Welcome to planDisney, Madeline. Once I saw your question about one of my favorite locations at the
Walt Disney World Resort, I just
had to answer it. As any good Skipper would say, "Welcome aboard!" So let's go!
To join the
walk-up waitlist for
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, use the
My Disney Experience mobile app. Ensure that you have location services enabled on your phone and that you are pretty close to the location. In my experience, being at the monorail station wasn't close enough. When it comes to Trader Sam's, it's all about location, location, location!
Just note that you typically won't be able to
park at the Polynesian unless you are staying there or have an
advance dining reservation for one of its
table-service restaurants. Oh, and don't forget that families are welcome to enjoy their time here until 8 p.m., when it becomes a 21-and-over location.
Now, your mileage may vary with this, but when my husband and I were at the resort this past June, there was a Cast Member outside of the bar around 10:30 a.m., which is 30 minutes before it typically opens. We were able to put our names in with her, got the text back when it opened, and were the first people seated for the day! Once again, this isn't a hard and fast rule, and we were already hanging out after breakfast at the resort, but you never know what kind of tiki magic might be waiting around the corner!
Now it's time for another lounge recommendation. While there won't be interactive elements like Trader Sam's, if you have time for an elegant lounge setting with hidden details, great food and drinks, and stellar service, be sure to visit the
Enchanted Rose at
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It's elegant yet accessible, full of nods to
Beauty and the Beast, and just a great place to unwind. In case you couldn't tell, I highly recommend it.
Madeline, enjoy every moment of your upcoming trip and your visit to Trader Sam's. I hope your adventure is filled with good drinks, great memories, and absolutely no shipwrecks! If you have any other questions,
I'd be happy to answer them.
Uh-Oa,
Matt