Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Comments about Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Prikli Pear

Prikli Pear has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

July 26, 2018, 8:47 AM

We weren't sure what to expect from a Disney tiki bar, but I'm happy to report we had a blast. We visited twice during our trip to DisneyWorld--once with the kids for dinner and again the next night with just the adults. If you're not staying at a Disney Resort, you're allowed to park for free at the Polynesian Village--just tell the guard booth you're there for Trader Sam's and show your ID!

After eating park food all day, Sam's menu was definitely a step up. The Kálua Pork Tacos, Roasted Chicken and Pork Pâte Bánh Mì Sliders and Thai Chicken and Vegetable Flatbread were excellent. The kids enjoyed their non-alcoholic mocktails. The actual cocktails are where Sam's falters a bit. All were on the sweet side, which, after watching most of the visitors to the place experience tiki for the first time, started making sense. They're catering to the vacation crowd that isn't hip to the craft cocktail scene, a crowd that is expecting Boat Drinks. Trader Sam's Grog Grotto serves cocktails that are a step up from Boat Drinks, but still skew to the sweet.

When I asked our first skipper what I should order "that I can't get at any other tiki bar" he thoughtfully suggested the Tahitian Torch, which is made with ByeJoe Dragon Fire Spirit. I liked it, as it had an undercurrent of capsaicin that balanced the heat of the syrups and juices. My opinion of the bar staff went up a few notches. The next night, when I commented on the falernum giving the Nautilus drink "spicy" notes, a different bartender (skipper) was utterly baffled. He had no concept of spicy meaning anything other than "hot" and thought the drink had been made incorrectly. Later that same evening, we mentioned to yet another skipper we were heading to the Mai Kai the next day, she had absolutely no clue what we were talking about.

That's when it really hit us--all of the skippers at Grog Grotto, funny and witty as they are, are not tiki people. It's all a performance. They don't understand rum or tiki culture or craft cocktails. They're actors trained by Disney to perform a role. They do a very good job and create an enjoyable experience, but ultimately Grog Grotto is a scaled-down, grown-up version of the Enchanted Tiki Room or Jungle Cruise, only with cocktails. There's nothing wrong with that, but once one sees through the illusion, a little of the magic is lost.

Tiki Grabowski

Tiki Grabowski has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

July 22, 2018, 7:16 PM

Finally made it to Grog Grotto at the end of June with my wahine. As they only let in a certain number of people when they open it makes for a more intimiate experience. The skippers were all great and, dare I say, liked it more than The Enchanted Tiki Bar in Anaheim. There are far more theatrics at GG which made it even more fun. We really enjoyed our time at the Grotto 🤙🏻

TikiScout

TikiScout has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

April 22, 2018, 3:43 PM

My wife and I visited on a wet raining night at Disney World, it was our escape from the rain and sitting in our hotel room or bar. I'd read up on it a fair amount, but really was not sure what to expect, but we had an absolute blast. The drinks were great the Cast Members antics were fun without being to extreme.

My wife started with the Polynesian Pearl and I had the HippopotoMai-Tai followed by the Krakatoa Punch. The Pearl and Krakatoa was great, the Mai-Tai was good but just strong not as flavorful as the others. We also had the Kahlua Pork Tacos and Roasted Chicken Pork Pate Banh Mi Sliders.

We had as much just watching the others in the bar as we had ourselves.

The most fun I've had at Disney as an adult!

JP

JP is a regular at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, and is usually there Weekday evenings.

November 11, 2017, 2:20 PM

I would say this is "my" tiki bar, since we live (literally) right behind the Magic Kingdom here in Orlando.

Are the drinks as strong as a "real" tiki bar? Probably not. But besides that, this place is amazing (and I don't just say that because I have friends who helped build it!)

You can't beat the atmosphere. You can't beat the fun. Kids aren't allowed in after 8PM. Every drink you order effects the lightning and sound... it's great!

Personally, I like it more than the Disneyland location, just based on the amount of space inside the bar.

My favorite drink is the Krakatoa Punch, but there isn't really a dud on the entire list.

arcadiandj

November 9, 2017, 6:14 PM

I LOVED this place and JUST HAD to go there, because The Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland began and continues my love for tiki to this day. But The Grog Grotto paled in comparison to The Enchanted Tiki Bar in several respects: most importantly, their bar staff does not have the pedigree or the hospitable graciousness like they do in Anaheim. While they make GREAT drinks there, the bar tenders don't have the deep knowledge of mixology that most of the lovely people making drinks at The Enchanted Tiki Bar have. We also experienced a bar tender there that was a douche. Sally redeemed her peer quite well-thank you Sally and we are sorry we didn't see you again:( We went back there as often as we could during our week trip, and in addition to the amazing Disney theming, the floor staff and effects brought the show home in a way that makes me want to go back asap (I particularly enjoyed how the floor staff did the show for each drink). If I had to choose, I choose Anaheim (and will be back within the month) without pause, but I will be back to the Grog Grotto again-God willing.

KillDevilJones

KillDevilJones has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

November 6, 2017, 1:00 PM

So, Disney AND tiki? Are you kidding me? This is a marriage of great things! So much fun to have a tiki bar with the Disney Magic thrown in. Yes, it's crowded. Yes, it is in the mecca of all things touristy. Yes, it is a freakin' great place to have tiki drinks and watch the walls (and ceiling- and stools!) come to life. oh, and the drink ain't half-bad either. The mugs? Gotta get 'em! DO. NOT. MISS. THIS!

bowlofpretzels

bowlofpretzels is a semi-regular at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

August 21, 2017, 7:42 PM

My visits to Trader Sam's always start with that pang of guilt. Disney World was, after all, the tourism Godzilla that slithered out of the Seven Seas Lagoon four and a half decades ago to stomp to death so many of the Mom-and-Pop roadside attractions. No one was safe, even my beloved Tiki Gardens that was just a few blocks' walk away during a summer's stint in Florida as a child. It, and so many other homegrowns, are gone now or repurposed into pay parking lots, state parks, Legoland. Trader Sam's is unmistakably Mousey. From the little skits the bartenders and servers do for the specialty drinks - "TWO SHOTS OF RUM" to the bar stools that mysteriously raise and lower (my husband's favorite ride at Disney World), it is a finely crafted experience. At various times, even before the rum has set in, I've plotted on how to re-create the moving, projected murals behind bamboo panes on the world. I've watched plowed frat father-son combos try to pry things off the wall. I've also learned - over the course of many visits - that if you aren't an obnoxious bachelorette party or making faces at the theater surrounding the drinks that seems to flow in waves of 15-minutes on, 45-minutes off, your second round could involve the usually outside only Spiky Pineapple if you ask sweetly enough. (Ghostbuster god answer rules apply when your server asks if you want it extra spiky....) And, by once the rum kicks in, you'll be looking for something to focus on beyond your nose. What better than looking at the framed postcards that grace the walls. If you can see past swinging octopus tentacles and the clam that burps plastic pearls for drinks, you'll find the Imagineers quiet tribute to all the fallen Tikis and small nod to those who Tiki on. Thanks for keeping it classy, Mickey, and I'll see you real soon.

TikiTravis

TikiTravis has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

May 25, 2017, 5:43 AM

I was there 5/25/17, and it was as fun and friendly as ever!

JimNeumayer

JimNeumayer is a semi-regular at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

May 24, 2017, 2:23 PM

As Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is the closest Tiki Bar to
our home, it is our "regular" tiki bar. While it can be
difficult to get in, it is well worth it. Last year Trader
Sam's was on Epcot's Food & Wine Festival as a seminar.
Well worth it as you got a behind the scenes explanation
of how they make food and drinks.

Corbin

Corbin has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

May 18, 2017, 5:48 AM

It's Disney, so emphasis is on decor, animatronics, lights and sound. Many drinks come with a "show" where the bar comes alive in one way or another. The staff really seem to enjoy working there and have fun. Place is always busy, so arrive very early to get in, or you'll be sitting outside on the patio and miss the experience. Drinks are a bit pricey and average tasting.

Tiki Zug

Tiki Zug has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

April 9, 2017, 3:08 PM

Love this bar... an adult oasis in the Disney world park. Great mugs and drinks that come with a show

TabbieWolf

TabbieWolf has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

March 29, 2017, 11:42 AM

Trader Sam's is Disney out-theming everything and everyone, and since Disney is responsible for maintaining a tiki-themed area of a theme park for 60+ years AND a tiki-themed hotel for like 45 years, they're definitely one if the influences on tiki in modern culture.

Food: Very good Polynesian pub-style snacks; definitely not standard Chinese food
Drinks: I think all the recipes are specific to Disney, with some being variants on the classic Zombie & Mai-Tai.
Tiki Mugs: All custom, drinks served in, and very much purchasable. We own almost every current mug from Trader Sam's (on both coasts).

Cheap bastard

Cheap bastard has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

February 7, 2017, 7:34 PM

Disney did a good job with this bar. It's decorated to the hilt and even though it's Disney, the decor is more tiki than Disney. The drinks are very good and they have plenty of souvenir mugs. Drinks are served with a production style. The food is mainly appetizers but they are good and reasonably priced. I like this place a lot and would say it's a must see when you are in Disney. The best part is that you don't have to pay to enter the park to get to it.

KevinCrossman

KevinCrossman has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

January 8, 2017, 6:42 PM

This is a great addition to the Poly, and overall the theme and decor are superb. The drink selections are also strong, though a bit limited. We didn't buy food, and the crowd was so loud (in a good way) we didn't hear any music.

As noted in the other comments, it has a surprisingly different vibe than the Sam's in California. The bartenders ("skippers") are too self aware, and their schtick was off-putting to me. Also, the crowd is way, way too into the various comedy bits, sort of like those jerks who recite the Ghost Host during the stretching room scene in Haunted Mansion. Would be better if not every drink had a special effect or souvenir glass. Too much "trying to be hip Disney" whereas the vibe in California is more traditional tiki bar ("have some fun, sure, but make sure my drink is strong and that I can hear the exotica tunes").

To the last point, I had two drinks and they tasted great but felt zero buzz. Two drinks in Anaheim knocks me out.

retrolandia

retrolandia has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

October 18, 2016, 2:11 AM

I love this place (the special effects and decor are different from Trader Sam's in Anaheim), but it fills up fast, it stays full, and the other patrons can be awfully loud. I arrived early one day and it was packed with noisy guests within 10 minutes. If they would just keep their voices down, I'd be in heaven.

Trader Trace

Trader Trace has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

October 1, 2016, 11:00 PM

The Decor was great, but food was poor quality, If I drink I have to eat or things go south soon. Compared to Anahiem Trader SAMs this one misses the mark for me. The drinks were not as good as the ones at Disneyland or even the ones from home. The staff was nice but do not quite get the Tiki culture. The music playlist which I know by heart was barely audible. Should be better.

Drinkbot

Drinkbot has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

July 26, 2016, 5:18 PM

I enjoyed it very much! Not only do they have great drinks, but the serve good food. I went mid-week and found that it can be hard to find a seat before 7pm, but after that, no problem. When yo order certain drinks, they serve it in style, with a little show. Order the volcano bowl and get a big show! The decor is super cool, lots of things to look at. The bar staff is very knowledgable and helpful. All around, a fabulous experience and highly recommended!

ggbj1966

ggbj1966 is a semi-regular at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

June 6, 2016, 5:28 PM

What can I say.....it's Tiki done Disney.

GoGoFlamingo

GoGoFlamingo is a semi-regular at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

May 23, 2016, 7:20 AM

Been several times and love this place. The staff is usually pretty in to it and almost every drink makes something happen in the room. Can be as simple as an audio clip playing or something more elaborate like the lights going dim and an angry Tiki goddess coming to life. Disney definitely but their trademark magic in this one.

I'd recommend going a little later in the afternoon when patrons have been there a bit and are familiar with the chants (and have had a few drinks). Just know it's open seating and space is limited (more reason to wait 'til everyone has had a few and are more open to mingling) so except to wait a bit to get in.

Please be aware you DO NOT need to be staying at the Polynesian or visiting a Disney park to stop by but I have been denied parking during busy days (usually around Christmas). You will still be allowed to park you have a dinner reservation for a restaurant at the Polynesian though.

Robin

Robin has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

December 23, 2015, 1:24 PM

We were really looking forward to this one, since we're both Disney and Tiki lovers (and we loved the one in Anaheim). But our first visit was, well, disappointing. I'll keep that for the end.


I loved the mix of original (Disney) tiki stuff and the Nautilus/Jules Verne/20,000 Leagues Under the Sea twist. The squid in the bar is well done. The thing they do when ordering a HippopotoMaiTai is funny ("two shots of rum!" while actually shooting at a lamp). When they bring a Nautilus boat/bowl it gets a bit tacky, with an inflatable swim ring.


The bar was decorated for Christmas. It was even snowing in the vulcano display!


But the first visit... After a long flight we went straight from our hotel to Trader Sam's. We both had to show our passports, but I left mine in our room and I only got my ID and drivers license with me (official European documents including my date of birth). That wasn't enough, so I asked for the manager to explain.


In the meantime, a group of older ladies came in - without showing anything. A waiter said: they just look old enough. (We are 31 and 42, which seems underaged, of course.)


Manager Tony explained they had to see a passport. When we asked why the ladies got in and we didn't, he said we were lying, that they had to show their passports too. He got ruder by the minute. Not very Disney, certainly not very Tiki. We left disgusted but came back later that week. (The crew that night didn't ask for any document. But for Tony, I'm probably lying.)

Peniamina

Peniamina has visited Trader Sam's Grog Grotto.

September 8, 2015, 3:55 PM

One thing to keep in mind about this version of Trader Sam's is that they have a separate supply of mugs to drink from and mugs to purchase. On the plus side this means that you can drink as many Krakatoa Punches from the cool mug without being forced to buy multiples. On the down side, this means that they can be out of stock of a certain mug to sell, while still having a supply that you can drink from but cannot buy.

This is different from the Trader Sam's at Disneyland. There when they run out of mugs to sell they wash and box the drinking mugs. On the plus side you aren't taunted by mugs you can drink from but can't buy. On the down side you cannot drink from a special mug without also committing to buying it. Ever.

Regulars and Visitors of Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Regulars

People who go to Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at least a few times a month.

• shaunthompson
  Yesterday
• ghornett
• Sukielau
  Usually weekends
• JP
  Weekday evenings
• claysatiki
• KariRyan
  At least twice a month if not more

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at least a few times a year.

• 
  Trader Mike
• 
  151
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  Hurricane Hayward
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  Tiki Twin
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  sherlock2713
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  michiganminiac
• 
  The Tizz
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  evanssc
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  djclulow
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  Island_Three
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  ggbj1966
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  Castaway Kevin
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  Gwendolyn
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  GoGoFlamingo
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  JimNeumayer
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  Casey Jones
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  PKJC
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  Kyle
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  paxattaxer
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  TongaBib
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  TikiBear
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  HMac108
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  Godbold4
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  Emenehune
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  Tom Johnson
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  jokeiii
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  traderandy
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  RiBeRtIkI
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  TraderBrandon
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  rkseal
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  TikiGator
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  JTiki
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  lexikleyla
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  TikiShrug
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  bowlofpretzels
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  Traincrossin
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  Trader Jay
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  taylor23
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  Hotdogsandpizza
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  Sykes
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  KingDado
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  WayneS
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  ms.swizzlestick
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  Brandon the Magician
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  Shoreline99
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  mjtski
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  TraderSharps
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  floridarumrunnergal
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  Ualani
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  brucelightyear
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  Uncommon2000
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  Patrick720
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  Professor Tiki
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  KahunaCP
• 
  notkeanu

Visitors

People who have been to Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at least once.

• 
  GreyhoundTiki1986
• 
  Gilligan
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  Tiki Tourist
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  tikitabby
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  Tiki-Tari
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  DoktorTiki
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  pittsburgh paulie
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  Peetsheet
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  gmaletic
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  Ladewig
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  rocktiki
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  ParTiki
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  AtomicToby
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  Kuai Craig
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  Hang10tiki
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  bongoboy
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  KevinCrossman
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  eli
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  The Porkchop Express
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  ridric
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  thedrunkentiki
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  Tiki Toli
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  Peniamina
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  skillbilly
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  Kedex
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  mondo-by-the-bay
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  A'Pau-ling
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  Test_subj
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  enchantedtikilounge
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  NYC Tiki
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  Silly Idol
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  Tikihut Honeycutt
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  Jon-Tiki
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  pigeon
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  Cheap bastard
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  TikiKeith
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  Jeff
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  alohameisha
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  TikiTravis
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  steve hammons
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  Tiki Bart
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  Enchanted Treehouse
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  bejacob
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  Robin
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  codman
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  blondeandbeyond
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  Lindsaylou13
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  IndyEdward
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  notblank
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  sveinnphotography
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  Libertiki
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  arielshrn
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  Adam Bomb
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  zamboninerd
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  Doctor Ti
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  maidofsteele
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  Dr. McTiki
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  BravoNavo
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  Baggy_Billy
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  Badgersan
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  KauaiChicken
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  joncx
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  Gonzo Tiki
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  Tiki Zug
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  ANTIPANTS
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  tvmikek
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  The Vacationeer
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  joshuamathias
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  TikiTodd
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  SecretTiki
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  sleazytiki
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  paigeafterpaige
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  Cap'nHaddock
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  natecreed
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  auntangi
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  JCorduroy
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  ottawatiki
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  TikiLibrarian
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  Petrolfly
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  jhilla
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  binaryoverride
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  jepple
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  RichC
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  Kirk
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  RUMAWAYWITHME
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  Tiki CrazyEddie
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  CharBiscus
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  TikiPunisher