When guests talk about must-visit bars at Walt Disney World, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is usually at the top of the list. This iconic themed bar has earned a loyal following for its atmosphere, fun drinks, and popular merchandise collections.
However, this is not the easiest bar to get into, with many guests queuing in long lines before it opens for the day. Some Disney adults even believe that another Disney World bar delivers an experience that rivals, or even beats, Trader Sam’s. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the new perks for Disney Resort hotel guests in July and a change to Disney World Extended Evening Hours.
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Popularity of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is one of the most sought-after experiences at Walt Disney World. This themed tiki lounge transports guests into the world of Trader Sam, the famous Jungle Cruise skipper turned adventurous bartender. Trader Sam has created a tropical hideaway filled with exotic treasures, nautical details, and mysterious artifacts that guests can experience while they enjoy themed cocktails. Many of the specialty drink options at Trader Sam’s come with their own interactive elements that include bartenders or guests participating in the reactions.
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But the smaller, intimate experience of this lounge also offers a challenge for getting a spot inside. This bar is so hard to get into that Disney even removed the ability for advance dining reservations in favor of a mobile and physical walk-up list instead. This practice is becoming more common as other popular Disney World theme park lounges consider walk-up lists. So while Trader Sam’s is a top Disney World lounge, it’s not often an easy one to experience. However, many Disney adults argue that another Disney World bar deserves just as much attention, and it might even deliver an experience that is better than this beloved fan favorite.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Offers Similar But Easier Experience
Located in Disney Springs, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a popular waterfront lounge themed after Jock Lindsey, the pilot from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The backstory of this bar says that Jock settled in Disney Springs in the 1940s and transformed his airplane hangar into a bar filled with artifacts and souvenirs from his globe-trotting adventures. The lounge is known for its numerous Indiana Jones-inspired details, including different memorabilia and nods to the films.
The menu here features a fun selection of creative, immersive cocktails, non-alcoholic specialty drinks, and globally inspired small plates. It’s open to guests of all ages and is a popular stop for Indiana Jones fans looking for a great, immersive bar experience outside of the theme parks.
This is a great alternative to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto as it offers a similar, adventure-themed atmosphere and themed cocktails. It also offers far more seating in both the inside and the outside. There is also a dry-docked boat outside named “Reggie” that serves as additional outdoor seating. The ample amount of seating makes this an easy spot to experience, far easier than Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
Plus, the bar has overlays for Halloween and Christmas with special decor and themed menu items, making it especially fun to visit during these seasons! See our experience with the holiday overlay from last year.
Another new caveat is that the recent Disney Resort hotel restrictions now make it harder to go to Disney’s Polynesian Resort from Disney Springs without a dining reservation. Since Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto doesn’t allow reservations, this now makes accessing that lounge even trickier than it was before. The beauty of Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is that it’s easy for anyone to experience, since anyone can visit Disney Springs.
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While we love Trader Sam’s, it’s getting harder each day to experience this popular bar, especially with resort access being more limited to those with active resort or dining reservations. If you can’t make it to Trader Sam’s, Jock Lindsey’s provides a great and perhaps even better alternative.
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