Finally, so many years and designing my whole home tiki bar in its style later, I made it to the other side of the Esplanade and visited Trader Sam's! I sat at the very end of the bar (not the best spot, but at least I got inside), and ordered a Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum as well as a Dole Whip float with dark rum (they also offer it with coconut rum...eww.) The TTTTTR was much better than I thought a theme park drink would be, well balanced and not too sweet. The decor was great, so many beautiful flower arrangements, and I loved spotting both the references that Trader Brandon noted in his book I used to help create my bar, as well as a bunch of Tiki Tony's Disneyland-inspired mugs. You could feel that southern California tiki spirit strong here. My only gripe was that there was just something distinctly theme-parky about it. Maybe it was the way you couldn't chat with the bartenders because they were so slammed, working for a theme park. Or the slight artificiality of the walls and ceilings, just that feeling that you can't quite escape that you're in Disneyland. And I love Disneyland, but I don't know, it sort of messes with my head. Maybe because I visit other tiki bars (or at least I started to) to feel like I'm somewhere like Disneyland? I don't know, but I had a lovely time and I am so glad I walked over there.

We lucked out and got in without a reservation, within 10 minutes of asking! Trader Sam's has a lot to live up to, with people coming there from the Enchanted Tiki Room, and it does not disappoint. I had the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum (basically a Painkiller) and the Krakatoa Punch, as well as plenty of apps from the bar menu — all were good. I won't spoil any of the surprises, but don't be alarmed if special effects accompany one of your drink orders!

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, with Trader Sam's nestled within it's courtyard. We ended up visiting this place 4 times in 2 days. The first visit was very late at night, as the queue for inside was quite long. Inside is beautifully decorated with carved totems (whose eyes slowly move if you pay attention,) windows that look out over islands and active volcanoes, and plenty of tiny touches from the jungle travels of Trader Sam. Every little picture, postcard, etc hanging in the place is perfect and on-theme. The bartenders had some flair and certain drink orders prompted theatrics from staff as well as special effects in the room. Our service inside was mixed. The first time it took 20 minutes for someone to come take our order, and we probably would have had a second if we had had some more attention. The second night we were inside, was a better experience and our server was attentive and fun. Outside the bar is a Trader Sam's patio area which blends into the Tangaroa Terrace (a not-as-tiki pool bar and counter service restaurant.) We had one late night drink out here and our server was just terrible. He shambled around, did not check on us, in fact barely grunted to our attempts at conversation and ordering. Possibly the worst service we have had at any Disney restaurant/bar. Impressively bad. And the final visit was breakfast on the patio. The food was nice and a morning cocktail was a pretty pleasant way to open the day! Overall vibe (inside) is 9/10. Service averaged for 4 visits 5/10. Drinks 7/10 (perhaps a little light on the booze). Overall Tiki-tastic score: 6/10. I thought this was going to be higher based on experiences at the Trader Sam's in Florida, so a bit disappointed. Oh, and they no longer serve the drinks in the special ceramic mugs! You can still buy them, but it is not as fun drinking a Zombie here without it in the zombie head mug.

The five of us began our day at the Disneyland Resort the only way we know how!

Great Tiki Bar! Yes, it's Disneyfied, but Disney has done a lot to keep the "Tiki torch burning" over these many years. Some might find the atmosphere a little boisterous, with the bartenders' schtick and all, but it's fun - and I don't think anyone is coming in here too regularly since it's a resort. All of that aside, the drinks are good, the mugs are absolutely THE BEST, the food is good - and the decor and music are incredible. Disney rarely does anything halfway, and Trader Sam's is no exception. Get there early (or late) and HAVE FUN.

On this visit I acquired the First Edition Haunted Mansion Gargoyle Mug. I've been to Trader Sam's many times over the years. Usually when the family (my son) wants to go to Disneyland. For the last few years we let our pass expire, but the family is feeling the pull once more, so I may have to re-up and head back once again.

Went back and forth from Trader Sam's to our pool during a recent visit. Sooo much fun!

Starting Disney the right way!!

Spent waaaay too much!! But sooooo worth it!!

Brad, Kristen, James and I went to end our Disney day here.

A big winner in terms of atmosphere and cocktail-mindedness from Disney, here. They've put their own twist on Tiki, but not so much so that its flavor has been drowned out by Disney-ification via IPs (like with many other modern ventures, unfortunately). What I experienced here were very thoughtful and nuanced drinks like I'd get from a higher-end bar, but with the comfort of a Disneyland experience. Gourmet-inspired attention has been given to the food as well. Overall, it has the trifecta in spades; drink, food, and immersion. If ever you find yourself in Anaheim, go for it!

Lined up at 11am, was about 6th in line but as a party of 1 I was the first invited inside! Achievement unlocked.

Had a couple of great drinks and enjoyed lunch. Picked up the Hippomaitai mug (I also have the Grog grotto version of this mug).

Very enjoyable

Me and Monica popped in.

Drinks - Zombie (me) w/mug & HippopotoMai-Tai (Ashley) w/mug Food - Panko-crusted Long Beans served with Togarashi Aïoli

Worth a lunch visit. Food was good, drinks were about par (which was disappointing), they always have mugs. If you can get indoor seating it'll be a better experience. But outdoors wasn't bad.