DTD How bad is it right now?

[shoppie]

We will be at Disney on August 22nd. I was hoping to go to DTD for a little while that day if it wasn't too bad.

Anyone been there recently?

 

[Hunterr]

It's not THAT bad. Don't let everyone scare you off. I go there 2 or 3 times a month.

Assuming you're driving your own car and you are going anytime after 1 or 2pm, park at TEAM DISNEY across the street from the construction of the parking garage. It's a big lot, and you'll see large groups of people crossing at the crosswalk, so just follow them.

Even if there are spots elsewhere, the traffic is really bad just to get OUT of the actual remaining DTD parking areas.

As for the actual place, there are a lot of blocked off areas boarded up, but you won't ever get lost. And there's still plenty of things to do there.

 

[PJ]

I was there late afternoon yesterday (Saturday). Since you said you're looking at 8/22 which is a Friday you'll probably have a better experience. If you drive yourself, because of construction traffic and parking was a nightmare.

Crowds weren't too bad when I got there about 4:30 to meet a CM friend for dinner. When I left at 6:00 it was lot busier. Not as much seating in the common areas and lots of people in the shops.

Biggest issue is parking - on the route I took traffic was very backed up and they weren't letting anyone turn right into the lots. Took 15 minutes to go about 3 blocks where they routed us to the Team Disney parking lots. (Across from the new parking garage construction - roughly by Planet Hollywood). Took about 15 (very hot) minutes to walk from there to Earl Of Sandwich in the marketplace.

Also because of construction, most of the walk was through a winding corridor of walls.

I certainly wouldn't tell anyone not to go - but I'd avoid the weekends, and if you drive yourself, allow plenty of time to walk to where you're going if you have an ADR.

Others may have different experiences - this is just what I encountered yesterday.

Hope this helps!

 

[safetymom]

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/06/24/downtown-disney-land-of-construction-walls-and-cranes/

I sure wouldn't go during the busy times. Early morning is good. If you enjoy hunting for a parking spot then anytime of day is good.

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Where are the resort bus stops located now? Is there still one on the eastside?

 

[shoppie]

Thanks for the link and info!

We will be using the resort buses or taking a cab. We were really hoping to eat at Wolfgang Pucks, do a little shopping and get a picture taken on the Winnie the Pooh bench... I hope it's still there! DD and I took a photo on the bench last time we were there....

 

[smraynor]

I've always wondered if it was ok to park at Team Disney? Based on these posts I'll assume it is a yes.

 

[PJ]

I've always wondered if it was ok to park at Team Disney? Based on these posts I'll assume it is a yes.

It was actually not a bad place to park once I got there. They pretty good signage and had CM's manning the roads to direct you and to assist with crossing the busy street.

 

[SingingMom]

I will be the negative Nellie ... Lol

We were there July 8th and it was horrid! Took the boat from POFQ, but thunder stopped the boats from returning. The walkways were very crowded because of the construction and walls blocking areas and then it was impossible to find the taxi area to return, since the boats weren't running. The busses were all the way on the opposite side of where we were when it started to rain. All in all, a miserable visit! I doubt we'll return to DTD any time soon!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Nohal]

I had read that the bus stop that was Pleasure Island is not there anymore. We go to the Hess station across the street and it was convenient to hop on the bus to get back to the resort. Are you still able to get to the Hess station easily?

 

[Hunterr]

I've always wondered if it was ok to park at Team Disney? Based on these posts I'll assume it is a yes.

You mean as in being allowed to?
Oh yeah, once they started construction on the garage they HAD to open that lot up for guests. I'm curious as to where the employees park, because it must have been made big enough for that building for a reason.


I don't know if they do it nightly, but on busy nights there is a small shuttle bus that gets you from the Team Disney to the Cirque/Disney Quest area. But honestly, it's not a long walk across the street.

 

[smraynor]

You mean as in being allowed to?
Oh yeah, once they started construction on the garage they HAD to open that lot up for guests. I'm curious as to where the employees park, because it must have been made big enough for that building for a reason.


I don't know if they do it nightly, but on busy nights there is a small shuttle bus that gets you from the Team Disney to the Cirque/Disney Quest area. But honestly, it's not a long walk across the street.

Now I know why all those people were crossing the street.

On a side note I was able to tour the Team Disney building...it's quite impressive. This was back during the Disney Institute days.

 

[Mad Hattered]