Disneyland fans just caught a small break, and if you’ve ever tried to squeeze Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar into a packed trip itinerary, you know why this matters.
Earlier this year, Disneyland Resort confirmed that the indoor portion of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel would be closing for refurbishment starting February 17, 2026. That news immediately had fans scrambling. Trader Sam’s isn’t the kind of place you casually stroll into. It’s a legendary experience, and it’s already tough enough to get a seat even when everything is running normally.
But now, Disneyland has quietly adjusted the timeline.
Instead of closing on February 17, the interior refurbishment has officially been delayed. The new closure date is March 2, 2026, giving guests about two extra weeks to enjoy the full indoor experience before it goes offline.
And for a place like Trader Sam’s, that’s a major difference.
The outdoor seating area will remain open during the refurbishment, and guests will still have access to the menu. Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill will also remain available. But anyone who has actually spent time inside Trader Sam’s knows that the interior is the real main event. That’s where the themed effects, lighting, and signature “show moments” happen—the things that make Trader Sam’s feel more like an attraction than a bar.
This refurbishment is also expected to last through spring 2026, and Disney previously suggested the space could reopen in time for Trader Sam’s 15th anniversary on May 25, 2026. While Disney still hasn’t provided a firm reopening date, it sounds like this project isn’t going to be a quick touch-up.
Permits filed for the space hint at the type of upgrades coming, including replacing tiki torches, updating show and lighting effects, and making additional technical improvements behind the scenes.
For guests visiting in late February, this delay could be the difference between missing Trader Sam’s completely or still getting one last chance to step inside before the refurbishment begins. It’s a small schedule shift, but it’s the kind of change that could save an entire vacation plan.
If anything, the updated closure date might cause even more demand over the next few weeks. Trader Sam’s already draws crowds, but now guests know there’s a ticking clock again—and that usually means one thing at Disneyland: the rush is about to get even worse.
