Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace Review

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is a popular watering hole at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It is opposite Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, the Polynesian’s famous indoor bar and lounge. Think of the Tiki Terrace as a more casual outdoor version that welcomes guests of all ages. It is adjacent to the outdoor dining area at Captain Cook’s, the resort’s quick-service restaurant.

If you’re at the Polynesian, you can exit the back doors of the Great Ceremonial House. The terrace is on your left, past Pineapple Lanai. We often order food from Captain Cook’s and the Tiki Terrace to combine a fun meal for everyone in our group. The Tiki Terrace has a distinct beverage menu with appetizers and small plates. This enchanting dining spot is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening at the resort, especially when you’re too worn out to return to the parks and the kids need a simple meal. Below, we’ll discuss how you can make it work for your group!

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace has tables and chairs covered by sun umbrellas. Several seats are next to the waterfall, and a musician often plays Hawaiian tunes near the waterfall in the evening. We prefer to get a table that faces the water when possible. If you time it right, you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset from this location. Then, you might stay long enough to see the Electrical Water Pageant when it passes on Seven Seas Lagoon.

You are welcome to grab a seat at any open table, and a server will be with you shortly. Or if you only want to order a specialty drink, a nearby window takes walk-ups. Note that the drink menu is exclusive to Tiki Terrace and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. These drinks are not available at the other hotel bars.

You’ll also want to know that Grog Grotto has age restrictions after 8:00 p.m. But there are no restrictions on the Tiki Terrace. It is a kid-friendly outdoor dining area with an additional walk-up window. The drinks at Tiki Terrace are not something you would find on the average cocktail menu. Occasionally, souvenir mugs are available to purchase with the drinks.

Drinks at Trader Sam’s

Trader Sam’s Drink Menu includes the following popular drinks:

• Polynesian Pearl–RumChata Cream Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon with Tropical Juices. The pearl is yours to keep!
• Uh-Oa–Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh lime juice.
• Rosita’s Margarita–Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Bols Orange Curaçao, fresh lime juice, Falernum, and Organic Agave Nectar
• Krakatoa Punch–Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Orgeat (Almond), Sam’s Gorilla Grog, and Hibiscus Grenadine.
• Zombie–Gosling’s 151 Black Seal Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi 8 yr Rum, Tropical Juices, Falernum, and Cinnamon. 
• Mosquito Mojito–Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, Organic Agave Nectar, Falernum, Mint, and fresh Lime Juice topped with soda water.
• Nautilus–Cruzan Mango Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crème de Pêche de Vigne Liqueur, Tropical Juices, and Falernum.
• HippopotoMai-Tai–Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond), Organic Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice.
• Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum–Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Pineapple and Orange Juices dusted with Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
• Dark & Tropical Stormy–Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, and Falernum
• Tahitian Torch–Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tropical Juices, Passion Fruit, and fresh Lime Juice
• Spikey Pineapple–Cruzan Mango Rum blended with DoleWhip Pineapple

You can view the entire list of drinks with prices on Disney.com.

Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room Drink

This drink is a play on Walt’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom. It’s a unique drink served on ice. However, with the mention of nutmeg and cinnamon, it sounds warm. I found it surprisingly cool and refreshing.

Rosita’s Margarita

Next, we’ll preview Rosita’s Margarita. This drink offers a citrus punch with subtle spicy flavors. However, it’s not spicy in a hot way. It’s a delicious drink that goes down quickly.

Skipper Sipper

I’ve enjoyed the Skipper Sipper multiple times from Sam’s No-Booze Brews menu section. This non-alcoholic beverage is highly recommended for hot days when you need something refreshing.

Regarding food, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace has several appetizers. The following items were available on our last visit:

• Chicken Lettuce Cups
• Tofu Lettuce Cups (Vegan, Plant-Based)
• Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll
• Kalua Pork Tacos
• Veggie Rainbow Roll
• Thai Chicken Flatbread
• Pan-fried Dumplings

Chicken Lettuce Cups

First, we have the chicken lettuce cups. They contain chicken, shredded vegetables, and butter-style lettuce leaves. This dish is filling for one person, but it could also be nice to share if you want to try multiple items.

Kalua Pork Tacos

Below is a picture of the Kalua pork tacos. Our server told us they were the most popular item on the menu, and I can see why. They are pretty tasty and offer a lot of food for the money. I would order these any day; as you can see, they are another easily shareable dish.

Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll

The Kahuna Tuna Sushi Roll had no menu description. It featured tuna, salmon, and veggies. The rice exterior was a nice pinky-purple color.

While I love the options, the menu at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace probably isn’t something that most children will find appealing. Thankfully, Captain Cook’s is next door. You can place a mobile order via the My Disney Experience app or at the counter. They will usually deliver the food to your table when it’s ready. When my son was a teenager, we often combined meals at Capt. Cook’s and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. He has severe food allergies and enjoyed the allergy-friendly chicken nuggets from the quick service.

Related: Captain Cook’s Review

Overall, Trader Sam’s is an excellent place to have a drink, appetizer, or maybe even a full meal. We love spending time in this relaxing setting and can’t recommend it enough. The views are great, and the servers are knowledgeable. You can’t beat this location between the musicians, sunset, fireworks, and the Electric Water Pageant. (If you time things right.)

Final Thoughts

For more details about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you might enjoy the following:

• ‘Ohana Dinner Review
• Kona Cafe Review
• ‘Ohana Breakfast with Characters
• Polynesian Resort Review
• The King Kamehameha Club Level at the Polynesian

Or you can browse our entire restaurant guide for Disney’s Polynesian.

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace? Have you ever enjoyed a drink or a meal from this location? Do you enjoy finding these hidden gems when visiting Walt Disney World? Please share your thoughts below.