Review - Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

By Jennifer Stuart

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar is located in the courtyard of the Disneyland Hotel just a short walk from the entrance to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  You do not need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy a drink or a meal here.  This is a hidden gem that we highly recommend everyone experience at least once. 

Spoiler Alert!  We absolutely love Trader Sam's.  It is one of our must visit spots every trip It is deservedly popular for both visitors and locals in the know. 
Insider Tip:  Kids and adults under 21 are welcome until 8pm.

The Atmosphere and Themeing

Th atmosphere in the outside seating is great day or night.   You can choose from  a mix of couches and tables and are surrounded by the lush tropical green-ness.  At night tiki torches and patio lights add to the ambience.  Most of the year we find it warm enough to sit outside comfortably even later at night.  In winter and early spring you may need a sweater or light jacket.

A bonus on some evenings is the live Hawaiian themed music performed outside.

Seating inside is extremely limited and in high demand at most times of the day.  There are some high stools at the bar and a small selection of tables for 2 or 4 around the edges.  The themeing here is outstanding and really a treat to experience.  The lighting is dim and evokes that jungle bar feeling.  Every piece of art or memorabilia on the walls has been created by imagineers to add layers to the story of this bar being connected to the Trader Sam of Jungle Cruise fame.

Watch for special effects that are connected to some of the drinks.  For example this volcano on the wall will darken and erupt when someone orders a Krakatoa Punch.  
Insider Tip:  for our favourite effect keep your eyes on the ship in the bottle behind the bar if someone orders a Shipwreck on the Rocks drink.
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The Drinks

The drinks here are a highlight!  This place got us hooked on retro-tiki drinks and we now search out recipes to make them at home.  They are all fairly strong. You may not always taste the alcohol, as there is a lot of fruit juice, but you will feel it.  

I think we have tried all the drinks on the menu by now and we certainly can recommend them all.  What you like in a drink will dictate what you decide to order.  Not a drinker?  Not a problem!  There are several fun non- alcoholic choices and the Polynesian Punch comes in it's own (plastic) souvenir cup.  The kids have these and love them!

Lost Safari

Piranha Pool

Shrunken Zombie Head

Several of the drinks come in souvenir glasses .  Like the ​Shrunken Zombie Head.  If you don't want the souvenir glass ask for it in a regular glass and the price will be reduced. We have a great collection of these glasses -- a little bit of Trader Sam's at home.  Insider Tip: When you are done your server will replace your used cup with a new one in a box for you to take home.  

Hippo

Krakatoa Punch (regular glass)

Insider Tip:  The glow cube is yours to keep.

Shipwreck on the Rocks

Uh Oa!

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The Food

We also like the food at Trader Sam's which has never disappointed us yet.  Annual Pass Holder Discount is available on food items.

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Angus Hawaiian Cheeseburger.  This is a bigger burger topped with Cheese bacon and grilled pineapple.   This is a popular menu item for a filling lunch or dinner.  Includes choice of one of these sides: sweet potato fries, classic  fries, fruit, or tropical slaw (which is a coleslaw variant).  $13.00 USD 

​Big Island Flatbread is a flatbread pizza that is great for sharing or as a lunch item for 1 adult or maybe 2 kids. (depending on how much they like pizza)  This is your standard Hawaiian pizza with onion and a little lighter on the cheese. $10.00 USD.

This is my new favourite for a light lunch or for sharing as an appetizer. Shrimp Tacos are 
Sautéed Shrimp, Cabbage, and Lime Tartar Sauce wrapped in Corn Tortillas served with Tropical Slaw.  Delicious! $11.00 USD.

The final word is that we love Trader Sam's and hope you will too!

All Photos by Jennifer Stuart and Kim Stuart

Questions? Comments?  We would love to hear from you.  Do you have a favourite Trader Sam's drink or food item?