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#OnTheList: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort


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This post is part of the DFB #OnTheList series, where we feature eats you’ve GOT to have while you’re at Disney! Let us know what’s on YOUR Disney Food Bucket List @DisneyFoodBlog #OnTheList!

 

“Welcome to the mystery, romance, and adventure of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Here on the shores of paradise, our seafaring friend established this happy hideaway for all to enjoy!” 

#OnTheList: Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

#OnTheList: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Aside from proudly boasting his offer of TWO of his heads for one of yours, everyone’s favorite Head Salesman from the beloved Jungle Cruise attraction — Trader Sam — has one more bragging right to add to his list: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is #OnTheList this week!

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Of course, this isn’t Trader Sam’s first “happy hideaway.” He also has a nice, cozy spot reserved at the Disneyland Hotel, known as Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. It appears he ran out of room on the west coast, because Sam has tucked more memorabilia, souvenirs, and artifacts from his global travels into just about every inch of this over-the-top lounge in his new space in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Does it look small to you? Indeed, it is. While it looks like the 4-hour-plus wait times it was known for in its opening days are a thing of the past, getting in (especially on weekends or peak seasons) can still result in a wait, thanks to the immense popularity of the spot, and the snug 51-person capacity.

Trader Sam's Pager

Trader Sam’s Pager

We’re still not sure whether or not the gigantic Cephalopod counts towards the seating numbers…

Cephalopod

Cephalopod

Cephalopod tipping the rum

Cephalopod tipping the rum

YEP… that’s a Cephalopod tipping that there bottle of rum. You see, Trader Sam has added more than a few nods to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to his east coast spot.

Submarine Helmet

Submarine Helmet

Picture of Walt Disney

Picture of Walt Disney

And Jungle Cruise fans will no doubt want to take a look (or two… or five — there’s LOTS to see!) around the room to take in all the kitschy, jungle-y details.

Trader Sam's Decor

Trader Sam’s Decor

Tiki statues at the bar

Tiki statues at the bar

Family Tree East Coast Branch

Family Tree East Coast Branch

Postcard

Postcard

You can order food in the Grog Grotto (I recommend the Corn-Battered Portuguese Sausages and the Salmon Oshizushi), but by and large, it’s better known for drinks for several reasons: first, the cocktails you can order here are unique to the Grog Grotto and its counterpart outdoor Tiki Terrace (as opposed to the standard menu you’ll find across most Disney bars and lounges). Additionally, some of them come in collectable and coveted souvenir glasses (including a $52 Nautilus), and THAT’S where the fun really begins…

Because the final thing that lands Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto squarely #OnTheList is the interaction not only of the wacky and wonderful Skippers (Cast Members) with the guests, but also the room itself.

Skippers at the Bar

Skippers at the Bar

The ordering of certain drinks sets off a chain reaction in and around the bar. Let’s take, for instance, the Polynesian Pearl.

The Polynesian Pearl

The Polynesian Pearl

If you request this blend of RumChata, Grand Marnier, cinnamon, and tropical juices, the Skippers find themselves digging for the “pearls” in… well, I guess you just need to see her.  Allow me to introduce you to… Shell-y.

Polynesian Pearl clamshell

Polynesian Pearl clamshell, Shelly

Bartender bringing out Polynesian Pearls

Bartender bringing out Polynesian Pearls

Of course, you can’t see the drink within the Pearl, so you’ll just have to trust me that this sweet and creamy beverage goes down smooth (and fast!), even with the bit of zest that comes from the cinnamon.

Polynesian Pearl

Polynesian Pearl

The tasty RumChata overwhelms the juices in this one, though, so if you’re looking for something with a little more tropical flair, you may want to try what’s up next…

Krakatoa Punch is Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Orgeat, Sam’s Gorilla Grog (passion fruit, guava, pineapple, orange, and lemon juices all mixed with falernum, which is a sweet/spicy syrup reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, and other sweet spices), and hibiscus grenadine…

Castaway Crush and Krakatoa Punch

Castaway Crush and Krakatoa Punch

… all served up in a glowing cup — hot lava, of course.

Krakatoa Punch

Krakatoa Punch

And speaking of hot lava, when your Krakatoa Punch arrives, here’s a fair warning: the Krakatoa Volcano goes from peaceful, serene, and dormant…

Krakatoa Volcano

Krakatoa Volcano

… to an angry eruption!

Volcano erupting

Volcano erupting

But nothing gets quite as angry as the Tiki goddess of disaster herself, Uh-Oa.

Tiki goddess of distaser

Tiki goddess of distaser

In fact, she has a drink named after her.

Uh-Oa! in the menu

Uh-Oa! in the menu

The Uh-Oa! is made of Myers’s Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, orange, passion fruit, guava, pineapple, and grapefruit juices, falernum, cinnamon, and fresh lime juice. And it’s ready to serve two or more in this souvenir bowl surrounded by See-no-Evil, Hear-no-Evil, and Speak-no-Evil Tikis. (Yours to take home for the low, low price of $40 ;) ).

Uh-Oa

Uh-Oa

Can you spot the cinnamon on their heads? When I received my Uh-Oa amidst the chants of “Uh-Oa! Uh-Oa! Uh-Oa, Oa, Oa!” led by the Skippers, it was aflame. Tossing the cinnamon into the fire makes it spark…

And this REALLY gets her goat!

Tiki goddess of disaster when she's angry

Tiki goddess of disaster when she’s angry

If you like your drinks served with a side of hijinks, shenanigans, tomfoolery, and general ballyhoo (with a HUGE side of Disney nostalgia, to boot!), you’ve simply GOT to put Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto #OnTheList!

Which drink would you like to order at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto? Please let us know with a comment!

What’s On YOUR Disney Food Bucket List?

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is featured on the DFB Disney Food Bucket List — #OnTheList! Check out the list for more must-eats, and tweet, instagram, and Facebook your Disney Food Bucket List items @DisneyFoodBlog with #OnTheList!

To-Do-List-01

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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