Inside Disney’s New Island Tower at the Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has always been one of the most iconic and hardest-to-book stays — and now the excitement is only growing with the opening of the Polynesian Island Tower. This brand-new expansion brings modern spaces, stunning views, and long-awaited room flexibility to one of Disney’s most beloved resorts.

For years, the Polynesian has been known for its laid-back island vibe, views of Cinderella Castle across the lagoon, tiki touches, Dole Whips at sunset, monorail access, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you immediately feel like you’re truly on vacation. But with this new tower, Disney has expanded all of that charm into something fresh, modern, and ideal for families who want both space and calm.

Why The Polynesian Island Tower Matters

The Polynesian has always been one of the first resorts to sell out, especially during peak seasons, holidays, and summer breaks. It’s iconic, walkable to Magic Kingdom (or a two-minute monorail ride), and has that rare combination of luxury + kid-friendly + vacation-escape. Staying in the Polynesian Island Tower makes Magic Kingdom mornings easier than ever, but because it’s so popular, room availability has been notoriously tight.

The new Island Tower changes that because it opens up:

• More room categories
• More configurations for larger or multi-gen families
• Additional options for anyone who wants to stay in the heart of Disney magic without sacrificing space, quiet, or convenience

Room Types That Finally Fit Every Family

This isn’t just a new building, it’s a full expansion of flexibility for families like mine, who don’t exactly travel light and who always appreciate a little extra room to breathe.

✨ Room Categories Include:

• Duo Studios – Sleeps 2 (perfect for couples, grandparents, or anniversary trips)
• Deluxe Studios – Sleeps 4 and includes a dishwasher — a game changer for snacks, bottles, dishes, etc.
• 1–2 Bedroom Villas – Full kitchen and washer/dryer (hello longer stays or messy park days)
• Penthouse Villas – Huge balconies, sweeping lagoon or Magic Kingdom views, and space for multi-family groups

The design is inspired by Polynesian culture with soft island colors, modern touches, and subtle nods to Moana, but it still feels calm and elevated, not themed in a cartoony way.

Amenities That Make Family Travel Easier

More importantly, Disney didn’t just add rooms; they added comfort.

• Kitchenettes or full kitchens in every category
• Washer & dryer in villas
• Spacious balconies and terraces
• Expanded pool and recreation areas
• Easy access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT via monorail and boat transportation

As a mom, I truly appreciate the “little big things”:

• A dishwasher when you’re running through refillable mugs and dishes
• A washer/dryer when a full outfit gets drenched during a Florida downpour
• Enough space for everyone to decompress after a 12-hour park day

No one wants to be on top of each other when everyone just wants a shower, snacks, and pajamas.

The Polynesian Island Tower Vibe, Now Elevated

The original resort still lives just steps away, the tiki torches, Trader Sam’s, Pineapple Lanai, the beaches, the views of fireworks over the lagoon.

But the Island Tower has taken that nostalgic magic and evolved it into something that feels:

• Fresh
• Peaceful
• Spacious
• Thoughtfully built for real families

It feels like the Poly we all love… just with more room to spread out and more ways to stay.

Disney didn’t just build a new tower; they expanded one of their most sought-after resorts into a place that even more families can finally experience. And for anyone who has dreamed of the Polynesian but couldn’t snag a reservation or needed more space — this might be exactly the moment to go for it.

If you’re ready to stay at the Polynesian Island Tower but not ready for the stress of planning, I’d love to help you secure the perfect room and dates. I book Disney vacations for free, and I make sure families get the best views, the best timing, and the most magic.