Two Popular Disney Restaurants Are Closing for Refurbishment Soon

Two Disneyland restaurants are experiencing an unexpected closure next week, including a restaurant that commonly has the hardest to get dining reservations at the resort. This closure comes after we previously shared that work was planned.

While a temporary closure can be a disappointment for travelers, this particular project appears to be a quick “spruce up” ahead of a major milestone. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including huge theme park news just announced by Disney, and Disney on Ice new show and tour dates with first-ever characters.

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Brief Closures for Two Disneyland Restaurants

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Disney is actively refurbishing Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and the Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill next door and a full closure is planned.

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The interior of Trader Sam’s has already been undergoing various stages of renovation since March 2, though the outdoor seating had remained available until this upcoming full closure. Trader Sam’s is one of the most popular restaurants at Disneyland and is inspired by the popular Jungle Cruise attraction.

Both Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and the adjacent Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill are scheduled to close starting May 14. According to the official calendar, the closure is expected to be quick, with both locations slated to reopen to guests on May 20, 2026.

The exterior of the bar is lit with tiki torches, but the interior is where the best theming takes place. Inside the bar, certain drinks ordered trigger animatronics along with lightning, sound effects, and different bartender interactions. So while outdoor seating is open during this earlier refurb work, it doesn’t offer the full experience. Disney lists that refurbishment will take place through spring 2026 on the official website.

Trader Sam’s is actually one of our favorite places to grab a bite or a drink, which is why it earned a spot on our list of the best Disneyland restaurants. If you want to see why we love the atmosphere so much, you can read our full Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Review.

Trader Sam’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

Trader Sam's bar interior Disneyland

This refurbishment is perfectly timed, as Trader Sam’s is approaching its 15th anniversary on May 25.

During the D23 Spotlight Series: Walt Disney’s Enchanted Adventureland event held in late March, Imagineer Kyle Barnes discussed how the bar’s history influenced its design, framing this anniversary as a major celebration for the resort with a limited-time menu and exclusive collectibles.

Some highlights of the celebration will include exclusive merchandise and an exclusive cocktail and mocktail.

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While the closure appears to be brief, guests visiting at the end of May should confirm operating hours on the Disneyland app.

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About Eeron Hall

Eeron Hall fell in love with Disney during the Renaissance of the 1990s, after becoming obsessed with Pocahontas as a young child, so much so that "Pocahontas" was one of the first words she ever learned to spell. Visiting the parks was a childhood dream, and she later became a Walt Disney World Passholder and began visiting them frequently as an adult. A lifelong writer, Eeron enjoys sharing news and updates about all things Disney while helping readers stay informed about the latest happenings across the parks and beyond. She is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Communications and plans to pursue her master's later this year.
Favorite ride: Soarin' Around the World at Walt Disney World

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