Trader Sam's Grog Grotto: Great Bar Wrapped in Disney Whirlwind of Adventureland Mayhem

The most diverse universe in the Walt Disney Parks spectrum has got to be the Jungle Cruise universe. This Originally-From-Disneyland attraction has connections with the ill-fated Adventurer’s Club, Tiki Room Serenade, Adventureland in general, Polynesian Village Resort, Typhoon Lagoon, Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar in California, and now the newest member of the Jungle Cruise family: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Never underestimate the power of the Disney fandom by the way. This place has yet to receive an official website, has yet to have an official release date, and is still on soft open mode. Nonetheless, it was a two-hour wait to get in. The power of kungaloosh compels you. Had to wait outside and inside the resort for my turn.

The Jungle Cruise universe for those not as embedded into the culture involves great exaggeration, quirky personalities, inside jokes, dozens of references within the attractions themselves, and a tropical theme that ranges from South America to Hawaii to wrap it all together. The Adventurer’s Club back in the Pleasure Island days was basically the adult version of the Jungle Cruise in terms of style of entertainment. It was a mix of Disney magic and absurd humor that improved the more times you visited. It didn’t have the rough reputation of the clubs surrounding it, but the guilty by association clause pretty much led to its controversial closing. We still have Facebook groups dedicated to attempting to bring back the intimate yet outrageous attraction (Honestly, the Polynesian Resort and Animal Kingdom park has the space and theming available for this to happen). There was a huge hole in Disney World when Adventurer’s Club left. Now I am not saying that Grog Grotto will fill this hole, but I am saying that this place is a delightfully tasty sample of the good ol’ days in Pleasure Island.

I will not reveal the surprises that lurk inside this extremely small bar. Yes, there is an outdoor version of this bar that sells the same food and drinks (complete with view of the fireworks and live music) ---but that tiny room is where you want to be. The chaos and cool island ambiance brews heavily in this tiny setting. Just saying, there will be volcanos, sea creatures, and crazy thunderstorms involved. The cast and bartending crew are on top of their game delivering the jaded tropical vibe as there’s always a joke to be said, always a random celebration to be announced, and always a fun short activity to be involved in. The details all over the walls are staggering, and the amount of references to other Disney attractions past and present may surprise you. Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and even 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (the décor of the bar mostly consists of 20,000 Leagues theming) are among the easter eggs you can find here.

Let’s also not forget their drink menu. Most of their drinks come with a collectible souvenir cup, but you can order most of them without a take-home souvenir. Rum is the dominant alcohol in this place, but you will find tequila and other favorites scattered throughout the main menu. And of course, there is a small food menu to keep the tab going and the good times continuing.

My night consisted of the castaway crush, the pan fried dumplings, and the hippopotomai-tai. The castaway crunch is a clever cocktail, as it’s the gift that keeps on giving thanks to the abundance of crushed ice that will slowly melt away and ooze into the alcohol and pineapple/lime mix you have yet to finish. To add to that, it leaves you desiring more. Disney you clever devil. This drink was potent, a bit sharper than my usual favorite drinks, but it all works nonetheless. And how can I be mad at a drink that comes with a crazy straw?

The dumplings were stuffed with light portions of arugula, shrimp, and pork. This little appetizer is quite flavorful and hits the right notes, but definitely won’t fill you up. Seeking a dinner here won’t be the wisest choice unless you plan on ordering 3-4 things to share with others. And trust me, one night here won’t be fully realized until you bring friends along. The more the merrier definitely, wholeheartedly applies to this place.

Here is where the night sparkled. The hippopotomai-tai is a phenomenal piece of alcoholic work. This drink is like zesty fruit juice with a major kick of alcoholic spice. The rum isn’t plentiful but strong, the juice is heavy but never watering down the drink, and of course who can go wrong with nectar and fresh lime to send things into overdrive? It’s refreshing, inhibiting, and tasty all at the same time. Let’s just say the lights became more vibrant after finishing this gem.....

What will keep you coming is not just the diverse menu where nearly every drink sounds good---even the notoriously spicy ones. This place is an experience pure and simple. Grog Grotto doesn’t open until 4:00 and this will definitely be an issue down the road after word spreads and the Polynesian becomes arguably the most popular of the Magic Kingdom resorts if it doesn’t hold that title already (Ohanas is still among the best dining experiences in all of Disney World). I don’t want to spoil too much about what occurs once you get past the doors and survive the waiting, but trust me you won’t get these types of events from just any bar.

Bottom Line: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is exactly what would happen if Disney executives lifted the alcohol restriction and opened a bar next to the Jungle Cruise in Disneyland/Magic Kingdom. It is Jungle Cruise for the adult Disney fanatics: crazy drinks, Disney park references left and right, wild and diverse cast of people serving you, and an out-of-this-worldly experience that can only be found within the corners of the happiest place on Earth. Like the best Disney attraction, it has all the fun deep details and revisiting quality that keeps Disney on top of the theme park world. A lot of fun is packed in to this very small place that can’t house north of 50 guests. Yes, the price tag will be high, as will your wait time. But stick around, because Grog Grotto is a gem of a bar and certifies the Polynesian as the top resort in all of Central Florida.



Final Verdict: Strongly Recommend



Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Fl