Food - Drink
The Exciting Cocktail Bar Hidden In Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
By HOLLY KAPHERR
Walt Disney and all the theme parks, resorts, restaurants, and bars associated with it, are known for their whimsical, childlike approach to experiential storytelling. One such example is Trader Sam's Grog Grotto in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, aka the most exciting Disney cocktail bar you've never heard of.
Unlike some Disney bars and restaurants, Sam’s Grog Grotto doesn’t take reservations, and after their waitlist opens at 2 p.m. the queue quickly lengthens. This is understandable considering the bar is inspired by Disney’s Jungle Cruise ride, resulting in an interactive tiki experience that’s fun for guests of all ages with drinks in ocean-themed tiki vessels.
The open-air Tiki Terrace just outside of Trader Sam's is a stunning spot to sip a drink or watch fireworks over the Seven Seas Lagoon, and best of all, it’s easy to get to whether or not you’re staying on the property. The bar is tucked away from the hotel’s main thoroughfare, further enhancing the jungle theme along with flashes of “lightning” and cracking “thunder” effects.
After 8 p.m. the bar becomes a 21-and-older venue, perfect for sipping some of the bar’s delicious cocktails or mocktails. One popular cocktail, the Uh-Oa, triggers a thunderstorm in the bar when ordered and arrives set on fire with cinnamon for guests to throw into it to make sparks — a fitting experience for a drink named after the goddess of disaster.
According to the Walt Disney Company proprietor, Dianna Pillow, “Our team infuses Disney storytelling throughout the experience, creating fun magic that brings back guests time and time again.” If you want a piece of the magic, queue up early for a spot at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and bring home one of the souvenir mugs to remember the experience.