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.

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New Polynesian Resort Restaurant Coming Soon

DVC Island Tower restaurant

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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

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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!

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay has been called on as a Disney expert and has been featured by CNBC, SFGate, NerdWallet, Visit Anaheim, and more. She has been writing about the Disney Parks and Universal since 2017. Lindsay visits Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando multiple times a year. She has sailed on every Disney Cruise Line class ship and has experience visiting both of Disney's private islands along with specialty themed cruises like Marvel Day at Sea. Lindsay provides expert advice for the Disney Parks, Disney Cruises, Universal Theme Parks, and more. As the content director of Mickey Visit she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to provide news updates, reviews, and money saving tips for guests to experience more and save more money. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and has been visiting Disneyland since the 1990s.

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