REVIEW & PHOTOS: Trader Sam's NEW Holiday Drinks and Decor in Disney World

Looking for some holiday escapism?

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

We’re headed to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to celebrate the season South Seas style.

Tucked away on the first floor of Disney’s Polynesian VillageResort, the tiki oasis that is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto transports visitors to paradise through an incredibly immersive atmosphere and extensive cocktail menu.

Entrance into Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

The Tiki bar does a fine job of getting us in the holiday SPIRIT, as proven with the recent release of the Holiday Nutcracker Tiki Mug. We’re headed back to check out their holiday overlay and new seasonal cocktails.

Atmosphere

The Head Salesman has added some festiveness to the already ornate joint.

Trader Sam’s Decor

Strands of red garland hang haphazardly from the hatched hut style roof.

Trader Sam’s Holiday Decor

It’s hot as a Tahitian Torch in here (j/k not really!) but they still can’t escape the snow!

Holiday Decor

One of our favorite features, the living Krakatoa Volcano, has been given a Snowy overlay! It’s a SNOWCANO! If you’ve visited this bar before you’ve likely seen how these windows come in to play when you order a Krakatoa, which is served glowing hot red due to a glow cube. At Christmastime, they arrive glowing icy blue to match the Snowcano! FUN!

Krakatoa Volcano

This guy has had TWO SHOTS OF RUM and now he’s feeling Merry and Bright! (Hi, life preserver from the Maelstrom! We see you!)

Holiday Decor

Drinks

In addition to the already stellar cocktail lineup, for the holidays they are offering several specialty libations including the Jingle Jammer, Tropical Snowstorm, and the Mele Kaliki Mai Tai.

Holiday Cocktails

The Mele Keliki Mai Tai is a Christmas spin on the classic Don The Beachcomber Mai Tai. This boozy delight features Plantation Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Cranberry Juice, Orgeat, Cinnamon, Splash of Fresh Lime Juice, and a Cinnamon Stick.

Mele Keliki Mai Tai

Let’s just say the rum is VERY pronounced on this one! Luckily, the cinnamon and spice flavoring balances it out well making it a very drinkable option. It is also available for an additional charge with a limited time (and super unique) Holiday Nutcracker Tiki Mug. You can NEVER have too many tiki mugs, are we right???

Nutcracker Tiki Mug

Brrrr it’s cold in here! The Tropical Snowstorm blew in with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Coconut Cream, Cinnamon, Orgeat, and Falernum. Fans of the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum will enjoy this one as it’s very similar but with the addition of good ole fashion Tennessee Whiskey (and it’s oh so smooooothe). The whiskey flavor definitely stands out here!

Tropical Snowstorm

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto once again proves to be THE spot to chill out and enjoy some delicious cocktails. If you’re interested in Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time, better act fast because these drinks are sure to disappear off the menu soon after St. Nick pops down everyone’s chimneys!

And be sure to swing by Magic Kingdom before the holiday season ends to check up on Trader Sam’s proprietor, Trader Sam…er…Samta at the Jingle Cruise!

Trader Samta!

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