{"id":28385,"date":"2024-09-06T06:30:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T10:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/?p=28385"},"modified":"2025-02-15T20:15:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-16T01:15:05","slug":"trader-sams-enchanted-tiki-bar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/trader-sams-enchanted-tiki-bar\/","title":{"rendered":"Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Trader<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a riddle for you – What do you get when you cross Disneyland\u2019s classic Adventureland attractions with traditional tiki bar kitsch, add a heaping helping of Disney magic, and shake it all up? Trader Sam\u2019s Enchanted Tiki Bar, of course!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not get ahead of ourselves – or is that \u2018a head\u2019 of ourselves?<\/p>\n

A brief history of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Trader<\/p>\n

The story goes that Trader Sam, who you may recognize as the legendary “head” salesman of the iconic Jungle Cruise, developed an interest in mixology. How, may you ask? It grew out of his expertise in the area of head-shrinking potions. As one does. Since he had a head for business (though I\u2019m not sure whose head it was originally), he took the plunge and opened this very tiki bar in 2011 at the iconic Disneyland Hotel<\/a>. Between items collected from his own world travel and with the help of his friends over at the Jungle Cruise Navigational Company to \u2018acquire\u2019 additional tchotchkes to display, he decorated the joint with over 1600 pieces of memorabilia for visiting folks to enjoy.<\/p>\n

\"Trader<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/strong> LA Weekly named Trader Sam\u2019s Enchanted Tiki Bar one of the top five tiki bars in Los Angeles!<\/p>\n

Come on in, the water\u2019s fine!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Trader<\/p>\n

The moment you cross the threshold, you feel as though you\u2019ve been magically whisked away to a mysterious tropical hideaway.\u00a0 Polynesian artifacts and bamboo furnishings surround you. Exotic trinkets line the walls. Every nook and cranny contain curiosities that, in true Disney style, tell a story. From shrunken heads and letters from explorers to nautical treasures and huge tiki carvings\u2026Wait, did that tiki\u2019s eyes move?<\/p>\n

Where else can you find you find a harpoon from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Indiana Jones\u2019 bullwhip alongside tiki carvings that chant and glass fishing floats? The dim lighting, tropical music, and occasional volcanic eruption help create a lively yet oddly cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for escaping reality. Which ultimately explains WHY we Disney<\/em>, right? To escape reality!<\/p>\n

Bring your thirst, your appetite… and maybe a raincoat.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Trader<\/p>\n

So, yeah. A place like this is obviously going to be known for its colorful, fruity elixirs. That\u2019s a no-brainer. But are they good? You bet your sweet bamboo! And they have names so fun that you have to smile while saying them. Just try to say \u201cHippopotoMai-Tai\u201d, \u201cHala Kahiki\u201d or \u201cSea Monster\u2019s Embrace\u201d without cracking a grin. I dare you. For those who are not inclined to imbibe, never fear! Check out Sam\u2019s fun selection of No-Booze Brews<\/a>. Because it\u2019s ALL good here.<\/p>\n

The vibes don\u2019t stop there, though. The food menu<\/a> at Trader Sam\u2019s Enchanted Tiki Bar offers tropical inspired, totally delicious choices. My mouth is watering now just thinking about the succulent and beautiful Hawaiian Poke, the Pork Gyoza pot stickers, and the Wagyu Hawaiian Cheeseburger.<\/p>\n

Oh, and those glorious Panko-Crusted Long Beans. Be still my heart! I\u2019m not even joking when I tell you that 1) I don\u2019t like green beans. But 2) I love these so much that 3) I drive everyone I meet batty trying to force them to<\/span>\u00a0suggesting<\/em> they try them. Seriously, you really do NEED to try them. You can thank me later.<\/p>\n

Trader Sam\u2019s is home to some of the most flavorful food I\u2019ve had in all of Disneyland Resort.\u00a0Let\u2019s face it, good food is such an important facet to an enjoyable vacation. And Disneyland, as a whole, has an abundance of tasty options already so this is saying a lot.<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t expecting THAT!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Trader<\/p>\n

One of the coolest parts of Trader Sam’s is that its interactive. A shipwreck in a bottle that wrecks every so often on cue. How about barstools that slowly lower and rise.\u00a0 After all, it\u2019s called enchanted for a reason. There\u2019s SO much to experience here. Right down to the Skippers (i.e. bartenders and servers) engaging travelers (that\u2019s you!) in fun banter. Play along and you may be rewarded with a closely guarded tiki bar secret or two. Perhaps they\u2019ll even let you in on the hidden drink menu! Hint: Ask about \u2018The Asset\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n

But beware! The cocktails are not simply delicious. They harbor mystical powers that, when ordered, disturb the tiki gods. Um<\/em>. Thanks, Sam<\/em>.<\/p>\n

For instance, ask your Skipper for an Uh-Oa! and watch as it sets off a storm INSIDE the bar, complete with thunder, lightning and Skippers, seeking to appease the tiki gods, make it rain… Ok, ok, I\u2019m partly kidding. The Skippers make it \u2018rain\u2019 with squirt bottles. No sorcery involved. So, you can leave your rain gear in your room, I suppose. (But where\u2019s the fun in that?)<\/p>\n

Another Fun Fact:<\/strong> Uh-Oa is the tiki goddess of disaster. Ah, makes sense now.<\/p>\n

Tricks of the Trade(r)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Trader<\/p>\n

To make the most of your visit to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, here are my top 5 tips:<\/p>\n