Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel

While the atmosphere is the star attraction, the food and especially the drinks are also draws themselves. Trader Sam’s offers a full bar including soft drinks and Sam’s No-Booze Brews, but the real fun comes from their specialty drinks (known as ‘boat drinks’ to you Parrotheads). Be sure to read the drink descriptions on the menus, as they sound like the Jungle Cruise skippers have authored them, with their witty sense of humor.  These specialty beverages include (with thanks to the menus at www.allears.net):

"Uh Oa! - Whoever is brave enough to conjure up this concoction cursed by Uh Oa, the tiki goddess of disaster, must be forewarned: When you mess with Polynesia, the tiki gods will squeeze ya (often with a lime)! -- Light and Dark Rums, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice. Recommended for Two or more Guests."

"Krakatoa Punch - There's no escaping falling in lava with this exotic eruption of flavor! -- Reserve and Spiced Rums, Tropical Juices, Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, Sam's Gorilla Grog, and Hibiscus Grenadine. Served in a souvenir Tiki Glass."

"HippopotoMai-Tai - Dare to enter this hippo pool with...Bang! Bang! Two shots of Rum! Don't worry this drink is only dangerous when you start to wiggle your ears! -- Light and Dark Rums, Orange Curacao, Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, Organic Agave Nectar, and Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice. Served in a souvenir Tiki Glass."

"Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum - Welcome to our tropical hideaway, you lucky people you! If you have one of these starting right away you may be ordering two! -- Reserve Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Pineapple and Orange Juices dusted with Cinnamon and Nutmeg."

"Shipwreck on the Rocks - Have too many of these and you'll be setting a course for Davy Jones' Locker! -- Bourbon with Freshly Muddled Lemon and Mint with Organic Agave Nectar."

Many drinks come with a souvenir Tiki glass, which is reason alone to visit the bar. Some drinks also come with a "show." For example, I ordered the Krakatoa Punch and not only did it come in a souvenir glass, but the whole place started to get darker, bells rang, and a volcano erupted as my drink was served; quite an experience! The bartenders are also jokers in their own right; be careful which bar stool you sit on as you many find yourself pulling up to the bar a little closer than you had expected! In addition to drinks, Trader Sam’s does have a good menu with offering including an Angus cheeseburger, chicken-lettuce wraps, cheese flatbread and a pu pu platter. During the day there are always patrons; but the real fun happens at night when visitors return from the parks and want to end the night right. Children and families are most welcome (and would likely enjoy the selection of no-booze brews), but a 21-and-over policy takes effect after eight in the evenings and the lounge becomes quite crowded, with standing room-only availability.

Adjacent to Trader Sam's is Tangaroa Terrace, a counter service dining location that shares a porch with Trader Sam’s, and offers similar dining options including family-friendly choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For those who want a drink while lounging poolside at the Disneyland hotel, drinks come right from Trader Sam's to your deck chair, but it's just as fun to put on your cover-up and head over for some fun inside. Trader Sam's is a wonderful vacation in itself with a great atmosphere for anyone who is a fan of adventure, pranks, and the tiki way of life. My fingers are crossed that Trader Sam's comes to Orlando's Disney Springs (as Downtown Disney will be known)! Kungaloosh!