Trader Sams

[summer-of-esp]

We thought we might try and check out Trader Sams on our upcoming September trip. Does anyone know if it is still crazy busy, and hard to get seating there? Would we be ok just walking over from MK and walking in for a drink or snack?

 

[epcotobsessed]

We've tried to go three times, roughly between the hours of 4-6pm (but never lining up early), and have never been able to get a seat. I know people love it but that was enough for me - there are too many other fun bars in the World for me to care about trying again. That said, good luck to you! I think you should line up early if you have your heart set on going.

 

[SteveH]

It's busy, victim of its own success. When we went we gave them our cell # and walked around the Poly for half hour. That was a Sunday night during a rain storm. We got within about 30 minutes, stayed for a couple hours. I think they would be wise to open up earlier, but alas I'm not in charge.

Just came back from Disneyland, parks were pretty slow and thus I was able to walk right into Trader Sam's ETB 3 times with no wait. Plus they have all the mugs in stock

 

[mkla2015]

I think it's still busy most of the time. Only success we've had is getting to the poly around 3-330 and lining up to get in.

If I remember correctly, in February, we lined up around 3-315 and shortly after they came out with a list- asked for name, party number, and phone number and then but we were able to go walk around and they texted us when we were able to go in- we were like the 6th or 7th group in and were able to grab a table. It filled up really fast after that.

It's a fun place and I would def recommend trying it out!

 

[DarthGallifrey]

My last trip I was earlier this month I was in there almost every night. I find the sweet spot to be either right when they open or right at 8pm once it becomes 21+. The only night I had an issue getting in was on the night of the 4th

 

[TheWitherington's]

We go every trip and enjoy it. It is usually just my husband and I and we have had success getting there right at 4PM. Occasionally we have gone later and received a buzzer that goes off when we can enter. Regardless of where we have sat - bar, surfboard table, or in the other types of chairs, we have had a good time. The later it gets - and more drinks you have - the more fun it gets in my opinion. Try it if you can!

 

[DarthGallifrey]

We go every trip and enjoy it. It is usually just my husband and I and we have had success getting there right at 4PM. Occasionally we have gone later and received a buzzer that goes off when we can enter. Regardless of where we have sat - bar, surfboard table, or in the other types of chairs, we have had a good time. The later it gets - and more drinks you have - the more fun it gets in my opinion. Try it if you can!

I 100% agree that the later it gets the more fun it gets. I have been there til close on many a trip. Skipper Megan and Skipper Seth are two of the best CM I have ever come in contact with on a WDW trip.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

there are too many other fun bars in the World

Pray tell where! It would be great to know for my September trip.

 

[3ClubDebi]

Really wish they would sell non-alcoholic drinks and do 'fun' things with them as far as interaction goes.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

It only fits 50 people so unless you are one of the first 50 there at opening, you will have to wait until someone leaves. You should get a beeper that will call you back, or they will text you when your spot opens. They texted me last time. However, I don't think you can expect to just be able to walk in. It happens, but there is at least some wait involved most of the time.

Also, it helps if you are open to sharing seating with other parties.

Under 21 have to leave right at 8 PM (no exceptions that I've seen) so there is often an exodus from the bar at that point.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Pray tell where! It would be great to know for my September trip.

Abracadabar in the Boardwalk, Nomad Lounge in AK, Victoria Falls or Jiko bar in AKL, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar or Cava de Tequila in Epcot (also love grabbing drinks at the Rose and Crown kiosk and then sitting either by the water or in the gardens in England), Hollywood Brown Derby patio in HS. Hurricane Hannah's is always packed at BC, I've never actually gotten a seat but their drinks are great - I take them back to the pool.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

Abracadabar in the Boardwalk, Nomad Lounge in AK, Victoria Falls or Jiko bar in AKL, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar or Cava de Tequila in Epcot (also love grabbing drinks at the Rose and Crown kiosk and then sitting either by the water or in the gardens in England), Hollywood Brown Derby patio in HS. Hurricane Hannah's is always packed at BC, I've never actually gotten a seat but their drinks are great - I take them back to the pool.

Thank you.

 

[SteveH]

Really wish they would sell non-alcoholic drinks and do 'fun' things with them as far as interaction goes.

Ask the Skipper, they have full control over the antics. I was sitting next to a guy last week that wanted the Uh-Oa (or was it Krakatoa) experience but didn't want that exact drink... the Skipper obliged he got it. That said it was pretty quiet, and everyone around did get a few extra squirts of water because we didn't get all into it... that was the price for not playing long

 

[hereforthechurros]

We haven’t been able to get in at all this year, two hour wait every time we checked. But in past years we’ve been able to get in pretty easily so other than showing up early I’m not sure if there’s a rhyme and reason to getting in.

 

[smilerjones]

We went earlier this month, they started opening at 3pm now. We got there around 2:45 to put our name and and had no trouble getting in when they opened.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Really wish they would sell non-alcoholic drinks and do 'fun' things with them as far as interaction goes.

We always order "mocktails" and simply sit around and watch all the effects and antics that happen when others order their highly overpriced drinks!

 

[armerida]

We went after dinner last month around 9:30 and were able to grab the last 2-top. A few tables and bar seats opened up shortly after.

 

[nkereina]

We've always had success getting there about 20 minutes before opening. They open at 3pm now. We've been able to get a table each time by doing this, but there is also standing room. Often they will allow people in and people kind of have to hang out until a table opens up. Its first come first served, so people pounce on clearing tables.

 

[gharter]

Good to know about the new hours.
We are hoping to go back in October. It was a lot of fun last year when we were there.

 

[Boopuff]

Just curious, but how do they get the children out at 8pm? I also wonder how it's done at other places that magically turn 21 at a certain hour.