Trader Sam's Return flexibility

[MsNewsradio]

If we were to try to get on the waitlist for Trader Sam's once the waitlist opens (I think 1pm is what I've read here in other posts), how much time do we have to get back there once our turn is "up"? I assume we leave a phone number to be notified, but should we simply hang around the Poly? Are we safe to go back to the Contemporary for awhile/is there a grace period to return before they give up your spot on the waitlist? Don't want to necessarily be hanging around for hours twiddling our thumbs but also don't want to miss out on our spot if we want to try to get a drink there. If we try to go it would be midweek on a Wednesday afternoon.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

You have a 15 minute window after they send you the text.

I'd ask how long they are thinking when you put your name on the waitlist and determine if its worth going back to CR.
You're not going to have time to get back to POLY if you stay at CR until you get the text so if you do go back to CR you'll want to head back before getting the text.

If you're concerned you won't be able to make it back then I'd just prepare to hang out at POLY.

 

[zackiedawg]

Also don't forget as a consolation prize...even though you don't get the decor and the antics/show that you get inside the lounge, you CAN get all the same drinks on the Tiki Terrace outside. Inside is more fun for sure and worth a wait - there were a few times when the wait was just too long or messed with my plans, I went out on the Terrace, listened to some live Hawaiian musician and enjoyed the drinks and appetizers with no wait (just having to score a table which takes a little hunting and pouncing if crowded).

 

[Disnsyncey]

We went on a busy day, put in out name around 6, was quoted 2.5 hours....we did our "far away" exploring at the Grand and CR right away and were able to explore and get some food at the Tambu Lounge before our time and then headed down....

so I also vote wait and see the time estimated, and go far away first and aim to come back BEFORE the text comes

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Also don't forget as a consolation prize...even though you don't get the decor and the antics/show that you get inside the lounge, you CAN get all the same drinks on the Tiki Terrace outside. Inside is more fun for sure and worth a wait - there were a few times when the wait was just too long or messed with my plans, I went out on the Terrace, listened to some live Hawaiian musician and enjoyed the drinks and appetizers with no wait (just having to score a table which takes a little hunting and pouncing if crowded).

And honestly I enjoy the outdoor atmosphere better.
Inside is "fun" but there are a number of things I don't love.
If you go there with say at least four people I'd say its more fun especially if you all get a drink that has something different happen.
But its unnecessarily dark in my opinion and be quite loud.
I think it should be a bit brighter and then when someone orders a special drink then the lights should dim and highlight the specific enhancement and then lights come back on.

 

[Marthasor]

If you are there at 1 pm to put your name on the list, ask the host/hostess if you will be in the first wave of people going in (I believe capacity is 50, so they know, as they make the list, who is going in first). If you are in the first wave, I would be back in the hallway at least 15 minutes prior to opening. If you aren't in the first wave, as PP's have noted, just make sure you are close enough to be able to get back to TS within the 15 minute grace period. The last time we went, we perused the gift shop at Poly and walked over to GF and back. I don't know if I would risk being a monorail ride away if you really want to get in.

 

[Genie+]

I wish our Trader Sam’s was more like DLH, with reservations, opens earlier, & a food menu.

We went during our stay at Poly and it was a busy week. Joined the waitlist and was told ~45 minutes. It actually took over 90 minutes to get called. Closer to 2 hours really. We were a party of 5 and that likely didn’t help matters.

It all ended well. We joined the waitlist a little before 5pm, hoping to have a drink before our ‘Ohana reservation at 7pm. At 6:30pm I went to Ohana’s podium and asked if it was possible to move our ADR time and explained we were waiting (and a long time at that) for TS but could cancel that if necessary. They said we could come back when we’re done, but they couldn’t say when we’d be seated. I agreed. Finally got into Trader Sam’s, had a blast, went over to ‘Ohana, waited another 30+ mins. And we were seated at the window, 30 minutes to fireworks! Not exactly how we had planned the night but our perseverance paid off.

That waitlist is no joke! I had read best to go early and that seems correct. I had also asked Trader Sam’s if we could come back later after eating at Ohana’s and was told tables are not held more than 15 minutes so we’d need to rejoin the waitlist. I’d only plan this on a day our schedule was not tight.