NEWS: First Look at Wailulu Bar & Grill Coming to New Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is opening soon! A new table-service restaurant is coming, and we’re so excited to check it out. Learn more below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore:

Let the tropical (and foodie) vibes roll because Wailulu Bar & Grill is almost ready to open its doors. This brand-new, casual walk-up pool bar and grill will be calling the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows home starting December 17.

As you take in breathtaking views along the water’s edge of Seven Seas Lagoon, you’ll be surrounded by Polynesian-inspired artwork that was crafted exclusively for this location. Some pieces have even been created with recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets. For those dining as the sun goes down, Wailulu Bar & Grill will feature firework views from Magic Kingdom Park!

Whether enjoying specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries for breakfast, or venturing over for lunch or dinner, your taste buds will be going on a journey. The new Wailulu Bar & Grill menu celebrates the flavors of Polynesia with influences of the Pacific Islands, from Easter Island and New Zealand to Fiji and Guam.

Some of the cultural highlights include the Sweet Potato Hummus with Breadfruit Tostones, Spiced Ham Musubi, and Chocolate Cake with the essence of Kona coffee. But that’s not all. The beverage menu is masterfully crafted, combining modern flavors of the Polynesian Islands with classic ingredients like hibiscus flowers, sake, yuzu, pandan, oolong tea, coffee, and passionfruit. Some stand-out sips include cocktails, the Pandan Gin Gin Mule and Passionfruit and Pineapple Daiquiri, and non-alcoholic specialty beverages, the Hibiscus Iced Tea and Yuzu Oolong Tea Lemonade.

The name even draws inspiration from these cultures, too! Wailulu comes from the Hawaiian words “wai,” which means water, and “lulu,” which means calm.

What do you say we break down some of the items coming to Wailulu Bar & Grill?

Wailulu Bar & Grill Menu 

Food Items  

• • • Sweet Potato Hummus, crispy chickpeas, espelette pepper dust, and breadfruit tostones
    • Ahi Tuna Crisps:  Marinated ahi tuna, crispy fried wontons, avocado crema, sriracha-aioli, and soy glaze
    • Grilled Shrimp, smoked paprika, black garlic emulsion, garlic-lemon butter, and crispy garlic
    • Spiced Ham Musubi with glazed spam seasoned with traditional furikake and served with crispy rice pearls
    • Crispy Chicken Wings: Adobo-marinated, soy glaze, and tomato-fresno pepper relish
    • Wayfinder Burger: Two pressed patties, American cheese, onion jam, volcano sauce, and sweet bun served with mac salad or sweet potato fries

• • • Beef Short Rib Loco Moco: Shiitake mushroom gravy, crispy rice cake, and fried egg
    • Grilled Fish of the Day: Green curry broth, jasmine rice, chickpeas, and sweet potato
    • Poke Bowl: Sushi-style rice, pickled cucumbers, vegetables, spicy poke sauce, and macadamia nuts with choice of ahi tuna, grilled teriyaki chicken, or grilled tofu
    • Chow Mein Salad: Charred cabbage, shishito peppers, hearts of palm, pickled sweet potato, and sunflower butter dressing with choice of sauteed shrimp, grilled teriyaki chicken, or grilled tofu
    • Sticky Pork Ribs, salt-cured green cabbage, jicama slaw, and pineapple chips

Kids Meals 

• • • White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese
    • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Desserts

• • • DOLE Whip Sundae with hibiscus meringue and passion fruit crispies
    • Chocolate Cake with salted caramel ganache and Chantilly cream infused with the essence of Kona coffee

Breakfast  

• • • Pineapple-Coconut Bread (Available for breakfast only) 

Beverages  

• • • Hibiscus Tea: Hibiscus flower-infused tea with lime and agave nectar (Non-alcoholic beverage)
    • Kula Strawberry Sake: Wildflowers Junmai Sake, Campari Liqueur, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and wild strawberry
    • Passionfruit and Pineapple Daiquiri: Ten to One Caribbean White Rum, Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava Juice, pineapple, and lime
    • Pandan Gin Gin Mule: Pandan-infused Fords Gin, lime juice, and ginger beer

I cannot wait for Wailulu Bar & Grill to open on December 17! With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when you visit Disney Parks.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

RELATED ARTICLE: Room Reveal! Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Reservations are opening for the upcoming new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Disney has released a look inside the rooms that will be available! Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Heather Concannon:

Recently, we announced new details about the new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This week marks the start of bookings, so we’re sharing a first look inside the guest rooms!

Projected to open on December 17, 2024, the proposed 10-story tower will feature a variety of room types, each brimming with original artwork inspired by the Polynesian Islands, wayfinding and the natural elements – earth, water, wind and sky. Each guest room will also feature stunning custom pieces inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Moana.”

And like all Disney Vacation Club properties, each accommodation will tout just-like-home amenities to make your stay extra comfortable.

The Perfect Stay for Two

With inspiration from the stars and the sky that the wayfinders used for celestial navigation, the bright and airy duo studios will offer the perfect retreat for two.

Sensational Studios for Families of Four

Celebrating the lush flora and fauna of the islands, the deluxe studios will sleep up to four and include a first-of-its-kind feature for Disney Vacation Club deluxe studios – a dishwasher! The deluxe studios in the Island Tower will have a new layout, including a cozy seating area across from the kitchenette.

One- & Two-Bedroom Villas for the Entire Family

You and your family and friends will be able to spread out in a one- or two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine, respectively. Through unique artwork, each villa will showcase a voyager’s journey both on land and under the sea. Embracing the beauty of water or earth, these spaces will feature a kitchen with full-size appliances, a dining area, a washer and dryer, and an outdoor patio area.

Introducing NEW Two-Bedroom Penthouse Villas

Disney Vacation Club will introduce a brand-new type of accommodation in Island Tower: two-bedroom penthouse villas. Themed after the calming balance between water and the islands, the stunning villas will sleep up to eight and boast a spacious living room, and spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park from an expansive patio balcony.

Sustainable Design Details at the Island Tower

Several features within guest rooms contribute to the Island Tower’s sustainable design, in line with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals. For example, in addition to the convenience that comes with the first-ever dishwashers in the tower’s studios, they also contribute to our goal of minimizing waste by reducing the need for plastic utensils and single-use dishware. You might also be surprised to know the beautiful, plush rugs and carpets inside guest rooms are made from mostly recycled plastic bottles woven into fine yarn that feels like silk.

How to Book Your Stay at the Island Tower

• • June 4: Beginning today, Disney Vacation Club members can make rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date.
  • June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.
  • June 6: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639.

This is just the beginning. We have many chapters ahead for our island-inspired adventure, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more!

This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of timeshare interests.

RELATED ARTICLE: NEWS–Name & New Details of New Addition at Polynesian Announced

Today, Disney Vacation Club unveiled details for the Island Tower coming to Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Walt Disney World Resort. The tower is under construction and projected to open in December 2024.

Here are the details from Disney Cast Member Heather Concannon:

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will take you on a storytelling journey that brings to life the spirit of Polynesia.

Projected to open in December 2024, the proposed 10-story tower overlooking the stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon will celebrate the natural world, and of course, the magic of Disney.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be within convenient walking distance to the Disney Monorail, making it the perfect base for visiting Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.

Did you know that original concept designs for Disney’s Polynesian Resort featured a prominent tower as the heart of the resort? Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands.

When you arrive at Island Tower, you will notice beautiful designs created exclusively for the exterior, including a gorgeous Manta Ray that symbolizes freedom, protection and grace.

Inside the lobby, you will be greeted by an art panel installation on the ceiling inspired by several Polynesian Islands, showcasing wildlife native to each locale. Each animal holds a strong connection to the islands and symbolizes values important to Polynesians.

Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with over a dozen artists from around the world to create unique artworks that will be displayed throughout the resort. From preserved moss walls to sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, each piece will be inspired by the spirit of conservation and embody the rich cultures of Polynesia.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will feature a variety of room types that will sleep from two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Many rooms will feature spectacular views.

In the meantime, here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• • June 4: Disney Vacation Club members can make early rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date.
  • June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.
  • June 6: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639.

There’s just no telling how far we’ll go with Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows!

More on The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

In keeping with the existing theme of the resort, the striking waterfront retreat will immerse guests in the charm of the South Pacific islands, the thrill of exploration, and the beauty of the natural world.

“With stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and beautiful interiors that bring you into the storytelling of the South Pacific Islands, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will be a spectacular addition to Walt Disney World Resort right in the heart of the magic,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club.

“Our main story narrative focuses on celebrating Polynesian wayfinding and the natural elements of water, earth, wind and fire. During the artwork development, we focused on three guiding principles: Polynesian stories, sustainability stories and Disney stories. This new tower features works created by contemporary Polynesian artists as well as artwork featuring subtle nods to ‘Moana’ and Disney Legend Mary Blair,” said Walt Disney Imagineer Madeline Day.

The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows aligns with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals while providing Guests with the experience and features they expect from Disney Vacation Club.  The tower is projected to use approximately 30 percent less energy than a typical resort of a similar size through a variety of measures, including optimized heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient lighting, and the first all-electric kitchen on Walt Disney World Resort property within the tower’s restaurant. Furthermore, the majority of the tower was constructed off-site using pre-fabrication techniques that help minimize construction waste. Like Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the tower will be a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program, which recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.