Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is more than just a bar—it’s an immersive experience. Stepping inside feels like entering the legendary Jungle Cruise skipper’s secret hideaway, complete with incredible theming, special effects, and delicious tiki cocktails! But with only about 50 seats, this popular spot has become one of the hardest reservations to get at Walt Disney World.
While it’s not a traditional reservation, getting in requires a strategy. Here are the updated tips and tricks for securing your spot in the grotto.
The Secret To Entry: Virtual Queue
The most important thing to know is that Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto uses a virtual queue system. You cannot make a reservation in advance; you must go to the physical location to put your name on the list.
The best way to get in is to arrive at the Polynesian Resort at least one hour before the bar opens at 3 p.m. A Cast Member will be stationed at the entrance to take your name and phone number. This is your key to the virtual queue. Once your name is on the list, you’re free to explore the beautiful resort or grab a bite to eat elsewhere.
When your table is ready, you’ll receive a text message with a short window of time to return (typically 10-15 minutes). It’s a first-come, first-served process, so arriving early is crucial to securing a spot, especially on weekends or during peak seasons.
Curious about the tropical cocktails? Click here to see the menu.
Must-Knows for Your Visit to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
To help you plan your visit, here are some key details and a look at the menu.
Hours: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto typically opens daily at 3 p.m. and closes at midnight. The Tiki Terrace, the outdoor patio, usually operates during similar hours.
Bringing Kids: This is a very important detail. While Trader Sam’s is a bar, it is family-friendly for a portion of the day. Guests of all ages are welcome from the 3 p.m. opening until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., the Grog Grotto is strictly for guests 21 years of age and older. The outdoor Tiki Terrace, however, remains open to all ages throughout the night.
Menu Highlights: The menu features both unique alcoholic beverages and “No-Booze Brews” for all ages.
Specialty Cocktails: Don’t miss the Krakatoa Punch, the HippopotoMai-Tai, or the Polynesian Pearl, which comes with a souvenir mug you can keep.
“No-Booze Brews”: Non-alcoholic options include the Skipper Sipper and the Schweitzer Falls, both served with fun tropical juices.
Food: The food menu is concise but delicious, featuring shareable plates like Pan-fried Dumplings, Kahuna Tuna Sushi Rolls, and Kalua Pork Tacos.
Insider Tips & My Experience
- Go with a Small Group: The bar is small and seating is limited. Parties of four or fewer are often seated more quickly than larger groups.
- Go Off-Peak: Avoid holidays and weekends if possible.
- Be Flexible: If you’re willing to wait, you can get a later slot. You can also try your luck with a late-night visit, though this is a riskier strategy.
- Have a Backup Plan: Don’t get discouraged if the wait is too long! The adjacent Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is a fantastic alternative. This outdoor patio lounge has the same menu of specialty drinks and appetizers, but without the virtual queue or limited seating. It’s a great spot to enjoy the Polynesian ambiance and a cocktail under the stars.
When we arrived at opening (3:00pm) there was a small line of people checking in with the cast member. We were too late to get the first round of seating and were added to the virtual queue. We gave our name and number and were given an estimated wait time of 3 hours! We thought this would happen and made a plan to do a Monorail Crawl!
When trying to get into Trader Sam’s, it’s always good to be flexible! We were able to explore the other monorail resorts/bars and make it back in time for our call-back! So when trying to get into this experience, be flexible and keep a sense of adventure!
Want to know the best way to do a Monorail Crawl? Check out my top 10 tips!
Lets Recap
The secret to getting into Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto lies in perfect timing, careful strategizing, and keeping an adventurous spirit. By following these insider tips and tricks, you’ll increase your chances of securing a reservation and finally experiencing the magic of Disney’s most sought after tiki bar.
So, don’t hesitate to be flexible with your dates and make sure to arrive early. Remember, the best tiki drinks are worth the wait. As you venture forth on your quest for the perfect Mai Tai, keep in mind the wise words of Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Looking for other Tiki bars in the Orlando area? Check out the secret bar: Permanent Vacation in Maitland!
Leave me a comment of your favorite cocktail at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto!
Thanks for reading!
Xo Autumn
Hi which other card did you visit on the monorail
Thank you Michelle
We went to the Contemporary Resort as well as Grand Floridian Resort…If you visit the Grand Floridian you must go to the Enchanted Rose lounge! My favorite cocktail is the Lavender Fog and you must get the Truffle Fries too….soooo good!