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Welcome to Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, offers an enchanting tiki bar experience that transports guests to the vibrant atmosphere of the '50s and '60s. Known for its immersive environment, patrons revel in unique, expertly crafted cocktails presented in collectible tiki mugs. The engaging and humorous staff adds to the lively ambiance, making every visit memorable. While the wait can be lengthy, many agree it’s worth it for the delightful drinks and fun tapas-style dishes. Whether you're a tiki enthusiast or simply seeking a magical night out, Trader Sam's promises an unforgettable adventure just steps from the Magic Kingdom.

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto: Reviews & Ratings

Carey Schuiling
Carey Schuiling

You have to wait in line before 2:00 to get put on the call back list to get into this place, but it's worth the wait. It's just a fun interactive time. Something you'll always remember .The staff is hilarious and the drinks are good and the atmosphere is fun .

RJ Foster
RJ Foster

We are Tiki aficionados and have wanted to visit for a long time. It was worth the wait! Amazing Cocktails and food! Atmosphere is totally immersive. The bartenders and servers are fun and engaging ( IYKYK ;) )! Definitely will return!

Edward W
Edward W

Absolutely incredible tiki bar! There's going to be a wait but it's worth it. All of the drinks are amazing, the presentation is amazing, the service is amazing. We love this place! We got super lucky because there was a mug release and we were able to get a couple. Adding to our collection! When we are here without the kids, this is an every night stop. Great cast of characters also.

Gainesvillain
Gainesvillain

Best bar at WDW (sorry, close-second Oga's). Get to Poly by 130pm to get your name on the list or be prepared for a 3 hour wait (although they get your # to text you when your spot is available so you can head back to the MK or chill out by the awesome Lava pool if you are staying at the resort, just be able to get back within 15 minutes of your notification). Regardless, once you are in, you are transported, Disney-style, to the iconic tiki bars of the '50s and '60s. Awesome tiki cocktails (complete with must-have souvenir tiki mugs for YOUR tiki room), delicious tapas, amazing cast members (Tim is da bomb), and a must-be-at-Disney show! This place is almost worth staying at the Polynesian for and a must-do by monorail from either the MK or EPCOT (or anywhere else by bus to the TTC, a short stroll away)! SIDEBAR: Tikiphiles should also visit the Orlando area's other two awesome (and authentic) tiki bars: Aku Aku in DTO and Suffering Bastard in Sanford!

Turbo Tint Orlando
Turbo Tint Orlando

Inspired by the original Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel, The Polynesian version is a treat to visit before or after dinner at the resort. A large selection of unique drinks and glasses / mugs you can purchase to take home. Would not totally recommended the sushi (only because there are better options for food at the resort), but everything else is unique and exciting. There is an occasional black pearl drink selected by the bartender once in a while from a white pearl drink order: be there to see it and experience it. Be careful, the Zombie drink will knock you flat on your face! :)

Edward Mejias Jr
Edward Mejias Jr

Bartenders were awesome. They were joking with everyone and keeping the atmosphere as enjoyable as possible. A lot of rum based cocktails with cool cups you can take home. Highly suggest

Dis Down Under
Dis Down Under

It’s been 5 years between visits and we weren’t disappointed - this still the same great experience. We were able to sit at the bar and Skipper Gilbert kept us entertained and made some top notch drinks. We ate to fried dumplings (which were ok), and the tacos (which were excellent). The one change since our 2019 visit was that you need to be there at 1pm to check in (even though the bar doesn’t open till 3), so we didn’t get there on the first day we tried to visit but once we had this knowledge, we were able to get there nice and early.

James Kennedy
James Kennedy

You can take an Uber here. And be prepared to wait. Arrived at 2 (an hour before open), put our name on the waiting list for the first available seating which was 4, and walked around. Had a Dole whip (overrated.) Got our seating slightly before our booking, and you have 15 minutes to get back, so don’t stay too far. As for Sam’s, it was 100% worth it! Amazing drinks and atmosphere. Big show every time someone orders a special drink. Bartender kept the bar seats highly entertained. Food wasn’t great value or quality, but the drinks and experience were worth the wait. Kid friendly before 8.

Location

Welcome to Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This unique tiki bar captures the heart and soul of authentic tiki culture, echoing the charm of the iconic tiki bars of the 1950s and 60s. Here, enchantment awaits behind every corner, and guests are invited to immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere filled with hilarious interactions and spectacular drinks.

Located at 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto stands out not just for its theme but also for its exceptional service. Customers rave about the vibrant, welcoming cast members who bring the place to life. As one reviewer noted, "Tim is da bomb," highlighting the engaging personality of the staff that enriches the experience of each visitors. The combined efforts of the bartenders and servers create an unforgettable time, effusing energy and humor throughout the grotto.

But it’s not just the ambiance that steals the show. The drink menu is a treasure trove of unique cocktails, each designed with whimsical presentation and potent flavors. From the famous Zombie, known to pack a punch, to specialty drinks that occasionally surprise patrons with a mysterious black pearl special, there's always something exhilarating to sip on. Guests often adore collecting the signature tiki mugs, a perfect memento to take home, adding a layer of nostalgia to the experience.

As for the food, guests enjoy an array of delightful tapas; however, it seems the drinks often steal the spotlight. While sushi might not be the top recommendation, the small plates complement the cocktails beautifully, making them a worthy addition to your journey through the grotto. The vibrant atmosphere, paired with exquisite flavors, makes every visit feel like a mini-adventure.

Although there may be a wait to enter, many reviews confirm that the anticipation only heightens the eventual experience. Along with the chance to explore more of the Polynesian's lush surroundings, guests receive text notifications once their table is ready, allowing them to roam freely. Whether you're coming from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, prepare to be whisked away into an enchanting world of tropical bliss.

In summary, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is more than just a bar—it's a magical escape where drinks flow, laughter fills the air, and lasting memories are made. Fans of the tiki culture and newcomers alike will find joy in this vibrant setting, making each visit an experience worth waiting for.