Trader Sam's - How Hard to Get a Table ?

[jcvalenti]

Leaving for the world on Sunday and one day we have our traditional mid-day monorail tour planned while the "kids" stay at Magic Kingdom. I am super interested in visiting Trader Sams for a bit (okay - a few bits), but with our reservations at Be Our Guest, we basically have to be there when it opens (I think at 3:30). Just a few planning questions for someone who has visited recently:

Are there still lines to get in at open ?

How early do we need to get there if we want to get a table for 8 or 10 ?

Do they take Tables in Wonderland ?

We have one member of our party staying at the Polynesian and she gets in around 12:30 pm - if there's a line, what time should she get there for a table ?

I know - I'm way overplanning, but this kind of stuff is why DAD loves Disney World. I haven't been this excited about anything opening since Tutto Gusto opened.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Are there still lines to get in at open ?
. . . yes
How early do we need to get there if we want to get a table for 8 or 10 ?
. . . get in line on Labor Day for a Christmas table
. . . large parties are rare to find a table
. . . you have to wait for too many tables to open up at the same time
. . . plus, they do not allow many tables to be pushed together as it blocks aisles and is dangerous for staff and patrons
. . . in some posts, people have said NO tables were allowed to be combined (I cannot vouch for this)
. . . when trying to find open tables near each other, think of this like a giant Rubik's Cube
. . . you might have a better chance for a large group out on the Trader Sam's Terrace

Do they take Tables in Wonderland ?
. . . currently, not listed on TIW website as applicable

We have one member of our party staying at the Polynesian and she gets in around 12:30 pm - if there's a line, what time should she get there for a table ?
. . . no later than 2:30-3:00pm
. . . but, other folks in line might object strongly if your group suddenly appears
. . . they would all have been standing and waiting, while one of you tries to "save spots", as line-cutting is really frowned upon
. . . plus, when they start identifying people to let in, the entire party MUST be present

I know - I'm way overplanning, but this kind of stuff is why DAD loves Disney World. I haven't been this excited about anything opening since Tutto Gusto opened.
. . . do not set yourself up for a disappointment
. . . such a party might not work out as you hope

 

[jcvalenti]

Thanks. Good info. Dont get me wrong, well split up if necessary. We dont mind changing it up.

 

[craigkerstiens]

We were there about a month ago, showed up with a party of 4 at 3:45 for a 4:00 opening and just missed out on a table. It's good if all or the bulk of your party is around to get in line before opening. I'd say 3:15, or even safer 3:00 is early enough to get a larger table for all of your group. Though weekends may be a bit tougher than the weekdays so I'd take that into account.