Anyone hate Downtown Disney?

[Purrrrfecta]

Gotta say,
I love DTD It is an awesome place.

love staying at the hilton when I really need the DTD fix

 

[kylara]

I have to agree with those liking DTD. I don't like the McD but many people do because it is quick and relatively inexpensive compared to other places on property. I really like the Lego store and the play area for kids.

I think that DTD has many more dining choices than it did at the Village Marketplace..and when you add the West Side, there are so many choices for that small area.

As for the RFC, don't like the food, but think the theming fits right in with Disney.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I wouldn't say I hate DTD, but it is one of the places at WDW that is not important for me to visit. I went my first WDW trip, because I was staying at POR and wanted to try out the water taxi. I thought it was pretty neat, but I haven't been back since.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I enjoy going at least once each time. I find more souvenier type items there, and I enjoy the scenery (its a great place to sit and people watch!)

BUT most of all, I love that its FREE with FREE parking. can you tell I'm cheap? It's a great place to catch some Disney magic without the cost =)

That being said, I am too young to remember what it was like before... so its hard to comment on that. =)

 

[palmtreegirl]

Love it!

 

[Stini228]

Hey all, it's my first post One of my favorite things to do on my last day at Disney is to go to DTD to shop and people watch, it's great. (and I can't seem to stop calling it "the village" lol)

Christine

 

[copper68]

I have to say that I agree and disagree....I do miss the old, quaint, Disney Village...I can remember going back in the mid 80's and it was so quiet and peaceful...as the area started developing, I became nostalgic for the old days when it felt like it was almost my private place....I also hate the parking situation there now...something needs to be done about that...

now with that being said...it is still absolutely wonderful...I don 't want to take anything away from what it is now...although I agree that they should have some more specialty type shops there...the glass blower was nice....but it is an event in itself...there is still nothing like browsing though the shops and seeing stuff that you won't see back at home...

Maybe they can start a new Disney Village, which we can enjoy till that gets huge also...lol...

 

[vicb]

This post caught my eye not because I hate DTD but on our last trip we all mutually decided we could skip this next time.

It was the night before Mardi Gras and it was mobbed. 90 min. waits at RFC (we only waited 30 with Safari Club), the line outside of Ghiradellis was so long we didn't even attempt it and we were too pooped to really shop much (had been at BB all day). DH says too much like mall shopping.

We do like the Lego Store for DS though. And the other time we went was in the morning when it was quiet so might visit earlier in the day if at all next time.

This was part of our "non-park" day using our hoppers, decided we would spring for the extra day next time so we could have strolled Epcot that night instead!

 

[Spartan]

We like it - but the worst thing about it is the mobs of people. Forget MK on a Saturday afternoon - avoid DTD on a Saturday night! One thing I like about it, is that it gives us nightowls something to do after the parks close - especially in value season when things close early.

Also, I have to admit, I like the McDonalds there. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a $2 hamburger or sundae instead of a $10 one.

 

[airhead]

But not too crazy about Pleasure Island...

 

[JESW]

We always make a stop or two a DTD when we are at WDW. I am not a big fan of eating at McDonald's, but it's one of the few things our very picky DS9 will eat. DH takes the two kids there and then to the lego store and I get to go shopping ALONE!

Jill

 

[drdelsol]

I still like the current downtown Disney But I can see your point. I don't like the parking nearly as much now, but I'm getting used to it. I'm guessing part of what your missing is the lack of building growth and crowds. But, that's the whole state. There is 2-3 times the people here as opposed to 25yrs ago when DTD was more laid back.

 

[sotoalf]

I'm the original poster. Look, the problem I see with DTD is how bland and corporate it's become. Except for the World of Disney and the Xmas chalet, you'll find most of the other stores in your average shopping-mall or outlet. What's next? A Pottery Barn??? Starbucks??? That's not a Disney experience - why would I travel hundreds of miles to eat food or visit stores I could patronize back home?

That's partly why, despite its ugliness, I love the Contemporary: it's what it represents. Love it or hate it, it's kitschy '60s outer space vibe was part of Disney's intention: make science and modern architecture less intimidating by emphasizing how fun it can be.

Like I said in my original post, "Downtown Disney" may not be so impressive when your average downtown DOES look like Disney, or looks Disney-esque. The West Side, for instance, wouldn't be out of place in Times Square.

 

[Disney Debbie]

Well, for those of us who live in boonieville and were THRILLED with our ONE trip to Times Square - DTD is kind of fun! I know it comes as a shock to people who live in or near big cities - but lots of us DON'T have a Rainforest Cafe or a Planet Hollywood or ANY of the other things they have at DTD! What you see as a minus - we see as a plus! The nicest restaurant in my town is literally named "The Steak House" and the next closest thing to a "nice" restaurant is called "The Horseshoe"! And believe me - it's name fits the so called atmosphere! I enjoy DTD because it is so different from anything even close to me!

I remember when it was Lake Buena Vista and really didn't like it as much. For one thing, the only time I go is at night and lots of things were closed. There were even fewer places to eat back then.

 

[drcmk]

I've already decided that DTD will probably not be part of our next WDW itinerary. There are definitely some shops that we could not find at home (e.g. Lego store). On our last trip, spending a morning at DTD definitely encouraged us to spend money and buy stuff that we otherwise would not have and probably weren't especially thrilled with once we got home. There are so many other things to do, places to eat and plenty more souvenir opportunities elsewhere in The World that DTD is avoidable for us. And PI was never our kind of scene.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

My ex-husband told me for years how much he loved WDW, and finally we went there in 1993. The crowds at the parks were horrendous and he hated to stand in line, so we spent 3 of our 5 days at DTD (or whatever it was called) - I have more memories of wandering the shops than anything about the parks. It's funny, but I now have no desire to go anywhere near there! I figure I can shop anywhere, so it is not a priority at all when I'm at WDW. We don't have a Rainforest Cafe around here, so maybe someday I'll try it - and DTD (again).

 

[Kimberle]

I don't know, I've never been to DTD.................

I always thought it was just shopping & food. I'm not a big "shopper" when I'm on vacation & can buy enought stuff in the parks and at the resort gift shops.

We always stay near MK, which is the complete opposite end of DTD. Never wanted to "waste" time.............

Maybe someday....

 

[pumpkinboy]

...big, bland, and lifeless...

You hit the nail on the head. Also on the dining options, you are also right: Cap'n Jack's is still terrible, and Raiforest Cafe with huge plates of aweful food in gloppy sauces. Earl of Sandwich is OK, and when you come right down to it, the McDonalds is still where you get the most value for money.

On our trips, its good for about a morning. Usually have to head to the mega Disney Store, cuz it's cool. and the fountains are great. And DTD is the single best place to pick up your Rewards Card from your Disney Visa; they can do it intantly there! (and that's the main reason for going there).

Really, give us something interesting and we'll flock there, and maybe even buy DVC points at SSR next door.

 

[PamNC]

with you 100%!!!!!!!!! Everything you said mirrors my feelings exactly.

I long for the old Village Marketplace. Another thing you didn't mention - cleanliness. We were there in Feburary and took some time to go to DTD - it doesn't appear to be as well kept as it use to be.

I don't like it - and we won't go back. Waste of my time.

PamNC

P.S. I like Pleasure Island as well.


PamNC

 

[Miffy2003]

We love DTD....

Children playing happily on the Lego play equipment and with the Lego bricks, me and DH sipping a delicious fruit cocktail while watching them in peace and quiet. Bliss!!

Karen