Since opening day on 1 October 1971 alongside the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort's distinctive mid-century South Seas charm and two-storey longhouses have epitomised the "Vacation Kingdom of the World". When Disney knocked down the beloved Spirit of Aloha dinner show pavilion to build a 10-storey Disney Vacation Club (DVC) high-rise, Disney World resort fans held their breath.
Critics claimed a tower would "ruin" the skyline and break the resort's intimate South Pacific aesthetic. But if you dig into the archives of Walt Disney Imagineering, the reality is far more intriguing: Island Tower isn't a modern corporate imposition — it's actually the delayed fulfilment of an idea Walt and his team drew up almost sixty years ago.
Whether you're deciding between booking a classic longhouse room or eyeing up the brand-new DVC studios and multi-bedroom villas, here's my UK review of Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
⚡ Key Takeaways:
- Walt's Original Blueprint: Concept art from the 1960s originally planned a terraced high-rise tower on Seven Seas Lagoon reminiscent of iconic Waikiki architecture.
- Dedicated Amenities: Island Tower guests get their own zero-entry Cove Pool, Moana's Voyage splash pad, and the spectacular open-air Wailulu Bar & Grill.
- Room Variety: Brings Duo Studios, 1-Bedroom, and 2-Bedroom Villas to the Polynesian (which previously had only hotel rooms, suites, Deluxe Studios and ultra-pricey Bungalows).
- Transportation Perk: Situated on the far western edge between the Polynesian and Disney's Grand Floridian, giving you easy walking access to both resorts and the Magic Kingdom walking trail.
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Walt’s 1960s Vision: A Concept 58 Years in the Making
As the late Disney Legend Marty Sklar famously observed, "A good idea never goes away." When Walt Disney revealed his master plans for the Florida Project in late 1966, the resort concepts lining the Seven Seas Lagoon were conceived as iconic destinations, showcasing architectural expressions from around the world. Original concept art clearly showed a striking tower at the Polynesian-themed resort.
Early architectural renderings from WED Enterprises depicted the Polynesian not solely as low-slung, timber-clad longhouses, but anchored by a striking, stepped, multi-storey terraced tower. It drew inspiration from the pioneering modernist Pacific hotels of 1960s Honolulu. However, budget realities and construction timetables ahead of the October 1971 opening saw those high-rise blueprints shelved in favour of the two- and three-storey longhouses scattered across the shore.
Fast-forward to the Island Tower's debut, and Imagineering finally delivered a modified version of the original tower concept. The exterior architecture mirrors the jagged volcanic geography of the Pacific islands, finished with custom Polynesian tattoo patterns, wayfinding iconography, and four open-air terrace gardens that directly channel the lush terraced platforms Walt's team sketched decades ago.
Island Tower vs Longhouses: How Do They Compare?
Choosing where to stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort used to be a matter of picking your favourite longhouse (Tokelau, Samoa, or Fiji). Now, you're choosing between two distinct experiences: traditional retro mid-century Polynesian charm versus sleek, modern eco-luxury.
| Feature |
The Classic Longhouses |
The New Island Tower |
| Atmosphere & Vibe |
Classic tiki nostalgia, intimate village pathways, authentic 1971 mid-century vintage feel. |
Contemporary Hawaiian luxury, sprawling glass lobby, sustainability-forward, modern artwork. |
| Room Configurations |
Standard hotel rooms and Deluxe Studios (sleeping up to 5 with split bathrooms). |
Duo Studios (sleeps 2), Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom Villas, and Penthouse Villas. |
| Views & Balconies |
Ground floor patios or 3rd-floor balconies. Warning: Most 2nd-floor longhouse rooms lack balconies! |
Every room features a private balcony or patio, with high-floor Theme Park Views offering elevated castle panoramas. |
| Dining & Amenities |
Steps from Great Ceremonial House, 'Ohana, Capt. Cook's, Trader Sam's, and Lava Pool. |
Home to Wailulu Bar & Grill, Cove Pool, Moana's splash pad, and elevated terrace viewing lounges. |
| Location & Walking |
Closer to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) for direct Epcot monorail access. |
Closest to Disney's Grand Floridian and the pedestrian pathway to Magic Kingdom (a 15–20 min walk). |
Cost Comparison: Tower vs Longhouses
Of course, DVC owners can use points to stay at the Polynesian. When comparing direct cash rack rates booked through Disney, pricing between the classic longhouse Deluxe Studios and Island Tower Deluxe Studios is broadly neck-and-neck, typically ranging from £550 to upwards of £850 per night depending on seasonal demand and promotions. However, the Island Tower introduces significant budgetary flexibility at both ends of the scale.
For couples and solo travellers, the Island Tower’s Duo Studios are priced roughly 20% to 25% lower than classic longhouse rooms, making them the most affordable entry point to staying on the Polynesian monorail loop. On the flip side, the new dedicated 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom Villas command premium pricing (£900 to £1,600+ per night), but they eliminate the former necessity of booking multiple standard rooms or shelling out £3,000+ per night for an over-water bungalow.
💡The Mouse Observer Tip: For the smartest savings across both sections if you're not a DVC member, renting DVC points remains the single best way to secure up to 50% off Deluxe Disney room rates.
Inside the Tower: Rooms, Design, & Amenities
Walking into the Island Tower's lobby, the contrast with the darker, timber-heavy Great Ceremonial House is immediate. It's light and modern, and rich in storytelling details. Four massive carved timber columns represent the navigational cornerstones of Polynesian wayfinders: earth, wind, water, and fire. The carpets beneath your feet are woven from recycled ocean plastics, while the overhead light fittings are hand-crafted using preserved native botanicals. One of the best features is a huge Moana-themed mural designed by artist Maria Apelo Cruz made from all-natural, eco-friendly ocean materials.
The Room Layouts: What's New?
- Duo Studios: Tailored strictly for couples or solo adventurers. They feature a queen-size Murphy bed that pulls down over a sofa, a kitchenette, and a fancy bathroom. It's a huge cost-saver if you don't need sprawling floor space.
- Deluxe Studios: Ideal for small families, sleeping up to four (vs five in the longhouses) with a queen bed and a pull-down sofa bed, along with a full balcony.
- 1-Bedroom & 2-Bedroom Dedicated Villas: A major missing piece of the Polynesian DVC puzzle has finally been solved. These feature full chef's kitchens with dishwashers, in-unit washers and dryers, multiple bathrooms, and separate living areas. I stayed in a 1-bedroom villa, and it solidified the Polynesian as my favourite Disney World resort.
Throughout these rooms, you'll find beautiful
Moana-themed, culturally authentic designs that are subtle enough to be stylistic without diluting the Disney charm.
I particularly liked the tattoo-inspired manta ray on the wall (a nod to Gramma Tala) that nicely sums up the level of detail and thought that went into these rooms.
Bathrooms are more modern than the longhouse versions, while retaining the Polynesian eco-luxe aesthetic.
Pools & Wailulu Bar & Grill
One of the biggest concerns was that adding hundreds of new rooms would overwhelm the resort's existing Lava Pool. Thankfully, Disney included a dedicated pool right at the foot of the tower. Cove Pool is zero-entry and surrounded by cabanas, while children can enjoy the Moana’s Voyage water play zone complete with life-sized Moana and Hei Hei sculptures.
Adjacent to the pool sits Wailulu Bar & Grill. The name merges the Hawaiian words for water (wai) and calm (lulu), and it easily rivals Geyser Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge for top waterfront dining. With jaw-dropping views across Seven Seas Lagoon toward Cinderella Castle, you can sip tropical cocktails, enjoy Polynesian-inspired small plates (the Ahi Tuna Crisps are fantastic), and listen to the Magic Kingdom fireworks music piped through the terrace speakers every night. Inside, look up to spot sculpted fish suspended beneath the ceiling, crafted from reclaimed fishing nets.
💡The Mouse Observer Tip: Staying in the Island Tower means you don't have to wait for the resort monorail or ferry boat when leaving Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. Skip the turnstile queues entirely by walking straight down the illuminated pedestrian footbridge that passes Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and drops you right at the entrance of the Island Tower in roughly 15 minutes! This is perfect if you have tickets for an After Hours event at the Magic Kingdom.
Inside the Longhouses: Original Charm
To truly understand how the Island Tower shifts the dynamic of the Polynesian, you have to look at what made the resort's original longhouses a fan favourite for over five decades. Scattered across winding garden pathways illuminated by flickering gas tiki torches, the 11 two- and three-storey longhouses (such as Samoa, Niue, Rarotonga, Tokelau, and Fiji) give a tranquil village atmosphere that feels completely detached from the frantic pace of the parks.
The Longhouse Room Layouts
The classic buildings house a mix of standard Disney hotel rooms and existing Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Deluxe Studios (predominantly found in Moorea, Pago Pago, and Tokelau):
- Standard Hotel Rooms: These remain among the largest standard rooms across the entire Walt Disney World property, sleeping up to five adults comfortably on two queen beds and an additional daybed. Following their extensive Moana-inspired refurbishment, they feature vibrant Pacific patterns, carved wooden accents, and clever character details woven subtly into the decor.
- DVC Deluxe Studios: A firm favourite for families because of their ingenious split-bathroom design (hello Disney Cruise Line!). One bathroom offers a walk-in shower and vanity, while the second includes a shower-tub combo and an additional sink. It makes getting the entire family showered, dressed, and out the door for rope drop dramatically smoother.
- The Bora Bora Bungalows: Perched directly out on Seven Seas Lagoon, these standalone overwater hideaways remain the ultimate bucket-list splurge, complete with private plunge pools and front-row castle views — though their sky-high cash and points costs keep them out of reach for most trips.
The DVC rooms haven't lost their appeal, and I feel they carry a more retro, "vacationy" feel than the tower.
These rooms have subtle Lilo & Stitch theming that doesn't detract from the overall intended look.
Bathrooms feel much more classical than the tower units with modern amenities, but grounded with the resort's roots.
Getting Around: Monorails, Boats, and Walking Trails
The transportation perks at the Polynesian remain world-class, and you have a few options:
- Magic Kingdom: You have three fantastic options. You can take a 5-minute stroll over to the Great Ceremonial House to catch the monorail or the resort launch boat across the lagoon. Alternatively, you can go over to the Grand Floridian dock or simply walk the dedicated 15–20 minute pedestrian trail all the way to the park turnstiles.
- EPCOT: The quickest route from the traditional longhouses is walking to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) for the direct EPCOT monorail. From the Island Tower, the TTC is a hefty 12–15 minute trek. Instead, hop on the monorail at the Polynesian or Grand Floridian station, ride it around to the TTC, and switch trains there.
- Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom: Standard Disney resort bus service departs from the bus stop located outside the Great Ceremonial House.
The Verdict: Is the Island Tower Worth It?
If you're a purist who views the Polynesian as a rustic, secluded hideaway where you're surrounded by low-profile tiki roofs, the towering height of the new building might feel jarring at first glance. It undeniably alters the view from the lagoon beaches.
However, from an accommodation and amenity standpoint, the Island Tower is a triumphant addition to Walt Disney World. It delivers modern villa comforts that larger families have begged for, relieves pressure on resort recreation, boasts one of the best evening dining terraces on Disney property, and honours a historical concept Marty Sklar and Walt Disney dreamed up when the resort was still undeveloped Florida marshland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the preferred view at the Polynesian Resort?
At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, "Preferred View" rooms in the classic longhouses are positioned closest to the Great Ceremonial House, dining, and the Lava Pool, typically offering scenic views of the marina or lush tropical landscaping. In the Island Tower, room views are categorised primarily as Resort View, Water View, or Theme Park View. The Theme Park View sits at the highest tier, providing sweeping, unobstructed vistas of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom fireworks over Cinderella Castle.
Is the Polynesian Island Tower worth it?
Yes, especially for families seeking larger villa configurations (1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom layouts) or couples wanting modern Duo Studios. The Island Tower provides brand-new amenities, private balconies for every single room, fantastic dedicated pool facilities, and incredible dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill, all while keeping you on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop.
What are the best rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort?
In the classic longhouses, rooms in Tuvalu offer direct water views facing Magic Kingdom, while Samoa is beloved for close proximity to the Lava Pool and volcano views. If you are staying in the Island Tower, request a high-floor Theme Park View on the northern facade for spectacular front-row views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant from your balcony.
Is the Polynesian resort worth the money?
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is routinely one of the most expensive Disney Deluxe Resorts, with rates often running from £500 to well over £900 per night. However, for travellers who prioritise prime Magic Kingdom proximity, monorail transportation, iconic South Pacific atmosphere, and top-tier dining like 'Ohana and Wailulu Bar & Grill, it offers unmatched convenience and nostalgic Disney magic.
How can I stay at Disney's Polynesian cheaply?
The single most cost-effective way to stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is by renting Disney Vacation Club points through established brokers. Renting DVC points allows UK visitors to book Deluxe Studios and Island Tower Villas at discounts of up to 30% to 50% off Disney rack rates. To learn exactly how this process works, read our complete guide on
DVC rental in the UK: how to save on Deluxe Disney hotels.
Can you walk to Magic Kingdom from Polynesian Village Resort?
Yes. A connected, illuminated pedestrian walkway runs from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort through Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa straight to the front gates of Magic Kingdom. Walking takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the Island Tower, making it often faster than waiting for a monorail or boat at park closing.
Does the monorail run to Polynesian Resort?
Yes. The Polynesian has a dedicated station on the Resort Monorail loop located on the upper level of the Great Ceremonial House, providing direct stops to Disney's Contemporary Resort, the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, and Magic Kingdom. It is also an easy walk from the resort to the TTC to catch the direct EPCOT monorail beam.
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