HippopotoMai-Tai – Tambu Lounge – Open Edition

Description

After the success of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Disney was interested in producing mugs/glasses for Tambu Lounge located in the Polynesian Resort. Instead of creating a new mug, Disney experimented with the idea by printing the “Tambu Lounge” logo on the back of glass Trader Sam’s HippopotoMai-Tai mugs in 2015 that were hand-made in Mexico.

In the meantime, Trader Sam’s discovered that the Hippo glasses were prone to cracking and breaking in half as they went from a hot dishwasher to holding an iced cocktail. The glass Hippo mugs were speedily replaced with a new ceramic design.

The Tambu Lounge version of the Hippo glass was discontinued altogether. The decision was likely a combination of Disney changing their mind about selling mugs through Tambu Lounge and also a result of the glassware’s practical issues. Still, some bartenders at the Polynesian Resort passed some of the abandoned glasses on.

For years, resellers have been labeling the Tambu Lounge edition of the Trader Sam’s Hippo mug as a misprint, but this is not the case. Years after the glasses were discontinued, Disney decided to sell about 400 of the old glasses through Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto for $23 a piece, plus tax and tip, in 2021.

Washing these glasses in a dishwasher is NOT recommended.

Color: Blue/transparent

Material: Glass

Shape: Animal

Dimensions: 5″ wide x 4½″ tall

Capacity Size: 18 fl. oz.

Unique Markings: “Tambu Lounge” is written on the back side of this mug and “©Disney” is written on the bottom of this mug.

Typically Served With: A cocktail named HippopotoMai-Tai made with Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange Curacao, orgeat (almond) syrup, organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice

Special Notes: The menu at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto that features a similar mug to this states, “Dare to enter this hippo pool with… Bang! Bang! Two shots of rum! Don’t worry. This drink is only dangerous when you start to wiggle your ears!”