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Disney World Pressured to Ban Children From Popular Experience

Trader Sams Grog Grotto Credit Disney
Credit: Disney

As social media users continue to target and mock “Disney Adults,” some Walt Disney World Resort fans are switching focus. Many want one beloved Disney experience to cater to grown-up fans and exclude young Guests.

Trader Sam’s, a tiki bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is beloved among adult Disney Guests. Despite being a hotspot for complex cocktails and shots, children are allowed at the Walt Disney World bar until 8 p.m.

stitch ohana dining polynesian resort

Credit: Disney

But some fans want to see that change.

“Limited seating already, don’t bring your kids, one of the few places left in Disney you can go without a bunch of kids, let them enjoy it when they are older,” Reddit user u/automoton86 wrote. “Sorry I don’t mean to sound so rude I just remember a time in there and someone brought like 5 kids, two running around the place, one crying cause they were scared when the fancy drinks are served and things get weird in there.”

“Usually when we go we are taking shots and hollering,” u/NRM1109 agreed. “I guess some people bring their kids… But the whole babies and children in bars has always been so confusing to me.”

A tiki grins at BouTiki

Credit: D23

Others said they didn’t like that children were allowed at Trader Sam’s but appreciated the 8 p.m. rule.

“I generally not a fan of having kids inside Sam’s, but I appreciate the compromise of only allowing them until 8pm,” u/Runmiked said. “For me it’s more having an escape for adults rather than any concern about or for kids.”

“Kids don’t want to be there and are often dragged along… because the parent want to go,” u/hideandsee added. “I think it’s a learning opportunity in patience, but it’s already a hot long day at Disney.”

More on Trader Sam’s

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar is one of Walt Disney World Resort’s best-kept secrets. Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this magical experience is inspired by its Disneyland Resort counterpart, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Please note that Trader Sam’s is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.

A rainbow carving at Trader Sam's

Credit: Disney

“You grotto check out this tropical tiki bar that captures the romance of the South Seas through unique food and drinks. Be sure to arrive early!” Walt Disney World Resort writes. “Venture in to this tranquil hideaway for an enchanting evening packed with fantastic fun and delightful surprises. Explore the whimsically themed lounge—festooned with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures—or set sail for the open-air Tiki Terrace for a relaxing sip or nibble under the starry sky.”

“Does the name Trader Sam sound familiar? If you’re a long-time Disney fan, it should. Many years ago, famed Adventureland explorer Trader Sam was bitten by the bartending bug. And ever since then, Sam has searched for exotic ingredients to mix into magical libations.”

Should children be allowed in Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on personal Disney Parks Guest experiences. No two Guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with this site’s personal views on Disney Park operations.

This post Disney World Pressured to Ban Children From Popular Experience appeared first on Inside the Magic.

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

8 comments

  1. We took our 9 yo their last year and she loved it, however if we felt she couldn’t be respectful to those trying to enjoy themselves in a bar we wouldn’t have gone. It’s all about awareness of surrounding and respect for the fellow patrons. You can replace children running and crying with dude passed out and barfing and have the same conversation.

  2. There are not any experiences that do not permit children in Disney locations that I know of. So having one place that doesn’t allow children is not too much to ask. Sure some children are well behaved but many are not. And too many parents don’t care how badly their children behave. I say having one place child free is good

  3. I think it should be a 6pm cutoff for children under 18. We have been there many times and only twice did we have an experience with entitled adults with children. Once was a six year old, dressed like a princess, who kept trying to hit patrons with her wand, telling them to disappear! When a person nearby them asked the parents to tell her to stop, the mother said, “This is Disney! Kids can do whatever they want!” NO, THEY CANNOT!!! was the response from numerous people. The other was a toddler, that alternated between screaming and crying. In either case, they were not asked to leave.

  4. IT’S A BAR and has limited seating, also sometimes gets dark / loud. Not the ideal place for some kids. Although some kids are more well behaved than some of the adults I have seen at Disney, there needs to be rules and places that adults can go and not worry about the kids that might not be as well mannered or the parents just let them run around or other inappropriate things that kids will do if left to their own because parents refuse to hold them accountable – as the example above from DianeMRL describes.

  5. There are many other options for those with children. Limit this to adults only, expecially later in the day. I could see an earilier cut-off, maybe 2:00 pm or just simply adults only all the time. There is an outside patio where you can get the same menu though granted it is not the same experrience.

  6. I agree
    Some places….even at Disney World just aren’t a good place for kids to be exposed to.
    A few places in Disney Springs…same thing goes.

  7. Kids should be banned from many other places as well. Nothing more annoying than seeing parents drag their kids around till 11 at night when they should’ve been in bed hours ago. Vacation doesn’t mean no rules. Plus add to it the garbage they let them eat and you have the perfect setup for screaming unruly kids. Added that no child under the age of 6 will remember the trip anyway. Disney is not for young kids. It’s mute for the parents to say they took their kids and to watch it through their eyes.

  8. Children should NEVER be allowed in a bar, period!

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