One of Disneyland’s most iconic restaurants is getting a refresh during an upcoming closure for refurbishment of the inside space that Disneyland just confirmed with us. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, a bar and restaurant located at the Disneyland Hotel, is ranked as one of our top Disneyland restaurants for 2026.
We now know from Disney that this spot is going to be closing for refurbishment soon. Previously, we got more information on the likely work with permits filed for the location. We’ll dive into all the details on this closure. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including changes to Lightning Lane at Disney World and Disneyland’s recent change to a hotel perk. See update on closure here.
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Disneyland Trader Sam’s Renovation Coming Soon
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is located at the Disneyland Hotel and opened in 2011 as a themed lounge inspired by Disney’s Jungle Cruise. The bar quickly became a popular addition to the resort among locals and hotel guests.
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The bar is centered on the character Trader Sam, previously seen in Jungle Cruise as the “head salesman” of the Jungle Cruise Navigational Company, and extends that story into a fully themed dining and drinking experience outside the parks. There is also a location of the bar in Walt Disney World at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
The interior is filled with artifacts and props tied to Sam’s fictional travels. When guests order several signature drinks, the bartender will trigger effects including lighting changes, sound cues, and moving elements. Some of these effects include the ship-in-a-bottle on a shelf sinking when a guest orders a Shipwreck on the Rocks cocktail, or the volcano outside one of the fake windows erupting when someone orders a Krakatoa Punch.
Over time, Trader Sam’s has become one of the most popular lounges at Disneyland. The iconic elements of the space are inside the bar, but there is also outside seating.
The lounge serves drinks and food. Back in October, Disney filed the below permit for changes to the restaurant.
Permit Entry:
DLH – Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar – Tenant Improvement: Replace (42) gas tiki torches with epoxy anchors at exterior. Install air conditioner at electrical room. Replace interior show effects, show lighting and lighting systems. With mechanical, electrical and plumbing.
The most notable aspects of the permit are the notes to “replace interior show effects, show lighting and lighting systems”.
At the time, Disneyland did not give us any timeline for when the restaurant would be closing. Now, we have confirmed the closing date for the restaurant with a Disneyland spokesperson.
They shared that beginning on February 17, 2026, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar will begin interior renovations. The indoor seating will be closed to guests during the refurbishment period, but outdoor seating will remain available.
As we mentioned above, the most iconic elements of the space are the different show effects triggered behind the bar and the rainstorm effects throughout the space. We are curious if the “replace” means that these are just getting upkeep and the effects are staying the same or if there is going to be any refresh to the space to bring in new tiki magic.
Our best guess is that the effects will stay largely the same, but perhaps a passionate Walt Disney Imagineer designer will have some fun idea to bring new magic. We know that many Imagineers personally feel connected to Jungle Cruise and Trader Sam’s so it would not be surprising to see a little bit of extra love added here.
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There are other ongoing Disneyland closures right now of top rides, attractions, and restaurants. We are still waiting for an opening date for the renovated Napa Rose restaurant, for instance, and a closure for Lamplight Lounge is scheduled. There are also closures of other attractions including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Incredicoaster, and Haunted Mansion. See all the planned Disneyland ride closures here.
We will keep you posted as we wait for updates on the end date for this closure and all the latest Disney news.
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