Process for getting into Trader Sam's??

[Anal Annie]

It's been several years since we've gone to Trader Sam's. Seems like all of the processes have changed everywhere for getting into the various lounges and there's no consistency in how they operate. Last time we went over to get in line to get on the list @ like 2 or 2:30. Is this still the best time / only strategy? I don't see an online waitlist like they're doing now for the Nomad Lounge. (Why can't they be consistent?) THANKS!

 

[SteveH]

Still get in line before opening if you want or put your name a wait list and they will text you, no online at TSGG.

 

[Anal Annie]

Still get in line before opening if you want or put your name a wait list and they will text you, no online at TSGG.

Thanks....is 2:00 or 2:30 still the recommended time or has demand made the line start earlier?

 

[Moliphino]

Thanks....is 2:00 or 2:30 still the recommended time or has demand made the line start earlier?

I'd aim for closer to 2.

 

[Pens Fan]

We tried to get in a few weeks ago. We got there just after 2 and they were already taking names. They said it would be a 3 hour wait, so we passed as we had dinner reservations at Raglan Road that night. Now this was on a Sunday and it was Labor Day weekend, so maybe if it's a random weekday the wait might not be as bad.

 

[ak517]

Another data point: we went ~6:30PM to put our names down expecting ~2 hour wait, which was perfect because we were having dinner at Citricos. We got a text at just about the 2 hour mark, to which we responded that we would be there ~20 minutes later and asked if they could hold the seats a little longer. Luckily, they could! Note this was at the end of August/beginning of September when school was back in session and the parks had slowed down quite a bit, but I believe in this strategy of putting your name down before having dinner nearby. If you have kids with you it's a different story because they won't let them in after a certain time.

 

[TikiRob]

I've always tried to get in at opening. What is it like late-night? Is it possible to find a couple seats at 11:00-11:30pm for a night cap?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Easy peasy…
Walk up
Put your name/party size on waiting list
They will give you an approximate wait time
They will text you when space is a available.
Wait time can be several hours.
In the meantime, relax and enjoy the rest of the Poly!

 

[Marthasor]

I would be there no later than 2 pm if you want to go in with the first wave of guests.

 

[kevind2112]

We’ve gone in August and earlier this month. I think a good rule of thumb is show up and put your name in roughly 2 hours before your targeted time. We didn’t want to go too early so we put our name in around 7, and got in around 8:30.

 

[Anal Annie]

Update...we were @ AK yesterday and EE had been down since park opening. So I was about to leave around 1:30 to go get on the list but then EE opened so I stayed to single rider with my DH & DS who were staying at AK for awhile longer. Then it suddenly started pouring rain as I was heading out of the park. Got my poncho on but it wasn't snapped closed on the sides so got pretty wet trudging to the bus. Finally got to the Poly around 2:50 and they said could be a 3 hr wait. I decided to go back to SSR to change into some dry clothes and go back. That process ate up nearly an hour in each direction. Got back around 5:20 and perfect timing got a text @ 5:26 that they were ready for us. So it was almost exactly 2-1/2 hrs.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I've always tried to get in at opening. What is it like late-night? Is it possible to find a couple seats at 11:00-11:30pm for a night cap?

We have walked in at this time and only waited a few minutes and this has been in March and April around Spring Break times but during the week.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

Late Aug data point. We got to Poly around 130pm to grab a drink in the lounge. Went down around 1:45pm and already about 7 groups in line. They started taking names at 2pm and we got the call back text at 305 and sat at the bar (2 people).

We stayed for 2 drinks which was just over a 45 minute visit.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I guess timing is everything, we tried one time and they weren't taking names anymore. So it was people waiting around for them to start taking names again, then the 2/3 hour wait. We skipped. Kinda nuts, especially since DL Traders takes advance reservations (yeah they serve food there too). Why not allow some reservations like Oga's? I am staying at Poly in April, so we may try then, as we can wait in our room to get called back.

 

[SheilaHeartsDisney]

Jumping in here. What if you want to go about 8:00pm?? Would you still go at 2:00p to get on the list??

 

[Anal Annie]

Jumping in here. What if you want to go about 8:00pm?? Would you still go at 2:00p to get on the list??

After our experience last month my best guess would be to go over later to join the list like around 5 or 6:00 if the wait is 2-3 hours.