PHOTOS: Trader Sam’s Has Reopened in Disney World — Here’s What It’s Like!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has officially opened to all guests in Disney World!

We’ve been spending our day checking out all that has reopened inside, the NEW Moana-themed guest rooms, and tasting our way through all the specialty eats that are available for the occasion. And, one announcement that came as a surprise with the reopening was that Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace are also opening up for business again today! So, of course, we had to stop by and we’re bringing you along with us!

Atmosphere

Trader Sam’s will open from 3PM to midnight daily, with guests of all ages welcome before 8PM and then only guest 21 years and older permitted after.

Now, this bar is tiny inside and you’ll often find a wait here, so arriving earlier is better!

We were excited to be one of the first ones in and stopped by around 1:30PM to find that a Cast Member was already stationed out front accepting names for the virtual queue.

And, the line to sign up for the virtual queue was already pretty long!

When your name is first added to the queue, you’ll get a text message confirming your spot in line. And, when there’s room in the lounge for you, you’ll get a second text letting you know you can head inside! Just keep in mind that seating is first-come, first-served so there may only be standing room inside when it’s your turn.

We were part of the first group for seating so at 3PM we headed inside!

We're at the reopened Trader Sam's in Disney World! pic.twitter.com/sSXtPyFBwy

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) July 19, 2021

There’s a whole lot to look at in here with things like photos…

…books…

…and even a Tiki God that can be unlocked by ordering the Uh-Oa cocktail.

Of course, you can once again look out at the island’s volcano while you visit (though be careful what you order because it might erupt).

And, we even noticed a few changes inside! Now the family tree that once had some of Trader Sam’s head collection hanging from it is just a tree.

Menu

The menu is pretty similar to what you could find before the closure, though there are a few changes. On the appetizer menu, you’ll no longer find the Hawaiian Poke and Roasted Chicken Pork Pate Banh Mi Sliders, but you will find a new Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll (which was previously called the Headhunter Sushi Roll).

And, all three of Sam’s No-Booze Brews have returned!

If you’re looking for something a bit boozier, there is a huge selection of signature cocktails that all come with a special delivery from the Skippers (aka servers) in the bar. And, the only change you’ll find is that the Shrunken Zombie Head has been renamed to “Zombie” (a change that also came to the menu in Disneyland).

You’ll also find a selection of beer and cider…

…plus select white and red wines, though both the Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne, Éperna, and the Newton Skyside Chardonnay, Napa Valley have been removed from the menu and a new Argyle Sparkling Brut, Willamette Valley is now available.

It’s hard not to want to order everything when you visit here, but we decided to start off with the Nautilus, which is made with Barbancourt Pango Rhum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crème de Pêche de Vigne Liqueur, Tropical Juices, and Falernum. Now, this one is made for sharing and will cost you $32 and if you want to take home the mug as a souvenir it’ll be $58.

And, the drink may be the same, but one big update for this drink (all others at Trader Sam’s) is that they are no longer serving drinks with the long bendable straws. Instead, you’ll get a handful of paper straws for your sipping.

And, we opted for another shareable drink — the Uh-Oa! It is made with Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice and costs $23. Though, if you’d like to take home the mug, it’s $43.

The unique (and fun) thing about this drink is that it actually comes lit on fire (and cues up a whole chant in the lounge). Just be warned, the cinnamon can get a little messy.

Well, it sure was exciting to be back in Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto! And, if you can’t get into the lounge when you’re visiting, you can also find all the drinks on the menu outside at Trader Sam’s Tiki Lounge.

Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye out for more restaurants and lounges that are reopening in Disney World, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest!

Check out the NEW Moana Themed Guest Rooms HERE!

Have you ever been to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto? Let us know in the comments!

Post a Comment