The new Disney Vacation Club Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is complete. We have a first look at the tower’s pool, “Moana” splash pad, and more exterior offerings.
Island Tower Exterior
The exterior of the building features a light cream and brown color scheme. There are tall sea turtle and manta ray murals, which we saw during construction. The porte-cochere looks like large planks of wood tied together.
The theme of the Island Tower is wayfinding — the means of navigating the ocean using the stars and other natural elements. As such, the tower’s design reflects the ocean, sea animals, and boats.
There are beds of tropical plants around the front and back of the tower. More plants are in the terrace gardens looking out of the tower. Palm trees line the beach next to Seven Seas Lagoon.
The beach is surrounded by a rope fence, preventing guests from swimming in the lagoon. There is a blue hammock on the beach for lounging. It offer views of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Magic Kingdom.
We could see Cinderella Castle in the distance.
Near the pool area are two Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and a sink for rinsing your refill mug.
Cove Pool & Spa
The Island Tower’s pool is Cove Pool. The maximum depth is 4 ft, 6 in. A sign features the rules, including that pool use is exclusive to guests of Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The pool is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The pool is approximately L-shaped. The shallow end has a wide ramp leading down. Ladders are on the side of the pool in the deeper water.
Signs on the sides of the pool indicate the depth, shallow water, and no entry.
There are wide steps at the deeper end of the water, with railings down the center.
Next to the steps is a pool lift for guests with mobility issues. The depth at this end is 3 ft 6 in.
The pool deck features various seating options, all covered by blue umbrellas.
There are gray beach chairs in groups of two. They have small black tables between them.
In flowerbed alcoves are tables and chairs, sofas, and armchairs.
In some of the flowerbeds around the pool are wooden carved fish. They are suspended by wires so they appear to be swimming through the air.
There are life vests available at a rack next to the pool.
There are also towels available, with bins to return them.
Next to the pool is a small grassy lawn. It features some wooden lawn chairs and two more hammocks.
A black fence and plants surround the lawn. This is also a great spot to enjoy the lagoon view. Palm trees provide shade.
A shower station is on a walkway near the hot tub. Guests can use this to rinse off.
The hot tub, a.k.a. spa, is also open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. A clock is mounted on this sign so guests can keep track of time. The maximum depth is 3 ft 1 in.
It’s a small oblong spa on the deck next to the pool. It has steps with a railing, as well as two handles on the side for getting in and out.
The steps of the hot tub and pool are lined with blue tiles.
Moana Splash Pad
The Moana splash pad is officially called Moana’s Voyage. The interactive water feature is behind another fence near the pool area.
In the center of the splash pad is a life-size Moana figure standing on her outrigger. The statue is complete with her sail featuring the red swirl symbol.
The boat sits in the center of a dark blue floor featuring lighter shades of blue to highlight the waves of the water.
Giant teal blue fish appear to swim around Moana. The splash pad has sandy edges with the images of seashells.
Water jets out of sea stars across the splash pad. On the fake beach, water jumps around in arcs.
Moana wears her necklace featuring Te Fiti’s heart.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
Wailulu Bar & Grill has poolside outdoor seating. The bar is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The quick-service grill is open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The bar is in a rotunda at the corner of the tower. The columns feature black flume sconces and Polynesian carvings. They sit on gray stone walls.
Around the bar are wicker chairs with blue-green cushions and black tables.
There are ceiling fans and, at least for the winter, space heaters.
The bar has a black marble top. The front of the counter resembles black bamboo.
Tall chairs of light blue wood and wicker backs sit around the bar. On the ceiling are wicker decorations resembling the panels on the ceiling of the tower’s lobby.
The bar offers a full array of liquors and beverage options.
The menu includes these signature cocktails:
- Hibiscus Margarita: Teremana Blanco Tequila, Sorel Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Hibiscus, Agave – $17.50
- Lili’uokalani Mai Tai: Lili’uokalani Tea-infused Vodka, Jamaican Rum, Passion Fruit, Guava, Lime, Orgeat (Almond), Falernum – $16.50
- Kula Strawberry Sake: Wildflowers Junmai Sake, Campari Liqueur, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Wild Strawberry – $16.50
- Passion Fruit Garibaldi: Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, Campari Liqueur, Minute Maid Orange Juice – $16.5
- Pandan Gin Gin Mule: Pandan-infused Fords Gin, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer – $15.50
- Banana Old Fashioned: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane, Appleton Estate 8 yr Reserve Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur, Angostura Bitters – $17.50
- Passion Fruit and Pineapple Daiquiri: Ten to One White Rum, Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, Pineapple, Lime – $15.50
- Oceania Espresso Martini: Mr Black Cold Brew Liqueur, SelvaRey Chocolate Rum, Joffrey’s Coffee Espresso – $16.50
- Zero-Proof Piña Colada: Lyre’s Cane Non-Alcoholic Spirit, Coconut Cream, DOLE Pineapple Juice, Lime – $12.50
The grill’s seating area has benches tucked into a wall surrounding water. The water almost appears to lead straight to the lagoon beyond.
The half-circle benches have cushioned backs and seats. They surround half-circle tables.
Across from the booths are regular tables and chairs, also with cushions. This space also has ceiling fans and space heaters. There is more seating available inside.
The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will open on December 17, 2024.
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