Post #748514 by AlohaStation on Mon, Aug 3, 2015 11:26 AM

I was at TS 2 weeks ago on a quick trip with my 13 year old daughter. Here's my impression:

First let me say that I am a huge Disney fan. As a kid our family vacation was a road trip to Disney (several years in a row during the mid-70s). We stayed at Fort Wilderness, but I spent countless summer days romping all over the entire property (when there was one park and 3 places to stay), usually because I would run out of tickets for rides at the park. The Polynesian was always my favorite destination. The volcano pool was a daily excursion. So I've kept my eyes on the resort as it has developed over the years. The latest renovation has its hits and misses, but all in all, its still a beautiful place to visit.

I'm going to focus on the Trader Sam's: Moving the Dole Whip stand outside is perfect. It sucked being hidden in the restaurant. When I first approached TS, I was bit confused. I can't even tell you what was in that location before?? You approach the door which is very non-descript and entered. The small room opens up and swallows you whole - a hostess tried seating me, but I mumbled something to her and stumble my way to bar - the whole time my head is flipping around checking out the decor. There is so much to look at that it is almost over-whelming. Once I got over the initial shock of all the eye candy, I headed to the bar and had a seat. The service was quick and attentive (I was still in visual overload as I read the menu), so it took me a few minutes to figure out what I wanted. I ordered my drink the bartender barks something, while the other servers are running around performing the presentation for each drink. My drink was very good, the atmosphere is excellent but the sideshow theatrics killed the whole experience for me. I understand Disney's desire to entertain the masses, however it was just too much. Hard-core tiki snobs won't like the Disney-esque tiki bar. It cheapened the experience! I enjoy the theatrics, but it was too much. With a bar full of people there was another presentation every couple minutes. I ordered another drink and got it to go. I walked outside to the lanai where there was a uke player and a much calmer atmosphere. My ONLY suggestion would be to tone down the theatrics and this place will be worth the effort to get there. Perhaps limit the presentations to random choice or one/table??