I tested Trader Sam’s new earlier hours and only stayed 10 minutes
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort recently began opening earlier in the day, shifting from its longtime 3 p.m. start time to an 11 a.m. opening. For one of Walt Disney World’s most in-demand lounges, it creates a completely different way to visit. My family and I tested the new earlier hours, but ended up with a shorter visit.
Back in my younger years, when Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto first arrived on the scene, I frequented this enchanted tiki bar multiple times a month. My life has changed dramatically since then (becoming a mom usually has such an effect.) With the new, earlier opening time in place, my husband and I decided to test it out.
Testing Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto’s new hours
After arriving at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort around 1:30 p.m., we had lunch at Captain Cook’s. While waiting for our food, I walked the few steps down the hallway to the grotto. We were quoted a two-hour wait, so thanks to the new earlier opening, we would be seated around 4:00 p.m. I was used to 5:00 p.m. or later.
Besides joining the waitlist at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto itself, you can check the walk-up list through the My Disney Experience app. You must be physically at the Polynesian resort to join the waitlist.
Throwback: Take a look at what it was like when Trader Sam’s Grog Gotto was first announced.
All photos by Dani Meyering
TL;DR- We waited two hours and had to leave after only ten minutes. Our son doesn’t like unexpected sounds, and the effects proved too startling for his comfort.
While we waited
Instead of standing in a crowded hallway waiting for a text, we turned the experience into a relaxing resort afternoon. We enjoyed lunch, walked the grounds, took Disney transportation around Seven Seas Lagoon, browsed the shops, and spent time in the Great Ceremonial House lobby.
That alone highlights one of the biggest benefits of Trader Sam’s new earlier hours: more flexibility to build the visit into a full Polynesian resort stop.
Total wait time
Our return text finally arrived after two hours and 10 minutes. That may surprise some guests who assumed the earlier start time would dramatically reduce waits. While the expanded hours likely help spread demand throughout the day, Trader Sam’s remains one of the most popular lounges at Walt Disney World.
Plus, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace outdoor bar area was closed for construction during our visit. Even though the terrace does not have any special effects like the inside of the bar does, it is still a popular alternative.
Being back in Trader Sam’s after several years away felt genuinely special. It remains one of the most atmospheric and memorable spaces at Walt Disney World. I only wish we had more time to enjoy it.
We were seated near one of the enchanted windows, one of my favorite features. It quickly reminded me why the special place has such a devoted following. Within moments, the sound effects and dramatic lighting kicked in after another guest ordered the Zombie cocktail. And thus our fate was sealed.
The $6.50 mocktails are one of the best values at Disney World
We decided to order all three of the “Sam’s No-Booze Brews,” Trader Sam’s mocktails. Interestingly, only two currently appear in the My Disney Experience app, but three were available during our visit.
At just $6.50 each, these are one of the better beverage values at Walt Disney World.
The current lineup includes:
- Skipper Sipper – Tropical juices, organic agave nectar, falernum, mint, and fresh lime juice topped with soda water
- Schweitzer Falls – Tropical juices and Sam’s Gorilla Grog topped with Sprite
- Polynesian Punch – Orange, pineapple, passion fruit, guava, and hibiscus ginger beer
Each drink was enjoyable, though the pineapple-forward Schweitzer Falls was our group’s favorite. It is also worth noting that mocktails are different from non-alcoholic cocktails. These drinks are juice- and soda-based creations rather than beverages made with zero-proof spirits.
My son and I are both sensitive to unexpected sounds, but at Trader Sam’s, I can manage it. My son is still very young, and despite having hearing protection on, it proved overwhelming for him. Within moments, he wanted to leave.
We took some sips of our special mocktails, asked for to-go cups and the check.
Pro-tip: If you do not mind missing out on the ambiance, or only getting a taste of it, you can ask to order to-go drinks at the bar. You won’t have to wait for a seat. You’ll be directed to the far left side of the bar. While your drinks are being prepared, enjoy the atmosphere for a few moments.
Our family visited the Fort Lauderdale area a few months ago and made a trip to The Mai-Kai, a restaurant and dinner show that has been wowing the Fort Lauderdale area for many decades. Because The Mai-Kai served as inspiration for this East Coast version of Trader Sam’s, there is a postcard of The Mai-Kai framed on the wall. Anytime I visit the grotto, it is a must that I lay eyes on this postcard.
And so, as we prepared to depart, I paid my quick homage to this legendary spot.
A fond farewell
Even though our time inside the enchanted grotto was short-lived, the power of the Polynesian is undeniable. Our to-go drinks enhanced our stroll through the resort as we made our way back to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Walking the lush grounds of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with a cold drink in hand, revisiting a place tied to so many fond memories, felt every bit as enjoyable as sitting inside.
Instead of treating Trader Sam’s as a stressful evening event, you can now fold it into lunch, shopping, transportation loops, or a leisurely afternoon at the Polynesian resort.
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