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15th Anniversary Items at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Resort

  • Writer: Catherine Micieli
    Catherine Micieli
  • 3 days ago
  • 9 min read

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar!

Nestled within the Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort, this vibrant bar has become a must-visit destination in its own right. Each visit feels like stepping into an enchanting narrative filled with adventure, humor, delightful surprises, and the beloved puns that guests have come to cherish.


The renowned Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (famous for being famous worldwide) offers a treasure trove of discoveries. You’ll find unique mugs, delectable drinks, hearty dishes, and an array of untold stories just waiting for you to uncover.

Continue reading to delve into the rich history, captivating design, and intricate details that make this location a beloved gem among Disney Parks enthusiasts.


Discover the Story Behind Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

Let me take you on a fascinating journey to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, where adventure awaits. The tale begins in 1938 with two remarkable explorers: Dr. Leonard Moss, a botanist, and Dr. Kon Chunosuke, an entomologist and a proud member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, also known as S.E.A. They were navigating the Nile River in Northern Africa aboard the Mekong Maiden.

As they diligently recorded their scientific discoveries in a shared field notebook, their expedition was going smoothly—despite the presence of the notoriously unlucky Skipper Felix—until an unexpected turn of events occurred.

Alongside their colleagues, Rosa Soto Dominguez, an accomplished artist, and Siobhan “Puffin” Murphy, a relative of the ambitious leader of the Jungle Navigation Company, Alberta Falls, they were forced to make an emergency stop due to a confrontation with some feisty hippos. Things escalated quickly when they found themselves under attack by a black rhinoceros, which sent them scrambling up a tree, much to the amusement of nearby laughing hyenas. In the chaos, their precious field notebook was lost, only to be discovered later by Trader Sam, who was captivated by the remarkable findings within.


Fun Fact About Trader Sam:
  • The name Rosa Soto Dominguez pays homage to the Dominguez family, who owned land that eventually became part of the Disneyland Resort. Be sure to check out their family palm tree, still standing outside the Jungle Cruise boathouse in Adventureland, after enjoying some food and drinks at Trader Sam’s!

Recently inspired by his newfound passion for bartending, Trader Sam began to decode the contents of the notebook, leading him to craft amazing concoctions based on the notes and sketches inside. Today, Trader Sam’s offers a selection of specialty drinks bursting with tropical flavors and stunning effects that bring the bar to life. The cast members, embodying the humor and lightheartedness reminiscent of Jungle Cruise skippers, are entrusted with Sam’s most valuable secret recipes, ensuring that every guest enjoys a delightful drink during their enchanting adventure at this tiki bar.


Another Fun Fact About Trader Sam:
  • Did you know that Indiana Jones, the world-famous archaeologist known for his iconic fedora, is a friend of Trader Sam? Legend has it that Professor Jones has made several stops at Trader Sam’s during his global expeditions, particularly to celebrate his monumental discovery of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (though sadly, Temples A through H were already claimed).

Exploring the Menu at Trader Sam’s

As we discuss your upcoming trip, I want to highlight the unique dining experience at Trader Sam’s. The decor here is filled with trinkets and treasures collected by Sam during his travels, which truly sets the spirit of the place. The menu itself is inspired by his enchanting journeys, designed to resemble a well-worn field notebook, showcasing the attention to detail and commitment to storytelling.

Sam has ventured through the Amazon, Congo, Mystic Point, and Polynesia to find the perfect ingredients for his magical drinks. Each beverage reflects his adventures, featuring unique flavors that create refreshing, themed elixirs for all explorers. If you're looking for recommendations, I suggest trying the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum or the Angolada. For non-alcoholic options, the Polynesian Punch and Skipper Sipper are delightful choices. Trader Sam’s also offers beer, hard seltzer, and wine, ensuring there’s something for everyone during your visit.


Tips for Enjoying Trader Sam’s
  • With so many excellent choices on the menu, I recommend the Piranha Pool for a refreshing sip on a warm summer day. It’s a delightful mix of strawberry vodka, crème of coconut, strawberry purée, and pineapple juice—perfect for a sunny day at the Disneyland Resort. Just remember, the best rewards come to those who choose wisely!


Beyond the drinks, Trader Sam’s offers a range of delicious dishes to enhance your dining experience. The culinary team prepares appetizers, entrees, and desserts, with options for breakfast and plant-based diets. You can start your day with Ube-stuffed French Toast or a Kālua-style Pork Breakfast Croissant Sandwich. For lunch or dinner, consider the Tempura-Battered Green Beans, Poke Bowls, or Tonkotsu Ramen.

The combination of tasty bites, creative beverages, and the immersive atmosphere will transport you to a tropical paradise. Let’s look forward to uncovering the highlights of the menu when Trader Sam’s reopens on May 25, including some limited-time offerings celebrating their 15th anniversary—no map or compass needed to enjoy this adventure!


15th Anniversary Items at Trader Sam’s


Classic Tiki Cocktails


  • Jungle Bird: Hamilton Pot Still Gold, Demerara 86, Campari, Pineapple & Lime Juices, Simple Syrup, Orange Bitters

  • Navy Grog: Planteray Original Dark Rum, Planteray 3-Star Rum, Hamilton Demerara 86, Honey Syrup, Grapefruit & Lime Juices, Soda Water

  • Lap Lapu: Myers’s Dark Rum, 3-Star Rum, Orange & Lemon Juices, Passion Fruit, Simple Syrup

  • Saturn: Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Lemon Juice, Passion Fruit, Orgeat, Falernum

  • Test Pilot: Planteray Original Dark Rum, Flor de Caña 4, Cointreau, Lime, Falernum, Angostura Bitters, Pernod Absinthe

  • Three Dots and a Dash: Rhum Clement VSOP, El Dorado 8, Clement Creole Orange Shrub, Lime Juice, Honey Syrup, Falernum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur, Angostura


Trader Sam Original Cocktails


  • Ginger’s Pear-adise: Absolut Pears Vodka, Canton Ginger, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar

  • Old Kungaloosh: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Malibu Rum, Midori Melon, Pineapple & Cranberry Juices

  • Rosita’s Margarita: Herradura Reposado Tequila, Bols Orange Curaçao, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, Falernum

  • Ka-Blue-ie!: Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Blue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice, Coco Real

  • Lost Safari: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Grenadine, Myers’s Dark Rum


Food Items


  • BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Teriyaki chicken, red onions, mozzarella cheese, micro herbs, Fresno chilies, green onions, and pineapple (option to add Kālua pork)

  • Mac Salad: Macaroni pasta, togarashi aïoli, and carrots

  • Chicken Katsu Curry: Crispy chicken cutlet, Japanese curry, jasmine rice, soy-marinated egg, and pickled ginger

  • Furikake Fries: Beer-battered French fries, furikake, green onions, and gochujang aïoli


Breakfast at Trader Sam’s


  • American Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon or turkey bacon, and sweet potato medley

  • Tropical Pancakes: Macadamia nut buttermilk pancakes, passion fruit curd, and toasted coconut

  • Loco Moco Burrito: Steamed jasmine rice, beef patty, fried egg, gravy, crunchy fried shallots, and furikake served with salsa roja

  • Ube-stuffed French Toast: Japanese milk bread, coconut custard, ube diplomat cream, and fresh tropical fruit

  • Kālua-style Pork Croissant Breakfast Sandwich: Tender Kālua-style pork, bacon, scrambled egg, and Havarti on a toasted croissant bun, served with a pineapple wedge

  • Korean-style Egg Sandwich: Scrambled Egg, Roasted Turkey, Fresh Tomato and Havarti on Japanese Milk Bread, served with a pineapple wedge

  • “Lomi-Lomi” Salmon Sandwich: Smoked salmon, scrambled egg, tomato, and red onion on a croissant, served with a pineapple wedge

  • Island Garden Avocado Toast: Croissant, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and watermelon radish served with fresh berries and pineapple (Plant-based)


Lunch and Dinner at Trader Sam’s


  • Pork Gyoza: Fried pork and vegetable pot stickers, unagi sauce, bonito flakes, and gochujang aïoli

  • Tempura-Battered Green Beans with togarashi aïoli

  • Chile-Orange Glazed Chicken Wings with togarashi aïoli

  • Chicken Tenders with French fries or sweet potato fries

  • Shrimp Tempura: Ponzu dipping sauce, chile threads, and green onions

  • Island Chopped Salad: Crisp baby gem lettuce, smoked ham, green papaya, tropical fruit compote, cotija cheese, edamame, passion-orange-guava aïoli, and crispy fried shallots served with passion fruit vinaigrette

  • Szechuan Cucumber Salad: Field greens, arugula, pickled cucumber sunomono, red onion, chili crisp vinaigrette, and edible violas (Plant-based)

  • Poke Bowl: Choice of ahi tuna, salmon or marinated tofu with smashed avocado, sliced cucumber, edamame, and surimi crab with sushi rice topped with crispy fried onions and togarashi aïoli

  • Hawaiian Platter: Choice of braised Kālua beef short rib or teriyaki chicken thigh with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, baby bok choy, and sweet teriyaki glaze

  • Angus Hawaiian Cheeseburger: Applewood-smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, Havarti cheese, togarashi aïoli, and teriyaki sauce served with French fries

  • Tonkotsu Ramen: Rich pork-based broth, wavy noodles, pork belly slices, fresh green onions, shitake mushrooms, sambal, marinated soft-boiled egg, garlic oil, and nori

  • Pupu Platter: Pork gyoza, tempura-battered green beans, shrimp tempura, chile-orange glazed chicken wings, togarashi aïoli, and ponzu dipping sauce

  • Kālua-style Pork Nacho Poutine: Sweet potato fries, cheddar cheese sauce, pickled red onions, cotija cheese, and lime crema

  • Pan Roasted Striped Bass: Miso-glazed striped bass, cauliflower rice, jumbo asparagus, steamed baby bok choy, and coconut lime beurre blanc

  • Coconut Cake with whipped cream & guava sauce

  • Scoop of Ice Cream: Coconut ice cream or passion fruit sorbet


Drinks at Trader Sam’s


  • Uh-Oa!: Myers’s Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, P.O.G., Grapefruit, Cinnamon

  • Krakatoa Punch: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Orgeat, Hibiscus

  • HippopatoMai-Tai: Planteray Original Dark Rum, Flor de Caña Extra Seco Rum, Orgeat, Orange Curaçao

  • Hala Kahiki: Planteray Pineapple Rum, Pineapple Juice, Honey, Fresh Lemon, Peychaud’s Bitters

  • Angolada: Smith & Cross Navy Strength Rum, Cream of Coconut, Tropical Juice Blend, Angostura Bitters

  • Mosquito Mojito: Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, Falernum, Mint, Fresh Lime

  • Zombie: Hamilton Demerara 151 Rum, Bacardi 8 Rum, Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Grapefruit, Cinnamon

  • Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum: Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum, Crème of Coconut, Pineapple Juice, Cinnamon

  • Tangaroa Cooler: Hamilton Pot Still Gold Rum, Tamarindo Syrup, Grapefruit, Tropical Juice Blend

  • Tiki La Casita: Herradura Reposado Tequila, Guava, Orange Creole Shrub, Tropical Juice Blend

  • Safari Swizzle: Hamilton Demerara 151 Rum, Mint, Fresh Lime, Angostura Bitters

  • Shipwreck on the Rocks: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Mint, Fresh Lemon

  • Piranha Pool: Strawberry Vodka, Crème of Coconut, Strawberry Purée, Pineapple Juice

  • Safe Travels: Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Falernum, Grapefruit, Fresh Lime

  • Temple of the Forbidden Rye: Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Allspice Liqueur, Ginger, Tropical Juices Blend

  • Notes of Adventure: Tanqueray Gin, Orgeat, Passion Fruit, Tropical Juice Blend

  • Nile River Sunset: Golden Eagle Vodka, Apricot Liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, Honey, Fresh Lemon

  • Schweitzer Falls: Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Sprite (Non-alcoholic)

  • Polynesian Punch: Sam’s Gorilla Grog and Hibiscus Grenadine (Non-alcoholic)

  • Skipper Sipper: Sam’s Gorilla Grog, Agave, Falernum, Mint, Fresh Lime, Splash of Soda Water (Non-alcoholic)


Trader Sam’s Tips and Frequently Asked Questions


Trader Sam’s offers a unique and immersive experience filled with the rare and unusual, so we understand there are often questions about how to fully enjoy and embrace this special adventure.


Still seeking answers or need some advice for your next visit to Trader Sam’s? Allow us to be your guide (or skipper, if you prefer)!


How Can I Get Into Trader Sam’s?


Want to grab a seat at Trader Sam’s? Guests can join the walk-up list via the Disneyland mobile app* on the day of their visit, or they can visit the host stand and add their party in person. Trader Sam’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great spot for early birds, night owls, and everyone in between.


Trader Sam’s Tips:

  • For culinary enthusiasts who prioritize food and drinks over interior decor, the outdoor tables offer access to the full menu and might have a shorter wait time.


If there's a wait for a table, guests can explore the shops and sights around the Disneyland Hotel or Downtown Disney District without needing a theme park ticket or reservation.


Do I Need a Theme Park Ticket or Reservation for Trader Sam’s?


Since Trader Sam’s is situated at the Disneyland Hotel, visitors do not need a Disneyland Resort theme park ticket or reservation to visit. This experience is available to everyone, not just hotel guests.


Trader Sam’s can be a late-night stop after a fun day at the park or a destination for dining and drinks on its own – you decide! Remember, the experience is limited to 90 minutes per party, so plan accordingly.


Do You Have to be 21+ to Visit Trader Sam’s?


Trader Sam’s is open to guests of all ages in the indoor area until 8:00 p.m., after which it becomes accessible only to those 21 and older. Guests who are 21 or older and wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages must carry a valid government ID along with their other essentials. Please be aware that there is a two-drink limit per person per transaction.


Although cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are a key feature of the experience (something Sam takes great pride in), there are plenty of other refreshments and non-alcoholic options available for everyone to enjoy.


Why is Trader Sam’s Referred to as an “Enchanted” Tiki Bar?


As you may already know, Trader Sam’s is far from an ordinary tiki bar. Inside the enclosed area, visitors can expect dim lighting, flashing lights, bustling activity, and occasional loud noises, all contributing to a magical atmosphere. This cozy hideaway can swiftly transform into a lively, fiery environment, with certain orders triggering added excitement and theatrics.


Trader Sam’s offers a full sensory experience as guests enjoy drinks, snacks, and the vibrant sights and sounds surrounding them, making this place feel truly special.


Explore Trader Sam’s on Your Next Disneyland Visit


Gather your group, pick up a treasure map, and head to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar! This venue is an ideal spot for food enthusiasts, story lovers, and anyone who enjoys an exciting theatrical experience with a touch of Disney magic (and plenty of puns).


We'll be visiting soon to celebrate their 15th anniversary, knowing there are more memories to create and details to uncover at this unique location. Cheers!

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