Walt Disney World guests have a new place to stay at the resort.
The Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened Tuesday. The 10-story tower is adjacent to the Polynesian Resort, one of three Disney hotels on the monorail line.
The 268 rooms include a variety of options, from studios for two people to two-bedroom penthouses for eight guests.
“The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows offers spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and is just a short monorail or boat ride away from Magic Kingdom Park. It is a fantastic addition to this member favorite resort,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “We look forward to members and guests embracing their inner wayfinder and discovering new ways to make magical holiday memories together.”
Here are some things you need to know about the new Island Tower if you’re considering staying there.
The Polynesian theme has a heavy emphasis on “Moana”
Reminders of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana” can be found throughout the resort, from the guest rooms to the outdoor common areas.
In fact, each room contains its own artwork reminiscent of the film, although guests may have to search to find it. Some rooms feature story-themed murals that only become visible when a cleverly hidden folding bed is pulled down.
The zero-entry pool is located next to ‘Moana’s Voyage’, a splash area for the little ones. It features a life-size statue of Moana sailing across the water on her trusty outrigger canoe. The scene makes for a great photo opp, and since there are currently no plans for Moana to make regular appearances at the resort, this is the next best thing.
New Walt Disney World restaurant and bar
The Wailulu (pronounced Why-lou-lou) Bar & Grill is a casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Magic Kingdom.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a Polynesian flair. Dishes include musubi with spiced ham, loco moco of beef with short rib and a poke bowl topped with macadamia nuts. The signature drinks feature ingredients such as passion fruit, hibiscus flower tea and Junmai wildflower sake.
The restaurant is open to all guests, not just those staying at the resort. Reservations are not accepted and it will undoubtedly be a popular spot as it is a great location to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of the Island Tower design
Sustainability and nature conservation were one of the top priorities when designing the new Island Tower.
The tower is expected to use about 30% less energy than similarly sized resorts, according to Walt Disney World officials. This is done through measures such as optimized heating and cooling systems and energy-efficient lighting. The kitchen at Wailulu Bar & Grill is a fully electric kitchen.
The mentality is reflected in some of the resort’s design. Many of the carpets in the lobby and guest rooms are made from recycled plastic. Some sculptures are made from discarded fishing nets.
Conservation was even part of the construction process. Most of the tower was built off-site using prefabrication techniques that helped keep construction waste to a minimum.
The Island Tower is part of the Disney Vacation Club family
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is one of 17 Disney Vacation Club properties.
Disney Vacation Club started in 1991 as a vacation points-based system. Members pay an initial membership fee and an annual membership fee.
The Island Tower and all Disney Vacation Club properties are still available to non-DVC members. The price for non-DVC members is usually higher than for regular hotel rooms because DVC rooms have more amenities, such as a kitchen and a washer and dryer.
Although a quick check shows that the new tower is already booked for the near future.
Spitzer is a trending reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Moana-inspired Island Tower opens at Walt Disney’s Polynesian Resort
