Howdy! Today was a fabulous and exciting day. The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opened, new limited edition pins were released, and I even checked in on the Fort Wilderness Campground and the Test Track refurbishment.
Good Morning from Island Tower
I started my morning before sunrise this morning. I was the first guest to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), an eerie feeling to say the least. The fresh air was nice, there was something to the morning air, especially after a rainy night.
I was the first guest to arrive at the pathway leading to Island Tower at 6:30 a.m., where I was stopped by the security guard shown above. It was a strict 7:00 a.m. opening for the Island Tower, and with three other guests, we began our trot to the new lobby.
Island Tower Moments
The Island Tower is a bit well ugly from the outside. It looks like any other resort in the world which has become a norm for Disney World these days. The inside, however, is thoughtful and stunning although a bit beige. The lobby chandelier incorporates Wayfinding wood, a design element that evokes both the spirit of Moana and the rich history of Polynesia.
The fish hung inside the Wailulu restaurant are made of recycled fishing nets, which calls back to not only the theme of the resort but also Disney’s efforts toward sustainability and preservation.
I loved the details and greenery in the lounges throughout the tower. I like the natural design elements as well, like the lava rock, stone, and woodwork. I think the contrast with the funky seventies furniture with bright colors works perfectly together.
However, the most impressive part of the Island Tower are the views of Bay Lake. They are really spectacular and I can only imagine what watching the fireworks will be like for the lucky guests sleeping there tonight.
Island Tower Merchandise
So there is’t a gift shop in the Island Tower, but they share with The Polynesian’s Grand Ceremonial House lobby. Inside the lobby there is a shop on the first floor, Boutiki, which carries all the merchandise for the Island Tower.
- Magnet – $14.99
- Pin – $19.99
- Shirt – $34.99
- Mug – $16.99
Wailulu Breakfast
The Wailulu Bar & Grill offers a morning grab and go option which is really nice, as it is now on the pathway to walk to Magic Kingdom. There are some basic options that you can get at most of the resorts on property. However, there is of course the Joffrey’s Hawaiin Kona Blend and a Pineapple-Coconut Bread that Jason and I split.
It’s very good, nothing out of this world that you’re missing out on, but still good if you’re looking for something fast, good, and filling. Visit our website to hear more thoughts on the Hawaiin inspired bread.
Reopened Walkway to Magic Kingdom
The opening of the Island Tower marks the reopening of the Magic Kingdom walkway from the Polynesian resort! This is huge as a reporter who would just prefer to walk than rely on the transportation system. It usually is faster to just walk if you are given the chance to and can, especially during the busy holiday season.
The morning weather was nice, not too cold not too hot, so it was a pleasant walk. I have done the walk from Polynesian to Contemporary on a summer day, and that is incredibly unpleasant and I will not do it again if I don’t have to.
Good Morning from Magic Kingdom
It’s always a weird feeling for me when I arrive at the Magic Kingdom well after rope drop. The crowds are settled, ropes are up for parades, it genuinely takes a moment for me to adjust as crazy as that sounds.
Christmas Day
Oop, 8 days until Christmas. How does that manage to always sneak up on me? Do you feel like the holidays sneak up to you? Let me know in the comments below so I feel less alone. Maybe it’s the way holidays work in the parks. Halloween is August right up to November, then a hiccup of Thanksgiving, but really it’s Christmas on November 1.
Happy Halloween!
See what I mean? How could a girl in the parks perpetually not be confused. In the Emporium Disney is still selling Halloween wreathes for FULL price. Queue the eyerolls. I wonder how long before the Halloween wreathes end up at the outlets?
Crystal Arts
In the Crystal Arts shop run by arribas brothers Miguel Arribas is creating an exclusive work of art for the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT. Miguel is crafting a lookalike of the Ancient Pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion, as seen in the framed photo. The finished peice will be on display in the Ancient Pyramid in the arribas brothers shop, La Princesa de Cristal.
The Master Glass Blower, Miguel, has previoulsy made Cinderella Castle in crystal form.
Pin Tuesday!
Happy Pin Tuesday! Today I found five new exslusive pins at Frontierland Trading Post, and a new open edition pin at the kiosk outside Space Mountain. My favorite is the ‘Oliver & Company’ open-edition pin. Let me know which one your favorite is in the comments below.
- New Years Eve Cinderella and Prince Charming Pin
- Limited Edition of 3000
- $19.99
- Lunar New Year Mickey Mouse Pin
- Limited Release
- $19.99
- Bi-Coastal Adventures – Pirates of the Caribbean Pin
- Limited Edition of 4000
- $19.99
- Fantasia 2000 25th Anniversary Hinge Pin
- Limited Edition of 3000
- $22.99
- Aloha Kalikimaka Stitch Pin
- Limited Edition of 5000
- $22.99
- ‘Oliver & Company’ Pin
- Open Edition
- $14.99 (yellow)
Liberty Square Doll Watch
Unfortunately our Liberty Square Doll friend or foe has not made her next move yet, but rest assured that I and the team are keeping a watchful eye on her every visit.
Sonny Eclipse
It was nice to see Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe was up and performing for guests this morning. During my last visit he was having one of those long staredown kinda days. He seemed totally out of it, or maybe he just wasn’t plugged in, kidding.
See Ya Real Soon!
It’s always sad leaving the Magic Kingdom even on working days, your inner child is screaming to run around and be uncontrollably feral for a few hours. Alas there is more to see today, and I’ll be back soon. I suppose that is the perk of this job is that the Disney Blues never really set in because it’s never that long till you’re back.
Fort Wilderness Campground Finds
I took a boat from Magic Kingdom to the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds becuase a little bird told me there was a shirt I needed to see at the The Settlement. The holiday shirt is available in adult and youth sizes at The Settlement at the back of the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds.
I noticed that the pin board at The Settlement has turned into a pin hat! I love the lean into the themeing of the campgrounds while still showcasing the pins well for pin traders.
I also saw that the structural supports have gained a floor above them. This construction is supposedly a new resort hotel. I guess Island Tower is done, and it’s time for more expansion. Be sure to visit our website for more details on the newest resort construction.
Test Track Update
It’s always good to ride the monorail just to be sure Test Track hasn’t made any major changes because these guys work quickly. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more construction updates. Today they continue to work on the new awning frame.
What was your favorite moment from today? Mine was seeing the incredible Island Tower that I have been tracking for over a year. Finally standing in a space I have been looking at from a distance was an incredibly cool feeling even if the building is a bit of an eyesore from the outside, the inside and views well make up for it.
Let me know which moment your favorite was and your thoughts on the Island Tower in the comments below.
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