After months of waiting, the time has arrived! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort celebrated its soft opening over the weekend.
Those who tried to visit the new Tiki bar were met with waits of up to six hours in some cases! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto doesn’t officially open until late April and a soft opening means the spot could be open today and closed tomorrow.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto was founded by Adventureland’s “head” salesman, Trader Sam. And while it has some similarities to its Disneyland cousin, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, this spot finds decor inspiration from the South Seas.
The menu features new drinks and food items created specifically for Walt Disney World in addition to old favorites from the original Disneyland bar.
The drink menu includes new drinks like the Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus, Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch, and Dark & Tropical Stormy. Drinks “imported” from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar include Krakatoa Punch, Uh-Oa!, Hippopoto Mai-Tai, and Shrunken Zombie Head.
And the food menu is full of delicious appetizers from Disneyland including chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce and Hawaiian poke with Sriracha aioli and wonton chips. New menu items include kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables, roasted chicken and pork pate banh mi sliders with pickled vegetables, and salmon oshizushi.
Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have a great review of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto posted and it is filled with photos of the drinks and food! Make sure you check it out!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is located off the main lobby at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and has seating for 50 indoors and 82 outside. Reservations aren’t required.
