Credit: DisneyIf you’ve been trying to snag a table at one of Disney World’s newest dining destinations, your luck is about to change. The highly sought-after Wailulu Bar & Grill, nestled inside the stunning Polynesian Village Resort’s Island Tower, is finally ditching its walk-up-only policy in favor of advance reservations.
Starting today, December 4, 2025, guests can now book tables ahead of time through the My Disney Experience app or the official Disney World website. This marks a significant shift for the waterfront restaurant, which has operated exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis since the Island Tower first welcomed guests.
Why This Change Matters
For months, Disney fans have been dealing with the uncertainty of walk-up dining at Wailulu. While some guests enjoyed the spontaneity of simply showing up without plans, others found themselves waiting extended periods or missing out entirely during busy periods. The unpredictability was particularly frustrating during peak dining hours, when crowds would swell with guests hoping to combine dinner with views of the nightly fireworks over the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The transition to a reservation system brings Wailulu in line with virtually every other table-service restaurant across Disney property. Now, families can plan their entire vacation itinerary with confidence, knowing they’ve secured their spot at this island-inspired eatery weeks in advance.
How the Booking System Works
Making a reservation is straightforward for anyone familiar with Disney’s dining system. You can book through either the My Disney Experience mobile app. The first available dates start immediately on December 4, giving guests the ability to plan visits right away.
Keep in mind that Disney’s standard reservation window applies here too. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can book dining up to 60 days in advance, with the ability to make reservations for your entire length of stay (up to 10 days) all at once. Day guests and off-site visitors can book 60 days out on a rolling basis.
Given how quickly popular restaurants fill up—especially new venues—you’ll want to log on exactly at 6:00 AM Eastern Time on the day your booking window opens if you have specific dates in mind.
What Makes Wailulu Special
Part of the dining room’s appeal lies in its stunning location. Positioned within the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows‘ newest addition, the Island Tower, Wailulu offers sweeping views of the lagoon and the iconic Contemporary Resort in the distance. The interior design embraces modern Polynesian aesthetics with warm woods, tropical accents, and an open, airy atmosphere that feels both upscale and relaxed.
The restaurant has attracted steady attention since opening, with its blend of approachable dishes and elevated island flavors creating a menu that appeals to adventurous eaters and picky diners alike. The option to watch fireworks from your table has only added to its popularity, making prime-time dinner slots especially competitive.
Exploring the Menu
Wailulu’s culinary offerings focus on shareable plates and contemporary takes on Pacific Island cuisine. The pricing structure aims for that sweet spot between casual and fine dining—accessible enough for families but special enough to feel like a vacation splurge.
Appetizers range from $11 to $17, making them perfect for splitting among the table. The Sweet Potato Hummus comes served with crispy chickpeas and breadfruit tostones for just $12, offering a unique twist on the Mediterranean classic. For seafood lovers, the Garlic Shrimp arrives swimming in smoked paprika and garlic-lemon butter at $16, while the Ahi Tuna Crisps ($17) layer marinated fish over crispy wontons with avocado crema and soy glaze. The Sticky Pork Ribs, topped with jicama slaw and pineapple chips, run $15.
Main courses occupy the low-to-mid $20 range for most selections, with a couple of premium options climbing into the low $30s. The WayNnder Burger offers a more casual choice at $23, featuring two beef patties with onion jam and volcano sauce. The Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl presents a lighter option for $26, combining fresh vegetables, spicy poke sauce, and macadamia nuts.
For those seeking something heartier, the Short Rib Loco Moco tops a crispy rice cake with shiitake gravy and a fried egg for $33, while the Grilled Fish of the Day arrives in green curry broth alongside jasmine rice for $32. The fish selection changes regularly based on availability and seasonal offerings.
Don’t skip dessert if you have room. The Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée costs $12, while a decadent Chocolate Cake runs $11. For the quintessential Disney treat, order the DOLE Whip Sundae at just $8—a perfect way to end your meal with that iconic pineapple flavor.
Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated kids’ menu, with entrées priced between $10.50 and $13.50. Each children’s meal includes two sides and a beverage, providing solid value for parents watching their budget.
The Capacity Question
Online discussion forums have been buzzing with reactions to this announcement, and not everyone sees it as purely positive. Several regular visitors have pointed out that the Island Tower’s guest capacity may simply outpace what the restaurant can accommodate, even with a reservation system in place.
Some Disney enthusiasts have expressed disappointment that one of the few remaining walk-up dining options has disappeared. In a resort environment where advanced planning has become increasingly necessary for everything from ride reservations to character meet-and-greets, having spontaneous dining choices provided a welcome change of pace.
Others have noted that prime dinner slots appear to be fully booked for the next two months already, suggesting that availability may remain tight regardless of the new system. One frequent concern revolves around whether Disney should reserve a portion of each night’s tables specifically for guests staying at the Polynesian, given that the restaurant sits inside the resort itself.
There’s also been speculation about whether the bar area will maintain its walk-up accessibility. Many guests enjoy stopping by for cocktails—like the popular Banana Old Fashioned—without committing to a full meal. As of now, Disney hasn’t clarified whether bar seating requires reservations or remains available for walk-ins.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re hoping to experience Wailulu during your upcoming Disney vacation, act quickly. New restaurants and recently converted venues typically see a surge in booking demand that can last for months. Your best strategy involves being flexible with timing if possible—lunch reservations tend to be easier to secure than dinner, though you’ll miss out on those fireworks views.
Consider checking the app frequently for cancellations, especially in the days leading up to your trip. Disney guests often adjust their plans, and last-minute availability does pop up regularly. Setting alerts through reservation-finding services used by Disney fans can also help you snag a coveted spot.
The location inside the Island Tower makes Wailulu an easy stop before or after exploring the Magic Kingdom, which sits just across the lagoon via monorail or boat. You could easily build an evening around dinner here followed by watching the fireworks from the Polynesian’s beach, or start your day with lunch before heading into the park.
Whether the switch to reservations improves or complicates the Wailulu experience largely depends on your planning style. Those who love mapping out every detail of their vacation will welcome the certainty, while spontaneous travelers may mourn the loss of yet another flexible dining option at Disney World.
One thing’s certain: this island-inspired restaurant has clearly struck a chord with visitors, and the move to advance bookings reflects Disney’s recognition of its popularity. Now the question is whether you’ll be able to snag a table for yourself.