Changes coming to Downtown Disney?

[cluvsdisney]

Anyway OP is right. Off topic. The new DTD looks great I think!

I think so too. I'm not really interested in shopping but I am curious to see what they add in the way of dining & entertainment.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I think so too. I'm not really interested in shopping but I am curious to see what they add in the way of dining & entertainment.

Yes that is my feelings too! I love La Nouba so hoping for more entertainment such as this! A mini broadway with a few shows would be fun! vegas has a few Cirque shows maybe they could offer another

 

[mcd2745]

I think so too. I'm not really interested in shopping but I am curious to see what they add in the way of dining & entertainment.

A lot of people have echoed these exact same sentiments. Given Disney's recent history with regards to evening-time entertainment.....you're probably all setting yourselves up for disappointment. I desperately hope I'm wrong about that.

 

[cluvsdisney]

A lot of people have echoed these exact same sentiments. Given Disney's recent history with regards to evening-time entertainment.....you're probably all setting yourselves up for disappointment. I desperately hope I'm wrong about that.

No offense, but me too.


I don't have great expectations but I am ready for something new. I'm the same way at home too...I get all excited when I see a new store about to open but I don't know what it is yet.

 

[sachilles]

From most of my pre-trip research here, it seems DTD tends to be a time killing stop for most vacationing people. A place to spend some time when you can't justify a park ticket. Many folks spend a day at their home resort pool and another portion at DTD. We won't be going, as this is our first visit(in the last 20 years). However, I can see the draw for a lot of returning Disney fans.
Disney is in an odd place with this area. It's not a park, so no admission is charged. Yet in order for guests to use it an enjoy it, you risk losing a park admission for that day.
It makes sense to have it's main draws to be evening based, so it doesn't draw folks away from the parks. That also makes sense for the working locals in the area.
While they are trying to lease out to third parties, I think it might make sense to have some sort of disney general store in the complex somewhere. Not quite a target or walmart, but some place to get those general vacation supplies, you don't feel like taking on the plane or on your long voyage, all within the disney transportation system.

In the would have, could have, should have department of the master plan, I think they missed the opportunity to make the downtown disney the central transportation hub. It would have only made sense to base the transportation center, in what amounts to a glorified gift shop. Just like the rides exiting through gift shops, if you could have your guests exit the resorts through the main shopping district. Unfortunately the geography of things as it is now doesn't support that.

 

[Lanshark]

Will they keep Disney Quest?

 

[puertorican00676]

I want to know what new retailers will come. its great idea to refresh that area! Specially the bus and traffic efficiencies!

 

[JoWiJo]

Regarding checking room keys- once mydisneymagic fully implemented and key is simply a brightly colored wristband with distinctive mouse ear logo, bus drivers may start checking b/c no longer a hassle to make everyone dig into pocket, purse, etc.

This is essentially what I've been thinking. With the RFID stuff going in, if Disney wanted to address the issue of people staying off property taking up the seats on resort buses, they could implement a reader installed on the buses to verify that the people trying to board are, in fact, those who are staying in property.

 

[World Showcaser]

Since "resort guest" does not mean "guest staying at an onsite resort" but "guest of the WDW resort", the distinction is meaningless.

And this whole conversation is meaningless? What does it have to do with the thread really? Why not start a new thread and argue there?

I read that Cap'n Jacks is the only confirmed closure so far. Can anyone confirm that and/or a closure date?

I can't confirm it but it doesn't surprise me. I looked at the menu for my upcoming trip and Cap'n Jacks looked very uninteresting to us.

Will they keep Disney Quest?

This is a good question. It doesn't seem that popular to me but maybe I'm wrong. And it's a big use of space.

 

[sailorstitch]

I want to know what new retailers will come. its great idea to refresh that area! Specially the bus and traffic efficiencies!

This blog shows what stores will be coming to the new Disney Springs.
http://dolldiaries.com/american-girl-store-coming-to-orlando/

Notice, one of the stores is American Girl. I wonder what this will mean for Disney's doll line, My Disney Girl. Would AG agree to put a store there if Disney is selling a competing line? Will Disney do away with the line? Or will it be revamped and moved into the new AG store? Hopefully, the latter....

sailorstitch

 

[tjkraz]

This blog shows what stores will be coming to the new Disney Springs.
http://dolldiaries.com/american-girl-store-coming-to-orlando/

Notice, one of the stores is American Girl. I wonder what this will mean for Disney's doll line, My Disney Girl. Would AG agree to put a store there if Disney is selling a competing line? Will Disney do away with the line? Or will it be revamped and moved into the new AG store? Hopefully, the latter....

sailorstitch

That slide image was never publicly released and Disney has not mentioned any new vendors by name thus far. So it should be taken with a grain of salt.

Assuming it was prepared for Disney's internal use, contracts may not yet be finalized. Even if they are, all it takes is a bad financial quarter, stock drop or management change for a vendor to pull out. A lot can happen in 3 1/2 years...

 

[dgramling]

I can see the logic of what you are saying and I think that is why parking is not free full stop. I was just trying to be inclusive. Plus trying to get the burden away from SSR. as trying to get a bus from my home resort of SSR we watched lots of non resort guests get on first whilst we waited 45 mins gave up and drove. Even though there was a CM there with a clip board who knew what was going on. People actually would ask us as we walked where was the bus stop and what is the name of this resort!

Wonder if Disney has ever considered tacking the parking fee onto each ticket price. If parking is $14 increase the ticket price by that or $10-$12 after factoring off-site bus riders. Then reduce all tickets packages bought with a resort stay by the price of the parking. eliminate parking fees at the parks and then restore the Park to DD busses this would eliminate the incentive for people to park at Downtown and bus to the parks and would encourage people to come to downtown after the parks. This would push the ticket price over the 100 - per day but would be the same in the long run, but disney would also save the cost of the toll takers at each parking lot.

 

[World Showcaser]

Wonder if Disney has ever considered tacking the parking fee onto each ticket price. If parking is $14 increase the ticket price by that or $10-$12 after factoring off-site bus riders. Then reduce all tickets packages bought with a resort stay by the price of the parking. eliminate parking fees at the parks and then restore the Park to DD busses this would eliminate the incentive for people to park at Downtown and bus to the parks and would encourage people to come to downtown after the parks. This would push the ticket price over the 100 - per day but would be the same in the long run, but disney would also save the cost of the toll takers at each parking lot.

And what about those who stay onsite but don't have a package?

 

[NYUBwayBaby]

Assuming it was prepared for Disney's internal use, contracts may not yet be finalized. Even if they are, all it takes is a bad financial quarter, stock drop or management change for a vendor to pull out. A lot can happen in 3 1/2 years...

Exactly. I work in a theater that is in a shopping development that was mostly torn down in 2007. The idea was that they would rebuild everything and had all these contracts. I think my theater is the only one who is still with the company, and that's just because rent is super cheap because they are supposed to build us a new one. They still list some of the restaurants on their website, but a lot of the companies have found other locations in the area.

That said, I'd be excited for some of those stores if this is true and works out. And that could help with bringing locals in.

 

[dadddio]

And what about those who stay onsite but don't have a package?

What about the family of six who would have their cost increase by $70 per day under this plan

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

And what about those who stay onsite but don't have a package?

It's a good thought but it would be difficult to decide how much to add on to one ticket as you could not predict how many people would be in one vehicle and park. Also people that booked a bus tour and schools etc would loose out. I think either a 3 hour limit parking at down town disney as it is at present until the changes come or just ask to see people's room key at buses at SSR. Problem solved!

 

[tjkraz]

...or just ask to see people's room key at buses at SSR. Problem solved!

I don't see that happening. Sounds good in theory but I don't think Disney is going to put its bus drivers in the position of confronting guests and ultimately refusing entry. I know they used to ask for room keys 20 years ago but I just don't see it happening in 2013. Too much potential for ugly confrontation.

The more I think about this, I really don't think Disney will make any changes.

Running buses direct from the parks to DTD would cost money...I lot of money. I suspect execs patted themselves on the back years ago when they came up with justification to remove those bus loops.

In all likelihood, Disney will continue turning a blind eye to the situation. They'll count on most guests doing the right thing and paying the parking fee. The garage will at least get rid of some of the congestion in the DTD lots. And if those people happen to buy another overpriced beverage, meal or souvenir as they are trekking through DTD, so much the better.

Unfortunate for the SSR guests who are likely to see even more extra foot traffic through the resort accompanying the growth of DTD (or Disney Springs).

 

[Lewisc]

That is why they no longer run from park to park or park to downtown...t

When did Disney discontinue park to park buses? OK buses to/from MK stop at the TTC and monorail service from TTC to EPCOT. How else are guests who paid for park hopping able to go from park to park.

I get your point but go to the link you posted:


Q.

I’m not staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Can I use the monorails, buses and boats to get around Walt Disney World Resort?
A.

Yes. All Guests have complimentary access to our network of monorails, buses and boats. If you would like to visit multiple parks, enjoy a nice dinner at one of the Disney Resort hotels or shop at Downtown Disney Area, you can leave your car parked in the theme park lot and use our transportation network.

Of course that doesn't allow circumventing a parking fee. I'd say that statement allows guests who want to shop (or dine) in DTD use of bus service to SSR since it is the closest bus stop to DTD.

 

[davedmaine]

Wonder if Disney has ever considered tacking the parking fee onto each ticket price. If parking is $14 increase the ticket price by that or $10-$12 after factoring off-site bus riders. Then reduce all tickets packages bought with a resort stay by the price of the parking. eliminate parking fees at the parks and then restore the Park to DD busses this would eliminate the incentive for people to park at Downtown and bus to the parks and would encourage people to come to downtown after the parks. This would push the ticket price over the 100 - per day but would be the same in the long run, but disney would also save the cost of the toll takers at each parking lot.

With ideas like that you should work for the government..

 

[World Showcaser]

It's a good thought but it would be difficult to decide how much to add on to one ticket as you could not predict how many people would be in one vehicle and park. Also people that booked a bus tour and schools etc would loose out. I think either a 3 hour limit parking at down town disney as it is at present until the changes come or just ask to see people's room key at buses at SSR. Problem solved!

I was saying that it's not a good thought. I was saying it is a problematic plan. I wasn't the one who proposed it. I was saying that the plan wouldn't work because it doesn't offer the "parking discount" to guests who do stay onsite but don't buy a package. Someone else pointed out another occasion when this wouldn't work.