Disney's New DVC Polynesian Island Tower: COMPLETE Guide to Rooms, Dining, and Family Fun!

It’s been a while, but let’s jump back into this blog thing, guys! I missed you! We recently had the joy of kicking off a mother-daughter Disney adventure with a stay at the brand-new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. If you’re planning a family trip — especially with small kids or dietary needs like gluten-free dining — this new addition to the Polynesian Resort is an absolute dream. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit!

A Warm Aloha: First Impressions of the Island Tower

From the moment we stepped into the Island Tower's soaring lobby, we felt the Polynesian vibes welcoming us. Fresh ocean blues, fine art, and a bright modern design create an elevated yet relaxing atmosphere. With the convenience of online check-in, we breezed through the lobby and headed straight to our room to start our vacation.

Room Tour: Modern Touches with Island Charm

Our studio room was fresh, airy, and packed with smart features that make family travel easy. We loved:

• Vinyl wood-look floors (they should look great for years!)

• Barn doors with stunning Polynesian details

• Built-in bench perfect for storing suitcases

• Modern and organic furniture shapes and plenty of charging ports

The room sleeps four comfortably, featuring a Murphy bed that folds down with the push of a button, revealing beautiful themed artwork. Plus, the fireworks view from our seventh-floor window was pure Disney magic! Remember, we have a full video tour of our room on YouTube! Check it out here:

https://youtu.be/7jhrbakkHjY

Dining at Wailulu Bar and Grill- Gluten & Dairy Free!

After a long day in the parks, we treated ourselves to a relaxing dinner at Wailulu Bar and Grill, located right inside the Island Tower. We highly recommend:

• Sweet Potato Hummus with Breadfruit Tostones (a must-try!)

• Customizable Poke Bowls (easy to modify for gluten-free and vegetarian diets)

Worth noting, I  really wanted the shishito peppers but they said for some reason there was concern for gluten cross contamination (although my celiac frience have had them before) so be sure to advocate for what is safe for you. But the sweet potato fries were a nice consolation. Wailulu offers ample indoor and outdoor seating — and it's a fantastic spot to watch fireworks if you time it right.

Family Fun: Pools, Splash Pads, and Moana Magic

Island Tower’s Cove Pool features zero-entry access, perfect for little ones. And don’t miss the brand-new splash pad, complete with a life-size Moana and canoe! It's a magical touch for tiny travelers.

Note: You'll still head to the main Polynesian building for merchandise (and found adorable Minnie Ears in a Polynesian Resort theme!) and quick serve dining options like Captain Cook’s.

Breakfast at Kona Cafe: Gluten-Free Friendly!

Before heading out for our Disney Cruise, we went back to the Main Building at the Poly and had breakfast at the updated Kona Cafe. As a gluten-free, dairy-free pescatarian, I was thrilled with the allergy menu options:

• Plant-Based Loco Moco (I customized it with regular eggs)

• POG Juice — a must for any Poly breakfast!

Friendly service and delicious food made it the perfect start to our day.

A Touch of Beatles History

Did you know? The Polynesian Resort is where John Lennon officially signed the Beatles' breakup papers! We tried to find the historic room (likely building 6, first-floor corner), but Disney keeps it low-key without plaques. Still, it was a fun detour before hopping on our cruise bus.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re here for easy park access, stunning fireworks views, island-inspired dining, or just soaking in the magic with your family, the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas is a fantastic addition for Disney Vacation Club members and guests alike.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out the full video tour on YouTube subscribe to our channel for more family travel tips, gluten-free dining reviews, and Disney fun!

www.YoutTube.com/@FiveHungryTravelers

Mahalo and see ya real soon! 🌊✨

A Flight Attendant's Top Tips- Dos and Don'ts of Baby Travel

We are so lucky to have Lauren, a flight attendant and mom of 2 with us today for a guest post about traveling with kids on airplanes. Here are some of her top expert tips!

Don’t:

Overpack and do your best pack mule impression. Airports are big and require a lot of lengthy, fast paced walking. You already have your hands full with baby. Rethink the car seat, bulky gate check stroller, extra packs of diapers, and 30 toys. Getting that all on the plane will be a hassle you don’t need.

Change baby on the tray table. That space is meant for food not baby booty. There are changing tables in the lavatories.

Hand your pee or poop diapers to a crew member. All diapers, no matter their contents, must be placed by you in a lavatory garbage bin only.

Worry if baby gets fussy. It can make things more stressful, but it’s very common. Calm parents make for a calmer baby.

Forget the headphones or back up charger! While you may love the soundtrack to Cocomelon, shockingly enough, other passengers may not. Self awareness while entertaining baby can go a long way when traveling with little ones.

Get up with baby when the seatbelt sign is on. This could be much more dangerous than you realize. If you feel you have to, try to ring for a flight attendant and ask if it’s okay to get up for a diaper change, etc.

Let baby crawl on the ground or put mouth on plane furnishings. The amount of bacteria on an airplane is highly disturbing. Instead, play with baby in your seat, hold hands and walk the isle when safe, and always bring a teething toy.

Forget! They sell diapers wherever you’re going! No need for lugging bulky packs of diapers with you. Budget for getting what you need at your destination for the major convenience of carrying less.

Give baby airplane tap water. If you need a bottle warmed, use bottled water to mix with formula and warm the exterior or the bottle by placing it a cup of the hot tap water. You can take your chances with the water if you’d like, but for a baby’s new immune system, you might prefer to air on the side of caution.

Strap baby into your seatbelt with you. Truculence can push you against baby and seatbelt causing serious injury. Strap in and hold on to baby unless otherwise instructed by a flight attendant.

Leave baby in airplane bassinet during turbulence. They’re not magic bassinets.

Do:

Take extra clothes and wipes for everyone in case of blowouts or vomit. Also, take a couple garbage bags to put soiled items in.

Wear baby, if possible. Car seats are bulky and it’s one less thing to pay for and lug around.

Make sure you’re not accidentally in an exit row or directly before or after one, especially if you brought a car seat. The gate agent can reseat you before boarding, if you bring it to her attention.

Breastfeed, if possible, to save from the headache of carrying bottles through security and keeping them cold for travel.

Feed baby during take off and landing. This helps with ear block. Also bring saline solution for nose, just in case. And a thermometer, while you’re at it.

Bring a changing pad liner for the changing table in the lavatory. And travel size Lysol wipes to wipe surfaces before and after use. Plane bathrooms are full of cooties.

Try to clean up after you and baby as best you can. This is especially important after snack time. Some snacks get messy and cleaning piles of Cheerios out of airplane carpets, can delay boarding for the next group of passengers.

Take pictures of your little jet setter! Some children don’t get to travel ever. And your little one won’t remember their first flights anyway. Ask a flight attendant to snap a picture of your family’s first travels.

Thank you so much, Lauren, for all these tips! And to see more of her advice, check out our Ask the Expert podcast where I interview Lauren on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/FYtEdojn-LI

Embark on a Sea of Stories: Our Unforgettable Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Series

Ahoy, fellow Travelers!

We're thrilled to take a moment to share the excitement and success of our incredibly popular YouTube series, documenting our unforgettable journey with Virgin Voyages on the French Daze and Ibiza Nights itinerary out of Barcelona. If you haven't yet set sail with us, now's the perfect time to join the adventure by diving into our exclusive playlist linked here.

Why You Shouldn't Miss a Single Episode

1. Immersive Exploration: Each episode is a passport to a new adventure. From videos featuring each of the vibrant port cities to the tranquil seas, our series captures the essence of every destination with immersive visuals that make you feel like you're right there with us.

2. Virgin Voyages Unveiled: Get an insider's look at the unparalleled experience aboard Virgin Voyages. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, our series offers a sneak peek into the luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and innovative entertainment that set Virgin Voyages apart. Not to mention that stellar Mallorca ship excursion!

3. Special Dietary Needs Featured: Our journey isn't just about the places; for us it’s always about the food and accommodating our Gluten free and Dairy free diets. But the customer service on the Valiant Lady knocks it out of the park. Join us as we introduce you to the incredible crew members who make every moment aboard the ship a memorable one. Their stories, insights, and infectious enthusiasm will make you feel like part of the Virgin Voyages family.

4. Unexpected Discoveries: From hidden gems in port cities like Ibiza and Malrseille to unexpected onboard surprises, our series is full of delightful discoveries. We believe that the best moments often happen when you least expect them, and the entertainment on the Valiant Lady was full of surprises. We're excited to share these serendipitous experiences with you.

Join the Adventure

Ready to embark on a sea of stories? Set sail with us by clicking here and don't forget to subscribe for updates on future episodes. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, our Virgin Voyages YouTube series is your ticket to a world of excitement, discovery, and endless sea views.

Bon voyage, Travelers!

The BEST SkyClub at Atlanta Airport (and We Tried Them ALL)

If you have a layover in ATL and you’re wanting to spend some time relaxing in a lounge 1. you are probably flying Delta (let’s be honest, this is Delta country) and 2. you want to spend your time and resources wisely. And you should! So we went to every last Delta club and we’re bringing you their ratings so you can know where to go if you have time to hustle to any terminal of your choosing. May we suggest you get there via the lovely walkway from Terminal B to Terminal A? But whatever you do, don’t go to D. NEVER D. So whether you’re using your Delta AmEx perks or you’re flying DeltaOne or First Class… or maybe you’re a Platinum medallion or Delta360 member- whatever the case may be, spend your layover in style at the best of the best lounges. Below are our rankings, as based on atmosphere, seating, restrooms, and most of all food- bonus points if they could accommodate our Gluten Free and Dairy Free diet.

Please check out the full video of us running around to ALL NINE Delta SkyClubs (oh, the things we do for you.) What do you think? Do you have a favorite SkyClub at Atlanta? https://youtu.be/7FZYjs22QfQ

Extreme Delta Challenge- ALL NINE SkyClubs at the Atlanta Airport!

A Few of My Favorite (Amazon) Things

Here are the affiliate links to some of the items I’ve mentioned in my videos. When you shop affiliate links there’s no cost to you, but I do recieve a small commission. Thanks so much for supporting the channel so we can keep bringing you awesome info. You’re the best!

Cupshe Swimsuits

I am completely head-over-heels in love with these swimsuits and with the try-on process at home with the ease of shopping through Amazon, Here are the links!

Green color block, criss cross one piece- https://amzn.to/3LHwKfS
Black one piece with back tie detail- https://amzn.to/3Jz42uZ
Blue and white color block plunge V one piece- https://amzn.to/3LGEMWi
Blue one-piece, with ladder trim and adjustable straps- https://amzn.to/42xtpGf

ADHD Parenting Guide

Parents of Neurodivergent kiddos have all of my heart and are why I make these videos in the first place. If you’re wondering why we eat the way we do with and ADHD child, this is the Health and Holistic Practitioner, Dana Kay, who helped us develop a care plan and diet for my whole family. You can get a good idea about her approach from her AWESOME book, here!

Thriving with ADHD by Dana Kay- https://amzn.to/41QGhF

Encanto Disneybounding!

We had a lot of fun dressing up as the Encanto characters for a Disneybound! We were Mirabel, Isabella, Camilo and Antonio. And it just took a few links from Amazon to make these items!

Mirabel, Casual women’s skirt, dip dyed in RIT to make ombre- https://amzn.to/3MH51Ms
Isabella, Lavender swiss dots girls dress- https://amzn.to/42IvsXL
Camilo, Yellow table runner used to sew into a poncho- https://amzn.to/3Wg9YPD
Antonio, Cream button down shirt for toddler- https://amzn.to/3MgoORD

Travel Gear

Other items we’ve made good use of on international trips, cruises, and visits to Disney include:
Headlamps for Hezekiah’s Tunnel in Jerusalem- https://amzn.to/471Qliu

48-hr Gluten Free Getaways- Five Top US Cities

Traveling and exploring new cities can be a thrilling experience. However, for those with gluten and dairy intolerances or allergies, finding suitable food options can be a challenge. Fear not, we have created some incredible videos that showcase gluten and dairy-free food options in some of America's most exciting cities. In this blog, we'll introduce you to videos about traveling to Dallas, Miami, Greenville SC, Boston, and Philadelphia for 48 hours and eating gluten and dairy-free.

Dallas, TX
In this video we go back to my roots and show you how to make the most of 48 hours in Dallas while sticking to a gluten and dairy-free diet. Lacy takes us on a journey through some of the city's best gluten-free bakeries, cafes, and restaurants, such as Unrefined Bakery at Re:Defined Coffee House and Honest Taco. You'll also get to see some of Dallas' iconic landmarks like the Perot Museum. For more info, check out the videos about staying with kids at the Dallas Great Wolf Lodge or enjoying the Christmas events at the Gaylord Texan!

Dallas Gluten Free, Dairy Free Foods and more!

Miami, FL
Before departing on our Disney Cruise, we spend a few days wtih our kids eating gluten and dairy-free in Miami in this video. From incredible Mexican food to trendy vegan vibes, you'll get to explore Miami's diverse food scene.

Pre Cruise days in Miami as a Gluten Free, Dairy Free Family.

Greenville, SC
This video takes us to my home town and shows how to visit Greenville, South Carolina, while sticking to a gluten and dairy-free diet. You'll also get to explore Greenville's stunning Falls Park and Liberty Bridge in the growing and popular downtown, or check out our second video where we venture to the suburb of Simpsonville for even more GF finds!

Downtown Greenville Gluten Free Restaurants for Families.

Boston, MA
We takes you on gluten and dairy-free tour of Boston in the fall in this video. We indulge in some of the city's most delicious gluten and dairy-free food options. From the delectable donuts at Kane’s Donuts to the sweets at Jennifer Lee's Bakery, we show you that family-friendly gluten and dairy-free dining in Boston is easy and delicious.

Gluten Free Dairy Free weekend in Boston with kids.

Philadelphia, PA
In this video we show you how to spend 48 hours in Philadelphia while sticking to a gluten and dairy-free diet. We also have a second video coming soon to take you on a tour of the city's most famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell and the Museum of the American Revolution. But first, we’re introducing you to some of the city's best gluten and dairy-free eateries, like Okie Dokie Donuts and P.S. & Co.

Gluten Freee Dairy Free Weekend in Philadelphia with kids.

In conclusion, traveling to new cities can be a daunting experience, especially when you have dietary restrictions. However, as these videos show, there are plenty of gluten and dairy-free food options available in some of America's most exciting cities. With a little research and planning, you too can have an incredible gluten and dairy-free culinary adventure in any city you visit. Let us know what city we should try next! We’ll see ya next time travelers! Laura