Trader Sam's-Disneyland Hotel

If you've survived a ship-wreck, chanted "uh-oa" or lived through a volcanic eruption you've probably experienced the mystical oasis of Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar.

Celebrating it's one year anniversary Trader Sam's is THE place to be in Disneyland for great fun, great atmosphere and great drinks. This tiny bar (seating for 47) at the Disneyland Hotel is truly a mystical oasis. You'll find a tropical escape here but don't expect white sand beaches. This bar is home to the artifacts of "Trader Sam" himself, most popularly known for his head hunting on the Jungle Cruise attraction.

Sam's heap of junk actually adds up to a whole bunch of fun for everyone inside. The minute the door closes behind you, you're transported to a head hunters paradise. This bar is like the love child of the Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise and couldn't be more perfect. This is the place Trader Sam has placed his collection of 55 years of artifacts and has put them on display. Look around and you'll see photos, postcards and other paraphanelia from a head hunters travels. Tiki gods and todem poles seem to be only a decorative touch but need I remind you that this bar is enchanted?

We were blown away at the detail in the dimly lit little bar and no matter how long you sit in there for you never really see or experience everything. The bar is definately the best seat in the house but don't expect to find a stool at a whim. There are about a dozen stools at the bar and larger tables along the walls, the place is so small you won't feel left out a table but the staff is so great you'll want to belly up to the bar with them.

Everything about this place is unique. The drinks are all original and are one of a kind, the theme is brilliant and incredibly well done and the atmosphere is fantastic. The menu boats a variety of specialty cocktails including the Hippopotomai-tai which states "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!" Anyone who's been on the Jungle Cruise can appreciate that description, and yes that is the actual description from the menu.

The drinks often conjure up enchantment, for example...when we ordered the "Uh Oa!" (made for 2 people) the tiki goddess of disaster flexed her fist. The bar darkened, thunder rolled and everyone began to chant "Uh Oa!" The drink came on fire and we added gun powder (cinnamon) and set the flame ablaze. Although we survived the tiki goddesses's attempted natural disaster, her drink was an entirely different story. I was expecting something fruity and fun but that Uh Oa is sneaky, after a few sips you'll be saying "Uh Oa!" and you'll want to order something to eat from the delicious menu options.

The Uh-Oa in the new souvenir mug, available now

Just like the drinks, the menu here is full of specialty items as well. The barbecued chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries was better than I expected. Instead of a dull run of the mill theme-park quality meal I was astonished when this delicious juicy chicken breast arrived on a Multigrain bun and rocked my taste buds (of course I stole a few bites from my husband!) Crusted with Panko bread crumbs the chicken breast is served with a tamarind barbecue sauce, green papaya slaw and sweet potato fries. I ordered the 1/3lb Hawaiian cheeseburger which had teriyaki sauce, fresh grilled pineapple, havarti cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato and was on a multigrain bun and served with sweet potato fries. I'm not ashamed to say that both meals were scarfed down, in their entirety. It was the most satisfying and delicious meals I've ever had at a bar. The menu offers something for everyone ranging from Asian wings to fish tacos, flatbread pizzas and Ahi Poke; just to name a few.

The enchantments continued as drinks were ordered...a Shipwreck causes an actual shipwreck (look up toward the ceiling you'll see a shipwreck in a bottle), you might even start "taking on water" but don't worry, the skippers sound the emergency alarms and the storm passes. This drink warns, "if you have too many you'll be headed for Davy Jones' Locker!"

Shipwreck: Bourbon with freshly muddled lemon and mint with organic agave nectar.

A Mosquito Mojito comes with Mosquito spray and the Skipper proves you can never be too careful when he dons a mosquito net to prepare the drink.

Ron preparing my Mosquito Mojito

The only think we didn't like about Trader Sam's was having to leave. For you night owls, Trader Sam's is the only place to grab a drink "late" on the Disneyland property, so if you need an enchanted beverage experience at 1am or so, head to Trader Sam's!