Trader Sam's on Sunday night?

alvernon90

Two Decade Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2001

• Jul 28, 2016

• #1

I am going to be in the area for work on Sunday and I'm thinking about making a run to the Disneyland Hotel to visit my favorite spot, Trader Sam's. However, I wouldn't be able to do it until Sunday evening.

Does anyone have experience going to Trader Sam's on a Sunday evening in July? Is it going to be so jam packed that I can't get in and therefore I shouldn't even bother to drive over there?

 

alvernon90

Two Decade Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2001

• Jul 29, 2016

• #2

Also, do the crowds vary through the evening (like decreasing between dinnertime and park closing) or is it just packed all night?

 

GeneralTso

DIS Veteran

Joined

Aug 28, 2009

• Jul 29, 2016

• #3

We've been on a Sunday and yes, it is jam-packed. Line out the door and down the stairs. That place keeps getting busier and busier. It's a great place, but hard to get in, let alone one of the inside tables or spots at the bar.

 

rentayenta

DIS Veteran

Joined

Feb 28, 2007

• Jul 29, 2016

• #4

It's almost always packed. I would think a Sunday will be no exception especially during the summer.

 

alvernon90

Two Decade Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2001

• Jul 29, 2016

• #5

Thanks. I guess I'll just have to decide whether to take my chances.

 

jammyjam25

DIS Veteran

Joined

Oct 27, 2014

• Jul 29, 2016

• #6

Are you going to be solo? I think being solo you might have a better chance of squeezing in to a bar spot. If it were me personally I'd take my chances. Even if there's a wait you can enjoy the atmosphere and music outside the bar.

 

alvernon90

Two Decade Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2001

• Jul 29, 2016

• #7

jammyjam25 said:

Are you going to be solo? I think being solo you might have a better chance of squeezing in to a bar spot. If it were me personally I'd take my chances. Even if there's a wait you can enjoy the atmosphere and music outside the bar.

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I will be solo, so I was optimistic. The problem, I think, is that there is one line to get in. If you have three groups waiting for tables, being a solo and walking past them seems rude. But if there is a seat at the bar, I intend to grab it.

 

cruisehopeful

DIS Veteran

Joined

Oct 25, 2015

• Jul 30, 2016

• #8

Where do you park when you do that? I park in Downtown Disney, but always end up going over the 2 hours. We parked in the hotel lot once and it was really expensive because they don't count Trader Sam's as a sit down restaurant. I've been wondering if there were any other places to park.

 

alvernon90

Two Decade Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2001

• Jul 30, 2016

• #9

cruisehopeful said:

Where do you park when you do that? I park in Downtown Disney, but always end up going over the 2 hours. We parked in the hotel lot once and it was really expensive because they don't count Trader Sam's as a sit down restaurant. I've been wondering if there were any other places to park.

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This is a good question. I'm thinking that I might take an Uber so I don't have to worry about driving back to my hotel after a bunch of powerful Tiki drinks. If not that, I'll probably try the Downtown Disney parking or maybe even splurge and do valet at the hotel.

 

alvernon90

Two Decade Veteran

Joined

Feb 12, 2001

• Aug 1, 2016

• #10

Following up on this thread in case anyone searches in the future:

Went to Trader Sam's on the last Sunday in July. Went to Downtown Disney parking, which is the cheapest option if you are only going to Trader Sam's, and was amazingly convenient. I parked right by ESPN Zone and walked one block to the hotel. Many on this board will be unimpressed, but this was my first time parking at the resort but not staying a a hotel, and I was impressed by how easy it was. (Less impressed by the cost.)

I arrived around 5:30 p.m. and the place was full but there was no line. I waited near the door for about 10 minutes until someone got up from the bar. Then I took the seat and enjoyed a wonderful time for the next three hours. There were some kids, but mostly it was adults getting pretty rowdy. It was extremely lively and extremely fun. People, you have to go to this place! You want to talk about Disney magic? This bar is it!

 

Indiana Scott

Bothell Washington

Joined

Jan 20, 2009

• Aug 1, 2016

• #11

We hit TS about 4:00 and have a a drink before going to dinner in DTD. There's never a crowd!