Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Resort Returns to its Roots

One of the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resortโ€™s most popular Deluxe hotels, Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Resort, is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment. As part of the reimagining, the resort has regain its original 1971 opening day name: Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Village Resort.

In addition to renovation of guests rooms, the feature pool, and the Great Ceremonial House, the resort added Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – a themed tiki lounge similar to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneylandยฎ Hotelย in California – and new bungalow and deluxe studio accommodations.

Now in soft opening, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, founded by the “head” salesman of Adventurelandยฎ, serves a nice selection of small plates and specialty drinks available in collectible Tiki mugs. While some of the drinks have been brought over from Trader Sam’s original location at the Disneylandยฎ Hotel, there are a couple new drinks for you to explore! Speciality drink offerings include:

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Exclusives:

  • Polynesian Pearl – RumChata Cream Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon with Tropical Juices served in a souvenir pearl.
  • Nautilus – Barbancourt Pango Rhum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crรจme de Pรชche de Ligne Liqueur, Tropical Juices and Falernum served in a souvenir Nautilus mug.
  • Castaway Crush – Leblon Cachaรงa, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice.
  • Tahitian Torch – ByeJoe Dragon Fire Spirit, Tropical Juices, Passion Fruit, and Fresh Lime.
  • Dark & Tropical Stormy – Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, and Falernum.

Imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar:

  • Krakatoa Punch – Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Orgeat (Almond), Sam’s Gorilla Grog, and Hibiscus Grenadine served in a souvenir Tiki mug.
  • Uh-Oa! – Myer’s Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice served in souvenir Tiki Bowl. (serves 2+)
  • HippopotoMai-Tai– Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaรงao, Orgeat (Almond), Organic Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime juice served in a souvenir Tiki glass.
  • Shrunken Zombie Head – Gosling’s 151 Black Seal Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi 8 yr Rum, Tropical Juices, Falernum, and Cinnamon served in souvenir Shrunken head.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto also has a selection of other specialty drinks, beer, wine, and no-booze brews for purchase. The location is able to accommodate 50 guests inside and up to 82 on their patio. Current operating hours are 4pm – midnight and is 21+ after 8pm. Because of the popularity of the location, a pager system is currently being used to admit guests into the inside lounge area as capacity allows. The Soft Opening is expected to last through the end of April when it will officially open.