The much-anticipated Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort celebrated its soft opening over the weekend and it’s being reported that guests waited up to six hours just to get in.
The new Tiki bar is located just off the lobby at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and while it was “inspired” by its West Coast cousin, this Walt Disney World version features themeing that fits in with the South Seas vibe of the resort.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto was founded by Adventureland’s “head” salesman, Trader Sam and the menu features items from Disneyland and items created just for Walt Disney World.
New drinks on the menu include the Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus, Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch, and Dark & Tropical Stormy. Drinks imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar include Krakatoa Punch, Uh-Oa!, Hippopoto Mai-Tai, and Shrunken Zombie Head.
Some of the food items from the original Trader Sam’s include chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce and Hawaiian poke with Sriracha aioli and wonton chips. New menu items include kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables, roasted chicken and pork pate banh mi sliders with pickled vegetables, and salmon oshizushi.
Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have a great review of the soft opening, including some great photos of the food and drinks on the menu!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will officially open in April.
