Have you discovered Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort yet?
The “Grog Grotto” is the second location founded by the Jungle Cruise’s famed “head salesman”, Trader Sam. The Disneyland Resort’s original, “Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar“, opened as a result of Sam’s expertise with head-shrinking potions growing into a passion for mixology. Word spread and soon guests from all over the world were enjoying his magical cocktails.
On one of his sailing expeditions, Trader Sam landed on the sunny shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. Greeted by friendly natives, he decided this was the perfect spot to open his newest outpost, the “Grog Grotto”. Looking around this mystical cocktail lounge, one can spot many of the exotic artifacts he acquired on his voyages.
 |
 |
Just check out some of Sam’s treasures that caught my eye on a recent trip. This classic image of the Nautilus submarine, is a reference to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Magic Kingdom Park attraction. Here is a vintage photo of Walt Disney with his hands full with an 8-legged motion picture star.
 |
 |
 |
The place is chock filled with Sam’s collection of maritime treasures, Tikis, hula dancers, and Polynesian & Floridian vacation memorabilia. Even the Orange Bird has found a home at the Grotto. Fun!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto welcomes all guests from opening until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., only guests age 21 and older may visit.
For more from the “All in the Details” series, visit the posts below:
Comments
We visited on the last trip – we had about a 40 minutes wait to get in ( handed us a beeper)- and 4 of us, myself, my wife, and my daughter and he friend ( just turned 21 that week) – went exploring. Warning if you’re looking for a quiet little place for a drink, this isn’t it, and I’m glad it’s not. There are various table configurations and seating arrangements but someone you don’t know will be with you for a while. It’s really not an issue and can be fun to see where people have traveled from. The inside will give you flashbacks to the Tiki Room ( especially views out the ‘windows’ – and there are schticks from the bar tenders and wait staffs depending on what drinks ordered. I was dying for a Nautalis mug and when order was delivered by staff wearing a snorkle and bubbles appeared and themed music. Now as far as he very cool classware- check ahead as the one your drink from is not the one you keep- they are boxed and ready for you when you leave. Appetizers also available- recommend the pot stickers. After 45 mins to an hour you will have lived the experience and be ready – which allows for the turnover in a place that only seems to seat maybe 60 or so ? The price list is not for the faint of heart- but then unique experiences at Disney are so fun.
Now that Sam has opened the Grog Grotto, has he left the operation in charge of Chief Nah-mee, The head salesman of Walt Disney World’s Jungle? In Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar there is a photo of Nah-mee with the caption of “Trader Sam’s cousin, Chief Nah-mee, on opening day of our east coast franchise.
Also, is there any more information on Sam’s grandfather, Billamongawonga, A.K.A. Trader Bill, other than what Vanessa Capshaw of the New York City Preservation Society had to say about his being Harrison Hightower III’s righ-hand man and safari chef, in her letter in the Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Great post, thanks Jennifer! Trader Sams at DLR is a mainstay when we go, so I’m looking forward to trying the WDW location soon. Also, Ian your post was great. Love how there’s so much detail, theming, back story to TS, Adventureland, et al. Keep it up Disney!
Would be so nice to be able to grab a Dole Whip here!
Great article! We had a lot of fun visiting here on our last visit to Walt Disney World, but a word of caution. If you’re going to stay late and are *not* staying at the Polynesian Resort, plan ahead transportation-wise. We did not and when we left the Grotto well before closing, the monorail station at the Polynesian was already closed and we had to walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center to catch a bus.
Comments are closed.