Trader Sam's Grog Grotto: What It Is And Why You Need To Go!
- Cara Conte
- May 3, 2019
- 4 min read
We all know that Walt Disney World is home to some of the most unique dining experiences in the world. At the Polynesian Village Resort, you'll find one of the best tropical hideaways: Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, which is a bar experience unlike any other! It is kept so hidden that if you walk right by it and the door is closed, you just might miss it, and this bar is definitely something you don't want to miss out on during your next trip to WDW!
So where exactly is Trader Sam's located, you ask? Many people cannot find it not because of it's difficult location, but just simply due to the fact of the extremely low-key entrance! There is a hallway that leads to the back of the main building of the resort, past Captain Cook's, the Polynesian's Quick Service dining location. Once you turn the corner past Captain Cook's you'll simply see a plain wall, with one small door on the right that has the Trader Sam's sign on the front! That's it - no music blasting, no Cast Members inviting you inside, no hostess standing outside the bar with advertising the menu, nothing! Disney does an amazing job with keeping every last bit of the park in "theme," and since this is a hideaway island bar, they keep it as so!
Now you may be thinking to yourself, "Well if no one can find it, then it must be empty inside!" Wrong! Due to the fact that this is a small hidden bar, there is only enough room to seat about 50 people. 50 people may seem like an average amount of a small hole-in-the-wall bar, but 50 is an extremely small number when there are on average nearly 60,000 visitors per day at Walt Disney World! There is also some standing room, but that gets capped after a certain amount of people for "Safe-D" reasons. There can be anywhere from a half-hour to a couple hour wait at Trader Sam's if it is filled to capacity, and since it's a bar and visitors are constantly coming and going, the wait times definitely vary. But don't worry - just because you have to wait doesn't mean you can't get a head start on the fun! If you have to wait, the Cast Members at Trader Sam's will provide you with a buzzer, and you can hang out on the Tiki Terrace outside, which serves the same drinks as they do inside the bar!
So why do you need to go to Trader Sam's? In typical Disney fashion, the Cast Members at Trader Sam's are in constant character, and they are freaking hysterical! They play jokes on the visitors, dress up in silly accessories when people order certain drinks, and put on short acts when specific cocktails are being served as well! It's definitely not your ordinary "going out for a drink" and it is 100% worth the wait! There is a secret bar stool that the bartenders have control of moving up and down, and they do it so slowly that you most likely won't even notice what's happening until the person sitting in it is practically on the ground! (Or if you're on the ground if you're the one in the hot seat!) On our last trip, my boyfriend was the lucky winner sitting in the adjustable bar stool! It was hilarious - he was several feet lower than me in a matter of minutes, and we were cracking up! The bartenders handed him an apple juice box & a rubber ducky as a joke! The Cast Members of Trader Sam's always have a trick up their sleeve, and it really adds to the experience of the South Pacific vibe and delicious cocktails. However, if being messed around with isn't quite your style but you want the tropical drinks and atmosphere, I still recommend sitting out on the terrace for a cocktail!
So who is Trader Sam? If the name sounds familiar to you, you most likely have heard the name on Disney's Jungle Cruise - one of the park's most famous attractions! The classic riverboat tour of exotic areas of South America, Asia, and Africa is located in Adventureland is Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, led by skippers who are full of wit! On your Jungle Cruise tour, you have an encounter with Trader Sam - the jungle's "head" salesman - who offers two heads for one of yours!
The drinks at Trader Sam's are of course one of the main reasons to visit the tropical retreat, as well. They offer a vast array of signature cocktails, one for every type of taste! They have a ton of rum drinks, but they also have a great deal of lighter fruity drinks, too! Many of the drinks have the option of a souvenir cup, exclusive to Trader Sam's! The drinks are a generous size, and they're strong!
Trader Sam's also serves small Polynesian bites! The bar does not accept reservations, nor to they participate in any Disney Dining Plans. Hours of operation are from 4:00 pm to midnight, and after 8:00 pm, all guests must be 21 and over to enter. If you're spending your day at the Magic Kingdom, I recommend taking a late-afternoon break and visiting the bar right when it opens, because I've found that is when I wait the least, or walk right in! It is self-seating, so keep in mind when visiting. Whether you have a seat or not, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience and enjoy your time at Trader Sam's! For more information on Trader Sam's and for any help regarding your Disney vacation, email us at pixietravelco@gmail.com or visit bit.ly/PlanWithPixie
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