Trader Sams

[GusGus77]

we went to Trader SAMs with the kids in DLR last year and had an awesome time, so we're thinking of maybe starting a new Disney tradition! (Where else can you have a tiki bar tradition with a 5 and 7 yr old?) We haven't been to the one at WDW. Is it open to the kids during the day? Is it the same size (we would be going early, but may end up there on a Saturday although in February.) Will we have to pay for parking at the Poly? (Could be a deal breaker.) Thanks!

 

[caliope]

We went to the Trader Sams at the Poly with our 3 year old. Yes, it's family friendly from opening (4:00pm) until 8:00pm. It's a pretty small space with limited capacity but we had no trouble getting in early (4:15-4:30 range). I believe they do a wait list if they're above capacity. There's also a tiki terrace outside that serves the same menu/drinks, but without the inside decor (though the terrace is very nice in a different way). I can't answer your parking question as we were staying at Poly, but if you go on a day you're at MK you could take the monorail or boat. The Poly is also very close to the TTC where you park for MK (5 minute walk).

We really enjoyed Trader Sams! We went twice in 4 days and our son did well there.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If parking is limited at Poly, you will be asked to pay or asked to park at TTC. Everyone tries to park there and leave the car, and it creates parking problems for hotel guests. It is hard to predict what the status of the lot will be when you arrive, making TTC your safer bet.

 

[GusGus77]

We would only be going for drinks that day (only spending one day at MK this trip as we are doing more "nature things" this trip and staying off-site) so we will not pay to park at the TTC. So I guess it is hit or miss on parking at Poly....Oh well....I was also hoping they were open a bit earlier than 4. I guess it may not work this trip and we will wait until we are on-site next time. Thanks everyone!

 

[crabbygal902]

We were there last week and I can confirm what has already been posted. The folks on these boards are scary accurate with their info. Sam's is very small, kids are allowed early, opening is at 4, park at the TTC. I will add that our experience was just okay. One of the waitstaff was totally into the role and made things really fun, and one was not at all....must've been having a bad day. I wouldn't go out of my way to make a special trip here.

 

[Bobb_o]

We were there last week and I can confirm what has already been posted. The folks on these boards are scary accurate with their info. Sam's is very small, kids are allowed early, opening is at 4, park at the TTC. I will add that our experience was just okay. One of the waitstaff was totally into the role and made things really fun, and one was not at all....must've been having a bad day. I wouldn't go out of my way to make a special trip here.

The main bartender when I went on 2/6 at 4pm was great. She made the trip so much better. The drinks were also pretty good.

 

[mousehappync]

I have to say, this is a huge must-do for our children (boys, 7&9.) we took them in Oct. when we were staying at the Poly and they still talk about it weekly. They thought the whole experience was fantastic. It was pretty pricey, though-- I think our bill was $65 with tip, and we had two alcoholic drinks (no souvineer mugs) and two kid drinks in souvineer tiki cups.

 

[Andrewsminustwo]

We went to the Trader Sams at the Poly with our 3 year old. Yes, it's family friendly from opening (4:00pm) until 8:00pm. It's a pretty small space with limited capacity but we had no trouble getting in early (4:15-4:30 range). I believe they do a wait list if they're above capacity. There's also a tiki terrace outside that serves the same menu/drinks, but without the inside decor (though the terrace is very nice in a different way). I can't answer your parking question as we were staying at Poly, but if you go on a day you're at MK you could take the monorail or boat. The Poly is also very close to the TTC where you park for MK (5 minute walk).

We really enjoyed Trader Sams! We went twice in 4 days and our son did well there.

I couldn't find a menu for this...what kind of foods do they serve?

 

[Bobb_o]

I couldn't find a menu for this...what kind of foods do they serve?

Headhunter Sushi Roll $14.99
Chicken Lettuce Cups with Hoisin-Ginger Sauce $10.99
Hawaiian Poke with Sriracha Aïoli $12.99
Kalua Pork Tacos with Cabbage and Pickled Vegetables $9.99
Salmon Oshizushi $13.99
Roasted Chicken and Pork Pâte Báhn Mì Sliders $9.99
Corn-battered Portuguese Sausages with Curry Ketchup $8.99
Pan-fried Dumplings with Soy-Sesame Dipping Sauce $8.49

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/trader-sams-grog-grotto/menus/

 

[disBEAST]

I've found the food at Trader Sam's to be pretty poor. If you're hungry I'd suggest getting a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai and ordering another drink!

 

[larryz]

Yes, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto opens at 4:00pm, but if you want to assure that you get seated right away, be at the door no later than 3:40pm. They'll give you a buzzer in order of arrival -- first buzzer gets first choice of seating, second buzzer goes next, etc.

 

[TCARON]

Ditto on the food there. Not worth it, small portions, tough to eat at the seating there.
We waited in line when it first opened, will not go back. It was just OK. A lot of hype for just another bar.

 

[ellie05]

The food is just appetizers(aka bar food). We love trader sam's. We did dinner at Kona and then went for drinks. We had no problem parking but we were staying on site and it was during December and we did have the Kona Adr.