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! 🌊✨
