Don’t Miss the Disney Details in the Island Tower’s Lobby!
I recently had the chance to step into the Disney Vacation Club Island Tower at Polynesian Village Resort for the very first time. Just in case it’s going be a bit before you’re able to be there to see it’s breathtaking lobby for yourself, I wanted to take you on a virtual tour!
Yes, you could always enter the lobby area from the porte cochere, but if you’re walking over to the Island Tower from the main portion of Polynesian, you’ll greet the new tower from the Seven Seas Lagoon side of things. And to be honest friends, I wouldn’t want to enter the building any other way. The back of the building and lobby area is a gorgeous welcome to guests, with the green expanse of Te Fiti’s Terrace setting the tone from the start.
The lobby and its surrounding areas are lush with a wash of colors representing the Earth, the sky, and the sea. You’re sure to see guests lounging in the Adirondack chairs on Te Fiti’s Terrace as you approach the building. It immediately speaks of the laid-back and relaxing nature of the space, in stark juxtaposition with the busyness of the Magic Kingdom that sits just across the water. Guests are welcome to stay, sit and take a load off, and it’s incredibly inviting. You’ll also find an expansive wood-clad seating area just to the right of the lobby entrance. This space is the perfect vantage point for viewing evening fireworks, too!
Inside the lobby, you’ll find that sand-colored tones wash across the floor while watery blues can be found in the artwork located throughout the space. Just overhead, guests will find depictions of sea creatures floating, as well as light fixtures that create the image of stars dancing on water or dappled sunlight coming through the waves. I cannot tell you how very beautiful this space is.
There are carvings everywhere. The giant pillars that are found in the lobby are each carved with elements of earth, sea and sky. You’ll find Moana-inspired touches everywhere, especially in the mural on the north side of the lobby. In this mural you’ll find everyone from Moana‘s grandmother to the crab Tamatoa.
There is no front desk per se as there are cast members wearing Hawaiian-inspired costumes waiting with iPads to help guests proceed to their next stop. They are completely mobile and able to move about the space as the need arises.
Large wicker banquettes flank the front lobby entrance, inviting guests to sit and rest a bit. The wicker, rather than a large wood-backed settee, allows light to pass through the back of the furniture, which allows the continuation of the light and airy aesthetic.
Even if you’re not having a meal in the tower’s restaurant, Wailulu Bar and Grill, I highly recommend that you step into the space to observe all of the incredible decorating touches used throughout. Don’t miss the Moana artwork just to the left of the main door. And speaking of the restaurant’s door, please stand and gaze as I did at its sheer height and heft. This is art on display, and it’s so much fun to see this level of intentionality poured into a space that is typically something that guests spend little time in. A lobby is meant to be a portal to another destination, but this lobby is a destination all on its own.
If you’ve never taken the time to resort hop during your Walt Disney World vacation, this is the perfect reason to begin a new tradition. Hop off the resort monorail, take a look around the Polynesian Village Resort (gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe this classic Disney destination) and then make the short walk over to the DVC Island Tower. Please enjoy a meal at Wailulu Bar and Grill to savor the culinary artistry on display, and then take time to sit for a bit in the tower’s lobby or on Te Fit’si Terrace. I guarantee that you won’t regret spending the time to do so.
If you’ve been dreaming of experiencing the magic of the Polynesian Island Tower, now is the perfect time to act. Bookings are now available, so head to the DVC Rental Store website to browse pricing and secure your stay at Disney’s newest DVC property. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to enjoy this enchanting addition to Disney’s Polynesian Resort!
