Post #718888 by AceExplorer on Sun, Jun 1, 2014 4:42 AM

Hayward, thanks, those are interesting insights into Sam's. I have often thought they would likely consider taking features of Sam's in Anaheim and customize it to fit the specific needs of the Orlando property. Both would share many features and concepts, but also both would be unique in their own ways. The addition of food is nice. We may even see some of Sam's libations available to order at the pool and to walk up customers at whatever pool bar they may build. No matter what they end up doing, I'm sure it will be grand, splashy, and fun. And, while I'm at it this morning, many Imagineers and guests are fans of the old Adventurer's Club and will be looking forward to more re-purposed material from that former venue to appear in Sam's.

It's also interesting to note that the Orlando venue will be "Sams v2" and as such could be better or worse than the experience in Anaheim. In Orlando we expect a more spacious venue, but because of all the DVC demands, also expect some compromises - or innovations. Disney's track record of planning, and then often mercilessly cutting budgets, could result in a comparatively subdued version of the Anaheim experience. I hope that's not the case, but it is within the realm of what could be expected. I remain optimistic because there is so much interest and appreciation for tiki within Imagineering.

With regard to the water feature(s) I think that they MUST build either a whiz-bang pool area, or a new whiz-bang water feature, or both. The trend to build extravagantly-detailed pool areas began at least 15 years ago with Marriott and other big hotel chains. Disney is WAY behind the times in this regard at the Polynesian. Even the pool areas at the newer Disney resorts don't compare, in scope and visual impact, to what other chains have been doing. For example, when at the Hukilau, check out the stunning pool area at the waterfront Marriott in Fort Lauderdale next to the Best Western. That's a pool area, with waterfront bar and dining, done VERY well. We may end up seeing a much larger pool area which may extend very close to Sam's and allow for some nice integration between Sam's, Capt. Cook's, and the pool along with more unique Orlando-only plastic mugs and drinkware for safety reasons due to proximity to the pool.

Also, have you observed a trend on property to stop referring to "Dole Whip" and start calling it "pineapple soft serve?" I was surprised at the Flower and Garden Festival to see them serving "pineapple soft serve" instead of "Dole Whip." I suspected there was something behind that. But it could have been that because one of the options was to pair it with Capt. Morgan's Parrot Bay that may have prevented them from using the Dole name in conjunction with Parrot Bay. So it may be nothing, just some marketing and licensing issue they had to address at that event. I'm curious to see if Dole Whip appears on the menu at Sam's since it appears that they will be catering, to some degree, to a mixed-age audience earlier in the day. I can see a "volcano" of sorts being served to kids with Dole Whip and grenadine or cherry syrup. Maybe with nuts or mini-marshmallows as "lava rocks" or something. (Disney, please PM me and I'll tell you where to send the royalty checks, heh...)