Disney National Harbor

[Anal Annie]

We are about 30 to 40 min. from D.C. I would love to stay there.

Funny...I have ZERO interest in staying so close to home!!

 

[AllyBri]

Well you're on the DIS that is more expected.

Most of my Orlando friends (who are not on the DIS) say they haven't been there in years and have no interest. Similarly, when I lived an hour away, the vast majority of my co-workers hadn't been to Disney in many years and said they only went when they had relatives coming to town. They thought we were crazy to go to Disney and Universal 4-5 times a year.

So I don't think your experience would be the norm outside the "DIS" universe that we all live in!

Actually is has nothing to do with the DIS boards, the people that I refer to never read the boards.

 

[maciec]

We went to NH last year and stayed at the Residence in. We loved staying at NH. We took the Branch Station metro into DC and found it quick and easy to get to. There was plenty of parking and we didn't feel uncomfotable there at all. I can't wait to go back. I don't think that I would stay anywhere else other than NH now. I do wish that they had a ferry of some sorts to get us into DC without having to take the metro. It would be slow, but a beautiful ride.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

We saw the big signs when we went to see ICE! at Christmas time in 2009 and I was wondering if there was anymore info on this property....I was googling for some information about this resort and of course this thread popped up. Unfortunately, there is no information put out after about 5/2009 that even mentions Disney building in the area.

I have to say...I wasn't thinking it was going to be just a place to stay at while I visit DC like a lot of PP's mentioned. I was thinking more like a Disney Themed resort- where we really wouldn't leave the hotel or the area if we were staying for a weekend. I would think they would have a really cool indoor pool, hopefully a restaurant or two, character meals, kids activities, etc.

We are local and I am actually VERY excited about this prospect, but never really considered transportation issues, etc. because I was hoping the resort could stand alone- similar to a Great Wolf Lodge type destination.

So, does anyone have any more information on this land? Or will the sign continue to taunt us for years to come?

 

[vicki_c]

There is no more info and actually there's a more current thread -we were just talking about it last week. But it still has no more info in it. It's all TBD.

Actually here's the thread - but it's mostly more of the same.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2625592

 

[nuts]

What about the other locations in rumours (Vegas or Mexico)? Wasn't there a survey a year or two ago on these two locations?

 

[bdcp]

DH and I both grew up about 5 miles from the National Harbor site and IL's are still there in PG county. We still can't get over the fact they built it where they did. That used to be swampy riverfront and was dropped by a couple of developers over the years. We stayed at the ALoft this past Oct and I remember seeing something on one of the wooden walls around store construction about Disney, but didn't really pay attention to it as we thought it was just a store. Anyway, for us getting around the DC area is no big deal because we grew up here, but we avoid PG county as much as possible.

The National Harbor area is nice but it is also well patrolled by police and is always busy. Once you leave the National Harbor area, there really isn't a lot I would go to anymore. Ft. Washington (the fort) used to be a great place to hang out, but we won't go there anymore either. We really feel like we can't go home again. Everyone we knew (except the IL's) including my parents have moved out and the businesses and neighborhoods are all different and we really feel out of place there. It's sad.

Everyone who grew up there when we did all have pretty much the same opinion and we all know why it is the way it is in PG county. Gangs and drugs in particular have become huge problems.

 

[Sheribo]

What about the other locations in rumours (Vegas or Mexico)? Wasn't there a survey a year or two ago on these two locations?

I don't think I'd buy at DVC Vegas or Mexico but we'd certainly visit!!

 

[ssawka]

What about the other locations in rumours (Vegas or Mexico)? Wasn't there a survey a year or two ago on these two locations?

I really can't see Vegas. I don't think "Sin City" would fit with the Disney image. I know in the past there was a push to advertise Vegas as "Family Friendly" but it never really worked and I think that that marketing was abandoned with the "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" slogan.

 

[ssawka]

DH and I both grew up about 5 miles from the National Harbor site and IL's are still there in PG county. We still can't get over the fact they built it where they did. That used to be swampy riverfront and was dropped by a couple of developers over the years. We stayed at the ALoft this past Oct and I remember seeing something on one of the wooden walls around store construction about Disney, but didn't really pay attention to it as we thought it was just a store. Anyway, for us getting around the DC area is no big deal because we grew up here, but we avoid PG county as much as possible.

The National Harbor area is nice but it is also well patrolled by police and is always busy. Once you leave the National Harbor area, there really isn't a lot I would go to anymore. Ft. Washington (the fort) used to be a great place to hang out, but we won't go there anymore either. We really feel like we can't go home again. Everyone we knew (except the IL's) including my parents have moved out and the businesses and neighborhoods are all different and we really feel out of place there. It's sad.

Everyone who grew up there when we did all have pretty much the same opinion and we all know why it is the way it is in PG county. Gangs and drugs in particular have become huge problems.

Um, gangs and drugs are a real problem across the river as well! NOVA currently has many active gangs. I'm not saying PG County isn't bad, but there are bad areas everywhere around DC and almost every other metropolitan area.

 

[Judique]

Um, gangs and drugs are a real problem across the river as well! NOVA currently has many active gangs. I'm not saying PG County isn't bad, but there are bad areas everywhere around DC and almost every other metropolitan area.

The one thing I haven't noticed anyone mentioning is that you can get there right of the beltway without going through neighborhoods. NH basically has it's own beltway exit, which makes it amazingly simple to exit and enter. Coming and going on the bridge, you must however always stay to the right or you will miss the exits.

Branch Ave metro is about 3 miles from me. It's 6-7 miles from National Harbor. Not overly convenient for parking from NH- the Union Station idea mentioned is much simpler and faster. The plus for Branch would be free on the weekends. It's also safe with lots of parking.

And, PG County bashing is the sport around here. After 22 years I am used to it. I'm still not moving....until I can retire somewhere warmer.
It's 20 minutes to the White House, 30 minutes to Annapolis, less than an hour to Baltimore, 4 hrs to NYC, 2 and 1/2 to Ocean City, 12-13 hours of driving to WDW, and maybe 15 minutes when there's no traffic to get Krispy Kremes on Route 1! Plus gas is cheaper by 10-30 cents per gallon then DC and Montgomery County. Of course AAFB is my next door neighbor and those pesky green and white helicoptors are always flying over my house!

Seriously though - National Harbor is a great location for a stop if you are driving through to Disney and possibly want a mini DC vacay. I am happy to see some are discovering it. A few years back, I suggested it to someone just before the Gaylord opened in 08(rates around $99-119 at the time) and someone from the other side of the beltway shooed them away with all the 'you'll be murdered in your beds' talk about this area. They told them to go to Bethesda and stay safely over there and commute in to the Mall. What a time waster....and a load of misinformation.

 

[csharpwv]

I have said it a few times here on the DIS - but I REALLY think Disney/DVC needs to build an indoor water park and resort on this location!
There aren't any indoor water parks in the DC metro area - it would be GREAT to have Disney about 4 hours away from us!

A lazy river 'fix' would be FANTASTIC about right now - it's snowing - about 2 inches of snow on the ground.

I'm in the DC Metro area for work all the time - so I would LOVE to see Disney/DVC build at the National Harbor!

 

[Doug7856]

I have said it a few times here on the DIS - but I REALLY think Disney/DVC needs to build an indoor water park and resort on this location!
There aren't any indoor water parks in the DC metro area - it would be GREAT to have Disney about 4 hours away from us!

A lazy river 'fix' would be FANTASTIC about right now - it's snowing - about 2 inches of snow on the ground.

I'm in the DC Metro area for work all the time - so I would LOVE to see Disney/DVC build at the National Harbor!

I agree! A Disney indoor water park belongs at National Harbor!

 

[Doug7856]

The one thing I haven't noticed anyone mentioning is that you can get there right of the beltway without going through neighborhoods. NH basically has it's own beltway exit, which makes it amazingly simple to exit and enter. Coming and going on the bridge, you must however always stay to the right or you will miss the exits.

Branch Ave metro is about 3 miles from me. It's 6-7 miles from National Harbor. Not overly convenient for parking from NH- the Union Station idea mentioned is much simpler and faster. The plus for Branch would be free on the weekends. It's also safe with lots of parking.

And, PG County bashing is the sport around here. After 22 years I am used to it. I'm still not moving....until I can retire somewhere warmer.
It's 20 minutes to the White House, 30 minutes to Annapolis, less than an hour to Baltimore, 4 hrs to NYC, 2 and 1/2 to Ocean City, 12-13 hours of driving to WDW, and maybe 15 minutes when there's no traffic to get Krispy Kremes on Route 1! Plus gas is cheaper by 10-30 cents per gallon then DC and Montgomery County. Of course AAFB is my next door neighbor and those pesky green and white helicoptors are always flying over my house!

Seriously though - National Harbor is a great location for a stop if you are driving through to Disney and possibly want a mini DC vacay. I am happy to see some are discovering it. A few years back, I suggested it to someone just before the Gaylord opened in 08(rates around $99-119 at the time) and someone from the other side of the beltway shooed them away with all the 'you'll be murdered in your beds' talk about this area. They told them to go to Bethesda and stay safely over there and commute in to the Mall. What a time waster....and a load of misinformation.

I think you make some great points.

The ramp off the beltway goes directly into the resort. It's easy access. Some great bus service and tour options would be easy for Disney to offer.

With regard to the location's access to other great locations -- Annapolis, Philly, Mount Vernon, Ocean City even Williamsburg -- this gives Adventures by Disney some great touring options from this location.

So many possibilities!

 

[vicki_c]

It's okay Judique - sorry about the no love for PG County! I worked in PG county for 2 years when I first moved to MD, near FedEx field - it was totally fine. In fact, we were just over there for dinner at the Carolina Kitchen on Friday night, and at Wegman's yesterday. Now that Wegman's is there, we are over there at least once a month! There are bad areas in PG County and better areas, just like every other county.

 

[Judique]

It's okay Judique - sorry about the no love for PG County! I worked in PG county for 2 years when I first moved to MD, near FedEx field - it was totally fine. In fact, we were just over there for dinner at the Carolina Kitchen on Friday night, and at Wegman's yesterday. Now that Wegman's is there, we are over there at least once a month! There are bad areas in PG County and better areas, just like every other county.

Exactly! (Not to say that I wouldn't want to change a LOT of things!)

I love Wegman's! I try to get in there for a few things a couple of times a month also.

I haven't tried Carolina Kitchen...did you enjoy it? My two girls work at the Community College near there, so maybe we'll give it a try.

Back to DVC - If Wyndham can keep the timeshare going in Alexandria, I don't see why a few DVC rooms wouldn't work for NH. People bought the Alexandria location when there was nothing much there. I did the tour when (I think it was by Fairfield) it was first built. The rooms were okay and seemed small to me by DVC standards. I wasn't hooked but the point was they were trying to sell a timeshare to locals and marketing as an excellent trade option because there are so few in this area.

I can see a DVC at NH something along the lines of HH, with an activity schedule where for x$ a person, you are taken on a tour - not quite Adventures by Disney with the huge price tag, but similar on a smaller scale. The minibus to the mall and monuments, trip to Mount Vernon, sailing or boating on the Potomac, crabbing and fishing on the Bay,etc. Of course with an always smiling staff and cranberry cookies and apple cider or lemonade at checkin!

 

[Doug7856]

It's okay Judique - sorry about the no love for PG County! I worked in PG county for 2 years when I first moved to MD, near FedEx field - it was totally fine. In fact, we were just over there for dinner at the Carolina Kitchen on Friday night, and at Wegman's yesterday. Now that Wegman's is there, we are over there at least once a month! There are bad areas in PG County and better areas, just like every other county.

I digress, but we love the new Costco too!

 

[Judique]

I digress, but we love the new Costco too!

I prefer the Brandywine Costco. Still, it is very convenient to have one in that location so that I can grab gas on the way, when going north. Also, that Costco doesn't sell out of stuff as fast as Brandywine does. And some of their meat and prepared food packs are done up in smaller sizes which is nice. Now, I would also like a Trader Joe's that is closer then Alexandria or Annapolis, where I can buy treats to take to DVC (keeping on topic here!)

 

[bristodr]

DC would be cool for a DVC site for those of us DVC members in the northeast - and theres a bunch of us! Great little getaway spot without the steep Concierge point cost.

 

[DebbieB]

DC would be cool for a DVC site for those of us DVC members in the northeast - and theres a bunch of us! Great little getaway spot without the steep Concierge point cost.

But would you be willing to buy points there? I would be surprised if DVC opens a resort there, I think the points would be hard to sell. Sure current members would like to stay there but they need to sell the points.