Hello everyone! My wife and I had a blast Trader Sam’s in Disneyland and were hoping to try the east coast version during our upcoming trip. We’d love to get the benefit of the Liners’ expertise on a couple of questions:
What’s the best way to get from the Yacht Club to the Poly? We’ll have a car, but I’ve heard that security won’t necessarily let you past the gates without a reservation, and my understanding is that Trader Sam’s is walk-up only. Would telling them we’re going to Trader Sam’s be enough for them to let us through? Could we take an Uber/Lyft? Or would we be stuck having to go an indirect route via MK/Epcot and then hopping on the monorail?
Will we be able to get in with a reasonable wait? I’ve read that the wait times can be pretty long. We’d be a party of two, most likely going late afternoon on a Wednesday in late January. Would we still be looking at a multi-hour wait if we can’t “rope drop” the waiting list, or would that time and party size let us fare a little better?
There’s really no way to avoid a fairly lengthy (in my opinion) wait. If you want to “rope drop” you still have to get there hours ahead of the opening time. And they only hold your table for 15 minutes so you have to stay at the Poly once it’s open.
Not sure where you’re spending the earlier part of the day, but bus from Disney Springs to Poly or if in Epcot, walk out the main gate and take the monorail (either to TTC and walk over, or switch to resort monorail).
We rope dropped Trader Sam’s on a weekday in mid-December, along with a line of other people. I don’t know how long it would have been later in the afternoon. It’s not a very large bar. We loved it and would (will!) do it again.
I would probably say put your name down and then shop/eat at the Poly or visit other monorail resorts for part of the waiting time? You just want to be able to get back pretty quickly (like 10 minutes?) as it gets closer to when you might be paged.
I’ve been twice. First time I put my name on the list (solo) about 30 minutes before MK fireworks. I watched the fireworks show from the Poly beach and got the text right at the end of Fireworks.
Second time I got on the list about 1h15m before close - party of 3. It was about a 20 minute wait. Downside was when we got in the kitchen was already closed for any food items, and we were only able to order once because last call happened shortly after entering
We just went last week. Put our name down around 1:45, then went to Wailulu for a late lunch. Got in to Trader Sam’s at 4:45. I’ve never been to the DL one, you will have to tell us how it compares.
A three hour wait is pretty serious, but good to know what I’m getting into. Much appreciated!
I loved the Disneyland one. Every drink we ordered was delicious. Our bartender was a hoot. And the effects and general vibe of the place were outstanding. Now I’m especially appreciating the fact that they take reservations at the West Coast one!
