Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Restaurant · Bay Lake
1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Highlights
Tropical tiki bar with animated decor & theatrical rum drinks
Tropical tiki bar with animated decor & theatrical rum drinks
"I recognize Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto for its interactive fun—mentioned as another themed lounge that influenced The Beak and Barrel—located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort." - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A tiki-themed, theatrics-heavy bar that draws long, single-file waitlists and a devoted fanbase; the low-lit, communal-high-top setup encourages mingling among families and groups. Menu highlights include kālua pork tacos and inventive cocktails such as the HippopotoMai-Tai (available with a head-shaped souvenir mug), while nautical memorabilia—canoe paddles, a hanging octopus tentacle, Don Ho records—and loud server callouts (for example, “two shots of rum!”) create a playful, party-like South Seas atmosphere." - Jacqui Gifford Jacqui Gifford As the editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure, Jacqui Gifford is always on the next plane. She constantly scouts for new hotels, shops, and restaurants to give readers the latest news and trends, and frequently appears as an expert guest on television networks, including NBC, CBS, ABC, CNBC, and MSNBC. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"You can’t book a spot in advance for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, which explains its ever-present line snaking through the first floor of the Polynesian each afternoon before the bar opens its doors. Once your name is on the list, the Skippers will text you when it’s your turn to enter, meaning you can bop around the resort and crush a quick Dole Whip while you wait. Visitors vie for a spot inside the tropical bar decorated with props from closed attractions and interactive features that are triggered by specific cocktail orders. If you can’t make it inside, you can find the same menu at the outpost on the patio, where there’s also a live ukulele player." - Jacqueline Dole
"A tiki-themed lounge at the Polynesian known for immersive Disney effects triggered by certain drink orders, a playful, heavily themed atmosphere, and a small menu of Asian-inspired bites; after 8 p.m., entry is restricted to guests 21 and over. The author highlights stopping in for an Uh-Oa." - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Yes, there’s a must-see tiki bar tucked inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. An offshoot of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel, this outpost is packed with just as many gags and glorious drinks as the original." - Amanda Kludt
