What Makes Trader Sam's So Appealing?

[maleficent55]

I just read that they are getting rid of the gas tiki torches.

what?!?!? why???

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I just read that they are getting rid of the gas tiki torches.

I don’t know that they are for sure getting rid of them. I believe the work permits could be for replacement.

 

[Disney0010]

I read that the tiki torches are just being replaced and not being eliminated.

 

[mouschievous]

Its the Vibes

I like the living painting with the nice views and the Volcano can go off is someone buys the drink

Its the Vibes, I also like the green beans but you can get them next door but mostly its the Vibes of the Tiki room/Jungle cruise as a restaurant/bar

I'd love a Pirates, HM, another Star Wars Bar and Indy restaurant as well

I agree, it's the vibe for me. Also, their poké bowl is good.

@JerrodDragon89 , there's a new Pirates bar at WDW and a HM one on one of the cruise ships.

 

[CoachBeard]

Here is a video about both of them from a guy who knows a few things about tiki, and what you'll learn is that the bartenders at the DL Trader Sam's are well respected in the Tiki community. I've been to several tiki bars across the country and Sam's in Anaheim is one of my favorites. I haven't been inside the WDW version yet. Soon!

I love tiki bars that are well themed and fun, TS's is one of those. Even if you don't drink alcohol they have some food and some non-alcoholic tropical drinks.

 

[CoachBeard]

I haven’t been either… is it the same in Orlando?

Similar but less authentic tiki in Orlando from what I understand.

 

[twodogs]

We went years ago with our DDs, and DH and I went back without our kids a month ago. We went mid-day, and my DH was happy to get a few unique beers there. I had two different cocktails, and I asked if they were sweet. I was told they were not, but they were very, very sweet to me. I had one with bourbon, which tend to be less sweet, but that was not the case. It was fun vibes, and several signature drinks were ordered while we were there, which was fun. The decor was also really fun and very Disney. But, I would probably not go back just for the vibes, as the drinks were just not my taste. Others love it, so maybe try it for yourself and see?! Then let us know what you think!

 

[CoachBeard]

We went years ago with our DDs, and DH and I went back without our kids a month ago. We went mid-day, and my DH was happy to get a few unique beers there. I had two different cocktails, and I asked if they were sweet. I was told they were not, but they were very, very sweet to me. I had one with bourbon, which tend to be less sweet, but that was not the case. It was fun vibes, and several signature drinks were ordered while we were there, which was fun. The decor was also really fun and very Disney. But, I would probably not go back just for the vibes, as the drinks were just not my taste. Others love it, so maybe try it for yourself and see?! Then let us know what you think!

I would venture to guess they assumed you were asking if they were sweet comparatively. Tiki drinks are known to be sweet, and the ingredients are listed on the menu, with most containing multiple fruit juices. So I can only assume they assumed you may have meant sweet relative to the overall menu offerings.

 

[twodogs]

I would venture to guess they assumed you were asking if they were sweet comparatively. Tiki drinks are known to be sweet, and the ingredients are listed on the menu, with most containing multiple fruit juices. So I can only assume they assumed you may have meant sweet relative to the overall menu offerings.

Good point! I didn’t realize that tiki drinks were all meant to be pretty sweet. I think I will stick with the Hearthstone bar at GCH, and that leaves more TS’s reservations for those here that love the tiki drinks!

 

[CoachBeard]

Good point! I didn’t realize that tiki drinks were all meant to be pretty sweet. I think I will stick with the Hearthstone bar at GCH, and that leaves more TS’s reservations for those here that love the tiki drinks!

Also, a great spot for a drink! Awesome bartenders, too!

 

[BriannaRuth]

Regarding sweet drinks, I always ask if they can leave out the grenadine if the drink has it. Makes things less sweet.

I've never done this, but I'd assume you can order a regular cocktail if you want? Maybe something off the other DLH menus? Anyone know?

Seeing the picture someone posted above reminded me, I did really like the wings at Trader Sam's. We had the pupu platter last time we were there and enjoyed it.

 

[CoachBeard]

Regarding sweet drinks, I always ask if they can leave out the grenadine if the drink has it. Makes things less sweet.

I've never done this, but I'd assume you can order a regular cocktail if you want? Maybe something off the other DLH menus? Anyone know?

Seeing the picture someone posted above reminded me, I did really like the wings at Trader Sam's. We had the pupu platter last time we were there and enjoyed it.

They’ll make you any cocktail you want. Nothing is premade à la Oga’s.

 

[DizMe]

I love TS's, but I think part of that is growing up in SoCal in the early '60s and then moving away. It's nostalgic. I remember being awed by my parents' parties with their friends. They'd go to each other's homes, dress in island garb, and eat authentic California-style Hawaiian knock-off food they'd prepared . I thought my mom looked beautiful in her muumuu, shell necklace and earrings with her hair up. She had this perfume called Wicked Wahine and I thought she was so glamorous. Trader Sam's exudes that island schtick vibe

 

[maleficent55]

@Tinkaboo

I think the correct answer to your question is
1. What DOESN’T
2. You must go for yourself to see and of course report back here

 

[CoachBeard]

I love TS's, but I think part of that is growing up in SoCal in the early '60s and then moving away. It's nostalgic. I remember being awed by my parents' parties with their friends. They'd go to each other's homes, dress in island garb, and eat authentic California-style Hawaiian knock-off food they'd prepared . I thought my mom looked beautiful in her muumuu, shell necklace and earrings with her hair up. She had this perfume called Wicked Wahine and I thought she was so glamorous. Trader Sam's exudes that island schtick vibe

We had Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's , Tonga Hut, and more. Now we have Tiki-No, Tiki Ti, Recently opened speakeasy tiki bar in hollywood connected to tail o the pup is called Lucky Tiki

If you're ever in Cleveland my all time favorite tiki bar is the Porco Lounge, ask for Tim or Shawn.

 

[Jawwdoc]

We have been inside a few times and it was fun. Pros: Fun atmosphere/vibe/decor. Cons: Drinks are super sweet and expensive, service can be slow/inattentive. I think it is a bucket list type of place for couples or adult groups later in the evening, I’m personally not is a huge rush to return anytime soon.

 

[DizMe]

While several/most of the standard drinks on the menu are sweet, that's because they're Tiki drinks, which are sweet by nature as others have mentioned. It's kind of a defining feature. It's true that the menu highlights the Tiki drinks; however, there's a full bar so there are many options outside of the tiki stuff but not necessarily on the menu.