Post #741850 by AceExplorer on Mon, Apr 27, 2015 6:11 AM

I think these comments and observations are in line with what I said earlier -- that Sam's is "resort" tiki, and not "real" tiki in the traditional sense. The target audience is very different from what we expect and from what we are used to in other "real" tiki venues. This is also true, to some extent, for the drink menu.

It's definitely a fun place in its own way, and Sam's is undeniably a part of the broader tiki landscape on both US coasts. I like to remind folks that it is a gateway to more tiki experiences for those who will eventually come to see and recognize and embrace tiki in other places.

While a number of Disney's imagineers have an affinity for tiki, none set out to build a tiki bar as much as they set out to build a specific type of entertainment venue with their choice of backstories integrated into the concept. They did a great job, and we can look forward to refinements. I am taking the soft opening declaration seriously and am hoping we see adjustments to at least the bartender shtick.

I am very much in agreement that the patio area would benefit from more theming - that's a very good observation. Elements of the old Tahitian Terrace environment from Disneyland, for example, could really help that space. I'm again reminded that Trader Sam's East is still in its infancy and that Imagineering may not be finished with it yet. Give them some time, they're still busy fleshing out Disney Springs and Avatar Land, and both are very demanding projects.