Out of all the new additions announced for Disney World, I’ve been anticipating the arrival of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto the most (sorry Avatar). The original Trader Sam’s is one of my favorite spots in all of Disneyland, and last year I wrote about why I love the tiny tiki bar at the Disneyland Hotel. With signage recently going up and cast members getting a walkthrough of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the opening of the East Coast location of Trader Sam’s seemed imminent. The Disney Parks Blog confirmed that Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will soft open tomorrow, March 28. They also shared new details of the interior, plus a look at some of the menu items and collectable mugs.
Here’s a glimpse of the interior. It looks incredible. Every inch of the place looks to be covered in theming and detail, in a way very befitting of Trader Sam’s. To Disneyland regulars, it will look immediately familiar, yet distinct. I really love the more open feel of the space compared to Disneyland. However, the Disney World Trader Sam’s won’t lose the intimate nature of the original bar, as it only seats 50 guests on the interior. For comparison, here are two pictures of the original Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland.
Back over at Disney World, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace will offer outdoor seating adjacent to Grog Grotto and offer views of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The patio will feature 82 seats.
As for the menu, some favorite items are making their way over from Disneyland:
- Chicken Lettuce Cups
- Ahi Poke with Wonton Chips
- Krakatoa Punch
- Uh-Oa!
- HippopotoMai-Tai
- Shrunken Zombie Head
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will also have some exclusive drinks and small plates:
- Polynesian Pearl
- Nautilus (I’ve heard rumors that the effect in the bar for this drink is amazing and makes a reference to a Magic Kingdom attraction of yore)
- Castaway Crush
- Tahitian Torch
- Dark & Tropical Stormy
- Kalua Pork Tacos
- Roasted Chicken and Pork Pate Bahn Mi Sliders
- Pan Fried Dumplings
- Corn-battered Portuguese Sausages
- Salmon Oshizushi (press sushi)
- The Headhunter Roll
Also, a Trader Sam’s location would not be complete with fun, collectable tiki mugs. These will be available for purchase when Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto officially opens in late April.
You can check out more images and details on Disney Parks Blog. Overall, it looks like there’s yet another reason to make a visit to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort during your vacation, even if you’re staying at another hotel.
Will you be checking out Trader Sam’s on your next trip to Disney World?
(Images of Disney World’s Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Copyright Disney. Images of Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar copyright Guide2WDW)
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