney resort, storytelling is on the forefront. Right here, it’s all about immersing visitors into the tradition of the islands by celebrating the adventurous spirit and exploring conservation efforts. Walt Disney Imagineering labored with a dozen artists from all over the world to create distinctive artwork items, together with sculptures crafted from fishing nets and preserved moss partitions. 

Polynesian heritage is dropped at life however, in fact, that is the mouse’s home. There are additionally Disney touches with nods to Moana subtly built-in in designs used all through the resort, equivalent to with coloration schemes and paintings.

A novel first for Disney World, sustainability was on the challenge’s core with the tower incorporating strategies, together with optimized cooling, to make use of round 30% much less power than a comparably-sized resort. And recycled supplies have been used to create lots of its furnishings and paintings.

Why It’s A Nice Selection For Large Households

Certainly, its shut proximity to the Magic Kingdom could also be a promoting level. Afternoon tantrum? You’ll be able to return to the comforts of your room inside minutes flat.

Its vary of room sorts additionally units it aside from lots of Disney’s different choices. The tower affords distinctive lodging sorts—a staple of Disney Trip Membership—with rooms sleeping between two to 9 visitors. Some even have in-unit washers and dryers, which may show invaluable for any household.

With sizable rooms, it’s a terrific choice for big households and multi-gen journeys (convey the grandparents!). The tower’s largest choice are its two-bedroom penthouses that may sleep as much as eight. These additional spacious lodging pack ample widespread area, together with a front room, three full loos, full kitchen, and eating room. There’s even an expansive personal patio with Magic Kingdom views. 

Its one- and two-bedroom villas sleep 5 and 9 visitors, respectively, and have full dimension kitchens, eating and residing areas, two loos, and washer and dryer items. 

For smaller events, there are deluxe and duo studios which might be just like customary lodge rooms. 

Considerate design was taken into consideration with every room model, from loads of charging ports to seating that’s simply transformed to a pull down, queen-sized mattress. The villas really feel particularly spacious, with room to unwind comfortably in your personal area (and home your baggage). Including heat and that Disney contact, every room options customized paintings Moana-impressed and sustainable design components, like space rugs crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

What To Do on the Resort

Company will discover a new pool facility, restaurant, and communal locales to unwind.

Splash time 

The lodge tower introduces a brand-new aquatic space, the Cove Pool, which options lounge seating and a zero-entry swimming pool. Children will love Moana’s Voyage, an interactive water splash space designed for the littlest ones in thoughts.

Communal areas

A novel providing is the 4 terrace gardens discovered inside the tower. With Polynesian island aptitude and luxurious landscaping, it’s a retreat to chill out and easily benefit from the sights, together with prime viewing of Magic Kingdom fireworks.

There’s additionally a state-of-the-art fitness center facility on-site.

Eating

Wailulu Bar & Grill is the tower’s waterfront restaurant providing informal eating with indoor and outside seating—and it boasts Disney World’s first all-electric kitchen. The all-day menu has a give attention to dishes that use substances widespread within the islands and staples of the Polynesian eating regimen, like breadfruit tostones and spam. It’s a chance to strive conventional meals, like Poke bowls, spam musubi, sticky pork ribs, and beef brief rib loco moco.

Non-adventurous eaters needn’t be anxious—there is a creamy white cheddar macaroni and cheese and a basic cheeseburger. And to totally embrace the laidback island life, there’s signature cocktails topped with edible orchids and zero-proof choices.

It’s additionally open for breakfast when visitors can seize Kona espresso and pastries on the go. The vibes are immaculate with sunken in outside cubicles overlooking Magic Kingdom and comfy warmth lamps. It is a area not like some other Disney World restaurant. Night visits supply a surprising view of the fireworks. The restaurant even pipes within the accompanying music.

The Island Tower’s shut proximity to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s major constructing and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opens the chances as much as much more eating simply minutes away, together with fan favourite Ohana.

What It’s Like Staying on the Island Tower​

With 268 rooms, the tower has a extra intimate really feel than different Disney World resorts. Areas are inviting, and I particularly loved the stress-free communal gathering locations, equivalent to the plush terrace gardens. If Cinderella Fortress wasn’t looming within the distance, I’d neglect that I’m not really on a distant island. 

The ambiance is a extra luxe-feeling interpretation on the Polynesian theme in comparison with the remainder of the resort. The serene area is achieved by means of impartial tones accented by pops of daring coloration and a wide range of textures and supplies.

I used to be captivated by the artwork items all through, like a three-story artwork wall within the foyer. Designed by Maria Apelo Cruz, it was created utilizing actual supplies from Polynesian islands, together with coconuts shells and shark tooth. As a fan of the movie Moana, it was enjoyable discovering considerate nods all through, like Gramma Tala’s manta ray.

The Island Tower felt like an absolute escape from the theme parks but mere minutes from all of the motion. Whereas the Monorail is obtainable, I appreciated the flexibility to stroll inside minutes to Disney’s Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. And with its waterfront location providing prime viewing of fireworks, I’ll by no means watch them once more from inside a packed park. 

The best way to E book the Disney Polynesian Island Tower​

The Island Tower is a Disney Trip Membership property, however most people can guide this new providing, with members having first entry. Disney Trip Membership is a trip points-based system with members getting access to 17 properties, together with Disneyland.