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Disney has a talent for themes. From jungle vibes in Adventureland, to the trekking- in- Nepal love in Animal Kingdom, Disney knows how to immerse you in a world not your own. Though some of the lounges visited during our “Lounging” Around Disney tour have been close to a usual bar, some lounges offer entrancing experiences.
Oga’s Cantina- Galaxy’s Edge-Hollywood Studios
You’ll spot Oga’s Cantina from the long line winding out of the lounge’s door. The line is merely a form of crowd organization, it has no bearing on when you go inside. As we saunter up to the line, a cast member asks us for our reservation name, then hands us a menu.
The cast member also rattles off a slew of Oga’s strict rules of adherence. Some are silly and amusing, others are actual rules. The one I lock onto the most is that there is a 45 minute time limit per guest.
It’s important to note that unlike other lounges at Disney, you need to make a reservation to get a drink at Oga’s Cantina. While waiting we witness several people walk up to the main door, only to be told by a cast member that they need a reservation.
“But we just want to get a drink,” they whine. The cast member repeats that they will need a reservation.
In line for only a few minutes, the sound of our name echoes in the air. The hostess escorts us through the cantina’s door, and shows us two standing spots at the main bar. I’m thrilled that we get to hang out where all of the action happens. I like watching beverages being made.
After listening to Disney podcasts and reading Disney blogs, I know I have to get a Fuzzy Tauntaun. A mix of peach vodka, peach schnapps, and orange/tangerine juice, the piece de resistance of the Fuzzy Tauntaun, is the “Buzz Button Tingling” Foam. The foam does what everyone says , it gives your mouth the tingles. My lips feel especially numb as I sip. Not after- having- a- cavity- filled numb. More like tiny little fuzzy fairies dancing across your lips. Though the effect is super cool, the foam has a salty flavor, so I think that Shannon’s Jedi Mind Trick is the tastier drink.
If you have kids, or don’t drink spirits, there are plenty of neat non-alcohol options.
Usually when “Lounging” Around Disney we like to get snacks, but with a 45 minute time limit, and with the delectable sweet and spicy popcorn just steps away, we pass on cantina snacks.
Droid, DJ-R3X spins tunes while we sip our libations.
Don’t be surprised if a pair of Stormtroopers or a soldier from the First Order bursts into the bar. Austin, our excellent bartender, stirs up the crowd into a round of boos whenever an unsavory character enters.
Oga’s Cantina has everything you want from a boisterous, Stars Wars themed, lounge. It’s a place to soak up awesome theming, to immerse yourself in the Star Wars experience, and to get your Fuzzy Tauntaun on.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto-Polynesian Resort
Trader Sam’s has been at the top of my “Lounging” Around Disney list. Logistics and time kept it on the Disney bucket list until now.
After a wonderful day on the Keys to The Kingdom Tour, the cherry on top of my birthday sundae is a night at Trader Sam’s.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a small space that doesn’t take reservations. When we put our name in we’re warned that even if we get called, there is no guarantee that there will be a place for us to sit.
After wandering around the Polynesian Resort for about an hour, it’s finally our time to enter. True to word, there are no seats. We wait it out, standing around the bar, ready to pounce on departing guests. Leave it to good birthday fortune, two guests at the main bar set off. We promptly occupy their vacant seats.
The atmosphere is a bit overwhelming at first. There is tiki and nautical theming everywhere. High energy envelopes the air.
Each alcoholic beverage triggers a different mini-show. Audience participation is highly encouraged. Being more on the introverted side, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the audience participation, but I have a blast swimming with the Nautilus, chanting Uh-oa, and screaming every time Krakatoa erupts.
Robin, our Skipper/bartender for the evening, has overflowing, abundant, enthusiasm. He prepares countless drinks, sings the Tiki Song multiple times, twirls a “fire” stick, and pretends to be a zombie.
It’s beyond impressive. I’ve never laughed at a bar as much as I do during our “Lounging” Around Disney night at Trader Sam’s.
Trader Sam’s should be on everyone’s Disney bucket list.
I’ve heard that if you go at opening (4pm), or slightly after, it’s easier to get a seat. Also, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience so you can see as many of the drink performances as possible.
Finally, if you want to try one of the delicious tropical cocktails, but are adverse to the antics, like being sprayed with a water bottle every time a Nautilus is served, you can have a quiet, shenanigans-free drink, on the outdoor patio.
This round of “Lounging” Around Disney visits were filled with theming, theatrics, and fun.
We also visited Banana Cabana at the Caribbean Beach Resort during this trip. I’m an enthusiast for anything tropical, so really dig Banana Cabana’s chill surroundings.
If you liked this post-check out “Lounging” Around Disney- Round 1
