Reviews

Bar Review: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto & Tiki Bar

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WDW Park Planners Rating:

Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Age restrictions: Must be 21+ after 8pm

The Polynesian Village Resort is a family favorite, and Trader Sam’s has been a fun addition to the already great resort. They have tasty island themed food, but are really known for their exotic, tropical cocktails. Try to stop in for a drink before or after dinner at ‘Ohana.

Trader Sam’s is not your average tiki bar. As if you didn’t already feel like you were transported to the Polynesian islands at this resort, Trader Sam’s really makes you feel as if you’re on another island. The theming is unbelievable, as we’ve come to expect from Disney. But, it’s the cast members that make the experience truly memorable. Without giving away too much of the magic, different drinks trigger different events at the bar. That being said, don’t base your drink choice on what you think will “happen” – you’re going to see it all during your time there (shout out to our awesome waitress who told us that. And she was right).

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Because it’s such a small spot, there is typically a wait in the evening to get into Trader Sam’s, especially if it’s high season at WDW. Put your name in and they’ll text you when a table is available (you have a ten-minute window to return). A few suggestions for killing time: hang out at the beach (walk down to the new over-water bungalows and check them out), sit at the outside tables of Trader Sam’s (food and drinks are available there, too), or head over to the Grand Floridian.

When my husband and I visited this past August, we put our name in for a table and they told us it was a 60+ minute wait*. Ben had never been to the Grand Floridian Resort, so we took advantage of the time and made the ten minute trek over there. It was fun to explore the little shops and check out the different restaurants in the Grand. Before we knew it, they had texted us saying there was availability in Trader Sam’s. We ended up running back (okay, so Ben did the running…) and made it back just in time. Trust us, Trader Sam’s is worth the wait.

*Disclaimer: When I went with my mom and sisters later that same week, there was no wait at all! We walked right in and got a table for 5. Sometimes the magic is on your side!

Reviews

Restaurant Review: Chefs de France

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WDW Park Planners Rating: 

Location: Epcot® World Showcase

Our family used to dine at Chefs de France on almost every trip to WDW. We hadn’t been there in a few years, so decided to add it to our itinerary this past August. It was exactly as I remembered it, and we had a great dinner together.

Dining at Chefs de France feels as though you’re eating at a charming cafe on the streets of Paris. It’s a great, easy spot for families to enjoy lunch or dinner in the World Showcase. We usually go for dinner, mostly because we have other lunch spots that we like to hit up in Epcot. The servers, who are all from France, have always been incredible friendly and helpful.

The main menu is obviously very French-focused, with a kids menu also offering dishes with a slight French flair (in case you have very picky eaters like we did, be sure to check the menu in advance of booking). The food is good, but not one of our favorites in the World Showcase. Upstairs above Chefs de France is the nicer restaurant, Monsieur Paul. It’s a totally different atmosphere – think white tablecloths – and in our opinion has better food (which comes with a higher price tag and a dress code).

We’ve never had a bad experience at Chefs de France, so we consider this a solid go-to option. If you have older kids or are more adventurous foodies, there are other spots we would recommend going first (in addition to Monsieur Paul in France, Mexico, Germany and Canada are a few of the best!).

Post-dinner, be sure to stop by L’Artisan de Glaces (also in France) for some ice cream or sorbet to enjoy while you watch Illuminations!

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Book your dinner reservation approximately 1.5 hours in advance of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. That way, you have enough time to enjoy your dinner and then walk out directly to watch the fireworks! The viewing area from France outside of the restaurant is usually pretty quiet, but you can also head over to the bridge that leads to the United Kingdom for one of the prime viewing locations (which will likely be a bit more crowded).