If you’re planning a stay at the Island Tower of the Polynesian, here’s a big change: Wailulu Bar & Grill—previously walk‑up/wait‑list only—is moving to accept online reservations starting December 3, 2025, with the earliest available booking date being December 4.
This is a notable shift from its original casual‑lounge‑style setup and from other similar resort dining venues that remain walk‑up only (such as Geyser Point). Let’s break down what this means and help you decide how best to plan your dining at Wailulu (and beyond).
What’s Changing at Wailulu Bar & Grill
Key facts
- Wailulu Bar & Grill is located in the Island Tower at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows resort at Walt Disney World.
- Until now it operated on a walk‑up / mobile walk‑up waitlist basis—no advance dining reservations (ADRs).
- Starting December 3, 2025, Walt Disney World will open online reservations for Wailulu via the My Disney Experience app or website, with the first reservation date available December 4.
- The change aligns with the restaurant’s increasingly popular status since opening (as part of the Island Tower) and demand for better planning options.
Why it matters for DVC Members and Guests
- For DVC Members staying at Polynesian (or other Disney‑owned resorts) who like planning ahead, the move to ADRs gives more certainty for dining.
- It may impact the spontaneous “just show up and hope” mentality—walk‑up access may be reduced or re‑prioritized.
- For rental guests or those staying off‑site, an ADR may make access easier (especially for parking or scheduling) versus gamble on walk‑up availability.
What You Should Know
- If you’re staying in the Island Tower or any Disney Resort and planning to dine at Wailulu from December 4th onwards, book your ADR early. The first availability opens December 3rd.
- If you prefer walk‑up spontaneity, visit Wailulu before the switch to reservations or arrive early in the day when waitlist may be shorter.
- For walk‑up only venues (like Geyser Point), join the mobile wait‑list as soon as you can; check the My Disney Experience app for “Join Walk‑Up List” and estimated wait times.
- Parking/access: If you don’t have an ADR and are visiting a resort restaurant, plan transportation accordingly (e.g., use resort buses or monorail) to avoid being turned away at the gate.
- Consider timing and priority: If you have fireworks‑viewing in mind (Wailulu has lagoon views), an ADR gives you more control.
- Cancellation policy: As with other ADRs, make sure you cancel if plans change—avoid no‑shows.
- For DVC rentals and stays off‑site: The reservation model may level the playing field slightly (less “resort guest only” spontaneity) but still ensure you check policies.
The shift at Wailulu Bar & Grill from walk‑up only to accepting reservations is a meaningful update for the DVC community and for Disney dining planning in general. For those who want certainty, especially when coordinating park time, transport, or fireworks, the ADR model is a welcome addition. On the flip side, if you valued spontaneity or the “just drop-in” lounge vibe, you might feel the change subtly alters the dynamic at Wailulu.
Meanwhile, venues like Geyser Point remain walk‑up only, preserving that more relaxed, spontaneous feel—though with less certainty.
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momeja
November 10, 2025Sorry to see the move to ADRs. We had a last minute change of plans in our October trip and were happy we could join the walk up list for Wailulu Grill. Although some people may not like the uncertain timing of the potential wait, it was great to be able to walk up to and into one of Disney’s nicer but casual restaurants. I fear that Wailulu’s fireworks view will cause this restaurant to join the “tough to secure” ADR category.