Trader Sam's Questions?

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Hi everyone. I'm going to WDW with my Dad over Christmas/New Years this year, and we are staying at the Polynesian Villas. This is our first time staying at the Poly, and I am thinking of giving Trader Sams a try one evening. I do not drink alcohol even though I am of age, so I was wondering if this lounge has any good non-alcoholic offerings that people can recommend? I'm hoping for some of the mugs that I know are famous at this location. Does anyone know how long this place is open incase we don't go until after spending an evening in a park? How hard is it to get in? Thanks for any info!

 

[Moliphino]

They do have non-alcoholic specialty drinks, but you can only buy the glasses if you order the drinks they come in.

 

[Barbydoll8]

It's a lounge that is small. There is normally a wait to get in especially on the weekends. They are open late. I do not drink and had non-alcohol juice drink (can't remember what it was) but the specialty drinks with specialty glasses only come this way. And the are NOT cheap so keep that in mind. It is fun to go here and hang out but be advised, it can be loud and crazy in there but it is fun.

 

[Micca]

The hours (I think) are 4pm-12midnight. Children are admitted with parents until 8pm, and they will clear the bar of those under 21 at 8.

 

[Farro]

We are staying there also and wondering how late does it stay crowded? If we pop in at 10:30/11:00, you think we can snag some seats? 2 or 3 of us.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It stays crowded all night. It is small.

 

[Farro]

Well that's okay. I don't really like fruity drinks, would rather have a martini or a glass of wine anyways! We can always go to Tambu Lounge.

 

[Pink Pajamas]

We are staying there also and wondering how late does it stay crowded? If we pop in at 10:30/11:00, you think we can snag some seats? 2 or 3 of us.

There is a check in podium. If it's completely full the host will take your name and give you a buzzer until you can be seated. I've never waited more than 30 minutes even when it was new. It is small but there's constant turnover because a lot of people only go in for one drink and don't linger long.

 

[Tiffany_m15]

So if I pay the full price for a drink with a specialty mug and then ask them to make it without alcohol...they won't do that?

 

[Cinderella94]

So if I pay the full price for a drink with a specialty mug and then ask them to make it without alcohol...they won't do that?

I haven't been here yet, but I would be extremely surprised if this was the case. They would be making even more $ off of you. No reason for them not to oblige.

 

[Pink Pajamas]

I haven't been here yet, but I would be extremely surprised if this was the case. They would be making even more $ off of you. No reason for them not to oblige.

That's complicated though. The drinks are all unique and each one involves a variety of spirits. They aren't simply fruit juice or soda with vodka mixed in. Many of the ingredients that make up the complex drink are alcoholic. The drink can't necessarily be duplicated in a non alcoholic way.

 

[Cinderella94]

That's complicated though. The drinks are all unique and each one involves a variety of spirits. They aren't simply fruit juice or soda with vodka mixed in. Many of the ingredients that make up the complex drink are alcoholic. The drink can't necessarily be duplicated in a non alcoholic way.

I can understand that. What if the poster said, though, "I'll pay the full $15 for a glass of lemonade in the tiki glass" for example? I know this isn't exactly what the poster asked, but if the main goal is to get one of the glasses then I think it could be an option.
ETA: Of course, not having been there before I can't know for certain, I just can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be allowed.

 

[Pink Pajamas]

I can understand that. What if the poster said, though, "I'll pay the full $15 for a glass of lemonade in the tiki glass" for example? I know this isn't exactly what the poster asked, but if the main goal is to get one of the glasses then I think it could be an option.
ETA: Of course, not having been there before I can't know for certain, I just can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be allowed.

Valid point and I don't know either. I go there for the alcohol

 

[Cinderella94]

Valid point and I don't know either. I go there for the alcohol

That's my plan, too!

 

[EnchantedTikiGal]

So if I pay the full price for a drink with a specialty mug and then ask them to make it without alcohol...they won't do that?

Yes, they will. At the Sam's here at DL, they'll sell you the mug without the drink as well.

 

[Barbydoll8]

We were there not long after it opened and you could not get wine there. Only rum based drinks. I couldn't even get a diet coke. It is not a "full" bar. They may have changed this though. I'm sure you could by the glass w/ no drink but the cheapest drink in a specialty glass was close to $20.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I just bought the mug from the terrace outside at Christmas and was only charged for the mug.

 

[Farro]

We were there not long after it opened and you could not get wine there. Only rum based drinks. I couldn't even get a diet coke. It is not a "full" bar. They may have changed this though. I'm sure you could by the glass w/ no drink but the cheapest drink in a specialty glass was close to $20.

Really?? Only rum? Well that's good to know. We will definitely skip it now.

 

[Anna114]

Don't forget there is an outside area also. You can sit there to order from Trader Sam's. If you want the whole experience it's a great place to wait.

 

[Moliphino]

Really?? Only rum? Well that's good to know. We will definitely skip it now.

Not true. They have a beer and wine list on the menu. There's also Sprite in one of the non-alcoholic drinks, so they do have soda.

Most, not all, of the cocktails have rum (there is also a margarita and a cachaca based drink).