Staying at the Polynesian Island Tower Duo Studio with a Toddler

The Duo Studios at the Polynesian Island Tower are the smallest room type at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.  They can sleep up to two adults. However, you are also allowed to include a child under the age of 3. With such a small space, how well does this work?

Sleeping Arrangements

Though the room may look small, there is space for a pack and play even with the Murphy bed pulled down. You could fit it against the wall next to the dresser or in front of the closet, though this would block the way to the bathroom at night.  

For toddlers, another creative option is to turn the chaise lounge that is attached to the Murphy bed into a small bed using the extra blankets provided.

Murphy Bed

Room Storage

Toddlers may be small, but they often have a lot of gear when it comes to traveling. Luckily, the Duo Studio has a decent amount of storage.  You’ll find a large dresser with 6 drawers under the TV. There is also lots of cabinet space in the kitchenette and counter space all throughout the studio. While there is no washer or dryer in the Duo Studio, you can always use the laundry facilities on the ground level of the Island Tower if you prefer to pack lighter.

Living Area

Bathroom

One downside to the Duo Studio for families with young children is the lack of a tub in the bathroom. Instead, the rooms have a walk-in shower. However, it does have a handheld shower head, which can make things slightly easier.

Bathroom

Kitchenette

The kitchenette is slightly different from those in the typical Deluxe Studio. While it has a coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and dishes and utensils, it does not have the extra sink or a mini fridge. Instead, it has a beverage cooler that doesn’t get as cold as a true fridge. This may mean packing snacks and drinks that don’t require refrigeration like shelf-stable milk.  

Kitchenette

Great Resort Amenities for Families

Transportation

Beyond the Duo Studio itself, the Polynesian as a whole is a great choice for families with young children. You’re close to Magic Kingdom, which is usually the preferred park of little kids. When you have a stroller, it’s so convenient to get to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT via monorail whether you catch it from the Polynesian’s monorail station or make the short walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center to board the monorail. Whichever station you board, you won’t need to collapse your stroller. 

Fireworks Views

The Polynesian Island Tower has several great spots for viewing fireworks. There’s the Bamboo Terrace Garden on the third floor, the Wave Break Terrace on the fifth floor, Wailulu Bar & Grill, the beach, and the Cove Pool plus the seating by the entrance to the Island Tower. Not only are these places less crowded than the viewing areas in the Magic Kingdom, but they are also not as loud since you are further away from the fireworks themselves, which can be helpful if your little one is scared of loud noises.  

Fireworks from Wave Break Terrace Garden

Pools

The Cove Pool at the Island Tower is a leisure pool, so it doesn’t have any slides. However, the zero-entry pool is very toddler-friendly and is nearby Moana’s Voyage. This splash pad features Moana on her outrigger canoe. There are no major buckets of water that dump out like the Mad Hatter’s hat at the Grand Floridian splash pad, so Moana’s Voyage is nice and tame for little ones. Of course, guests at the Island Tower are also permitted to use the other shared amenities like the Lava Pool by the Great Ceremonial House for more pool time fun.

Moana’s Voyage

Overall, the Duo Studio is small, but it can still be a nice option for families with toddlers, particularly for shorter trips or those where you are looking to save some points.

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