A new dining option, Wailulu Bar & Grill, opened with the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. What should guests expect there?
The new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened on December 17, 2024. Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort, the new tower is inspired by the vibrant spirit and rich cultures of the Polynesian Islands. This adds 268 rooms to the resort, offering unique accommodations for Disney Vacation Club members and guests.
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
The new tower area also houses Wailulu Bar & Grill, a casual dining spot celebrating the sea and how it connects all life. Although it is located in the Disney Vacation Club area of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, anyone can dine here.
The menu is influenced by ingredients common in the Polynesian islands and has an all-day lunch and dinner menu. It also has a grab-and-go style breakfast menu that features Pineapple-Coconut Bread.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and the full menu begins at 11:00 a.m. Depending on your dining terminology, this pool bar or lounge offers indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is known as Island dining. Guests are seated at a table and have a dedicated server, like at a table service restaurant. The custom artwork within the restaurant utilizes recycled materials. Guests will notice unique Polynesian décor when seated indoors, such as the fish décor hanging from the ceiling. The indoor dining concludes at 10:00 p.m. each evening.
Outdoor Dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill
Photo by Jon Self
However, outdoor dining continues until 11:00 p.m. Guests will also have a dedicated server when dining outdoors. The outdoor dining area goes by the unique title of “Beyond the Reef.” This area features picturesque views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, including the Magic Kingdom theme park. It also features a spacious bar and plenty of seating.
Wailulu Bar & Grill gets its name from two Hawaiian words. Wailulu comes from the Hawaiian words “wai,” which means water, and “lulu,” which means calm. A calming water feature can be seen near the outdoor dining area.
Fireworks Views
Photo by Jon Self
Based on its location, Wailulu Bar & Grill should become popular in the evenings. Guests will be able to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks nightly, and the restaurant plays the music from the fireworks show so guests can hear and enjoy it.
Wailulu Bar & Grill Menu
The Wailulu Bar & Grill menu includes a diverse selection of items from Polynesian cultures. For example, you can order various signature dishes, including spiced ham musubi and a variation of loco moco. During our most recent visit with MainStMagic, we enjoyed some appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Appetizers at Wailulu Bar & Grill
Sweet Potato Hummus
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
The musubi stands out on this menu. The other appetizers offered here are:
Musubi
Photo by Jon Self
- Sweet Potato Hummus (featuring breadfruit tostones)
- Ahi Tuna Crisps
- Grilled Shishito Peppers
- Sticky Pork Ribs
- Crispy Chicken Wings
- Garlic Shrimp
During our recent meal here, we ordered musubi and ahi tuna crisps. Both presented solid, fresh flavors. The musubi, which comes in five pieces, displayed the chefs’ unique play on this classic Polynesian dish. The crisps functioned like nachos with fresh ingredients. Overall, we preferred the musubi.
Ahi Tuna Crisps
Photo by Jon Self
Entrees at Wailulu Bar & Grill
Beef Short Rib Loco Moco
Photo by Jon Self
Wailulu Bar & Grill’s entrees include Polynesian-inspired dishes like Beef Short Rib Loco Moco and Poke Bowls, which fit the theme well. The poke bowls come in three varieties: ahi tuna, grilled chicken teriyaki, and tofu. Other entrees on this menu are:
- Grilled Fish of the Day
- Wayfinder Burger
- Teriyaki Chicken Sliders
- Sautéed Shrimp Chow Mein Salad
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Chow Mein Salad
- Grilled Tofu Chow Mein Salad
- Marinated Pork Chop
We ordered three entrees: Beef Short Rib Loco Moco, Wayfinder Burger, and the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Chow Mein Salad. Each provided unique flavors that our group appreciated.
The Beef Short Rib Loco Moco serves as the most expensive item on the menu at $33. Still, this upscale version of a loco moco provides guests with good quality and a unique twist on a loco moco with the shiitake mushroom gravy and crispy rice cake.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Chow Mein Salad
Photo by Jon Self
The salad option at Wailulu Bar & Grill can be ordered with tofu, chicken, or shrimp. We went with the teriyaki chicken. This salad comes with many non-traditional components. Guests looking for a standard salad with plenty of lettuce will be disappointed. However, we found the salad a good option for a light meal. This would be a great plant-based option for those wanting to order the tofu version.
Best New Walt Disney World Burger?
Photo by Jon Self
Our third entrée was the Wayfinder Burger. The menu description reads, “Two Pressed Patties, American Cheese, Onion Jam, Volcano Sauce, Sweet Bun served with Mac Salad or Sweet Potato Fries.” Our group ordered this with both sides as an upcharge.
This burger deserves the right to be considered one of the best burgers at Walt Disney World. Though we doubt people will think it is the absolute best, it will be seen as a great burger option for those willing to take a short Disney Monorail ride from the below-average burgers at Magic Kingdom to dine in this relaxing atmosphere.
The burger features an above-average bun that hints at a Hawaiian roll feel and taste. The combination of sweet and spicy works with the onion jam and the volcano sauce. The volcano sauce tastes like a combination of a vegan aioli and sriracha sauce. It has more than “theme park-level” spice on its own. When eaten as part of the burger, it also provides a nice flavor without overpowering the burger patties and other components.
Is Anyone Interested in Dessert at Wailulu Bar & Grill?
This dining option has three desserts on the menu. They are:
- Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Macerated Berries
- Chocolate Cake (Salted Caramel Ganache and Coffee-infused Chantilly Cream)
- DOLE Whip® Sundae (Hibiscus Meringue, Macerated Pineapple and Berries)
Our group was fortunate to taste all three desserts during our most recent visit. During the media event for Wailulu Bar & Grill, we knew that the only dessert promoted was the Chocolate Cake. This usually indicates which item the Disney chefs feel most confident about. While we enjoyed the other two desserts, we suggest ordering the cake during your visits here. The chantilly cream of this cake has a robust coffee flavor, so those who dislike coffee might not enjoy this as much as others.
Conclusion
Poke Bowl
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
Wailulu Bar & Grill should be an excellent option for guests looking to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks but avoid the crowds of Main Street, U.S.A. This pool bar offers many non-traditional dining options and a full bar. Though the price might be a little high for some guests, with entrees ranging from $18-$33, the quality and atmosphere make up for that. Most of all, guests have another place to escape Magic Kingdom to partake in something exceeding standard theme park cuisine.
Looking to Plan Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation?
The talented “Pixies” at Pixie Vacations can help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation at no charge to you. Their years of experience allow them to find the right ticket options and hotel accommodations for your Walt Disney World visit. Whether it is at Wailulu Bar & Grill or some other restaurant at Walt Disney World, eat like you mean it!
