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!

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.

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).

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

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.

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.