One of the most popular dining locations at Disneyland Resort happens to be a bar: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel. In our experience, reservations at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar are the hardest dining reservations to score at Disneyland today. Plus, the limited indoor seating means the walk-up wait can also be overwhelming. So, should you try to secure a reservation for your family at this Disneyland bar? Is it worth joining a long waiting list with your young children? In short, should you bring kids to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland? We are covering that question today in detail.
We have brought our kids to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and we have visited without them as well, so we hope our perspective will be helpful. That kind of gives away the answer to the next section, but let’s start here anyway…
Can Kids Eat at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland?
Yes. Kids can eat inside Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel from opening until 8pm. Here are the restrictions for children at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar as stated on the Disneyland Resort website:
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar welcomes adventurers of all ages to our indoor area until 8:00 PM. After 8:00 PM, the area is restricted to Guests 21 years of age and over.
Additionally, the websites states:
Guests must be age 21 or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Limit 2 alcoholic beverages per Guest per transaction. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age.
So, one more time. Diners of any age can eat at the tables on the deck around Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, and children can eat at the tables inside up until 8:00 pm. After 8:00 pm, all diners inside the bar need to be 21 years of age or older. Plus, anyone drinking an alcoholic beverage at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (or anywhere at Disneyland Resort) need to be 21 or older no matter the time of day.
So, your kids can dine at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, but should you take them there? To answer that question, it is helpful to know more about the restaurant and bar.
What is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is a bar and table service restaurant located on the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. It is in a building overlooking the Disneyland Hotel pool. Also located in the building is the Tangaroa Terrace Bar and Grill, which is a quick service restaurant serving similar fare.
A big part of that fare is tiki style drinks. Also on the menu are appetizers and hot and cold entrees from ramen to burgers. We particularly like the poke bowls available at both restaurants. In the last year, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar began serving breakfast. The Ube-stuffed French Toast is a breakfast menu highlight, and you can also find an “American Breakfast” with scrambled eggs or the Loco Moco Burrito. You can find the menu on the Disneyland website or app.
Disney says the bar was founded by Trader Sam, a character created for Disneyland’s classic Jungle Cruise attraction. Once again, from the Disneyland website:
Many years ago, legendary explorer Trader Sam was bitten by the bartending bug (initially we thought it was just a big mosquito). Ever since then, Sam searches the Amazon, Congo, Mystic Point, Polynesia, and every exotic locale in-between for ingredients to mix into these magical libations.
Sam also picked up many of the trinkets and artifacts you see around you at his namesake bar—souvenirs and gifts from all over the globe.
What Makes Trader Sam’s an Enchanted Bar?
The description above gives a general idea about the theme of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland as well as the humorous approach to the restaurant design. What it also hints at are the extra Imagineering touches that make the bar and restaurant “enchanted.” There are lots of details linking the bar to other Disney creations, and some of those details actually come to life in surprising ways. I do not want to spoil the surprises for you, so I will not explain them all here, but you can expect special effects including movement, lighting and sound. Some of the effects are triggered by particular drink orders. As for the humor: imagine if the skipper jokes from Jungle Cruise came to life in restaurant form.
The little touches, those “Disney details,” you find in the Disney parks plus a big helping of “Disney magic” come together in Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. And you do not even need a park ticket to enter this restaurant, nor do you need to be a guest at Disneyland Hotel. You can understand why this is such a popular place: diners can get a serving of Disney parks magic without buying a ticket.
Note that almost all these special Imagineering touches are inside the bar and restaurant. While there is some lovely outdoor seating, Trader Sam’s humorous decor and those special effects are all inside. Even the restaurant “windows” are part of the special effects, so you cannot see into the restaurant interior from the outdoor seating (and vice versa).
How to Dine at Disney’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar with Your Family
At the time of writing Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is open to walk-up diners for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can join the walk-up list by sharing your name and contact information with the cast members outside Trader Sam’s, or you can join it through the Disneyland app. To join the walk-up list through the app, you still need to be in close proximity to the restaurant.
Making Reservations
Again, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is a popular restaurant, so to avoid a long wait (or getting bumped out of the walk-up list altogether) you may want to make an advance dining reservation. Reservations are available for lunch and dinner, but breakfast is walk-up only. You can make reservations up to 60 days before your visit on the Disneyland app or website. Keep in mind that these reservations require a credit card, and you will be charged a cancellation fee if you are a “no show” or cancel too close to the reservation time. Be sure to review the cancellation policy when booking.
Reservations for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar do fill-up very quickly, so we recommend making them as soon as possible. Another things to keep in mind is—in our experience—Trader Sam’s only allows reservations for up to five people. We have split our larger party in two and made reservations for the two groups separately (but for the same time). We were not able to sit at the same table, but we were able to enjoy Trader Sam’s all at the same time.
Operating Hours
Currently, Trader Sam’s is open for breakfast from 8:00am to 11:00am for walk-up only. Lunch is available from 11:30 am to 3:55 pm by reservation and walk-up. Dinner is offered from 4:00pm to 11:55pm, also by walk-up or reservation. The wait for an outdoor walk-up table is typically shorter than the wait time for an indoor table. Again, the indoor and outdoor experiences are very different.
So… Should You Bring Children to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel?
With that added context for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, let’s get back to the main question: should you bring your kids there? If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you will probably not be surprised by this answer: it depends on your kids. We believe that you know what is best for your own family, and we also think understanding the situation will help you make the best choice. So here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to bring your kids to Trader Sam’s.
It Can Be Dark and Loud… and Exciting!
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar has low lighting, and there is no natural light. The indoor seating area is fairly dark, and the special effects—plus the patrons reactions to them—can also make it rather loud. This may be frightening to some young children. Additionally, the effects incorporate themes of shipwrecks and storms, and the menu references (with illustrations) things like zombie heads and sea monsters.
If you think your child would be frightened by these elements, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar may not be for you. The indoor seating area is small and intimate, so the only way to avoid these elements is really to exit the restaurant. And the only way to see them is to go inside (again, the “windows” in Traders Sam’s do not allow views out or in), so it is a bit of an all-or-nothing situation.
On the other hand, some children may be excited by these aspects of the restaurant. You know your children! What is overwhelming to some is the main draw for others.
If you do decide to give Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar a try and it overwhelms your kids, we suggest you ask to move to an outdoor table. The outdoor seating lacks the special effects of the indoor space, but there is often wonderful live music as well as beautiful foliage and tiki torches out there.
Larger Families Will Be Split Up
Another reality of Trader Sam’s being such an intimate space is that the tables indoors are not set-up to accommodate large parties. And by that, I mean parties larger than four. Depending on the crowds, Trader Sam’s may be able to seat your group of five or even six together, but do not count on it.
If you know your children would be uncomfortable at your party being split-up. Or even if you just want to experience the restaurant with your whole family, Trader Sam’s may not be the best choice for you.
Trader Sam’s Is More Expensive Than the Same Food at Tangaroa Terrace
This next point has to do with cost. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is not overly expensive by theme park standards, but it is more expensive than the neighboring Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill. We mention this because the two restaurants have some similarities in their menus, and some comparable items are more expensive at Trader Sam’s.
At Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar you are paying more, but you can see what you are getting for the money. This is a restaurant with waitstaff (Tangaroa Terrace is not), and you will have your meal served to you on real plates. More uniquely, Trader Sam’s has that special decor we have already covered. We suggest that you take a look at the two menus and plan out how much you think you will spend. If the price difference is negligible, remember the extra fun you are getting for your money at Trader Sam’s.
Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room and Imagineering Fans Will Find a Lot to Love
Speaking of the decor, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar calls upon some fun Jungle Cruise lore. If you have children who are fans of the Jungle Cruise, they may particularly enjoy this Disney bar. Kids who dream about being Imagineers or who enjoy the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room might also connect with this bar.
On the flip side, if you have very young children who do not care much about the Jungle Cruise or tiki culture, much of the Trader Sam’s decor may fall flat for them. You can always have your kids take a look at some of the photos here, or in other places online, and see if they spark any curiosity. (Keep in mind that these photos don’t show all the fun details like inscriptions on the framed postcards.) If your kids are not excited by what they see, there may be better places to spend your time and money.
The Menu is Deep, and Hopefully Your Kids Will Find Something They Like
We travel with children who are adventurous eaters and others who would prefer to stick with what they know. Everyone has found something they like at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Since Disney posts the Trader Sam’s menu online and in the app, you can easily preview the menu and get an idea for whether the offerings will work for your kiddos.
Be sure to scroll all the way down when you are reading the menu. It is extensive, and there are even two sections dedicated to kids’ meals (not that your kids are restricted to ordering only from these sections).
Our Experience Bringing Kids to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
We mentioned earlier that we have been to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar both with kids and without. We do not have a strong recommendation about whether you should or should not bring your own children to Trader Sam’s. It really depends on your crew and the shape of your Disneyland Resort visit.
For us Trader Sam’s is a pleasant place to eat and fun for adults, but our kids do not connect with this particular iteration of “Disney magic.” Most of the clever references in the decor are not meaningful to them and the darkness of the restaurant was off-putting to them when they were younger. Furthermore, they are not catching the bartenders’ jokes from where they are sitting
If this were a restaurant outside of Disneyland Resort, it would actually probably be very exciting and stimulating for them. But when it is juxtaposed with the parks—it is a fun place to eat—but not something that stands out for our kids alongside the rest of their Disney visit. The good news is that our kids feel welcome at Trader Sam’s and enjoy the food, but it is by no means a “must do.”
We do like Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, but it is just not something our kids ask to do. They would actually rather listen to some live music and have a round of Dole Whips at Tangaroa Terrace than dine inside Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
Will You Bring Your Children to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel?
For us, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is a fun place to experience some Imagineering magic on non-park days, but it is not really something we go out of our way to experience with kids. Perhaps Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar will be a highlight for your kids and family. The great thing about Disneyland Resort is that it has something for all tastes as long as you know where to look. We hope this list has helped you determine whether Trader Sam’s is somewhere you would like to try with your children.
For other insight into visiting Disneyland Resort with young children, we recommend the following posts: (1) 5 Tremendous Tips for Visiting Disneyland Resort with Young Kids (2) Strollers at Disneyland Resort: Quick Tips and Strategies, (3) Is My Child Tall Enough for Disneyland? On Height Requirements and (4) Too Afraid to Ride: How to Handle Scary Disneyland Rides.
Plus, we have a post similar to this one on a bar inside Disneyland Park. You can find it here: Should I Bring Kids to Oga’s Cantina, the Disney Star Wars Bar?
For overall advice on planning your Disneyland Resort visit, we suggest Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep and our Disneyland 101 Glossary. Finally, please consider subscribing to our free newsletter at the end of this post. But before we wrap things ups, we are also covering some frequently asked questions about young children and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. So stick with us…
Frequently Asked Questions
Wait… does Disneyland have bars?
So, when Disneyland opened, Walt Disney decided that no alcohol would be served in the park. Things have changed over the years. When Disney California Adventure Park opened in 2001, alcoholic beverages were sold from opening day. You see, wine was actually part of the California theme of the park. At that time, the neighboring Disneyland Park stayed dry for general guests, but even some locations in Disneyland Park now serve alcoholic beverages.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is located outside the parks and on the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. Like other Disneyland Resort Hotel restaurants, it does serve alcohol to guests 21 or older.
Can kids go inside Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Yes. Patrons of all ages are welcome inside Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar from opening up until 8:00 pm. After 8:00 pm all guests must be 21 years of age or older. Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol at Trader Sam’s.
Where is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is located on the grounds of Disneyland Hotel. It shares a building on the east side of the pool complex with Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill.
Do I need to be a hotel guest to dine at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland?
No. While Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is located at the Disneyland Hotel, you do not need to be a guest of that hotel or any Disneyland Resort Hotel in order to drink and dine there.
Do I need to buy a ticket to go to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
No. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is part of Disneyland Resort, but it is not inside either of the theme parks, so you do not need a park ticket to dine at Trader Sam’s. In fact, it can be a great way to experience some “Disney magic” on days when you are not paying for theme park admission.
How do I make reservations for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Visit the Disneyland website or app to make reservations for Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar up to 60 days before your visit. These reservations go fast, so book early.
Do I need reservations to eat or drink at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
You do not need a reservation to eat or drink at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, but you can make them for lunch or dinner. You can also join a walk-up list for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The walk-up list does close if it gets particularly long.
Is there food for kids at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Yes. Trader Sam’s has special kids’ meals on the menu, and our kids have found many other items they like outside of the designated kids’ meals.
Should I eat inside or outside at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar?
Both the indoor and outdoor seating at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar offer unique experiences. You will want to sit inside if you are looking to experience the humor and special effects that make Trader Sam’s so popular. On the other hand, you will want to sit outside if you are hoping to experience tiki torch ambiance and live music. Do keep in mind that the indoor seating area has low-lighting and special effects that employ movement, flashing lights and occasional loud noises in an intimate setting.
Thank you for reading this post on the subject of kids at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Resort.
Once again, other insight into visiting Disneyland Resort with young children, we recommend the following posts: (1) 5 Tremendous Tips for Visiting Disneyland Resort with Young Kids (2) Strollers at Disneyland Resort: Quick Tips and Strategies, (3) Is My Child Tall Enough for Disneyland? On Height Requirements and (4) Too Afraid to Ride: How to Handle Scary Disneyland Rides. Thanks for reading!
