Each new resort at Walt Disney World within the final decade has confronted fan backlash when first introduced: Gran Destino Tower, Riviera Resort, Swan Reserve, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness, Lakeshore Lodge. Perhaps all of them from the final 20 years, with the exceptions of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Artwork of Animation.
All the new standalone lodges and DVC expansions have adopted a reasonably predictable sample: criticism of the idea artwork; complaints in regards to the location, measurement and scale, and lack of ambition within the themed design; issues throughout development about ruining the skyline or sightlines (plus all the above). Lastly, a redemption arc upon opening.
I’m as responsible of this as anybody. And simply to be utterly clear, I’m not hand-waving away any of the aforementioned critiques. Walt Disney World has gotten lazier with themed design, plopping bland and boring towers down the place they don’t belong.
The “downside” is that each single resort on the above listing has over-delivered on the visitor expertise. From a high quality of keep perspective, all the at present operational resorts constructed within the final decade have been fairly nice!
Whereas there’s undeniably cost-cutting and saving on infrastructure, a part of what’s being critiqued is Walt Disney World ‘assembly friends the place they’re,’ responding to visitor suggestions, and giving friends what they need in lodging. That’s an enormous a part of the rationale for prioritizing perform over type.
Criticism for the outside and themed design just isn’t at odds with reward for the visitor expertise and high quality of keep. Disney’s Riviera Resort appears underwhelming from the skin, undeserving of affiliation with the richly-detailed French Riviera. Gran Destino appears like a on line casino resort from afar, and towers over Coronado Springs in a jarring manner. And but, each are actually amongst my favourite locations to remain.
All the critiques I had for these two towers had been nothing as in comparison with my response to the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The massive distinction was that, by the point the Island Tower opened, I used to be very cognizant of my very own private preferences. Nearly each time I commented on the eyesore irrevocably altering the monorail loop skyline, I added that previous precedent has taught us it’ll most likely be a stunning place to remain.
I’ve additionally damaged the sacred blogger oath: as an alternative of racing to publish a overview, I’ve waited a full 12 months after opening to overview the Island Tower. Throughout that point, we’ve visited and stayed on the new resort a number of instances, giving it a good probability to alter my thoughts over time. And it has, at the least partially.
My most up-to-date keep on the Island Tower was instantly after the reimagined rooms at Bay Lake Tower. That undoubtedly gave me a higher appreciation for the Island Tower, as I used to be shocked at simply how far more I appreciated the rooms than BLT.
Anyway, let’s dig into the overview of Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort…
Situated on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Island Tower changed Spirit of Aloha Dinner Present. The brand new Island Tower is actually wedged between the prevailing Nice Ceremonial Home on the Poly and the Grand Floridian, and proper subsequent door to Disney’s Marriage ceremony Pavilion.
It’s a towering addition to a monorail loop ‘skyline’ that already appears dramatically completely different than it did 15 years in the past. For its half, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows provides 260 visitor rooms in a wide range of varieties that sleep from two to 9 friends. This consists of duo studios, spacious one and two-bedroom villas, and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas along with customary studios.
Like different towers that got here earlier than it at Walt Disney World within the final decade, the Island Tower is ugly. Boxy and spartan.
It’s jarring and visually incongruous with the prevailing Polynesian. There isn’t any thematic cohesion or shared design language between the legacy Polynesian Village Resort and the Island Tower. It’s apparent simply from them that they’re two completely different visions from two completely different eras.
I can not think about anybody approaching the Island Tower for the primary time would assume it’s a part of the Poly. It appears like its personal factor. There’s no unity or concord between the prevailing resort and the growth. From a design perspective, they’re principally two standalone resorts subsequent to 1 one other that share some visible motifs and customary inspiration.
Truthfully, if the Island Tower weren’t being wedged in between the Grand Floridian and Polynesian, perpetually altering the ‘skyline’ of the monorail loop, I wouldn’t have practically as a lot problem with it. If this very same design had been out on Western Method close to Coronado or the All Stars, it might be fantastic.
After a number of stays and visits, what I discover most bothersome in regards to the Island Tower is the shortage of consideration to element, and never simply its boxy form and measurement. Strolling across the present Polynesian, you’ll see and really feel the nice and cozy glow of tiki torches illuminated at night time, bamboo concealing plain facades, and luxurious vegetation all through.
Island Tower is actually missing on this regard. The absence of tiki torches might be purposeful; Disney would supply a line about environmentality or some such nonsense. (It’s environmentality when a “dangerous” factor may be lower and save them cash; not a lot when the dangerous factor is core to profitability.)
There are additionally a number of eye-level partitions and back-of-house services that Disney has made no effort to hide. That is particularly noticeable when strolling from the health middle to the Nice Ceremonial Home. It’s dangerous present, and worse but, it’s simply remediable. Somebody has simply determined it’s not a precedence for this expensive Deluxe Resort.
However sufficient on my rants about the way in which the Island Tower appears from the outside and the way it irrevocably alters the skyline of the monorail loop. At this level, you both agree or disagree with me; there’s most likely not a lot room for persuasion.
Let’s change gears to the positives of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas, stepping inside the brand new Disney Trip Membership wing…
In case you’re judging it in opposition to different Deluxe Resorts, the foyer of the Island Tower is on the smaller aspect. Relative to different DVC wings or towers, it’s really bigger.
It’s undoubtedly extra spectacular than that of Disney’s Riviera Resort, albeit much less so than Gran Destino Tower. The apparent comparability is Aulani, which is thematically comparable and likewise includes a textural richness to its design.
The foyer at Island Tower isn’t overwhelming or wow-inducing at first blush, however there’s lots to like when you peel again the layers. Each inch of the area feels thoughtfully-designed, from the seating to the help columns, lights, ceiling panels, and extra.
Not solely is that this foyer very detail-dense, nevertheless it’s additionally extremely inviting and calming. I like the Nice Ceremonial Home late at night time or tremendous early within the morning, however the sensible actuality is that it’s usually loud and crowded.
Island Tower is simply the proper measurement that it doesn’t appeal to an viewers, however is however a pleasant area to linger. I particularly take pleasure in very first thing within the morning or round sundown when the pure mild floods the area and provides much more depth to all the textures, carvings, and so forth.
Walt Disney World followers joke about this being the Polyday Inn (get it?), which is humorous as a result of there’s fact to the outside rivaling a regional Vacation Inn. However we’ve stayed at a number of the nicest resort chains on this planet, and the Island Tower’s foyer beats many Conrads, 4 Seasons, Park Hyatts, Ritzes, and so forth. It’s actually that nicely accomplished.
The foyer degree is the place you’ll additionally discover the doorway to Wailulu Bar & Grill, the one restaurant within the Island Tower. We love this lounge. In the case of eating places that we’ll revisit time and again, Wailulu Bar & Grill is our new #1 private favourite lounge in all of Walt Disney World.
The seating space boasts breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom off within the distance, together with Cinderella Fortress and House Mountain. In case you dine right here on the proper time, the lounge presents prime views of the Fortunately Ever After fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant. Wailulu additionally advantages from a cool breeze coming off the water, and the peak of the hideous Island Tower blocks out the late afternoon solar.
We now have zero criticism of Wailulu Bar & Grill. Every little thing from the understated inside design to the scrumptious dishes is nice. With that stated, it does strike us as a missed alternative to have this be the one restaurant within the Island Tower. Relieving a number of the burden from the eating places within the Nice Ceremonial Home, which are sometimes slammed, would’ve been savvy.
Wailulu Bar & Grill does an excellent job satisfying the wants of the Island Tower, however within the larger image of the Poly, one other counter service spot or perhaps a rooftop restaurant would’ve been helpful.
Now let’s head as much as the visitor rooms earlier than we head outdoors and take a look at the frequent areas of the resort…
Pictured right here is the common Deluxe Studio room, which is the one room kind we’ve accomplished on the Island Tower.
These earth-themed rooms that sleep as much as 4 and showcase the wildlife of the islands, with supply an outside patio and kitchenette with a dishwasher.
These rooms supply 1 queen mattress and 1 queen-sized couch sleeper. That is the newest technology of those rooms, the place the sofa is a pull-down Inova mattress; they’re considerably extra snug and better-looking than conventional couch sleepers.
The kitchenette options dual-use Keurig machines, which may both brew a single cup through pods or complete cups of espresso. This appears to be the brand new regular for studios, and we like it. These are an enormous improve over the outdated Cuisinart espresso makers.
The kitchenette additionally has a mini-fridge (not only a beverage cooler), sink, microwave, and loads of cupboard space. Espresso, paper towels, cleansing provides, and dishware are additionally supplied.
There’s additionally a first-of-its-kind function for Disney Trip Membership deluxe studios: a dishwasher.
The studios have a brand new structure, which presents a comfy seating space throughout from the sofa and adjoining to the kitchenette.
I used to be initially skeptical of this association, as I wish to make my espresso whereas Sarah and Megatron are sleeping and like a little bit of isolation with the kitchenette within the entry hallway. (The BLT studio type really works nicely for us; it’s simply too small.)
Nevertheless, I’ve come round on this. Placing the kitchenette in the primary room frees up area for storage within the hallway and, in flip, that cozy seating space in the primary room. The tip result’s extra seating than we’ve seen in studios, and organized in a logical method so 4 friends might conceivably take pleasure in a meal or converse in a pure method. It’s a seemingly little factor, nevertheless it’s an enormous win.
It’s additionally spectacular how none of those modifications got here on the expense of cupboard space–there’s nonetheless a lot, together with a devoted baggage stand and attracts–or a desk. As we’ve seen with current room designs, there are often compromises made to options. Not right here.
Specifically, I’m happy that there’s nonetheless a desk within the studios at Island Tower. Most vacationers most likely received’t care about this, however that is large for me, personally. Or at the least, it might be if there have been a correct chair as an alternative of a backless stool.
That’s the one “miss” of this design, and it’d be pretty straightforward to treatment down the street. Because it stands, I really desire working on the seating space so I’m not isolating myself from the remainder of the room. (Really, my most popular work area was the terrace gardens–extra on that in a bit.)
In any other case, these rooms are DVC’s newest designs, just like what was first pioneered at Disney’s Riviera Resort again in 2019.
That type of room has since been launched to many different Disney Trip Membership resorts which have been renovated, and for good cause, member satisfaction surveys give these rooms very excessive marks.
The Island Tower is the primary resort at Walt Disney World since Riviera with actually new studios, versus reimagined rooms or retrofits. (Previous to this, there was the brand new Fort Wilderness Cabins, however that’s probably not apples to apples since these aren’t studios.)
We’ve beloved the reimagined rooms that Disney Trip Membership has accomplished within the ~5 years since. Specifically, Boulder Ridge and Bay Lake Tower stand out as colossal enhancements over their predecessors.
With that stated, I did back-to-back nights in studios at BLT and Island Tower, and the distinction was night time and day. I most likely wouldn’t have seen the total extent of the variations (particularly since I used to be blown away by the brand new rooms at BLT) had the stays been extra spaced out.
However these rooms are considerably higher, and that’s largely because of their purpose-built nature. I’m nearly constructive that if Disney might do all of it once more, that is the structure they’d’ve chosen for BLT. Sadly, flattening partitions and rearranging the floorplan is past the scope of even a tough items refurbishment.
The Island Tower bogs are additionally good, with one sink and loads of counter area in addition to storage beneath the sink. A dangling barn-style door separates the toilet from the remainder of the room.
The toilet presents a separate room for the bathroom, in addition to a spacious bathe that includes an overhead rain showerhead along with a handheld one. A bit of factor, however I like the feel of the tile on my really feel on the bathe flooring.
Every little thing in regards to the Island Tower studio is good and excessive finish.
There’s a pleasant heft to the bench, finish tables, lamps, and different furnishings. These little upgrades are usually not obvious from pictures, however imbue the room with a higher sense of luxurious than most different resort rooms at Walt Disney World.
It’s truthfully a bit wild what a distinction the inside of the Island Tower is to the outside. The surface appears extremely value-engineered, as if no nook was too small to be lower. The within is the precise reverse. There’s a lot consideration to element, and every little thing feels very considerate and purposeful. I can’t consider one other resort the place this distinction is so pronounced.
Previous to staying right here, my concern with the rooms was that they had been overly beige, ‘earthy,’ and one-note. Given its mid-century and Polynesian roots, I hoped for lots extra shade.
However in really utilizing and experiencing the completed product, what they lack in shade they make up for in texture and element. These rooms are usually not bland, however relatively, delicate. They’re much less of an in your face type, however there’s really lots to love.
Numerous friends will respect the calming design and the way in which they act as counterprogramming to the prevailing Poly Villas. There’s nothing garish or grating about them; the area feels harmonious, for lack of a greater time period.
On steadiness, these are my new favourite studios at Walt Disney World. And I say that as somebody who usually skews in the direction of preferring extra excessive themed design. They’re undoubtedly not fairly my prime decide from a stylistic perspective (I’d nonetheless give the nod to Boulder Ridge with BLT now being proper up there), however the intersection of type and performance is unequalled.
Circling again to facilities, the Island Tower may also provides a brand new health middle and pool space.
The health middle is good; giant given the dimensions of the tower and with trendy gear. It additionally presents an excellent view, versus being crammed right into a windowless area. And for those who exercise an excessive amount of, there’s a refillable mug station proper outdoors the door for a sugary offset.
The brand new Cove Pool is a quiet pool, however bigger than I anticipated. It has a courtyard with a sandy seaside space, whirlpool spa, and views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
Proper by that is Moana’s Voyage, a splash space with sculptures of Moana and her canoe.
There’s seating proper behind Cove Pool that provides serene views of Seven Seas Lagoon, too.
There are literally a number of out of doors seating areas outdoors the Island Tower that afford stunning views. It’s spectacular simply how a lot Disney managed to cram into the comparatively restricted footprint of this resort–and with out it feeling cramped!
My favourite seating space of all is again contained in the constructing, the place friends staying on the Island Tower can take pleasure in unique entry to 4 tropical terrace gardens.
These supply picturesque views of the golf programs or Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. It’s good to have this unique entry, because the Poly seashores may be filled with folks for Fortunately Ever After viewing.
I completely love these backyard terraces. This overview is already lengthy, so for extra, I’ll refer you to: My New Favourite “Free” Fireworks Resort View at Walt Disney World.
The Island Tower is a few 5-7 minute stroll to the monorail or boat dock on the Polynesian, which isn’t that dangerous. Relying upon your room project, you would possibly encounter one thing very comparable when staying on the most important campus of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
The larger upside, from my perspective, is that Island Tower has the best stroll from the Poly to Magic Kingdom. You’re only a bit farther away than the Grand Floridian’s DVC tower, and the stroll is completely manageable. Throughout our stays, we’ve at all times accomplished this stroll when the climate has been good.
The larger draw back is that Island Tower has the worst stroll from the Poly to the TTC. Which means that, for those who’re desirous to catch the monorail to EPCOT, you might have an extended stroll than from any of the longhouses. Personally, this nets out to a slight win within the grand scheme of issues; we go to Magic Kingdom extra when staying alongside the monorail loop, however your mileage might fluctuate.
One other draw back of the Island Tower is that it’s not low-cost.
For now, there’s a excessive amount of money stock–making it the most effective time to e-book the Island Tower for those who plan on reserving immediately and are hoping to search out low cost room stock. At full value, room charges border on obscene. The Duo Studio begins within the $550 vary for winter dates and the Deluxe Studio begins round $200 larger, with $1,000+ per night time dates being ample.
Suffice to say, renting Disney Trip Membership factors will prevent tremendously at Island Tower. Level charts are nearly similar to the prevailing Polynesian Villas, at the least on the Deluxe Studio aspect. As longtime DVC homeowners, our “value” of staying on the Island Tower has been about $168 to $228 per night time to this point, accounting for our preliminary outlay plus annual upkeep charges.
In the end, there’s lots to criticize in regards to the Island Tower and the way it appears from the skin. However what’s accomplished is finished. Not solely that, however you realize the one place at Walt Disney World the place you may’t see the outside of the Island Tower? The Island Tower itself! In case you assume it’s an eyesore to the Magic Kingdom skyline, keep on the Island Tower to keep away from its visible blight!
There’s additionally lots to like in regards to the Poly’s Island Tower. Wailulu Bar & Grill, the Moana pool space, and (particularly) Terrace Gardens are unbelievable property. The rooms listed below are completely unbelievable, taking every little thing we respect about these at Disney’s Riviera Resort and in some way additional bettering upon them.
In case you may’t inform, I actually have a love-hate relationship with the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. I really feel nearly responsible for the way a lot I’ve loved staying right here, because it’s a resort I believe shouldn’t have been constructed within the first place. I beloved to hate on the Polyday Inn throughout development…and now I hate how a lot I like it.
The factor is that the views, rooms, and customary areas are among the many greatest in all of Walt Disney World. And once more, what’s accomplished is finished. I’m already pretty assured I’ll really feel equally about Lakeshore Lodge, though I grimace each time I see it rising larger above Pioneer Corridor.
Island Tower is now on the very prime of of our favourite locations to remain at Walt Disney World. Even for those who hate the outside look and the entire thought of the Island Tower, you would possibly wish to take into account giving it an opportunity. No quantity of “protesting” at this level goes to alter its existence, so all of us would possibly as nicely benefit from the good if we have now to place up with the dangerous!
In case you’re contemplating becoming a member of DVC and wish extra steerage, you’ll want to learn our Final Information to Disney Trip Membership. That information covers the professionals & cons, resale v. direct, how a lot cash you’ll save, and different vital issues to know earlier than taking the plunge. In case you nonetheless can’t determine whether or not membership is best for you, “strive before you purchase” with the suggestions in Easy methods to Save BIG on Deluxe Disney Lodging Renting DVC Factors.
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the Island Tower? Is that this a internet constructive or unfavorable for Walt Disney World as an entire? What about for the Polynesian or DVC members? Have you ever already booked a keep on the Island Tower? Do you agree or disagree with our resort overview? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
