Has anyone been able to get into Trader Sam's?

[mikedoyleblogger]

They keep capacity low for a reason. Same with the Disneyland version. Not to frustrate fans, but to preserve the atmosphere. It would not be nearly the same if they'd put this bar into a cavernous room.

Sure it would. They're essentially copying the old Trader Vic's restaurants in the first place, and they were much larger. The only reason the Disneyland version is so tiny is because of lack of space. Tangaroa Terrace, the quick service that takes up the other half of the building that TS shares in Anaheim, is also tiny. That's because it all had to be shoehorned into the existing pool area without impacting the pools, themselves, or any of the existing walkways. The super popularity took them by surprise.

 

[Shauna1ee]

We just walked in on Wednesday at 6, and again later at 8. Wasn't full either time. They were having trouble with the Ac, so maybe that had something to do with it- it was freezing!

We really had fun and would recommend.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Sure it would. They're essentially copying the old Trader Vic's restaurants in the first place, and they were much larger. The only reason the Disneyland version is so tiny is because of lack of space.

Disneyland, maybe. But WDW could put it anywhere at the resort. And they want it in a small space. Can't say at WDW that they were surprised by the popularity. Nobody wants to sit where they can't see the antics.

 

[allsaintsatx]

Do they still
Let under 21 on the patio?

From what I recall, under 21 is allowed inside before 8pm. Or is that in California? Haha! My brain is kinda mushy, and I don't even drink! I get the fruit juice, buy a couple of tiki mugs and soak up the atmosphere!

 

[CallieS]

We went on Wednesday last week around 9:30pm and all the seats were taken, but we didn't see anyone waiting. We asked the host if we could stand at the bar and he said okay. It was very awkward standing there because it's so small and cramped. I felt like we didn't belong and so we just ordered two shots, drank them quickly and hurried out.

 

[momears1980]

we went back in January... stayed at the Poly for a week... went to Trader Sam's three times. Once we sat at the Surfboard and enjoyed some company... once we sat directly under the Uh Oa goddess... and once we sat with a couple new friends over near the door. We got there early twice and then around 8 once. We never had to wait, but all the seats were filled.

 

[Gorechick]

For anyone who went in August, was it hot out on the patio in the evenings? Would love to try TS next trip but will have DD12 with us.

 

[Jennasis]

We had no wait at all when we went this past week right around 4pm.

 

[hroyale]

We went on a Sat during the week of 4th of July. It was around 10ish. No wait, one or two empty tables and space at the bar. I think before 8 it's more crowded because you can bring your kids. If you don't care about that, wait until later and then go. It was fun.

 

[Moliphino]

We went twice last week and never had to wait more than five minutes. The first time (Monday) we got there a half hour early and were the third party let in at 4. The second time (Wednesday) we got there around 4:30 and they told us it could be a 30 minute wait, but our buzzer went off after only about 5 minutes. Both days it filled up fast, but emptied out around 5 and had lots of empty seats.

 

[crabbygal902]

For anyone who went in August, was it hot out on the patio in the evenings? Would love to try TS next trip but will have DD12 with us.

I've never been during August at all because I can't handle the heat. However, I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes, it is VERY hot in August even in the evenings. I don't like to sit out on my own porch in Western NC on August evenings! The humidity is frightful and I sweat just sitting there. I'm willing to bet that Florida is even more so.

However...everyone has a different tolerance level.