Much-Anticipated Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

March 28, 2015

From Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer and posted on the Disney Parks Blog.

Enthusiastic fans of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel are celebrating the soft opening March 28 of the East Coast version. 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.) As soon as the official date is set, we will share on the Disney Parks Blog.

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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.

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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.

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Scott Atwood Co-Owner, Writer, Webmaster
Scott Atwood is the Co-Owner, Co-Creator, and Webmaster of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources. With an 18-year background in technical support and systems management, Scott brings a detail-oriented, research-driven approach to everything he does — from managing the technical infrastructure of TMSM to covering the latest Disney news, Marvel updates, and technology developments. As Project Planner and Business Relations Manager for TMSM, Scott works behind the scenes to ensure the site runs smoothly while also contributing articles on topics he's passionate about — including Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Parks, and the latest in tech and pop culture. What started as a hobby alongside his wife Michele has grown into a full-time labor of love, reaching Disney fans across the country every day. Scott is also Co-Host of the TMSM Weekly Podcast and Co-Owner of the House of Mouse Expo. He feels blessed to spend his days doing what he loves alongside his best friend and partner in all things Disney.



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