Fit in Trader Sam's?

[Jokiho]

OK, been planning the heck out of this trip. My sister and are I will be at DLR for two days at the last weekend in April. We definitely plan to be there from rope drop to close. We want to maximize our time to fit in as much as we can, but I don't want to plan too much.

If you only had 2 days at DLR would you make time?
(also, we're not staying on site)


We typically go to WDW, so I guess there's always the Polynesian.

 

[ashley0139]

OK, been planning the heck out of this trip. My sister and are I will be at DLR for two days at the last weekend in April. We definitely plan to be there from rope drop to close. We want to maximize our time to fit in as much as we can, but I don't want to plan too much.

If you only had 2 days at DLR would you make time?
(also, we're not staying on site)


We typically go to WDW, so I guess there's always the Polynesian.

Other people may disagree, but with only two days I would say no. There's often a line and it's a very small place. It's fun, but not anything that amazing. With only two days it will take valuable time.

 

[SD33]

If you are planning on being there from rope drop to close I would definitely fit in Trader Sam's. Lord knows you will need a good drink at some point in the afternoon/early evening. And Trader Sam's makes plenty of good drinks.

Seriously though, my wife and I love TS's, but we love the whole tiki ambiance and the elaborate, exotic drinks. They often have live Hawaiian music playing outside too. It's just got a great vibe.

 

[Lm3js]

Any chance you get in to Anaheim the day before you hit the parks? I like to go to DTD on arrival day and then all day in the parks the next day(s).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Also, if you find that you really need a break and happen to be on the DLH end of the property, but the line for TS is really long, try Tangaroa Terrace. You can find some nice food there (CS -- so much quicker and easier to get a table -- and they share a kitchen with TS), some of which was on the TS menu until recently, e.g. the long beans. If you sit outside, I think you can go to TS to get a drink to bring out to the patio. I know friends who do that sometimes.

 

[CalifLynn]

Shouldn't be too hard to fit it in...utilize the Monorail, it should save you time and it's a fun little ride, way different than the WDW monorail.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I actually wouldn't fit it in unless you have a passion for tiki stuff. As nice as it is, there are plenty of other places in DCA or closer to the parks where you can sit and have a drink and some food. The service can be bad at Trader Sams and people are very cut throat with getting an inside seat. If I only had 2 days for both parks, I'd rather stay in DCA on Sonoma Terrace or Carthay Circle Lounge or, if I really wanted to step out of the parks, I'd go to Hearthstone Lodge.

I don't want it to sound like I don't like Trader Sam's because I actually do. I usually only go there when I am not visiting the parks, though. I don't like to take away park time for it.

 

[BrianL]

Other people may disagree, but with only two days I would say no. There's often a line and it's a very small place. It's fun, but not anything that amazing. With only two days it will take valuable time.

Is there usually a line earlier in the day? I wanted to go get a mug and maybe a light lunch on my arrival day. It's a Saturday so I know it could be busy. The one at WDW opens later and is always packed, so I was hoping to be able to sit inside at this one. I have all afternoon, so that's not a problem, but I'll be hungry so I might need to eat first.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I would make TS part of a dinner break in DTD someplace.
If time is a big issue then take the Monorail.

 

[tarheelalum]

I'd go for an early lunch. It seems to be a little less crowded then. Trader Sam's is a must do regardless of when you go.

 

[tlcdoula]

We have always had good luck going early afternoon, I would't wait in line to get in as it would waste to much time for your short trip. Walk over to the coffee house at Disneyland Hotel and get a dole whip with rum if the line is to big at trader sams

 

[Jedi Mouse]

Is there usually a line earlier in the day? I wanted to go get a mug and maybe a light lunch on my arrival day. It's a Saturday so I know it could be busy. The one at WDW opens later and is always packed, so I was hoping to be able to sit inside at this one. I have all afternoon, so that' snot a problem, but I'll be hungry so I might need to eat first.

We always make a trip to Trader Sams and have generally been able to get a table inside within 15-20 minutes max. There really isn't an official line, at least there hasn't been when we have gone. People just hover around and wait for a table to open up. In my experience, most of those waiting have always been polite and adhered to the honor system of first come, first served, but you need to be on your toes and ready to grab a table. Many guests will signal that they are getting ready to leave and offer you their table if they have seen you patiently waiting.

For me, it's a must do. But then I love the whole Adventure Land/Adventurers Club theme, I love tropical fruit juice mixed with generous amounts of rum and I collect Tiki mugs.

 

[BrianL]

We always make a trip to Trader Sams and have generally been able to get a table inside within 15-20 minutes max. There really isn't an official line, at least there hasn't been when we have gone. People just hover around and wait for a table to open up. In my experience, most of those waiting have always been polite and adhered to the honor system of first come, first served, but you need to be on your toes and ready to grab a table. Many guests will signal that they are getting ready to leave and offer you their table if they have seen you patiently waiting.

For me, it's a must do. But then I love the whole Adventure Land/Adventurers Club theme, I love tropical fruit juice mixed with generous amounts of rum and I collect Tiki mugs.

Sounds great. I love all that stuff too except the rum part. I'll still order a drink to get a mug though. It should be fun.

 

[gillep]

My husband loves the DL Trader Sams so we always make time for it even if only going for two days (we usually need a break from the parks anyway). We also much prefer the DL version to the WDW version, after our last time at the WDW version we both agreed that if we want the drinks we will just sit on the patio and stick to the indoor version only when at DL.

 

[Jedi Mouse]

Sounds great. I love all that stuff too except the rum part. I'll still order a drink to get a mug though. It should be fun.

I'd also add that I never see a trip to TS as taking away from park time. With it's close proximity on property and awesome theme it's really feels like any other great Disneyland attraction or eatery.

Hope you have a great time!