Do you know who Trader Sam is? Chances are you do know, even if you didn’t know you knew. At the end of the Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom, Trader Sam is the tribesman that gives you the great deal- 2 heads for 1 of yours. Luckily for all of us, as Sam experimented in shrunken heads, he became an expert in mixology. And so, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto was born.
Spooky Fun
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Location, Location, Location
Trader Sam’s is a wonderful addition to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Located near the lobby, it’s a great place to catch a drink, have a bite, and experience the ambiance. There are two areas to enjoy- the indoor lounge filled with artifacts and delightful surprises and the Tiki Terrace, where you can savor the beautiful Florida evening and enjoy some live music.
The entire family can visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto from opening until 8pm. After 8pm you must be over 21 years old to enter.
Dad’s Polynesian Village Resort page
Inside Trader Sam’s
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Changes at the Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing a total makeover. Total. Trader Sam’s is just a small part of a whole big transformation of the Polynesian including going back to the old name (Polynesian Village Resort).
The Changes at Walt Disney World is the topic of a great issue of WDW Magazine. It includes the changes to the Polynesian along with all the other changes that are happening at WDW.
WDW Magazine
Theme
Trader Sam’s originated at the Disneyland Resort in California in 2011 under the name Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, and it has a Jungle Cruise theme. This popular joint was finally included in the changes brought to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 2015. For more on some of those changes, please visit Dad’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows page.
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Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is completely interactive and extremely fun. There are tiki statues, shrunken heads, and a great view of a volcano from the “window.” There is a nautical influence to the Walt Disney World Resort Trader Sam’s as it pays tribute to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction formerly found at the Magic Kingdom.
It is completely filled with trinkets from Trader Sam’s many adventures and will have you on stimulation overload (in a good way) as you try to take it all in.
If you are a fan of the puns and witty jokes, this is your place. From sight gags to the antics of the bartenders, you will feel like you are at a friend’s party. The cool friend. The one with the amazing parties that you can’t wait to be invited to.
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The Menu
You are going to find more light fair and appetizer type dishes at Trader Sam’s. After all, it’s a Grog Grotto. And grog, of course, is diluted rum that used to be served to sailors. If you are looking for a place with a full menu, you may want to check out ‘Ohana, also located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
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Here’s a list of appetizers you can find at Trader Sam’s.
- Headhunter Sushi Roll
- Kalua Pork Tacos
- Salmon Oshizushi
- Chicken Lettuce Cups
- Hawaiian Poke
- Roasted Chicken and Pork Pate Bahn Mi Sliders
- Pan Fried Dumplings
- Corn-battered Portuguese Sausages with Curry Ketchup
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The Drinks
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is known for amazing libations. Specialty cocktails that call the Walt Disney World Resort their home include the Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus, Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch, and the Dark & Tropical Stormy. Fans of California’s Trader Sam’s, can still enjoy Krakatoa Punch, Uh Oa!, HippopotoMai-Tai, and Shrunken Zombie Head.
The coolest part of ordering drinks is, depending on what drink you order you will set off special effects throughout the tiki lounge. For example, when Krakatoa is ordered, the Volcano seen outside the window erupts! Be careful when you order the Uh Oa! as it will awaken the Tiki Goddess of Disaster!
Other Beverages
Trader Sam’s has a few non-alcoholic beverages, over ten different beers including several from Hawaii, and a nice selection of wine.
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Souvenir glasses
The second coolest part of ordering specialty cocktails is you can order your beverage in a souvenir glass that is exclusive to the lounge! Souvenir glasses include the Rum Flight, The Nautilus, Shrunken Zombie Head glass, and the HippopotoMai-Tai tiki glass.
Sorry kiddos, most of the souvenir glasses are for adults only. This is done to avoid confusing alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
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Would you like to see it?
Are you ready to go to Trader Sam’s? I’ll bet. Our partners at Destinations to Travel can get you all set up for a WDW vacation of a lifetime. Give the a shout today and before you know it, you’ll be sipping something cool at Trader Sam’s.
Dad’s Destinations to Travel page
Dad’s Bottom Line
This unique tiki bar officially opened at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on April 27, 2015 and already it has a huge following. Filled with over 1,200 pieces of memorabilia and a nautical theme, incredible interactive cocktails, and a super fun staff, you definitely want to add this to your list of must-experience.
But be warned, the lounge only holds 51 guests (and the terrace holds 80), so expect there to be quite a wait to get in.
