By Jill Chabot
Disney Files Magazine is delighted to present “Membership Magic Makers,” a recurring series of profiles that shines a light on one of the most meaningful pillars of Membership Magic – the Cast Members who fuel #ThatMagicalFeeling. In this edition, we feature Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto tenured bartender Tamara, who serves up creative concoctions to both Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort guests and Disney Vacation Club Members who call Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows “home.”
Tucked away in a curious corner of the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most distinctly themed watering holes you’ll find anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort. Seemingly hidden by design, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto features an intimate interior festooned with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures (some of which unleash a special brand of magic, depending on what you order), along with an open-air Tiki Terrace. Like its kitschy California cousin (Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel), Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is named with a nod to famed Adventureland explorer Trader Sam, who, since being bitten by the bartending bug, has searched the jungles for ingredients to mix into his magical libations.
Among those doing the mixing is Skipper Tamara, who spent a few moments with Disney Files Magazine before a recent shift to share her thoughts about what she calls one of the most unique bartending gigs she’s ever had.
“Much like a stage performance at one of the parks, we have props, an audience and a story to tell,” Tamara said before mentioning larger-than-life “co-stars” like Shelly the Clam, who she noted may present a string of pearls if she’s not feeling shellfish, and Ocho the Octopus, who likes to squid around in the mythical depths of uncharted seas.
And while Members and other guests who frequent the establishment may be familiar with the grotto’s unique brand of magic, Tamara shared that she and her fellow Skippers often add their own spin to Trader Sam’s transient tiki tales, honing their own storytelling craft while keeping the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
“It’s a different type of magic when you see people come back and you not only recognize them, but they recognize you,” Tamara said. “I’ve been in the industry for more than 20 years, working at many resorts, and I’ve never seen as many returning guests as here at Trader Sam’s.”
Tamara noted that, while each drink she serves comes with a story, the same can be said for the Members who call the resort “home.” In the first months of training in her role, for example, she recalls meeting a multi-generational family that had made a decadeslong tradition returning to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to mark major milestones, from weddings to the addition of new children and grandchildren.
“In that moment, I realized that this was a special, deeply loved place with a long history,” she recalled. “I’ve seen couples celebrate anniversaries with us each year, and guests book vacations every Fourth of July. They’re all part of our Skipper family.”
That Skipper family is poised for growth, as the new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows allows more Members than ever to call this resort “home.” Whether you toast your next visit home with a Polynesian Pearl or a HippopotoMai-Tai, an alcohol-free Schweitzer Falls or an equally zero-proof Skipper Sipper, keep an eye out for Skipper Tamara. And if you do see her, tell her your friends at Disney Files Magazine say, “cheers.”
Look for more profiles of “Membership Magic Makers” across our “Membership Magic Insider” email newsletter, on the Life at Disney blog (visit sites.disney.com/lifeatdisney/ and explore the “Employee Stories” section), as well as in each edition of Disney Files Magazine.
Trip tip: While Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is open only to those ages 21 or older after a certain hour, earlier hours are open to the entire family. At press time, all ages are welcome from opening (typically 3 p.m.) to 8 p.m., with the over-21 crowd having exclusive access from 8 p.m. to close (typically midnight). It’s a popular place, so whenever you visit, check in early and pack your patience, as there may be a wait.
