Exploring the Disneyland Hotel and lunch at Trader Sam's

 

A Dole Whip Float with dark Rum for two and an original Dole Whip from Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel. 

After visiting the Pixar Place Hotel and wandering around, we walked a few minutes to the Disneyland Hotel. The last time I visited was 1989, so it was time to check it out again! This iconic hotel just steps away from Downtown Disney opened when Disneyland did in 1955. The property is huge with four towers for guests to stay in, with a lobby for each area. The pool is big with waterslides and surrounded by palms trees, it looks like the place to be on a warm day. Walking around the property was so quiet and gorgeous, with lots of walkways. The hotel grounds feel very tropical and far from the busy theme parks, but you're just a few minutes away by foot. 

I love this iconic entrance to the Disneyland Hotel. I feel like I remember it from when I was a kid, so it must have always been there. 

We went shopping in the main gift shop, the Fantasia shop. I found two bracelets that were perfect for me, and some Mickey earrings I also really loved. Then we went to Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar for lunch. They're currently closed in their indoor area for refurbishment, but you can still dine outside with table service in the Tangaroa Terrace area. 

This Disneyland Hotel carpet looks so pretty and welcoming! 

This wallpaper in the bathroom was too cool not to take a photo of! 

The path leading to Tangora Terrace and Trader's Sams. 

This outside dining area was so pretty and tropical, and they're located near the pool area. Trader Sam's is famous for their unique Tiki drinks and was inspired by the Jungle Cruise. This spot is usually impossible to get into because of how themed and immersive the experience is inside. But since they only had outdoor dining, it was pretty empty when we visited. Since it was such a beautiful day, and it was raining and cold at home, we were happy to sit outside under the palm trees and warm breezes while we sipped our tiki drinks! There was even live music by our table, which we really enjoyed. 

The outdoor dining area at Tangoroa Terrace and the temporary spot for Trader Sam's. 

I started with the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum drink! This tropical drink had rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and cinnamon. It was the perfect tiki drink and one of the most popular at Trader Sam's. My husband had a Angolada, which had Navy Strength Rum, cream of coconut, a tropical juice blend, and bitters. 

To eat, we shared the Pupu Platter. This had Pork Gyoza, Tempura-Battered Green Beans, Shrimp Tempura, Chili-Orange Glazed Chicken Wings, and two dipping sauces. There was an Aioli and a Ponzu sauce. This wasn't a lot of food, and everything was pretty pricey, but we loved the experience, nonetheless. Our kids ordered a Cheeseburger Slider which came with fries and fruit. 

For dessert, my husband and I shared a Dole Whip Float with Dark Rum! It was very tall and our lovely server gave us two straws. This was such a classic Disney drink/dessert and super fun! But most importantly it tasted really refreshing and the pineapple flavors of the Dole Whip matched the rum perfectly. Our sons each enjoyed a classic Dole Whip! When in Disney, this is just what one does. 

After lunch we walked back through the Fantasia gift shop, and I spotted a Trader Sam's pin. I just had to buy it to remember our special meal at the Disneyland Hotel! 

 Disneyland Hotel 

1150 Magic Way 

Anaheim, CA