New Disney World Restaurant Revealed, Plus More Coming to New Tower

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is one of the most popular deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World and is located just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom.

Disney is expanding this popular resort with a brand new Island Tower for DVC (Disney Vacation Club) members but reservations are open to all guests!

In addition to the first full look we got about the Island Tower, we also have new details about the new restaurant option plus more Moana themed areas.

New Polynesian Resort Restaurant Coming Soon

DVC Island Tower restaurant

READ MORE – Which Disney Private Island is Best? I’ve Been to Both!

Disney World Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Park Changes, Secrets Revealed

Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.

A brand new restaurant is opening along with the Island Tower which is “projected” to open December 17th. Wailulu Bar & Grill gets its name from the Hawaiian words “wai,” which means water, and “lulu” which means calm. The dining room will include Polynesian-inspired artwork like floating tropical fish sculptures crafted from recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets.

The center of the restaurant will showcase an abstract Polynesian Stick Chart which is an ancient navigation tool used to travel the sea. And of course, Moana will also be featured in a painting on display in Wailulu Bar & Grill.

This restaurant will overlook the views (including Cinderella Castle!) of the Seven Seas Lagoon with both indoor and outdoor dining. The menu is influenced by the Polynesian Islands’ local ingredients. This walk-up pool bar features an all-day lunch and dinner menu plus specialty coffee and pastries.

Moana Themed Pool Area

Moana themed DVC Pool

The Polynesian Island Tower will feature a splash area called Moana’s Voyage that features life-size sculptures of Moana and her canoe from the film.

The tower will also offer a large pool, Cove Pool, a brand-new zero entry pool. Both these pool areas will be open to Disney Vacation Club members and guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Terrace Garden Seating Areas and Views

terrace dvc garden views

READ MORE – Does Costco’s Dole Whip Compare to the Disney Parks Treat? We Just Bought to Find Out

Guests staying in the Island Tower will also be able to enjoy exclusive access to four tropical terrace gardens.

Each garden features artwork, foliage, and unique themed seating areas. The gardens offer families a place to gather and take in views in these “distinctively designed hideaways” during their stay.

The terrace gardens will offer views of Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses or the Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests will also be able to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks from these gardens! But this space is restricted to only hotel guests to enjoy.

This is such an unique feature unlike any other Walt Disney World Resort offering and it looks like the new Island Tower will be a major draw for guests staying at the Polynesian Resort!

Read More Disney Planning Advice

For the best resource and helpful information for planning your Disney trip, make sure to subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter​. We’ll provide you with helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.

Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Changes, Secrets Revealed

Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay has been recognized as a Disney expert since 2017 and has been featured by outlets including CNBC, SFGate, NerdWallet, and Visit Anaheim. She visits Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando multiple times each year, giving her first hand insight into park operations, seasonal trends, crowd patterns, and touring strategies.

Her experience also extends to Disney Cruise Line, where she has sailed on every class of ship, visited both of Disney’s private islands, and participated in specialty sailings such as Marvel Day at Sea and Very MerryTime cruises. This depth of travel allows her to provide practical, data informed guidance across Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Universal theme parks, and related destinations.

As Content Director of Mickey Visit, Lindsay oversees editorial strategy and daily content, leading a team of writers who produce timely news coverage and general planning content. She leads the development and analysis of Mickey Visit’s crowd calendars, applying expert insight into crowd behavior, seasonal trends, and park operations. Lindsay writes touring plans, authors in depth reviews, and offers expert analysis on Disney experiences, while also analyzing the best and worst days to visit. She serves as an expert on Disney discounts, tracking and evaluating ticket offers, hotel promotions, and seasonal deals. She comes from a lifelong Disney family, has been visiting Disneyland since the 1990s, and is even in the middle of planning a Disney Cruise Line wedding.

MickeyVisit - Ultimate Disneyland Guide

Get Latest Mickey Visit Stories When You Search on Google

Get the latest Disney news and planning tips every day, live from the parks. Add us as a Google preferred source to see our stories when you search. Unlike mainstream media chasing clicks, Mickey Visit delivers fan-first Disney coverage. We do this because we love Disney too.

MickeyVisit - Ultimate Disneyland Guide

Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Park Changes, Secrets Revealed + DISCOUNTS

Join 100,000+ Disney fans and vacation planners on our free newsletter. Get essential trip dates, ride closing alerts, new ride details, and exclusive limited-time discounts on tickets, hotels, and gift cards.
“Essential for planning your trip!” – Helen, Portland, Oregon