Here’s a riddle for you – What do you get when you cross Disneyland’s classic Adventureland attractions with traditional tiki bar kitsch, add a heaping helping of Disney magic, and shake it all up? Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, of course!
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves – or is that ‘a head’ of ourselves?
A brief history of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
The story goes that Trader Sam, who you may recognize as the legendary “head” salesman of the iconic Jungle Cruise, developed an interest in mixology. How, may you ask? It grew out of his expertise in the area of head-shrinking potions. As one does. Since he had a head for business (though I’m not sure whose head it was originally), he took the plunge and opened this very tiki bar in 2011 at the iconic Disneyland Hotel. Between items collected from his own world travel and with the help of his friends over at the Jungle Cruise Navigational Company to ‘acquire’ additional tchotchkes to display, he decorated the joint with over 1600 pieces of memorabilia for visiting folks to enjoy.
Fun Fact: LA Weekly named Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar one of the top five tiki bars in Los Angeles!
Come on in, the water’s fine!
The moment you cross the threshold, you feel as though you’ve been magically whisked away to a mysterious tropical hideaway. Polynesian artifacts and bamboo furnishings surround you. Exotic trinkets line the walls. Every nook and cranny contain curiosities that, in true Disney style, tell a story. From shrunken heads and letters from explorers to nautical treasures and huge tiki carvings…Wait, did that tiki’s eyes move?
Where else can you find you find a harpoon from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Indiana Jones’ bullwhip alongside tiki carvings that chant and glass fishing floats? The dim lighting, tropical music, and occasional volcanic eruption help create a lively yet oddly cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for escaping reality. Which ultimately explains WHY we Disney, right? To escape reality!
Bring your thirst, your appetite… and maybe a raincoat.
So, yeah. A place like this is obviously going to be known for its colorful, fruity elixirs. That’s a no-brainer. But are they good? You bet your sweet bamboo! And they have names so fun that you have to smile while saying them. Just try to say “HippopotoMai-Tai”, “Hala Kahiki” or “Sea Monster’s Embrace” without cracking a grin. I dare you. For those who are not inclined to imbibe, never fear! Check out Sam’s fun selection of No-Booze Brews. Because it’s ALL good here.
The vibes don’t stop there, though. The food menu at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar offers tropical inspired, totally delicious choices. My mouth is watering now just thinking about the succulent and beautiful Hawaiian Poke, the Pork Gyoza pot stickers, and the Wagyu Hawaiian Cheeseburger.
Oh, and those glorious Panko-Crusted Long Beans. Be still my heart! I’m not even joking when I tell you that 1) I don’t like green beans. But 2) I love these so much that 3) I drive everyone I meet batty trying to force them to suggesting they try them. Seriously, you really do NEED to try them. You can thank me later.
Trader Sam’s is home to some of the most flavorful food I’ve had in all of Disneyland Resort. Let’s face it, good food is such an important facet to an enjoyable vacation. And Disneyland, as a whole, has an abundance of tasty options already so this is saying a lot.
I wasn’t expecting THAT!
One of the coolest parts of Trader Sam’s is that its interactive. A shipwreck in a bottle that wrecks every so often on cue. How about barstools that slowly lower and rise. After all, it’s called enchanted for a reason. There’s SO much to experience here. Right down to the Skippers (i.e. bartenders and servers) engaging travelers (that’s you!) in fun banter. Play along and you may be rewarded with a closely guarded tiki bar secret or two. Perhaps they’ll even let you in on the hidden drink menu! Hint: Ask about ‘The Asset’.
But beware! The cocktails are not simply delicious. They harbor mystical powers that, when ordered, disturb the tiki gods. Um. Thanks, Sam.
For instance, ask your Skipper for an Uh-Oa! and watch as it sets off a storm INSIDE the bar, complete with thunder, lightning and Skippers, seeking to appease the tiki gods, make it rain… Ok, ok, I’m partly kidding. The Skippers make it ‘rain’ with squirt bottles. No sorcery involved. So, you can leave your rain gear in your room, I suppose. (But where’s the fun in that?)
Another Fun Fact: Uh-Oa is the tiki goddess of disaster. Ah, makes sense now.
Tricks of the Trade(r)
To make the most of your visit to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, here are my top 5 tips:
- Arrive early: Trader Sam’s is walk-up only, but there are two ways to walk-up! For the best experience, you’ll want to join the mobile walk-up list in the Disneyland app. And sooner is better. The bar draws many visitors and can fill up quickly, especially in the evening. Trader Sam’s welcomes actual walk-ups, but you’re more likely to be seated outside.
- Have a seat: If you want to experience the Enchanted Tiki Bar’s hijinks, ask to be seated inside. Extra points if you choose a barstool.
- Be an Explorer: Stroll around the bar and take an up-close look at everything. Look around for Easter eggs that reference Disney characters, famous adventurers (who remembers the Adventurers Club?), and even a US president. While waiting for a table, you can wander through the beautifully landscaped Disneyland Hotel grounds.
- Make a friend: The Skippers at Trader Sam’s are a big part of the experience, so don’t be shy about interacting with them.
- The age of adventure: Adventurers of all ages are welcome to sit at Sam’s tables but the actual bar itself is just for adults. After 8 PM, the whole bar room is restricted to guests 21 and over, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting with littles.
What are you waiting for?
Whether you want a fun place to chill and take in all of the shenanigans or a unique date night, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar delivers BIG TIME. With its non-stop fun, immersive atmosphere, elevated menu, and spirited Skippers leading the way, it’s no wonder this tiki bar has become a most-beloved oasis at Disneyland Resort.
So, next time you find yourself at Disneyland, don’t hesitate to belly up to the bar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and enjoy a Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum for me! If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself on an enchanted barstool. This is one tropical escape worth exploring.
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