Trader Sam's Grog Grotto Adds Walk-Up Waitlist in My Disney Experience App

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Thursday December 18, 2025 8:45am ET · "Trader Sam's Grog Grotto"

Following the recent extension of operating hours, Trader Sam's walk-up waitlist has now been added to the My Disney Experience app.

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort now uses a digital Walk-Up Waitlist, replacing the need to line up in person for entry. A traditional reservation system is still not available.

How the Trader Sam's walk-up waitlist works

If you want to join the waitlist, there are a few rules to know:

  • You must be physically at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to join
  • The waitlist is accessed through the My Disney Experience app
  • Availability is limited and can fill quickly
  • No advance reservations are offered

Once your party is added, you'll receive notifications in the app when your return time is ready.

What hasn't changed

While the process to join has been updated, several things remain the same:

  • Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is still walk-up only
  • Seating remains limited inside the grotto
  • Entry policies, including the 21+ requirement after 8:00 pm, are unchanged

The addition of the Trader Sam's walk-up waitlist comes as operating hours have expanded, including an earlier 11:00 am opening. Together, these changes give guests more flexibility while helping manage demand at one of Walt Disney World's most popular lounges.

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I had a poor experience with a rude cast member there in August, hopefully this will improve that process for all. We (3 adults) then went upstairs for a drink at Tambu, which was full, so left the resort and headed to the Grand Floridian where the cast at Enchanted Rose were like night and day different.
Has anyone noticed a significant change with the wait times - is it will around 2 - 2.5 hours if you join the waitlist in the afternoon around 3PM? Does anyone know if the callback policy is the same with these newly implemented changes? Do I have to return within 15 minutes once notified in the app?
I applaud this schedule change... when I'm on vacation, the rule is "It's 5 o'clock somewhere!"
↩ replying to larryz
In my 20's it was if I'm awake and not working, why not ?
↩ replying to networkpro
After working an arduous mid-shift, a cold adult beverage always tasted better, much like a cold beer after a scuba or snorkeling session in the briny blue!