Downtown Disney parking issue

[samoyed]

OK so If I park in DTD for the wedding event where can I get a wheelchair? I did not know that DTD has wheelchairs to rent... I have been to Disney more times than you can count so I know I cannot get to DTD from the swan by boat, but just trying to work out this parking issue until the construction ends.. If it were not for the wedding I would not visit DTD until the construction was complete.

 

[mmouse50]

You can get a wheelchair at Guest Relations at DTD - or atleast you used to be able to.

But does anyone know when the new parking garage is to be open? I thought I heard somewhere that it was the first part of November.

 

[Grumpy92]

Construction is suppose to be complete in the Fall 2015.
Valet has limited hours, they often do not open until 4pm. Definitely get a wheelchair. You can get one at PO, have the guest staying there see if they can get it for you.

I think the boat option is the best one. They are cracking down on parking at the resorts who have the DTD boat. The walk from the dock to Portofino is a good distance and there are construction walls where you will have to walk thru tight corridors.

Traffic in the area is also extremely congested!!!

 

[Lewisc]

Yes - the definitely needed to address the parking issue at DTD ... but the way they have done it is ridiculous. Just listen to this weeks podcast ... I agree with everything in Pete's rant. He's dead on with this one - terrible planning, terrible construction plan, and terrible lack of consideration for guests.

I didn't listen to the podcast but there isn't that much Disney could do differently. Working 24/7 is one option. I think the area under construction is too close to resorts and hotels. Disney could close DTD completely during the construction. That won't fly for many different reasons.

The only thing that might make sense is better utilization of remote parking. Run buses from the EPCOT parking lot. Consider having no parking in DTD during the construction. That would eliminate cars looking for very few open parking spaces.

 

[twodogs]

I've only been to WDW twice with my kids, and family, and we stayed in BLT, so no car. I'm currently in Orlando for a conference (without my family, sadly), and staying at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes. I have a rental car and wanted to stop by World of Disney to get a few things for my daughters. I had not heard about the construction, so I am now a bit unsure if driving there will be a nightmare for parking?? I have not been to DTD on prior trips, so I can't even picture how to get there, where to park, etc. I don't mind valet if the price is not crazy. Any advice is much appreciated! I will be trying to go tomorrow (Saturday) night around 8pm or later, if that helps.

 

[twodogs]

I did end up going tonight (Saturday) and had no problem parking in the Casting lot. Arrived around 720PM. Such a fun time, even though I was by myself!! Glad I took a chance on the parking; it was no trouble at all. I would have been feeling differently if I'd had to go into the close-in lot because there was a long line and no places, but I headed straight for Casting based on advice here on the Dis, and that worked like a charm!

Here is my detailed post:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52140058#post52140058