Exploring The Magic Of Trader Sam’s: A Hidden Gem for Kids at Disney World

I took my kids to Trader Sam’s and we had a ball! Here’s why you should bring your kids along on your next visit.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is truly a hidden gem and a hot ticket at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This is the most popular lounge available on Walt Disney World property, and for good reason!

Even if you haven’t ever heard of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, you’ve likely heard Trader Sam’s name! He is the famed Adventureland explorer that traveled around the world. He is connected to the S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers). This group is a Disney parks original group of characters that connect together various attractions and restaurants at Disney properties around the world including Jungle Cruise, Skipper Canteen, Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mystic Manor, and more. Chalk one up to Disney’s fabulous Imagineers and their love of storytelling!

As described on the Disney website, “explorer Trader Sam was bitten by the bartending bug, and ever since then, Sam has searched for exotic ingredients to mix into magical libations.”

Getting a Table

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is one of the hottest tickets in all of Walt Disney World! It isn’t incredibly well-known, but those who know it, love it! The indoor space for the lounge is also incredibly small, leading to a capacity demand issue that results in high wait times.

The lounge is open from 3:00 p.m. to midnight and open for guests under the age of 21 until 8:00 p.m. The lounge begins taking names at 2:00 p.m., so it is in your advantage to head down early and put your name in!

My (Jaelyn) family stayed at the Polynesian Resort during our visit in the Tokelau building. My husband put our name in around 2:30 and we were quoted an approximately two hour wait. The cast member told us we’d receive a text that our table was ready and have 15 minutes to check in in order to hold our reservation.

With young kids, this might be a difficult waiting task. Luckily, we were able to wait in our room while taking a break between hopping from park to park. When we received our text, however, we frantically rushed to get ready and head to the lobby. While the walk took a little while from Tokelau, we made it in time and made our way inside!

1) Take Your Kids for the Atmosphere

First off, you should plan to take your kids to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto for the amazing atmosphere! This lounge is themed unlike any other space at Walt Disney World. The attention to detail and immersion is truly unmatched. Where else can you experience an indoor thunderstorm while enjoying your favorite beverage?

If your child loves Adventureland, they are sure to love Trader Sam’s. It is a cooler, more immersive Enchanted Tiki Room vibe. You could truly spend hours checking out all of the details and elements that go into the design!

My six year old was absolutely smitten with the atmosphere as a whole. He loved that as people ordered various drinks, various interactions occurred with the ambiance and with the guests inside. The atmosphere was truly magical for him, which was such a fun extension of the magical Adventureland vibes at the Magic Kingdom at our resort!

2) Take Your Kids for the Drinks

While it seems totally bizarre to suggest to take your kids to a Tiki Bar for the drinks, the menu truly has great non-alcoholic options for individuals of all ages to enjoy!

Both of my sons (ages 3 and 6) ordered the Polynesian Punch (Sam’s Gorilla Grog and Hibiscus Grenadine) served in the Souvenir Sipper and a light up drink cube. The punch itself is $5, or, with the souvenir cup, $9.50.

As evidenced by the picture, my son was in awe of his drink! He loved the sipper, loved that it lit up, and loved the taste. He still loves to drink from his souvenir sipper at home and talks about his experiences at Trader Sam’s!

3) Take Your Kids for the Interaction

Truly one of the highlights for us at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto was our interaction with the bartender. He was so fun with my sons, telling them jokes and really bringing them into the experience and story of Trader Sam’s.

As we all know, cast members truly are the magic at Disney, and this special experience simply reiterated my belief in this statement. While the atmosphere and drinks were fun, it truly was the jokes and banter with the bartender that made this experience something unforgettable for my kids!

4) Take Your Kids to Try Something New

Finally, one of the top reasons you should take your kids to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is to try something new at Walt Disney World. If your family is a frequent visitor of the parks like mine, you might have your favorites places and spots to visit on a trip. My family, for example, always tries to squeeze in a hub grass Casey’s Corner evening picnic and as many rides on Haunted Mansion as possible on every trip.

Something we try to do, however, is try something unique or different on every visit to Walt Disney World. Whether it is a new experience, like picking a pearl in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT Center or visiting a new restaurant, trying something new at Disney provides a unique flair to each trip! Because we go to the parks so frequently, it is the unique experiences and special extras that really make each trip stand out from the rest in memories!

Have you ever visited Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto? Would you take your kids? Where are your favorite spots (hidden or otherwise) to take your kids on a Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to continue the conversation below! Also, share this article with all of your adventurous and Disney-loving family and friends!