REVIEW: It’s Official. This is STILL One of the Best Bars in Disney World

There are plenty of themed bars and lounges in Disney World to grab a drink, eat some food, and have a little bit of fun.

However, there is probably no bar quite as iconic as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This bar takes the concept of a tiki bar and turns it up to the nth degree. We recently stopped by Trader Sam’s to enjoy some food and drinks, and we’re bringing you along with us.

Background

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, just a few steps from the lobby. The theme is that this bar is owned by Trader Sam (of Jungle Cruise fame), an Adventureland explorer and salesman who decided to give up his adventuring to become a bartender.

Note that you can’t make reservations for this bar. Instead, you’ll need to use the Walk-Up List and wait until you’re notified to get in. The waits can be long during busy periods, so you’ve been warned. There’s also an age limit after 8 PM. Before 8 PM, guests of all ages are invited into the bar, but after 8 PM, it’s only available to adults ages 21 and up.

Here’s what you need to know about dining at this restaurant.

Atmosphere

Once you’re inside, you’ll see artifacts collected by Trader Sam from all over the world. Be sure to take a peek behind the bar to see some of his collection, which includes a variety of masks, figures, compasses, and more. Be on the lookout for the occasional shrunken head, too.

You’ll want to spend some time looking at all these artifacts because they’re SO much fun.

Lighting is a little dim, keeping on-brand with that whole tiki bar theme. Also, be sure to look up to see even more details.

Seating includes booths, tables, and chairs…

…lounge seating…

…as well as high tables with stools.

What makes this bar so much fun, though, is that there are interactive elements and special effects throughout the space, along with some funny interactions with the bartenders when you order certain drinks.

But enough about that, what are we eating?!

Food & Drinks

First up, we grabbed the Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll for $19, which comes with ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce. The tuna on top tasted so fresh and had a lot of nice flavor, but we thought the rice was a little drier than usual. The veggies inside had a nice snap, though. However, you only get about eight pieces of sushi, so we don’t feel this is a very good value, especially since it didn’t really wow us, but it did hit that sushi craving when you need it.

The Kalua Pork Tacos for $11.50 saved the day, though. They have a fresh jalapeño slice on top, which gives them even more flavor, although they are flavorful even without that. You get a lot of meat, too, and it’s really complemented by the crunchy slaw and the creamy heat of the sauce. The tortillas tasted fresh. We also liked that this is served with a lime to squeeze over the tacos, which added a nice tanginess. This is a far better value than the sushi roll, especially as you get three tacos.

To drink, we picked up the Polynesian Pearl for $24.50. It’s made with RumChata Cream Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon with Tropical Juices. It comes in a pearl that you can keep. This might just be our favorite boozy drink in all of Disney World. It’s got a whole pina colada thing going on with a nice creamy coconut flavor. It’s not overtly strong, making it very easy to drink. You get a little hint of the cinnamon, too. Overall, it’s a fantastic drink that even comes with its own souvenir.

We also ordered the Krakatoa Punch for $19.50, made with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Orgeat (Almond), Sam’s Gorilla Grog, and Hibiscus Grenadine. First, you have to love the presentation with the red glow cube that makes it look like a volcano. As far as flavor goes, the spiced rum has a kick, and that kick will stay with you while you’re sipping on the drink.

However, we couldn’t really taste the hibiscus grenadine, as the spiced rum just kinda’ overpowers everything else. This is one of the drinks that sets off one of the bar’s interactive elements, so it’s fun to order at least once!

Magic or Tragic?

This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if…

• • If you want a super-themed tiki bar experience. Trader Sam’s is probably one of the most unique and most themed on-property. You’ve got shrunken heads, funny bartenders, and drink orders that trigger wild interactions.
  • You’re doing a Monorail bar hop with other adults. Trader Sam’s is easy to get to via the Monorail, so you can just hop on the Monorail, head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and pop into the bar for some fun antics and drinks.
  • You just want cocktails and small plates. You won’t be getting a full meal at Trader Sam’s, but if you just want to munch on some appetizers and have some drinks, this is a great place for it.

You should skip this Disney World spot if…

• • You don’t want to wait. This place is small and only seats about 50 people. So if you want to get in here, you’re going to have to wait, especially if you visit at night.
  • You’re on a tight budget. This is not somewhere you can use the Disney Dining Plan, and you’ll pay a pretty penny for those themed drinks. If you’re hungry, you’re probably also going to want to order more than one of the small bites, and those can add up fast, too.
  • You’re looking to hang out with family later in the evening. Kids can’t get into this bar after 8 PM, so if you want to visit the bar then, you’ll have to leave them behind. Now, you can sit in the outdoor bar area, the Tiki Terrace, but you’ll be missing out on all the interactive fun stuff that happens indoors.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is one of those bars you have to visit at least once in Disney World, just for the fun vibes, interactive elements, and wacky bartender antics. However, you must be willing to wait for that experience, as the lines can get pretty long here. You may just feel it’s worth it, though.

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news and more!

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Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments.

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