Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Lives Up to West Coast Version with Unique Experiences, Drinks and Decor (150 Photos, Video)

We sat below the Octupus tentacles.

During the Nautlius effects, Chris holds the cup up to try and get something poured into it.

Guests look like they are underwater.

Chris and Kat also are ready for the water, with snorkel and an inflatable ring.

Chris and his inflatable ring.

Uh-Oa from The Enchanted Tiki Room, Under New Management. She was probably the most popular effect in the restaurant, even though she doesn’t move.

Here is our video of the Uh-Oa effects.

Light fixtures on the ceiling.

Guests can purchase rum flights with or without these ceramic mugs. I think the 4 set was $35.00 with beer.

The Shrunken Zombie Head includes the Cast Members running around with ghosts on sticks.

Also, the East Coast Branch of the Family Tree lights up.

Make sure to tip well for Anger Management Classes!

We enjoyed all of the drinks. The Polynesian Pearl is sweet, but wasn’t too sweet.

Every so often, my chair would go down. Not all of the stools have this effect.

This Tiki mask reminds me of Walt.

There is so much to look at on the walls and in displays, but it isn’t the same as in California. In California, there are a lot of little inside Disney jokes, notes and such. There are some here, but not as many.

Don’t exit here unless you have to. 🙂

J. Thaddeus Toad key.

Hawaii and Polynesian decor.

Artwork.

Little knick knacks to peruse above.

Somewhere up here is a tribute to the Beatles. John Lennon signed the band breakup papers at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. I was told the tribute is covered up, so hopefully it will be uncovered soon.

This case sits next to a table, and includes books, records, tikis and an Orange Bird.

Artwork here includes a submarine, and there is a photo of Walt holding a tentacle.

51 is the occupancy there.

House rules include keeping the porthole closed at all times.

More wall art and decor.

A volcano.

Rosita from the Enchanted Tiki Room is mentioned here.

There is really a lot to look at!

Jeff with Brandon Kleyla, who took the lead in Trader Sam’s. He did the set designing and much more (including wrapping mugs when the bar needed some help).

Parrot Jungle banner

Monkey Jungle banner.

I haven’t been to Sunken Gardens in nearly 30 years, though it is only 90 minutes away.

Silver Springs, Florida banner.

Shrunken Ned.

Hathaway Brown postcard.

A mermaid takes a pearl from an oyster.

Another Cast Member named Chris manned the door outside. He was very patient with everyone, it was a busy first day.

I popped out on the patio for a few minutes, where another bar is set up. A lot of friends who went to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto later than us were here until their pagers went off. There always seemed to be at least a 3 hour wait (note 3/31 – there are evenings it hasn’t been that long in the past few days). Most drinks can be ordered out here, but it doesn’t have the same effect as ordering inside. There is live music for much of the night.

Surfboard themed tables.

And the Tiki has his leis now!

We won’t be regulars at Trader Sam’s, but we look forward to stopping by occasionally (especially for new mugs). Will you be going to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto?