If you’re ever at the Polynesian Resort, then you’ll know the most popular spot to grab a drink is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This tiki-themed bar serves some over-the-top drinks, some that even light on fire, so the waitlist can get looong!
We love Tiki Terrace!
But did you know they have a bar counter outside if you can’t snag a table? Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is located outside of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, with an outdoor seating area and water views. It used to be one of our favorite spots to grab a drink, but then it unexpectedly closed in April. Disney must have heard our prayers for a quick-service Polynesian Pearl, because a reopening timeline was just announced!
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at the Polynesian Village Resort has been closed for refurbishment since April. Disney didn’t announce when or if the quick-service bar would reopen — until now. The opening timeline is set for late October!
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is temporarily closed due to refurbishment work at the Grand Ceremonial House. The Grand Ceremonial House is the main building of the Polynesian Village Resort, housing the lobby and multiple restaurants, which is currently undergoing an extensive exterior refurbishment. Since Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is connected to the Grand Ceremonial House, it makes sense why the bar has temporarily closed.
Polynesian construction
Disney just announced that the Grand Ceremonial House, along with Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, will finish refurbishment on an unspecified date in October. This means that our quick-service Polynesian Pearls will be back in our hands this fall!
Polynesian Pearl
If you want a drink during the closure, check out Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto inside. The sister bar is known for its over-the-top cocktails, like the Polynesian Pearl, which comes in a decked-out souvenir cup, or the Uh-Oa! drink, which lights on fire! Unlike the Tiki Terrace, this isn’t the best spot for families, since only guests 21 and up can enter past 8 PM.
Yes, it’s on FIRE!
We’ll be sure to update you on more closures and reopenings across Disney World. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney news!
NEW DOLE Whips Coming to Disney World and Disneyland!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you been to Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace before? Comment below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Sounds like fun but unless you’re staying at the Polynesian, you won’t be allowed past the gate to drive there and boats and buses also won’t let you get there so…..Trader Sams is no longer an option! Just like beignets at the Scat Club in French Quarter resort, these fun and traditional spots to enjoy at wdw are no longer available to most of us. Yes, I suppose we could walk a mile or so in the hot, humid sun getting exhausted, or spend an hour driving around to parks, searching for a parking space then walking half a mile to the bus stop (free for AP but lots of money just to get a snack and relax at a resort for a few minutes). We’re glad we’ve got our memories bc we’re just not going to play games with wdw anymore! I hope Disney realizes how hurt and insulted loyal, regular guests are. We spent lots of money, too!
Hi Cate! The only bus you won’t be allowed to take to the Polynesian without a hotel/dining reservation are the busses from Disney Springs. You will still be able to use other Disney transportation.
I’m with Gigi -hoping this is open when we visit in October! We are staying on property but not at the Polynesian, but would be a great place to hop to on our down day – we’ll probably park at the TTC and just take the monorail over! I wish people would just take a breath and calm down and realize you can still get to the resorts you are not staying at just fine – just not from Disney Springs.