Many have been awaiting the opening of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and we are getting ever so closer. The Walt Disney World version of the Disneyland iconic bar is coming so very soon and we here at Doctor Disney can’t wait.
While there isn’t an official opening date yet, word is that it will open up in mid-April. That isn’t confirmed, but we’re hoping for an official date soon.
Per the Disney Parks Blog:
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is located off the main lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; the adjacent Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace offers views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon. Official opening is set for late April, when the coveted Tiki souvenir glassware arrives. (Tiki fans go bananas for the collectible mugs.)
Founded by Adventureland’s famous “head” salesman, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has some similarities to the Anaheim original. But at Walt Disney World Resort, the magical theming reflects its new resort location. This enchanted South Seas hideaway welcomes guests to explore a menu of “magical tropical drinks and food,” and while this new version shares a few cocktails and small plates, Beverage Manager Brad Ward, Chef Lenny DeGeorge, and the Concept Development team have created new menu items just for the Walt Disney World Resort Trader Sam’s.
The famous Trader Sam cocktails, available in Disney collectible Tiki mugs, are a mix of old and new. We won’t share ingredients, but the names might give away the concoctions.
Only at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto:
- Polynesian Pearl
- Nautilus
- Castaway Crush
- Tahitian Torch
- Dark & Tropical Stormy
Favorites imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar:
- Krakatoa Punch
- Uh-Oa!
- HippopotoMai-Tai
- Shrunken Zombie Head
And there are Sam’s No-Booze Brews:
- Schweitzer Fall
- Skipper Sipper
- Polynesian Punch
Small bites are on the menu, with a couple inspired by the Disneyland Trader Sam’s menu – the chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce and the Hawaiian poke with Sriracha aioli and wonton chips. New to the Walt Disney World Resort menu are kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables; pan-fried dumplings with soy-sesame dipping sauce; roasted chicken and pork pâté bánh mì sliders with pickled vegetables; salmon oshizushi (press sushi); corn-battered Portuguese sausages with curry ketchup and a Headhunter Sushi Roll.
The lounge has 50 seats inside and 82 on the patio. No reservations are required.
This…is going…to be awesome. Cannot wait for Trader Sam’s to open on the East Coast!
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