Disney Dining Disney Dining Tips, News, and Reviews
Have you heard of this secret Disney dining location? This hidden gem is one of the most unique bars that you’ll find at the Walt Disney World Resort, with specialty cocktails, intricate theming, and an all-around interactive dining experience.
Location
Credit: Disney
This secret cocktail bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, is at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Even within the resort, this dining location is a little hidden, so keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss it. Head to the Great Ceremonial House, which houses the resort’s main lobby. On the first floor, head past Capt. Cook’s and take a left-hand turn to find this dining location. This restaurant also has a Tiki Terrace outside, with more available seating if you can’t grab a spot inside.
Quick Service or Table Service?
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto offers a Lounge dining experience. This means that no dining reservations are accepted, and seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This bar is trendy and promises standing room only, even though high top and booth seating are present.
Atmosphere
Credit: Disney
The atmosphere of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is unique and very immersive. Trader Sam himself is a long-time Disney legend, an Adventureland explorer whose travels have led him to bold flavors, inspiring his famous cocktails. Everywhere you look, this bar is decorated with tropical features and even some tropical friends. The entire restaurant, Cast Members included, interacts with certain orders, like the Nautilus or the Uh-Oa cocktails. For extra fun, make sure to order “two shots of rum!”
Menu Options
Credit: Disney
This restaurant’s menu is jam-packed with bold flavors and unique items you won’t find anywhere else. You can order delicious appetizers from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., including Pan-fried Dumplings, Thai chicken Flatbread, the Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll, and Kalua Pork Tacos. Specialty cocktails feature the Polynesian Pearl, HippopotoMai-Tai, Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum, Zombie, Krakatoa Punch, Spikey Pineapple, and Mosquito Mojito. Each drink features a special glass, and some drink orders even trigger the bar to react. Guests can find the complete menu on the My Disney Experience app.
Dining Tips
While there are many fun secrets to unlock at Trader Sam’s, the most important dining tip is to arrive early. This location opens at 3:00 p.m., and since the restaurant does not accept reservations, you’ll be added to a waitlist if the bar is full. If you find the waitlist too long when you arrive, try heading outside to the restaurant’s Tiki Terrace for more seating. From 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Guests of all ages are welcome, but after 8:00 p.m., the bar is only open to Guests 21 and older.
