Trader Sam's or Tangaroa Terrace

[confetti]

I managed to get a reservation for lunch at Trader Sam's mid June. Tangaroa isn't open for reservations past late May right now.

Both places seem to have the same menu. What is the difference between the two? Is Trader Sam's better? I don't mind missing out on the inside of TS if it's crowded (don't like crowded spaces). Not sure if I should go for TT instead when it opens for reservations. What would you all recommend?

 

[soniam]

I don’t think Tangaroa Terrace takes reservations. It’s the QS for the hotel. From what I have been told here, reservations for Trader Sam’s get you indoor seating. I think you can request outside though. The both use the deck, but it’s divided/roped off. Trader Sam’s is tiny inside and has some different/more limited food offerings. It’s really just a bar with theming+. I was told they offer the same drinks, but you can’t buy the tiki mugs at Tangaroa. Trader Sam’s inside is usually crowded but not always. They only seat people at tables and the bar though, so it won’t be people standing shoulder to shoulder.

 

[Ladyslug]

Tangaroa Terrace has inside and outside seating that I believe is first-come, first-served. The food and non-alcoholic drinks are quick service and can even be mobile ordered; there are no reservations. The same cocktails that are served at Trader Sam's can be ordered (only in-person) at the outdoor bar next to the Tangaroa pick-up counter (as can Dole Whip floats -- with or without rum).

Trader Sam's has similar outdoor seating to Tangaroa Terrace (the areas are on the same terrace, next to each other, with tiki torches) and in my opinion is best for larger groups (4+). The indoor area is fun, but the tables are small, and you may be seated at the bar which stretches out larger parties (though as mentioned, people are escorted to seats -- it's not a walk-up bar that can get crowded with people). When people order certain drinks inside, there are chants, lighting effects, spray bottles, and jokes from the bartenders. It's a fun atmosphere, but not that conducive to having a short meal or a group conversation.

 

[confetti]

Thanks for the info, that helps! I didn't realize Tangaroa didn't take reservations. So I have a follow up question- if we want drinks from Trader Sam's but food from Tangaroa, can we do that if we sit outside at Trader Sam's? Or can I order drinks at TS and then take them into Tangaroa to enjoy with our food there?

 

[DLgal]

Thanks for the info, that helps! I didn't realize Tangaroa didn't take reservations. So I have a follow up question- if we want drinks from Trader Sam's but food from Tangaroa, can we do that if we sit outside at Trader Sam's? Or can I order drinks at TS and then take them into Tangaroa to enjoy with our food there?

You seem confused here. Tangaroa Terrace is the quick service restaurant. It has Mobile Order and both indoor and outdoor seating. Trader Sam's is a bar. That's it. They serve food there. It comes from the kitchen at Tangaroa Terrace. It's the same food.

There is also an outdoor walk up bar next door that has Dole Whip and beers and wine and basic cocktails. I have heard they can do all the TS cocktails here too, but cannot confirm.

Trader Sam's is where you can get the specialty Tiki drinks. It's the ONLY place you can get them. If you want them, you have to go there. You can sit inside or outside, same drink menu. If you'd prefer to just order drinks from TS, you can do so. You can eat before or after from Tangaroa Terrace. In fact, I recommend doing this because otherwise you are paying extra to a server in the form of a larger tip on a food and drink tab, whereas you can eat the same food next door without needing to tip a server.

All 3 of these places are in the same building, right next to each other. There is one large patio, sectioned off onto an area just for Trader Sam's guests.

 

[robert_j]

We went to Trader Sam's last Wednesday, our first night at the Disneyland Hotel. We were unable to get a reservation in advance, but it was no problem, especially since we wanted to sit outside. We got to the hotel around 6:30 PM, dropped off our things and then went down to the booth they have set up in front of Tangaroa Terrace, which manages both Trader Sam's and Tangaroa. This was sometime after 7:00, and there was a bit of a queue. We asked to be put on a waiting list, and maybe 20 minutes later (if that) we got a text saying our table was ready. We did not try for inside because we have kids and inside does not allow kids after 8:00, but we noticed another couple who was in line with us got bar seats inside.

We loved sitting outside. It is a great atmosphere with the torches and the live music. After we ate, while the family was finishing up, I went to the bar and ordered Dole Whips with rum and brought them over for dessert. Our waitress had no problem with this at all ("Oh, I see you found the Dole Whips."). We went inside to use the restrooms and the room is indeed small. I cannot really compare the two experiences, since I just walked through the inside part; but I did not have FOMO or anything. I really enjoyed the experience I had outdoors. And the drinks were fabulous! (I got the Tiki Rum.)