Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s Is Opening Soon – Could Disney World’s Be Next?

When the Disney Parks and resorts closed due to COVID over a year ago, Disney’s restaurants and lounges closed their doors… and some have yet to reopen. There are several Walt Disney World restaurants we are surprised haven’t reopened yet, but we’re trying out best to be patient as Disney continues hiring and training Cast Members. One of the Walt Disney World loungers we are missing the most is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Good news for Disneyland however, as Disney has announced Trader Sam’s will be reopening soon. Will Walt Disney World’s Trader Sam’s be next?

We were thrilled when Disney announced they were reopening ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. While there are no characters, the menu is still superb (yes, the noodles are returning!) and the experience will surely be just as amazing as always when it reopens on July 9. In the announcement however, we were hoping for an update on Trader Sam’s which is situated just below ‘Ohana. Unfortunately, we’ve heard nothing but crickets.

Today, Disney announced the big news that Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is reopening July 2 at Disneyland. So, of course, our minds go to Trader Sam’s in Disney World. Could this popular lounge be next?

Initially, we weren’t surprised by the closure as CDC guidelines restricted how far tables needed to be placed apart. If you’ve ever been to Trader Sam’s you know it’s small space. Since those CDC guidelines have been lifted, we’ve been awaiting the reopening word! We have seen an update from an unofficial Disney Facebook page called, Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages, who seems to have some insight on the Trader Sam’s reopening progress. On June 26 they posted: “New information says they are working on a plan to reopen Trader Sam’s. It might just be the Terrace and then at a later date open the Grotto. Also if the Grotto opens it might be by reservation only, time limit and limit to how many drinks.”

Whether this insight will come to fruition or not is the big question! We’re happy to see another small lounge, Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios open and seating guests at full capacity. And now that Trader Sam’s is reopening in Disneyland, maybe this is a good sign Trader Sam’s at Walt Disney World will be opening their doors soon. Disney, we’re ready for some Headhunter Sushi Rolls and HippopotoMai-Tai!