Written by Tonga Princess Diva
Do you recall all the buzz about and excitement surrounding Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto opening at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows a few years back? Well, I can tell you it certainly lived up to ALL the hype in this divas opinion!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto does not open until 3 pm and only allows a limited number of guest in at a time. To avoid long waits due to the limited capacity we decided to try to get there a little before opening for our first visit. Let me tell you – it worked like a charm! We were first on the list with a pager in hand. Woo Hoo!
The grotto is intimate and dark with comfortable seating areas around the room.
Think intimate conversation arrangements rather than typical tables and chairs. I think it is great but depending on when you arrive it means you may end up joining a group you do not know. I think it is part of the charm but could be uncomfortable for someone who is shy. Over our many visits we have found ourselves sitting in a little nook at the bar, joining others at the long board and grabbing a coveted couch.
Diva Tip: This avoids long lines, cranky members of your party and often times choice of seating options once inside arrive a little before opening so you are at the top of the list.
The crew is awesome, interacting with each other, guest and the room as a result of the drinks order throughout the night. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is more than an attraction to experience. The drinks are unique and tasty as is the food! You can check out the menu here. As much as we love the ambiance. The food and drinks are what keeps drawing us back visit after visit. My favorite drink is the Castaway Crush. A frozen drink of coconut and pineapple deliciousness with a touch of cinnamon and lime. Creamy, refreshing, and unique! The small bites menu is perfect to hold us over until our dinner reservations. We have come to crave the Kalua Pork Tacos.
Flavorful tender meat in a crispy shell with pickled vegetables. We love them and generally fight over who will get the coveted third taco. We attempted to split it once and it was not pretty. 🙂 We have also enjoyed the Pan-fried Dumpling and I hope to try the Chicken Lettuce Cups.
Diva Tip: The small bites are perfect to hold you over until a late even dining reservation or dessert party. This allows gives you time to unwind from a busy day at the park and regroup before heading back out into the masses. You have time to laugh and share moments from your day with your family.
Our goal for out next visit is to check out the Tiki Terrace. I should mention that the Tiki Terrace opens at 3:30 making a little easier for some families. The Tiki Terrace has the same great menu but outside — tucked behind the lava pool on the patio with live musical entertainment. A warm Florida breeze, a star filled sky, live music, delicious food and cocktails sound dreamy to me!
Have you visited Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto? What is your favorite food or drink?
