Trader Sam's with young teens and grandparents?

[hart6066]

This sounds like a lot of fun for an early dinner (thinking very early around 5:30) but having never been, just want to double check that it's appropriate at that time. Sounds like one of those really unique things to do and think they would find it fascinating. Kids would be 14 and 11.

Thanks!

 

[Imdboss]

I've never been, but it does sound like a fun place to go. From what I've seen others post, kids are allowed until 8.

 

[awinangie]

I've only been in for a few minutes to order a non-alcoholic drink to take away, but I think "it depends".

There's not a ton of space in there, so it might be tight for a group of 5-6. I suspect they've got tables big enough, but I'm not sure. I also found it to be pretty dark and fairly noisy. If your party doesn't care about that stuff, then I think it'd be a lot of fun.

Have fun!!

 

[darcie2000]

We've taken teens and tweens before. We ate just out on the veranda and then later on the kids went for a swim while we checked out inside ( we were staying at DLH so could do this ). If you've got a few adults going you could "tag team" so you all get a chance to have a drink inside?

 

[Angel Ariel]

I've never been, but it does sound like a fun place to go. From what I've seen others post, kids are allowed until 8.

So prior to 8, a family can eat here? We really want to see Trader Sam's, but it'll just be the 3 of us (DH, DD and I). DD is going to be 3 on the trip. We could obviously go separately, but I know we'd both rather go together, which means bringing DD too

ETA: DD is really easy going and quiet. Having her in restaurants has never been a problem.

 

[SMD]

There's 5-6 tables that seat 4 and a few bar height tables for 2. I've never seen them add a 5th chair, plus I'm not sure one would fit at the end of the tables closest to the bar. Parties larger than 4 would have to split up or sit outside. Or you could do 2 adults at the bar, 2 with the kids at the table.

 

[hart6066]

Thank you--hadn't even thought about table size being an issue--we will eat outside and maybe go in to look around. Is it the same menu for food outside? Trying to get a sense of this versus Tangaroa Terrace which sounds like counter service? Thanks again!

 

[gardengirl2790]

We took our teenager, 16 at the time, and she loved it! She ordered a fun NA drink, and we bought her a souvenir tiki glass. We were only a group of 3, and did get there right about 5. This was in August, and we were able to be seated immediately. It did fill-up pretty quickly after 5:30-6 p.m.

 

[Angrose]

TS and TT share the same terrace, but the TS section is roped off and offers table service. If the TS side of the terrace is full then you can order drinks inside, take them over to the TT side and then order food at the counter in TT. This is what we did a few weeks ago. We sat closest to the section for TS so see could still hear live music and enjoyed the relaxed vibe.

 

[SMD]

Tangaroa Terrace doesn't have very much theming. But I have seen people get food from there and eat it on the Trader Sam's side of the patio, they're not really separated. At TT you order and they bring the food to you, it is basically counter service. I think some items are on both menus now, and you can get TT food at TS.

 

[ParkHopper1]

I didn't think there was an age limit specific time cut off. Thought it was just no minors sitting at the bar but were welcome any time.

Edit...looks like I found my answer. Minors any time on outside patio, up until 8pm inside.

 

[sophies*mom]

I definitely think it would be better to sit outside. The food menu isn't that big but it all looked yummy.

 

[ludari]

I'm a local and visit Trader Sam's often. From time to time I do see young children inside TS in the early afternoon. I do like the decor and the theme of the bar but I don't think they would be too interested in what goes on inside (I could be wrong). The food is okay but it's just appetizer portions. Later in the evening the Hawaiian group will play on the patio which entertaining and something I enjoy. I'm sure the adults will like it especially if they need a drink. In any event you should definitely check it out.

 

[SMD]

I'm a local and visit Trader Sam's often. From time to time I do see young children inside TS in the early afternoon. I do like the decor and the theme of the bar but I don't think they would be too interested in what goes on inside (I could be wrong). The food is okay but it's just appetizer portions. Later in the evening the Hawaiian group will play on the patio which entertaining and something I enjoy. I'm sure the adults will like it especially if they need a drink. In any event you should definitely check it out.

When I was young I liked the Tahitian Terrace and the dinner show at the Polynesian, so I probably would have liked the theming. And at 11 and 14 I probably would have gotten a thrill out of being in a bar. But yes, the food is just appetizers and not that amazing. And every child I've ever seen in there has looked bored out of their minds, or even asleep at the table in one case. It definitely has an adult vibe, so just it's best to go in with the expectation that there will be adult conversations and not much catering to kids.

 

[4Parksoneworld]

We took a 2 yo and 5yo a few years back (early evening around 4ish). They enjoyed it, esp when it stormed inside.

Although I could see how some kids may get scared.

 

[Canuck16]

We just got back from our trip and hit Trader Sam's for the first time. There were 6 of us so we ate outside as there are only 6 or 7 tables that only sit 4 inside plus the bar which kids can't sit at.....very small inside. After we ate we all went in side as there were 2 tables available and we had some of the fancy drinks and enjoyed the show.

 

[mickmom728]

Having just returned, I would say use your money for another restaurant, like Rainforest for example, that the kids might enjoy. We were a group of adults 25 to 60ish and the bartenders that waited on us (Thursday night, March 19) "herded" us to one side of the bar so we could order drinks and made us wait forever for service.. They need to hire more bartenders and treat the customers with a little more respect. For the money we spent I wish we would have gone elsewhere. But hey, I guess you are paying for the chance of spotting a celebrity and seeing a show. That being said I'm not sure if the older ones in your party would enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[hart6066]

Hmm...maybe we will think about another idea. We're staying at the Sheraton Park Hotel at Anaheim Resort and won't be in the parks that first day. We thought it would be fun to do something other than a "typical" restaurant and the kids love the Polynesian feel at WDW's Poly Hotel. I'll do some more research....we went a few years ago and didn't really think much of Downtown Disney so were looking at something a bit different.

Thanks!

 

[SMD]

Hmm...maybe we will think about another idea. We're staying at the Sheraton Park Hotel at Anaheim Resort and won't be in the parks that first day. We thought it would be fun to do something other than a "typical" restaurant and the kids love the Polynesian feel at WDW's Poly Hotel. I'll do some more research....we went a few years ago and didn't really think much of Downtown Disney so were looking at something a bit different.

Thanks!

What about Medieval Times, Mrs. Knott's or Bubba Gump?

 

[offwithyourhead]

DL website says "Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar welcomes children until 8:00 PM but is restricted to Guests 21 and over thereafter. "

If you decided to go elsewhere, Rainforest Cafe is really neat but maybe better suited for lunch as everything is pricey but you'll get the same experience at lunch as you would for dinner.