Disney Just Made 2 Changes to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to Improve Experience

One of the most popular bars at Walt Disney World has recently made two major changes to enhance access and the guest experience at the location.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort has recently changed its hours, and another update has been added, making it easier to access this popular lounge. At Mickey Visit, we report on recent Disney news, like the newest Disney gift card discounts and the end date of the Taylor Swift exhibit.

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Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Changes

Trader Sams
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a themed tiki lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, best known for its immersive atmosphere, interactive in-bar effects, and coordinated reactions tied to select drink orders.

The menu includes a variety of specialty cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages, many of which are served in collectible souvenir mugs. After 8 PM, guests under 21 are not permitted, and the lounge shifts to an adults-only experience.

Trader Sams Walk up
Screenshot via My Disney Experience App

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is now using a Walk-Up List feature in the My Disney Experience app to join the digital wait list. To join the mobile waitlist, just go to the Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto page in the My Disney Experience app. Once you’re close enough to the bar, you can click on “Join Walk-Up List” and enter your party details.

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Previously, there was no Walk-Up List option for this popular bar, and it was not uncommon to see long lines outside the small hallway in the Polynesian Resort that leads into Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This is going to help clear up congestion in the resort, which is a great perk for everyone, including guests staying at this resort who may feel frustrated at how crowded their deluxe hotel gets!

Trader Sam’s Also Extended Operating Hours

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort landscaping

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto also just recently extended its operating hours. The bar is now open daily at 11 AM. Previously, the lounge operated from 3 PM to midnight, so this change makes Trader Sam’s accessible during the morning and early afternoon. The updated hours also apply to the Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace outdoor seating area.

This has all been welcome news for guests hoping to experience one of Disney World’s most popular themed lounges. These changes are a great way to allow more guests to experience this popular spot, especially for families who want to enjoy the themed location in the daytime hours.

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay has been recognized as a Disney expert since 2017 and has been featured by outlets including CNBC, SFGate, NerdWallet, and Visit Anaheim. She visits Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando multiple times each year, giving her first hand insight into park operations, seasonal trends, crowd patterns, and touring strategies.

Her experience also extends to Disney Cruise Line, where she has sailed on every class of ship, visited both of Disney’s private islands, and participated in specialty sailings such as Marvel Day at Sea and Very MerryTime cruises. This depth of travel allows her to provide practical, data informed guidance across Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Universal theme parks, and related destinations.

As Content Director of Mickey Visit, Lindsay oversees editorial strategy and daily content, leading a team of writers who produce timely news coverage and general planning content. She leads the development and analysis of Mickey Visit’s crowd calendars, applying expert insight into crowd behavior, seasonal trends, and park operations. Lindsay writes touring plans, authors in depth reviews, and offers expert analysis on Disney experiences, while also analyzing the best and worst days to visit. She serves as an expert on Disney discounts, tracking and evaluating ticket offers, hotel promotions, and seasonal deals. She comes from a lifelong Disney family, has been visiting Disneyland since the 1990s, and is even in the middle of planning a Disney Cruise Line wedding.

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