Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[mrsap]

DVC Fan Toured the Island Tower and shared their review:

Our First Thoughts on the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows​

Lobby & Check-In​

The first thing we noticed about the lobby is how focused it is on mobile-based interactions. There’s no physical front desk, but Cast Members with iPads are there to assist guests. Disney is really encouraging mobile check-in and mobile key access, which seems to be the direction for new resorts. You’ll also need a key card or MagicBand to access the guest rooms and the Terrace Gardens, which are exclusive to Island Tower guests.

The pillars in the lobby are beautifully themed, each representing one of the elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. It gives the space a grounded, almost spiritual feel. That said, we were a little disappointed that the large centerpiece in the lobby wasn’t a functioning water feature—at least not yet. It looked like it could be, and the concept art suggested it might be, so we’re curious to see if that changes.

Rooms & Design​

The rooms feel like the best of what Disney has learned from previous refurbishments and new resort designs. They’ve taken what worked and improved upon it. The colors are light and tropical, and there are plenty of charging options, including USB and USB-C ports, which is a huge plus.

A big standout for us was the size of the balconies. Even the balconies in the Duo Studios were large, which isn’t always the case in smaller room categories.

Walking through the hallways, we couldn’t help but notice how much it reminded us of the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs Resort. We love Gran Destino, so this similarity was a win for us. Everything feels modern and polished, but still warm and inviting.

Amenities​

The Island Tower includes both a laundry room and a fitness center, which is always a nice convenience for guests.

The Wailulu Bar & Grill really stole the show for us. It feels very much like Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge, with walk-up service, mobile ordering, and plenty of seating with beautiful views. No reservations will be required, at least for now, which makes it feel even more approachable. The menu looks fantastic, and we can’t wait to go back and try it for ourselves.

As for the pool, it’s very much a leisure pool—nothing overly grand or exciting—but the views of Cinderella Castle from the pool area are absolutely stunning. While it’s not a feature pool, it serves its purpose as a quiet, relaxing space.

Art & Atmosphere​

One of the most surprising details is that the art throughout the resort is available for purchase. There’s going to be an art kiosk where guests can buy prints of what they see around the tower. There were several pieces we’re already eyeing for our own collection.

As for the overall atmosphere, the resort looks so much better in person than it does in the concept art or renderings. A lot of people online have said it looked “too brown,” but that’s not the case at all. There’s color everywhere, and it all ties beautifully into the tropical, Polynesian theme.

Final Thoughts​

We were all incredibly impressed by the Island Tower. While some things, like the pool and the lobby water feature, may not have blown us away, the overall design, amenities, and atmosphere are stunning. It’s clear that Disney took their time to create something special here, and we can’t wait for you all to see it in person.

 

[kylenne]

For anyone interested in the walkway from Poly to GF, we tried today but the posted guard told us it would open on 17th with the tower. The walkway is done and clear and was open to some special guests of a private event being held in the poly tower but not general public.
Others might get lucky over next few days if there isn’t a private event, but we were told 17th.

 

[FredPinsocket]

Booked a Duo Studio for a trip coming up rather quickly and I’m really intrigued to see how the space looks once the tower opens up.

Off topic of the Island Tower, this will be the first time staying at the Poly. Any tips/suggestions for a first timer?

 

[trishadono]

Booked a Duo Studio for a trip coming up rather quickly and I’m really intrigued to see how the space looks once the tower opens up.

Off topic of the Island Tower, this will be the first time staying at the Poly. Any tips/suggestions for a first timer?

Honestly know your food and travel options.

Look at the menus and see that’s available and times before you arrive . The food from the pools have some nice options. Kona can be ordered to go and Kona island has plenty of things too for example.

Bus to HS, DS, AK and water parks. Most buses share with Grand Floridian .

For MK mono poly, gf, Mk, cr , ttc and back to poly.

Boats are poly, mk, gf in a loop.

To get to Epcot mono from poly all around to ttc or walk to ttc and catch Epcot mono from there.

The path from poly/ gf should be open by then just watch for it . It’s nice for dining options.

Did you know you can bus or boat to WL pretty easy . From mk (can boat or mono to it) take either to WL and visit . After 3p you can boat from WL to CR and mono back from there .

Dd and I love exploring and having more shopping and dining options !

Enjoy the ambience! Watching EWP and HEA from the resort is a one night must do minimum !

Ask if have any q’s! Enjoy!

 

[Pepermintpooh]

2. Has anyone tried Bus to HS then either walk or Skyliner to Epcot International Gateway? Normally rope drop Frozen but Remy's would be wiser but seems like getting there is a real pain!

The best way to get to the International Gateway from Poly is to take the Boardwalk bus from the front gate of MK. Bonus if you do this in the early morning the bus will typically be empty.

 

[kylenne]

2. Has anyone tried Bus to HS then either walk or Skyliner to Epcot International Gateway? Normally rope drop Frozen but Remy's would be wiser but seems like getting there is a real pain!

Just rideshare to Dolphin and walk from there. They don’t have the same strict policy as the Disney deluxes and getting dropped there isn’t a problem.

Personally I never do this though because we typically split stay with a Crescent Lake resort and usually rope drop IG then.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1867980863784263839

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Also worth a read.... https://disneyparksblog.com/dvc/the...aking-waves-at-the-new-island-tower-addition/

 

[Dave006]

Attention travelers! Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is now open.

Island Tower is not quite ready for Prime time just yet. It does not appear on the Disney Map on MDE and Wailulu Bar & Grill still show up as - Coming Soon. It will open December 17, 2024

Dave

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Over the years I have occasionally commented on the Poly holiday background music soundtrack. From the blog posts I’ve seen so far this AM (it’s Island Tower media day) I can assess they have the audio quite dialed in around the grounds, lobby, pocket gardens, etc - I can hear it clearly in nearly everything I’ve seen!

 

[mrsap]

Tour Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s First-Ever Fitness Center at DVC Island Tower​

Disney Vacation Club’s new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows features the first-ever fitness center at the resort.

Island Tower Fitness Center​

The fitness center is accessible via doors on the outside of the Island Tower. There is a wall of windows around the doors.



Inside, next to the door, is a counter where guests can pick up and return towels.



Cold towels are available from a mini fridge.



There is a coconut water dispenser and plastic cups. A trash can for the cups is under the counter.



A water bottle filler is near the counter, next to a sign listing the fitness center rules. The fitness center is complimentary for registered guests staying at the Disney Vacation Club of Disney’s Polynesian Villas. It’s available 24 hours a day.


The fitness center has wood-paneled floors and light brown walls. Between the entryway and the equipment is a decorative slatted wall.



There are mirrors on some walls and the central column. There are long fluorescent lights on the ceiling.



Equipment is against the walls and around the column, leaving plenty of floor space.


All the exercise equipment is by TechnoGym.



There is a weight bench and rack in front of one mirrored wall. A screen alongside the equipment displays various exercises.




A shelf holds yoga mats, exercise balls, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a balance dome.



Also against this wall is TechnoGym’s Skillrun treadmill.



On the wall of this corner are three panels that create a scenic Polynesian landscape, as though guests are looking out a window at an island. In front of the artwork are two different exercise bikes.



A plant in the corner is the only other piece of decoration.



A pulley machine is next to the plant.


There is an Artis Climb stair machine facing another wall of mirrors.



Next to the stair machine are three more treadmills. These are the TechnoGym Excite Run.


The treadmills are followed by three elliptical machines, all the Excite Synchro.




Across from the treadmills and ellipticals is a shoulder press and a lat machine, tucked against the mirrored column.



A rack of dumbbells are behind the column, facing the windows.


In front of the dumbbells are two weight benches.

The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opens on December 17, 2025.

 

[snacks]

I have a TPV one bedroom in the tower booked for eight nights in a few weeks. I'm getting cold feet about it. All of the photos that I've seen posted so far are beautiful. I think it's going to be lovely to look at but I'm worried about the vibe. I'm afraid it's going to feel chaotic with loads of people wandering around just to have a look. It's sandwiched between two already very busy resorts without it's own bus stop or monorail stop. There's only one place to eat which doesn't take reservations. I feel like this is the last place I should stay if I want to relax. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

 

[Pink Partridge]

I'm afraid it's going to feel chaotic with loads of people wandering around just to have a look. It's sandwiched between two already very busy resorts without it's own bus stop or monorail stop.

Your fears are very valid. Just returned from the Poly and they really need to do something about the monorail access for non-guests. One night, the line for the monorail was backed up to O'hana. Yes, it was a Christmas Party evening, but still. You should have to scan your Magic Band and be a guest of Poly, Contemporary, or GF to ride the resort monorail. I would be livid if I was a guest at the GF and was on the last stop. At times, there was no room.

 

[OKW Lover]

You should have to scan your Magic Band and be a guest of Poly, Contemporary, or GF to ride the resort monorail.

Won't happen. That would prevent folks not staying at one of those resorts from going to them for a nice meal or to shop. Disney won't cut them off.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I have a TPV one bedroom in the tower booked for eight nights in a few weeks. I'm getting cold feet about it. All of the photos that I've seen posted so far are beautiful. I think it's going to be lovely to look at but I'm worried about the vibe. I'm afraid it's going to feel chaotic with loads of people wandering around just to have a look. It's sandwiched between two already very busy resorts without it's own bus stop or monorail stop. There's only one place to eat which doesn't take reservations. I feel like this is the last place I should stay if I want to relax. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

Don’t need specific dates but my answer may depend on if you’re past the holiday season / marathon weekend or not, if you can elaborate on a few weeks.

 

[snacks]

Don’t need specific dates but my answer may depend on if you’re past the holiday season / marathon weekend or not, if you can elaborate on a few weeks.

January 3-11

 

[Dave006]

January 3-11

Well you are into the marathon week that starts on the 8th, and does not end until the last race on Sunday the 12th. It will be busy and there is not much of a break since Jan 3 leads into a weekend where many guests may be staying for a couple of extra days as the Marathon crowds start to arrive.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

One night, the line for the monorail was backed up to O'hana

That is more a function of having the Security check before you get on the Monorail. I wish they would just move it back to the MK area it often causes very long lines at CR, Poly, and GF.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

There's only one place to eat which doesn't take reservations. I feel like this is the last place I should stay if I want to relax.

Your villa with a balcony overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon and the MK will be a nice place to relax. Yes it only has 1 dining option but you still have 2 options at GCH that take reservations as well as GK, and CR for dining options.

I am not sure many random guests will be wandering around as there is not much to see and enjoy unless you are a Poly resort guest. It is not even clear how busy Wailulu Bar & Grill will be with no real breakfast options other than Grab & Go. It took a while after Geyser Point was open before it became popular beyond the WL crowd.

Dave

 

[snacks]

Well you are into the marathon week that starts on the 8th, and does not end until the last race on Sunday the 12th. It will be busy and there is not much of a break since Jan 3 leads into a weekend where many guests may be staying for a couple of extra days as the Marathon crowds start to arrive.

Dave

I was just looking at availability for those dates at the other resorts we enjoy. Not a lot of choices even at rack rate indicating that yes, it's a busy time. I see club level at CR and BC, but only regular rooms, nothing larger. The only villas I see are two bedroom preferred at SSR. I like short trips to SSR but eight nights is too long to be that laid back.
Maybe I'll shorten the Poly tower to only four nights. Check it out knowing it's going to be bananas. Then move to SSR where it's always quiet and serene for the other four nights. That sounds like a good balance.