FIRST LOOK at a NEW Disney World Hotel Restaurant

SO much is changing in Disney World with even more change on the way.

Lobby Concept Art ©Disney

Yes, we saw the opening of a brand new ride this year, with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, in Magic Kingdom. We’re still waiting on word for opening dates for two new restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk: The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. We’re also tracking construction progress on Island Tower, the new DVC villas building at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We have confirmed that the new building will have a new restaurant, and we’re breaking down the concept art Disney released of that restaurant.

We saw this new concept art at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event — there was a display with concept art of Island Tower. This is the first time we’ve seen concept art like this, so you KNOW we had to check it all out. This art even included a first look at the rooms!

The concept art display

However, we’re Disney FOOD Blog, so we got really excited to see some concept art on this display of a new restaurant. Now, we expected a new restaurant at this building, but now we have official confirmation of what it will look like. It’s got a very beach vibe, HUGE windows with outdoor views, as well as adorable fish swimming just underneath the ceiling and seawood-looking plants rising up from the floor. Is this a hint that we’re looking at a new seafood dining spot in Disney World?

Restaurant concept art

We could also guess by the look of the restaurant that this is probably a table service location you’ll need reservations for. There does seem to be plenty of seating, though, including tables, chairs, and booth seating. Overall, though, we’re LOVING the vibe. Another piece of concept art makes it seem like there’s outdoor seating, too under a covered patio.

Outdoor seating

When we look at some of the construction photos, we’ve noticed an area that looks VERY similar to this part of the restaurant along the water, which is why we think there’s a water view there.

The windows at the bottom look like they could be the restaurant!

Of course, Disney has not yet revealed a name for this restaurant or given us any idea of what the menu might be like, but you know we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details because we are all about new food in Disney World. Island Tower is set to open in December 2025, so we’re guessing we’ll get more information any day now! So stay tuned to DFB for more.

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What kind of restaurant would you like to see at the Polynesian? Let us know in the comments!