What time to be be in line for Trader Sam’s?

[HappyGal]

What time do I need to be in the hallway to line up for sign up list for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto if it opens at 3:00?

 

[leebee]

Went to TS's in August and again in January. We were in the hallway at 1pm; they started taking names around 1:45. We were first or second to put our names on the list and got our "call back" right around 3pm.

 

[QueenofPrideRock]

Went to TS's in August and again in January. We were in the hallway at 1pm; they started taking names around 1:45. We were first or second to put our names on the list and got our "call back" right around 3pm.

were you first in line at 1pm? i admire your dedication!

DISREGARD i need to read your whole post omg.

 

[jimmymc]

They normally start taking names at 1:45, and there are enough people waiting by that point to fill the first seating. If you want to get in early, then I'd be there by 1:20.

 

[ucf_knight]

Is this really worth it? I’ve never been as it seems insane to me to have to be in a line for a bar hours before they open to put your name in to get a call back time that they give you. All the other bars on property at the resorts you can walk up to rather easily and enjoy a drink at your own leisure

 

[A Tall Soy Latte]

Is this really worth it? I’ve never been as it seems insane to me to have to be in a line for a bar hours before they open to put your name in to get a call back time that they give you. All the other bars on property at the resorts you can walk up to rather easily and enjoy a drink at your own leisure

I'd say it's worth going at least once to experience the vibes inside and special drink effects! My group and I always go when we stay at the Polynesian on our check-in day. If we stay a non-monorail loop resort, we usually skip it though. The logistics and timing everything can be a bit of a hassle. On our last trip in February, we went at around 10:30 PM and didn't need to wait at all.

 

[shb5007]

It is a really fun time, and we try to make it on about 50% of our WDW trips. However, it is becoming more and more of a pain. At least Poly is a nice place to walk around, get a Dole whip, check out the new Resort, etc. Not sure why they don't just create a reservation system like some other bars / lounges use in the Parks?

 

[Pyxie]

It is a really fun time, and we try to make it on about 50% of our WDW trips. However, it is becoming more and more of a pain. At least Poly is a nice place to walk around, get a Dole whip, check out the new Resort, etc. Not sure why they don't just create a reservation system like some other bars / lounges use in the Parks?

I'm actually glad they don't have a reservation system. As small as it is, it would be basically impossible to ever get an ADR. I don't mind lining up early, but I know that doesn't work for everyone.

 

[Dave006]

I'm actually glad they don't have a reservation system. As small as it is, it would be basically impossible to ever get an ADR. I don't mind lining up early, but I know that doesn't work for everyone.

They simply can't make a reservation system work. The capacity is only 50 guest seats.

Dave

 

[kylenne]

If all you want is the drinks you can literally just go to the Tiki Terrace outside and get everything from the menu, no wait required. It's really nice out there too because in the evenings there's often live music, or at least there was pre-covid.

But it's another point in favor of actually staying at the Poly, we always stick our name on the list and then go chill back in the room or at the pool. And yeah it really is worth it to go inside imo. The antics are fun. But because it's so tiny, the waitlist is the only way it really works.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

They simply can't make a reservation system work. The capacity is only 50 guest seats.

Dave

Disneyland has a reservation system and then inside is smaller than 50 guest seats.

 

[kylenne]

Disneyland has a reservation system and then inside is smaller than 50 guest seats.

Comparing anything at Disneyland to WDW is an exercise in futility, the two resorts are apples and oranges. Different guest demographics, different dynamics at work. WDW tourists were booking up popular spots at 6 months out, regularly, back when that was still the window. Just taking a look at Tambu Lounge during peak dinner time at ‘Ohana would be enough to tell you this is silly.