Skipper Sipper mocktail at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace

The Skipper Sipper mocktail

Photograph of the menu at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace, located at Disney's Polynesian Resort

Trader Sam’s features 3 “No-Booze Brews” on the menu

Virgin Pina Colada at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace with orchid and pineapple slice garnish

Virgin Pina Colada at the Tiki Terrace

If you’re planning a day at Magic Kingdom, I highly recommend taking the Resort Launch boat to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to try the Sipper Skipper. Not only is this alcohol-free cocktail a delight, but it’s also a world away from the sickly-sweet slushies they try to pass off as “mocktails” in the park.

There are two locations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where you can enjoy the famous Trader Sam’s tropical tipples: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace.

The Grog Grotto is infamously tricky to get into, as the seating is limited to 51 seats. A line forms quite early before their 3 p.m. open time. This is thanks to the interactive elements, quirky tiki decor, and bartender antics. The Tiki Terrace is located outside the Polynesian Resort pool area, but the menu is the same. While missing the jokes and hijinks of the Grog Grotto, it’s a great place to chill out when the Florida weather is cooperative.

The other big difference is that nearly all the drinks inside the Grog Grotto are served in souvenir mugs (which can be purchased to take home for an additional charge). Because the Tiki Terrace is located close to the pool deck, all the drinks are served in plastic cups. However, you can still bring home the matching mug should you choose.

Trader Sam’s boasts three “No-Booze Brews” on their menu: the Skipper Sipper, Polynesian Punch, and Schweitzer Falls. The Skipper Sipper features a not-too-sweet combo of tropical juices, agave, mint, lime juice, and Falernum (a tropical syrup from the Caribbean). At $5.50, this mocktail checked all the boxes; though I would argue a float of Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit would really put it over the top.

Cast member and waitress, Liz, suggested a virgin Pina Colada as my second drink. At $6.50, I was pleasantly surprised that this mocktail was served in “snow ice”, rather than the smoothie/slushy texture found in the park’s abysmal selection of nonalcoholic drinks.

As is common with non-alcoholic beverages, my total for two mocktails totaled about $12 before tip, whereas my friend’s single Hippopoto Mai Tai totaled $17.50.