Tell me about Trader Sam's at Poly.

[wdw&sonny]

I searched these boards. I read the thread about queueing up early to get in. I read the one about the comparison to the Adventurer's Club.

But what is it?
What are the hours?
Is it as crowded at 10p as at 4p?
Is the food any good?
Specifically, thinking about going after HEA on Thursday 9/14/17. Do you think we can walk in and get a seat or will it be packed at that time?
TIA.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You might do better on Restaurants.

Trader Sam's is a Lounge. It is a very small lounge. It is open from 4PM-midnight or so most of the year. Because it is small, it is often "full" and you may be routed to the Tiki Terrace or to wait instead. How busy it is at any given time can vary, as you may luck out, or there may be an ongoing bachelor party taking up stools.

No kids after 8PM.
Limited food. It's decent bar food (apps, small plates).
I would expect there to be a wait coming after MK fireworks.

 

[Monorail_Man_NJ]

Its a great place for drinks. Especially convienent if your in the Magic Kingdom and need some drinks and a break from the park. The food is not that good with limited choices. The drinks are large and served in unique barware that you can bring home for an additional charge.

 

[vettegirl]

We went once back in June, my husband I split a drink. I had a mini heart attack as our bill as $32 for the one drink. I like the one in DL much better for some reason.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We love it! Yes, the alcoholic drinks in the special mugs are pricey, but you don't have to buy the mugs. We've always gone right at opening (DS9 comes along), so I can't comment on how crowded it would be after MK closing. It is fairly small and there is outdoor seating as well, but you won't see the special effects or antics outside. DS9 and I only order "mocktails" ($10 a piece the last time we were there). The apps are huge, so we share one (or two if all 3 of us are there). Someone always orders a special drink, so even if you order something that doesn't come with an effect, some one in the lounge is bound to at some point while you're there.

 

[wdw&sonny]

We love it! Yes, the alcoholic drinks in the special mugs are pricey, but you don't have to buy the mugs. We've always gone right at opening (DS9 comes along), so I can't comment on how crowded it would be after MK closing. It is fairly small and there is outdoor seating as well, but you won't see the special effects or antics outside. DS9 and I only order "mocktails" ($10 a piece the last time we were there). The apps are huge, so we share one (or two if all 3 of us are there). Someone always orders a special drink, so even if you order something that doesn't come with an effect, some one in the lounge is bound to at some point while you're there.

What does that mean "come with an effect"? And I read something about the bar stools lowering? What other fun effects?

 

[TavieP]

I spent an obscene amount of money on the ceramic Nautilus because it's so over-the-top and I just had to have it.

I'm planning to use it as a gravy boat at Thanksgiving.

 

[Pipkin]

It's very reminiscent of the Adventurers Club. Certain drinks trigger special effects. The more expensive the drink the greater the effects. It's fun for a short time...until the bar bill climbs.