Best time of day for Trader Sam's?

[dcassetta]

Wondering about people's experiences. We would like to sit inside to enjoy all of the special effects. Is it good to go right at 4 o'clock when it opens, or is it better to wait a little and go in later? TIA

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Personally, I would line up at about 3:45 pm to try to get in with the first wave of people. Otherwise, you may encounter a wait to get in. People will be ordering the special effect drinks from the moment the lounge opens.

 

[BFD]

If you want your choice of where to sit, you will probably want to get there 3:30ish, get your name on the list and get a pager, so you can be one of the first ones in at 4. There are certain areas (mainly facing the bar from the back wall and along the sides, to your left when you walk in) where you can get a great view of everything happening in the whole place. But, it's a small place, so you're never far away from any of the effects and entertainment. It's also fun to ask others if you can sit with them, if there are no open tables. You meet some great people that way. You might have a little bit of a wait no matter when you get there, but if they give you a pager you can have drink outside while you wait.

 

[disneyvoice]

Agree with @BFD. We always get there at least 30 minutes before it opens so we can get in and find someplace to sit. My DH and I really enjoy sitting with other people and chatting with them at Trader Sam's but we have noticed that there are MANY people who are extremely uncomfortable with this. It is VERY common at TS to see a couple walk in, see that the only seating option is with another couple, then turn around and walk right back out. We have met some great people inviting them to sit with us (we once spent over two hours chatting with a really great couple). It's a small place so you will end up chatting with others sitting at tables next to you as well. If you are someone who is NOT comfortable sitting and talking with other people, absolutely get there early so you can decide where you want to sit.

 

[hllb]

Has anyone gone later, like 10 PM? Wondering if you have to wait a long time then too. We are staying at Poly but won't be at the resort until later in the evening every day.

 

[marsh0013]

Has anyone gone later, like 10 PM? Wondering if you have to wait a long time then too. We are staying at Poly but won't be at the resort until later in the evening every day.

We were staying at Poly and went one night after we got back from AK. Can't remember exactly what time but probably somewhere between 9 and 10. It was busy but we got 2 seats across from each other at the high middle table with the stools. Probably depends on who is leaving when for timing. We were prepared to hang around to wait for seats to open.