Our Wailulu Bar & Grill Review covers a tropical dining spot at the Polynesian Resort, featuring island-inspired dishes, lagoon views, and fireworks vibes.
When Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort added the Island Tower, it didn’t just bring new DVC rooms. It also introduced one of the most delightfully chill dining spots on property: Wailulu Bar & Grill. Located along the Seven Seas Lagoon, this restaurant feels like the kind of place where your biggest decision should be “burger or poke bowl?”—not whether you’ll make your next Lightning Lane on time.
Formerly, this restaurant, which opened in late 2024, only took walk-in guests. However, reservations officially open December 3, and trust us, this is one you’ll want to snag once it becomes available.
Setting the Scene: Lagoon Views, Laid-Back Vibes
Stepping into Wailulu feels like you’ve wandered into a Hawaiian daydream—complete with handcrafted art, calming water features, and décor that looks like Moana herself picked it out. “Wailulu,” in fact, blends the Hawaiian words for water and calm—and yes, the atmosphere delivers exactly that.
The restaurant is split into two distinct experiences: Island Dining, located inside (with full table service and Polynesian-inspired décor), and Beyond the Reef, outdoors, where the views of the lagoon and Magic Kingdom fireworks might just make you forget what time your bus leaves. If you dine outside, you’ll hear the soundtrack from the Magic Kingdom fireworks show each night. Because what’s better than watching fireworks with a drink in hand and zero crowds?
Wailulu Bar & Grill Review: Let’s Talk Food – A Tour of the Islands on a Plate
The menu sails straight through the Pacific, mixing Polynesian flavors with Disney flair. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to wear a flower lei and call everyone “cousin.”
Appetizers That Kick Things Off Right
We started with the Spiced Ham Musubi ($12) and the Ahi Tuna Crisps ($17) —both strong openers. The musubi (five pieces) plays like an artful remix of the Hawaiian classic, while the tuna crisps are basically the nachos of the South Pacific, just fresher and less guilty. Other appetizers include Sticky Pork Ribs, Garlic Shrimp, and a surprisingly tasty Sweet Potato Hummus served with breadfruit tostones. (Yes, breadfruit is real. No, you don’t have to Google it mid-meal.)
During our Wailulu Bar & Grill review, we found the musubi quite good. Although the Ahi Tuna Crisps offered a good flavor, we would skip these for the Ahi Tuna Nachos at Yak & Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Entrées Worth the Voyage
If you’re indecisive, fair warning: everything on the entrée list sounds good.
The Beef Short Rib Loco Moco sits proudly at the top of the price range ($33)—and for good reason. It’s the Polynesian comfort food you didn’t know you needed: rich shiitake mushroom gravy, perfectly cooked short rib, and a crispy rice cake that makes you forget about mashed potatoes forever.
The Wayfinder Burger ($23) might just be one of Walt Disney World’s most underrated burgers. Two pressed patties, American cheese, onion jam, and a punchy “volcano sauce” (imagine sriracha meeting creamy aioli at a luau). Pair it with sweet potato fries and you’ll have a hard time going back to Magic Kingdom’s usual burger fare. During our Wailulu Bar & Grill review, we had a tough time thinking of a burger that is far better than this one on Walt Disney World Resort property.
For something lighter, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Chow Mein Salad ($18) delivers island flavor in a less traditional but very satisfying way. You can swap in tofu or shrimp, making it one of the better plant-based or pescatarian options around.
Dessert: Ending on a Sweet Note
Three desserts await, each worthy of its own selfie. The Chocolate Cake (with salted caramel ganache and coffee-infused chantilly cream) clearly steals the show at $11 a slice. If Disney only highlights one dessert, that’s usually a sign. In the early promotion of this restaurant, Walt Disney World only promoted this dessert.
The Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée ($12) and the DOLE Whip Sundae ($8, featuring hibiscus meringue and macerated fruit) also shine. Still, the cake’s deep coffee notes and rich texture make it the one to beat—unless caffeine keeps you up, in which case… good luck.
Wailulu Bar & Grill Review
Wailulu Bar & Grill isn’t your average resort restaurant. It’s relaxed but refined, tropical yet familiar, and—most importantly—it gives guests another reason to hop the Monorail for a meal that feels like a mini-vacation.
Between the stellar lagoon views, inventive menu, and surprisingly strong burger game, Wailulu makes a convincing case for being one of Disney’s best new dining spots. If you’re craving Polynesian flavors with a splash of Disney magic (and maybe a little sriracha), Wailulu Bar & Grill should be on your radar once reservations open December 3.
For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. As always, eat like you mean it!
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