Review
This review is written by “Tipsy Twin O”
At Disney’s Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar, located within Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you’ll never find yourself asking ‘where’s the Rum?’ This unique bar and snack venue will transport you to a captivating world of pirate trading – the trick is getting inside.
I’ve been coming to Disney for years – since 2006 to be specific- and just recently I was able to enjoy the experience that is Trader Sam’s. Before my 21st birthday I would be told stories of Disney’s best bar; its ambience, cocktails, food, and of course magic. The Grog Grotto always sounded like the place to be. Whether you were hitting Trader Sam’s for a mid-day siesta or attempting a Disney Bar crawl, I wanted in. After years of birthdays and patience, I was finally old enough to dive into the full Grog Grotto experience, and Jiminy Cricket … it was just that.
My first Trader Sam’s adventure began with making my way to Polynesian’s first floor lobby. Turning the corners past BouTiki and Capt. Cook’s to face a narrow hallway with a Trader Sam’s hostess waiting to take my party’s name, along with a few other groups of people with the same idea as us: get there early.
The anticipation of walking through the threshold of the Grotto kept me cemented in my place. I couldn’t help eavesdropping conversations around me discussing the establishment’s minuscule capacity, and I began calculating the number of people before me and my group. It was gonna be a close call, and I overheard one man mention his group being a party of seven.
More groups were admitted. The line in front of us grew shorter. And we were called, finally given access to the first full ‘wave’ of guests for the night (cue sigh of relief).
Upon entry, my party and I were greeted with the quaint yet captivatingly curated nautical oasis. Every inch of this establishment was carefully embellished with Polynesian artifacts, tikis, and hidden gems you should definitely keep your eyes peeled for. Each corner had a story to tell, and even some secrets to share depending on your drink order!
The host snaked us through the moody Grotto and up to a ‘standing only’ space at the bar – which we had no complaints about considering we were the last four to cap off the bar’s 50 person capacity. While remaining on your feet after a long morning in the parks may not sound ideal to some, the personality and banter from bartenders along with miscellaneous knick-knacks strewn about are a welcomed distraction.
Now there’s a reason this spot is called the Grog Grotto … not only will the decor make your eyes widen, but the menu will too. Equipped with a full bar, the mixologists of Trader Sam’s offer a variety of refreshments. From fun twists on cocktail classics like the Mosquito Mojito, Dark & Tropical Stormy and Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum, to cool concoctions like the Zombie, Polynesian Pearl*, or Uh-Oa. You and your party are sure to find a beveragino that will have you washed up on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon.
The downside? Picking your drink out of all the amazing tropical options. If you’re like me, the souvenir drinks are the first I look at- because nothing is better than a fancy bev and a fancy cup to go with it.
During my first visit to Trader Sam’s, my group had settled on an ordering strategy; looking to make the most of our time there. We decided to order four very different drinks from the mouthwatering menu. Once the beverages arrived we would sample each, share and compare. Allowing the group of us to experience four very distinct cocktails, as well as narrow down our favorite concoctions.
As we waited for our orders, we noticed a pattern, and a magical one at that. Remember I mentioned keeping your eyes peeled? Well with each individual drink order accompanies hilarious, immersed, and sometimes interactive skits. Led by the Trader Sam’s bar staff, you surely won’t want to miss these cheeky performances . Different cocktails will either have you making a Tiki sacrifice, chanting ‘Uh-Oa’, swimming in the deep sea, or shouting at a giant clam named Shelly; all while utilizing the magic of Disney in hidden decorative elements.
Not to worry for those of you who are traveling with kiddos or are simply boozed-out, Trader Sam’s welcomes all with a spirit-free menu and mouth watering appetizers like their Kalua Pork Tacos, Thai Chicken Flatbread or Pan-Fried Dumplings. These small sided plates are perfect for sampling or for ‘single riders’ who don’t want to share. The Grog Grotto brings savory Polynesian barbeque elements to create the epitome island living, aside from an erupting volcano here and there.
Overall, not a single detail has been missed in the curation of this tucked away Cocktailor favorite. We love Trader Sam’s so much, our shelves at home are practically overflowing with a collection of their exclusive Tiki glassware. With the Polynesian Pearl being my absolute favorite drink on the menu, I have definitely acquired my fair share of Pearls thanks to their “yours to keep” status; including the rare and coveted Black Pearl, which typically only makes an appearance on special occasions. Have your eye on a specific glass? Just ask your server about it and they’ll hook you up with a shiny new chalice of your choice on your way out.
Helpful Hints
This ‘rummy’ hotspot reaches capacity quickly, offering room for about 50 individuals. With a waiting list opening up a full hour before the actual bar, we highly recommend making your way to the Grotto’s interior entrance 15-20 minutes before the waitlist opens to help secure you and your party a spot where the magic happens.
It’s important to note that Trader Sam’s offers both seated and standing room. The earlier your party’s name is on the waiting list, the better your odds are at grabbing a seat. Additionally, underaged Trader’s are welcome in the Grotto from open to 8pm, bringing a family aspect to the rum-filled establishment.
Looking for something to pass the time while awaiting your Trader Sam’s fantasies? This rum-lover suggests a browse through BouTiki or a quick pre-game bev from Tambu Lounge on the Polynesian’s second floor lobby. Be sure at least one member of your party remains close to the Grotto’s entrance so as not to miss your name being called!
Not able to get your name on the list? Don’t shiver your timbers just yet, because Trader Sam’s offers their full menu at their gorgeous outdoor Tiki Terrace nestled behind the Lava Pool. With plenty of outdoor seating, you and your party can drink up and wind down while enjoying the Terrace’s picturesque waterfall, tikis, and torches. While there might not be Tiki sacrifices or erupting volcanoes on the Terrace, chatting with the bar staff and absorbing the Polynesian Village’s lush atmosphere will give ‘Island Time’ a whole new meaning. Time your Tiki Terrace visit right, and you might just be able to spot Magic Kingdom’s firework spectacular with a crafty cocktail in hand!
Cocktail Menu
Lounge Details
You grotto check out this tropical tiki bar that captures the romance of the South Seas through unique food and drinks.