Trader Sam's Grog Grotto vs. Tiki Terrace

[EPCOT-O.G.]

We're going later this week and staying at the Poly, and this is something I've long wanted to experience. That said, our resort day is kind of all over the place, and doesn't lend itself to being there midday for the wait for the virtual queue (which I wouldn't mind doing if it was just me and I didn't have kids with other interests). I'm fine experiencing the Tiki Terrace as an alternative. Is there a difference in terms of the lines/VQ to try that? I guess what I'm asking is if by the time we're back at the resort (5'ish) and I just want to get a drink and don't need to do the full "Grog Grotto" experience, is there a walk-up option to just do the Tiki Terrace? Or is this one of those things where when you're called for your VQ appointment you're placed in one or the other?

Thank you !

 

[GirlfromTN]

I'm wondering the same thing. I'd really like to try some of the drinks and appetizers but likely cannot wait around for a long virtual queue, plus I have a child (unvaccinated) so would prefer to sit outdoors anyway at this point, and wondering if I'll be able to visit the terrace portion without joining the queue (or at least without the long wait for the indoors section).

 

[Cabius]

The Tiki Terrace is just walk-up, like Captain Cook's or Pineapple Lanai. It's literally just a few dozen feet from Captain Cook's. Think of it as a QS location, not a table-service spot where you need a reservation or virtual queue.

I was there last week and there was only one person ordering when I joined the physical queue, about 7 PM. Pretty easy.

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

The Tiki Terrace is just walk-up, like Captain Cook's or Pineapple Lanai. It's literally just a few dozen feet from Captain Cook's. Think of it as a QS location, not a table-service spot where you need a reservation or virtual queue.

I was there last week and there was only one person ordering when I joined the physical queue, about 7 PM. Pretty easy.

Thank you - and the same menu as Grog Grotto - like, if I wanted the Nautilius drink?

 

[Cabius]

Thank you - and the same menu as Grog Grotto - like, if I wanted the Nautilius drink?

If I recall correctly they have the same menu, including the Nautilius. Pre-Covid, the menus were identical, save for one drink (I think an alcoholic dole whip) that was only available on the Terrace, not it in the Grotto.

They won't do all of the interactive effects, and I'm not 100% sure if they serve them in the souvenir tiki mugs. I know that for my HippopotaMai-Tai, the drink was served in a normal plastic cup and I had to go to the Grog Grotto check-in stand to pick up my take-home mug.

 

[Kae]

We love the Tiki Terrace. We have done Traders Sam's a couple of times and we normally go to Trader Sam's have a drink hangout just a bit and then go to the Tiki Terrace for another drink & food. Most of the times we have done the Terrace they have had an acoustic ukulele guy playing and the staff out there was good. But I love sitting outside.