Aloha Jake, I'd like to wish you a warm Canadian welcome to planDisney!
There's nothing like making the voyage down from the shores of the Canadian East Coast to settle into a little slice of tropical paradise on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Whenever we're there we like to swing by
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto to see whether we can snag a coveted spot early enough or brave the queue of eager entrants and whimsical beverage-seekers that builds well into the evening. (Sometimes my husband and I find that it's so much easier to find a cozy outdoor table by the waterfall and listen to the live music playing out on Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace instead!)
You'll be happy to hear that I've been able to purchase those souvenir mugs at
Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace, but the way that you actually receive them is different in a few key ways:
- While enjoying beverages outside on the terrace, you order the same drinks that are on the menu but they don't come with all of the flashy presentation and effects like you would have inside at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. Inside, you would normally be served your drink inside the mug which would be swapped out for a fresh version once you've settled your bill and are ready to go.
- Make sure that you specify that you would like to purchase the mug; outside at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace we were served the drink in a plastic cup and told to hang onto the receipt to present directly to the Cast Member at the Trader Sam's host stand in order to receive a brand new souvenir mug. This way we've even been able to receive it neatly packaged instead!
- We have also encountered at various times of the year that some mugs may be temporarily out of stock or unavailable for purchase as offerings are subject to availability that may change without prior notice, so it's always good to double-check with the Cast Members when you order.
Did you know that whenever any specially-themed mugs are released, you can also pick them up at either location? I was at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort recently to record a segment for Halfway to Halloween along with the release of the
Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Tiki Mug; while the process at Walt Disney World Resort is different compared to
the special mug releases that use Mobile Ordering on the West Coast, we use a wristband distribution system that allows folks to return later to pick up and purchase their desired mugs limited to each guest while supplies last. (I found that while many waited for hours standing in a queue that spilled out along the grounds of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, there was a much more laid-back and leisurely wait to sit down right at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace instead!)
I hope you have a fantastic trip this summer Jake, be sure to keep an eye out on the
Disney Parks Blog for the latest treats coming your way while you're down here and please feel free to come back to planDisney to
ask me any more questions ahead of your next Disney adventure!
Let's raise a glass to acquiring the Tiki Treasure you seek on your upcoming quest!
Prince