WDW Park Planners Rating:
Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Age restrictions: Must be 21+ after 8pm
The Polynesian Village Resort is a family favorite, and Trader Sam’s has been a fun addition to the already great resort. They have tasty island themed food, but are really known for their exotic, tropical cocktails. Try to stop in for a drink before or after dinner at ‘Ohana.
Trader Sam’s is not your average tiki bar. As if you didn’t already feel like you were transported to the Polynesian islands at this resort, Trader Sam’s really makes you feel as if you’re on another island. The theming is unbelievable, as we’ve come to expect from Disney. But, it’s the cast members that make the experience truly memorable. Without giving away too much of the magic, different drinks trigger different events at the bar. That being said, don’t base your drink choice on what you think will “happen” – you’re going to see it all during your time there (shout out to our awesome waitress who told us that. And she was right).
WDW Park Planners Tip:
Because it’s such a small spot, there is typically a wait in the evening to get into Trader Sam’s, especially if it’s high season at WDW. Put your name in and they’ll text you when a table is available (you have a ten-minute window to return). A few suggestions for killing time: hang out at the beach (walk down to the new over-water bungalows and check them out), sit at the outside tables of Trader Sam’s (food and drinks are available there, too), or head over to the Grand Floridian.
When my husband and I visited this past August, we put our name in for a table and they told us it was a 60+ minute wait*. Ben had never been to the Grand Floridian Resort, so we took advantage of the time and made the ten minute trek over there. It was fun to explore the little shops and check out the different restaurants in the Grand. Before we knew it, they had texted us saying there was availability in Trader Sam’s. We ended up running back (okay, so Ben did the running…) and made it back just in time. Trust us, Trader Sam’s is worth the wait.
*Disclaimer: When I went with my mom and sisters later that same week, there was no wait at all! We walked right in and got a table for 5. Sometimes the magic is on your side!