Take an afternoon off from the theme parks and grab a deliciously tropical cocktail at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Seriously, it’s an experience!
This bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a Disney World favorite. According to the bar’s backstory, Trader Sam – a famed Adventureland explorer – took up bartending and began mixing up magical cocktails with some extra-special ingredients.
Step inside Trader Sam’s, and you’ll have a chance to check out one jam-packed space filled with artifacts and treasures. Inside, there are references to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland staples like Jungle Cruise (including attractions of the past, like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management.)
While Trader Sam’s is a stellar destination for adults looking to get away and take a bit of a tropical break, keep in mind: You’ll want to leave the kids with a sitter… or with the grandparents, if you’ve brought them along.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Location
While staying at or visiting the Polynesian, you’ll find Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto just outside of the Great Ceremonial House, on the other side of Capt. Cook’s.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Menu
At Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, cocktails are the focus. It is, after all, a tiki bar.
However, you can enjoy a small selection of appetizers and a few specialty mocktails on the menu. Beer, cider, and a variety of wines are also available.
Appetizers (Served from 3 PM to 10 PM daily)
- Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll
- Chicken or Tofu Lettuce Cups
- Kalua Pork Tacos
- Veggie Rainbow Roll
- Thai Chicken Flatbread
- Pan-fried Dumplings
Sam’s No-Booze Brews
- Skipper Sipper
- Schweitzer Falls
Specialty Cocktails
- Polynesian Pearl
- Nautilus
- Uh-Oa
- Spiced Island
- Rosita’s Margarita
- HippopotoMai-Tai
- Krakatoa Punch
- Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum
- Zombie
- Dark & Tropical Stormy
- Mosquito Mojito
- Tahitian Torch
- Rum Flight
- Spikey Pineapple
Zero-Proof
- Polynesian Punch
Beer, cider, sparkling wine, white wine, and red wine also available.
Disney Dining Plan
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto does not accept either version of the Disney Dining Plan.
Advance Dining Reservations
Unfortunately, you can’t make advance dining reservations (ADRs) for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This uber-popular bar doesn’t offer any, so you’ll need to walk up the day of your visit.
Trader Sam’s isn’t a huge space (it is bigger than its Disneyland counterpart, but it’s still quite compact), so its available tables and seats do fill up fast. If you’re hoping to nab a spot for a tropical drink, you’re going to want to arrive early in the day or at odd, non-peak hours – otherwise, the wait can get long.
Is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Kid-Friendly?
Since Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a bar, it’s absolutely not kid-friendly. I mean, would you expect kids to enjoy hanging out in a bar?
While technically the Disney World website says the whole family is welcome, it’s important to note that kids are only allowed in during certain hours of the day: “Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto welcomes the whole family—including children—from opening until 8:00 PM. After 8:00 PM, only Guests 21 years of age or older may visit.”
Plus, keep in mind that even if you’re hoping to bring your kids by to enjoy some food while you have a mocktail or cocktail, the food here is very limited – and it’s all adult-leaning fare.
