Trader Sams: what am I not getting about it

[julesann]

I'm the OP and I want to thank everyone for your input--even those of you who told me to give it up and not try again. However, stubborn or tenacious is my middle name so we went to Trader Sams on Thursday with an ADR that I got at the 60 day mark.

After a glitchy beginning, we were able to move from a table to the bar after about 20 minutes when there was an opening which the hostess and our server said would be fine. Right when we were going to move, we were told by another server that ADRs are for tables only and the bar is for walk ups so we couldn't move. However, our gracious server advocated for us and we got to move over--I am not really sure what this was about.

I think 6:00 p.m. is a little early for the atmosphere we were hoping for but around 7:00 a new bartender came on and she livened up the place and we got more of the fun that I've heard about. We enjoyed ourselves, I stole my db's light up cube to remember our visit and we will return!!

 

[Ladyslug]

Between those two visits I'd had the chance to visit six other tiki bars and while I'll say that Disey doesn't use the best rums they also don't use sugary premade mixes.

Another thing I like about Trader Sam's is that they have real bartenders who know how to make drinks that aren't listed specifically on the menu. We saw someone just say some types of flavors they were in the mood for and the bartender crafted a drink for them on the spot (that they said they enjoyed).

Right when we were going to move, we were told by another server that ADRs are for tables only and the bar is for walk ups so we couldn't move. However, our gracious server advocated for us and we got to move over--I am not really sure what this was about.

We had an ADR earlier this month and got placed indoors at the bar directly, so someone must have been confused. I'm so glad everything worked out for you and you got to sit at the bar!

 

[SteveH]

@julesann glad you went and had fun. What drinks did you indulge in? I do agree later in the night is a bit more fun, especially after the kids are shown the door Of all the Tiki Bars I've been to I think Trader Sam's is the most lively without having a live band or karaoke. That takes an outgoing and well trained Skipper as well as the right crowd. Sometimes its all about the guests and getting into the antics.

@Ladyslug Going off menu is so fun with the right Skipper!

 

[julesann]

@julesann glad you went and had fun. What drinks did you indulge in? I do agree later in the night is a bit more fun, especially after the kids are shown the door Of all the Tiki Bars I've been to I think Trader Sam's is the most lively without having a live band or karaoke. That takes an outgoing and well trained Skipper as well as the right crowd. Sometimes its all about the guests and getting into the antics.

I need to admit I am not much of a rum drinker so I had Tangaroa Cooler which I enjoyed. My neighbor at the bar suggested my db get a Krakatoa Punch as I wanted to see some fun and there'd already been a few Shipwrecks ordered--that livened things up too. Thanks for asking Steve.

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[SteveH]

@julesann that's great, the Krakatoa was my 1st TS drink and I still really enjoy it too.

 

[SpringBreak]

I remember the old AC and was really hoping to visit TS's on our upcoming June trip. Alas, I have no ADRs. Is there hope of scoring walk-in seating with 2 kids in tow?

 

[xipotec]

Do they allow under 21?

 

[DLgal]

Do they allow under 21?

Not after 8pm

 

[Ladyslug]

I remember the old AC and was really hoping to visit TS's on our upcoming June trip. Alas, I have no ADRs. Is there hope of scoring walk-in seating with 2 kids in tow?

You can ask, but it's my understanding that (for the most part) reservations get to be inside, walk-ups get to be outside. Keep checking though -- I ended up getting a reservation less than a month before my arrival.

 

[longboard55]

Its cute inside, but even before covid it was impossible to get a table or seat, and the service was horrible. We like Catal Uva Bar

 

[jenergy]

I love playful ambiance--enjoy BB at a water table; Oga's; WOC dessert party; people watching at Cafe Orleans; the bar at NR. I have tried Trader Sam's 3 times and I just don't get it. I know I am missing something. What do you like about it.

I personally love anything tiki and Sam's really hits the nail on the head. Fire drinks, shenanigans, chanting. One of my very best Disney memories was made at Trader Sam's.

 

[ColoradoLime]

Another thing I like about Trader Sam's is that they have real bartenders who know how to make drinks that aren't listed specifically on the menu. We saw someone just say some types of flavors they were in the mood for and the bartender crafted a drink for them on the spot (that they said they enjoyed).

This is very good to know! I love a good drink but don't want all the sugar from all the menu concoctions.

 

[DharmaLou]

I've had reservations and sat at the bar, so that's not right.