Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel

If you're exhausted from touring the parks and feel like relaxing at a bar, there's certainly no shortage of options at Disneyland Resort, from DCA's Carthay Circle Lounge to the Grand Californian's Hearthstone Lounge and the many offerings of Downtown Disney. For a full-blown, Disney-style themed mini-adventure, however, you'll find nothing else on property like Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar.

From the moment you step in, you'll find yourself wrapped up in a unique fantasy-world-within-a-fantasy-world full of surprises and staffed by great Cast Members. From trick sinking barstools to volcanic eruptions and living tikis, Trader Sam's is, by far, the most universally embraced result of the hotel's recent remodeling. It's about as lovable as a bar can get.

The colorful drink offerings sport names like "Hippopotomai-tai" and "Lost Safari." You can even order a classic WDW Adventurer's Club Kungaloosh. Non-alcholic drinks are also available, along with a selection of appetizers including Fish Tacos and Spicy Asian Wings.

The indoor seating area is quite small, so try to hit Trader Sam's in the afternoon if possible, or prepare to wait for a spot (it's worth it.) Children are allowed before 8:00 PM; After that, it's adults-only. Even if you're not staying at the Disneyland Hotel, it's worth the short, easy hike from Downtown Disney.

Life Falls From Tiki Room's Tangaroa

I'm a day late for The Enchanted Tiki Room's 50th birthday, but there's no time like the present for celebrating with a tribute to a Disneyland character you don't want to tick off.

Walt Disney's willingness to stretch the boundaries of what the public would accept as popular entertainment was a lot bolder than most people assume. Exhibit A: Tangaroa, Father of All Gods and Goddesses, standing guard at the Tiki Room.

He isn't just a talking tree. He isn't just a talking tree with a unique nose. Voiced by the incomparable Thurl Ravenscroft, he's a male tree who gives birth in front of the waiting crowd!

"Oh, Mystic Powers, hear my call! From my limbs, let new life fall!"

"BOO-YAH!"

He doesn't actually say, "Boo-yah." But he has every right to. This happy blooming has been taking place many times a day, nearly every day for fifty years. That's a lot of offspring, and just one of the many ways in which Disneyland takes guests further off the beaten path of everyday expectations than most people would ever guess.

A Pair of Rolly Crump Tikis

I enjoy the Tiki Room's outdoor pre-show nearly as much as the main event. Pele's a big attention-getter as she spouts real fire. Until recently, I hadn't realized that these wonderful tikis had been designed and sculpted by Rolly Crump, one of Disney's most imaginative and innovative artists.

Ngendei is one of my favorite characters in the entire park. Even though he sounds frazzled as he reveals the sad truth about his job, there's something incredibly jolly about the way he rocks to and fro.

Did you know Rolly Crump sculpted these tikis in the Imagineering parking lot--using a plastic cafeteria fork? Book mini-review time!

I'm certainly not the first Disney blogger to recommend this book, but--seriously--Rolly Crump's It's Kind of a Cute Story is one of the most delightful, eye-opening and entertaining behind-the-scenes books I've ever read. His blunt, good-natured, down-to-earth recollections of his work on some of Disneyland's most famous attractions make this a must-read for all Disney fans.

It's available right now on Kindle and iBooks, and it's a gem.

Dole Whips in the Tiki Room (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room delights children and adults on both coasts (teenagers tend to flee its awesomely corny jokes and Jose's Bing Crosby tribute, but they'll come around eventually). The Disneyland version has one great bonus feature: the popular Dole Whip frozen treat is for sale in the pre-show area (along with other Dole pineapple selections) and you are encouraged to bring your snack into the attraction to eat during the show!

Don't worry: the birds won't try to mooch a taste. As for the other inhabitants of this place of joyous songs and wondrous miracles, well...cue today's comic strip...

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