Monorail Hopping over to Trader Sam's after Epcot close?

[Doug S]

My friends are joining me for my first 2 days of my Oct 23-27 trip and I know for a fact we need to swing by Trader Sam's. I have been to the DL one, but not WDW. I understand that the WDW one closes at midnight vs DL's 1:30AM.

I'm wondering if we'll have enough time after Illuminations ends to monorail hop over to the Polynesian to have a drink at Trader Sam's? I assume last call is 11:30? I'm planning to do this on a Sunday, so it will be a party night and I'm hoping we can catch a monorail over to MK after our drinks then take the bus back to POFQ. If worse comes to worst we can take an Uber or taxi back.

My backup plan is to take a break from our Magic Kingdom day the next day at 4, but I'd really like to visit at night. That seems to be the most enjoyable time to visit, especially since under 21's aren't allowed in that late.

 

[Micca]

Trader Sam's is highly recommended. Not sure about time of last call, but I think you're cutting it too close. There is a mass exodus at Epcot after Illuminations, it could take a while to get a monorail. Maybe if you took Uber from Epcot directly to the Poly? But you're still dealing with a very small capacity inside the club, though in October it will probably be nice enough to sit outside. I think you'd do better going at 4pm on your MK day, for one thing there are likely fewer locals at the club on weekday afternoons. That's just my thoughts, let's see if another Dis-er can weigh-on on why Sunday night is do-able for you.

 

[Doug S]

Trader Sam's is highly recommended. Not sure about time of last call, but I think you're cutting it too close. There is a mass exodus at Epcot after Illuminations, it could take a while to get a monorail. Maybe if you took Uber from Epcot directly to the Poly? But you're still dealing with a very small capacity inside the club, though in October it will probably be nice enough to sit outside. I think you'd do better going at 4pm on your MK day, for one thing there are likely fewer locals at the club on weekday afternoons. That's just my thoughts, let's see if another Dis-er can weigh-on on why Sunday night is do-able for you.

I'm very unsure how long the monorail line will be. It could be shorter than normal since it's unlikely many will be hopping over to MK due to the party. We could always try it and visit the next day if we can't make it work. I don't think there's an unacceptable amount of times to visit Trader Sam's in one trip.

 

[Quellman]

If you watch Illuminations from in the following area Mexico, World Showcase, Canada you will have the least amount of distance to travel to the monorail, thus less people to contend with, (like you would if you watched it from Italy, America, or Japan). I think you would make it with plenty of time to enjoy a concoction or two! Then monorail or boat to the MK and bus back home!

 

[Doug S]

Would it be faster to walk from the TTC than wait for a resort monorail when connecting? I haven't ever walked around the Poly so I have no sense of distance of it from the TTC.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Would it be faster to walk from the TTC than wait for a resort monorail when connecting? I haven't ever walked around the Poly so I have no sense of distance of it from the TTC.

Almost always.

 

[Doug S]

Almost always.

Will keep walking in mind! Not sure if my friends will be onboard for more walking after making the journey through Epcot.

 

[Micca]

I don't think there's an unacceptable amount of times to visit Trader Sam's in one trip

Oh I agree! I'm just thinking along the lines of probably wanting at least an hour per visit to soak up the atmosphere (and booze!)

 

[iloveeeyore]

We stayed at the Poly last week. The night we watched IllumiNations, we watched from Canada, walked with the crowds to the monorail, got off at the TTC and walked through the Poly grounds, past the entrance of Trader Sam's to our room. We were changed into our bathing suits and on the beach in time to catch 10 pm Wishes. You will have plenty of time for a few TS concoctions on your Epcot night!

Enjoy!! We had such a blast at Trader Sam's. I wish we were there now!