Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace Preview

File under: They must really need a drink. A couple Tiki Bar die-hards have actually been spotted waiting outside the future home of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace inside the Polynesian Village Resort. Disney World just announced they’ll be waiting a bit longer as the official opening date is still not set. However, it’s expected to be sometime late-April with soft openings coming a bit sooner  (tomorrow). Apparently, they’re waiting for the themed Tiki souvenir glassware to arrive.

According to Disney,

Founded by Adventureland’s famous “head” salesman, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has some similarities to the Anaheim original. But at Walt Disney World Resort, the magical theming reflects its new resort location. This enchanted South Seas hideaway welcomes guests to explore a menu of “magical tropical drinks and food,” and while this new version shares a few cocktails and small plates, Beverage Manager Brad Ward, Chef Lenny DeGeorge, and the Concept Development team have created new menu items just for the Walt Disney World Resort Trader Sam’s

Sounds great. I can’t wait to get inside either. I guess I’ll have to line up with everyone else. The good news is Disney did release a photo from inside the tiki bar and some shots of very delicious looking drinks and small-bites.

Kalua Pork Tacos

Headhunter Sushi Roll

Pork Pâté Bánh Mì Sliders

According to Disney those cocktails and the famous collectible Tiki mugs will contain some of the popular drinks from California and some new ones just for Orlando.

Only at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto:

Polynesian Pearl
Nautilus
Castaway Crush
Tahitian Torch
Dark & Tropical Stormy

Imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar:

Krakatoa Punch
Uh-Oa!
HippopotoMai-Tai
Shrunken Zombie Head

And there are a few virgin brews:

Schweitzer Fall
Skipper Sipper
Polynesian Punch

Among the small bites will be a couple familiar to fans of Disneyland Trader Sam’s menu – the chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce and the Hawaiian poke with Sriracha aioli and wonton chips. New to the Walt Disney World menu are kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables; pan-fried dumplings with soy-sesame dipping sauce; roasted chicken and pork pâté bánh mì sliders with pickled vegetables; salmon oshizushi (press sushi); corn-battered Portuguese sausages with curry ketchup; and a Headhunter Sushi Roll.

When it does open, they will be able to seat 50 inside and 82 on the patio. No reservations are required, but there will likely be wait during popular times. I’ll be there, how about you?