Well back to Japan after a nice almost two-week vacation in the U.S. We did the Chicago thing with the family and then were off to Orlando with the sister and her family to play in the Parks. And, as promised, here is a review of
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.
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| Welcome Tiki Fanatics |
First off, I'd like to thank my wonderful brother-in-law for the opportunity to go to Trader Sam's. His meticulous planning allowed us to visit here even with our very busy schedule (which he planned as well). In addition to his perfectly planned agenda, we were allowed to stay in their Bay Lake Tower Villa (DVC Contemporary Resort), so many more thanks. We had perhaps the trip of our lives with my sister and her family.
Back to Trader Sam's, Trader Sam's authoritatively answers the question of who could create the best themed Tiki bar of all time. Disney, of course! There could not be a better place for a Tiki bar than the Polynesian Resort, a Polynesian-themed Tiki bar in a Polynesian-themed resort!!! In addition to Trader Sam's, we were able to enjoy a dinner at Ohana, a Hawaiian-themed Brazilian-BBQ-like restaurant and a breakfast at Kona Cafe, a Hawaiian breakfast joint, both at the Polynesian resort.
The actual Trader Sam's bar is not the largest place, and from what I hear and how it appeared to be, it is very popular with Disney cast members and Orlando locals. Accordingly, you may have to wait awhile to get into the bar. There is plenty of seating outside though near the pool. Kids are allowed in the bar before 8pm (I think it is 8), but it is hard to get a table for more than 4. Making it even more difficult to bring kids in the bar is the fact that when we finally were allowed in (party of 7 on the wait list), there were 7 seats available in the bar but they were not together. That said, the bar is enjoyed best with a hot date or a cool brother-in-law as in my case. We decided to let the wives and kids sit outside in the ample outdoor seating while we enjoyed a drink and the amazing scenery.
Let's start with the theming. Man oh man is this place cool. Everything from the Tikis...
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| Hello Mr. Tiki |
To the views of the volcanoes outside...
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| Nice ocean view |
To the Octopus waiting on the roof...
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| Somebody get the takoyaki maker ready |
To the angry Tiki gods...
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| This might be a little too intense for the kiddies |
Makes this a Disney masterpiece.
There are storms at times...
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| Get your ponchos ready |
As well as volcano eruptions!
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| Volcano!!! |
There are some great drinks on the menu as can be seen below.
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| What shall we get next? |
In the bar, I ordered the Hawaiian beer sampler, the Kona Beer Flight. Let me explain why I made that choice in lieu of a Tiki drink. The brother-in-law and I decided to expedite our time in the bar since our families were waiting outside on the patio, so we ordered quick and easy to make drinks. He ordered the Rum Flight, straight shots of rum, yummy! Both of our samplers came out as three shots (5-once cups of beer for me) on surf boards. I was familiar with all of my three brews since I regularly drink them in Japan as Hawaiian beer is popular here.
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| Triplets |
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| Add 20 bucks for the souvenir shot glasses |
While outside, I ordered the Nautilus and was not disappointed. If you order the Nautilus in the bar, there is a whole production of shouts of "Nautilus!" and lighting effects when the servers bring it to your table. I ordered it at our outside table, so instead it was brought out in two plastic cups and the souvenir mug was to be picked up later upon presentation of my receipt. Disney does not want broken glassware like the mug in close proximity to the pool. One warning is the mugs that come with the drinks are quite pricey. My drink (which to my surprise, was for two) was 52 dollars. You can ask for drinks without the mugs and they are considerably cheaper. Here are the drink in cups and my mug, the biggest, second most expensive and perhaps the most impressive one of my collection.
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| Double the pleasure |
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| Ahoy brave sailors |
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| 1st edition! |
We also ordered some things to munch on with our drinks, the Chicken Lettuce Cups, Kalua Pork Tacos, Hawaiian Poke and Corn-battered Portuguese Sausages. They all tasted very good, impressive but standard Tiki-bar fare. Ironically, what impressed me the most of our food selections was the Pulled Pork Nachos from the nearby quick-service restaurant, Captain Cook's. However, that didn't matter since we came to Trader Sam's for the drinks and the theming.
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| Some Tiki Delicacies |
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| Pulled Pork Nachos |
In addition to the great theming in the bar, the patio's theming wasn't too shabby with abundant Tikis and entertainment in the form of live Hawaiian music. The performer sounded really good especially after a few drinks.
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| Tiki |
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| More Tiki |
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| Tiki butt!!! |
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| Our performer is way in the back. |
If we didn't have 3 kids with us and Fast Passes for Space Mountain, I could have spent all night at Trader Sam's. Really. Nothing like strong drinks, being with buddies (great family in my case) and enjoying a vacation at an awesome Tiki bar. I give Trader Sam's five Tikis out of five Tikis for its well-mixed drinks, good food and awesome theming.
If you are wondering where you can meet the actual Trader Sam, please proceed to the Jungle Cruise and your tour guide will introduce him to you.
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| Trader Sam has some deals you'll lose your head over. |
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