DTD Parking

[Feralpeg]

Heads up to those planning on driving to DTD soon. I went to DTD today planning on having lunch. They have now closed half of the parking lot directly in front of World of Disney for valet parking. The parking lot that begins in front of The Basin is still open, but you cannot enter the parking lot in front of World of Disney through the main Marketplace entrance unless you plan on parking valet.

The half of the parking lot that was in front of Pollo Campero (the building has been knocked down) is open, but you must enter through the entrance across from the Hess station.

I spent about 15 minutes trying to find parking and gave up. The only parking I saw available was near Cirque and I didn't have the time to walk from there to the Marketplace today. It was irritating since there were very few cars parked valet. Probably ten lanes of empty spaces that were not available unless I was willing to pay $15 to valet.

In short, parking is becoming a bigger and bigger problem at DTD. With the large lot closed for the construction of the parking structure and now two areas reserved for valet parking (one at the Marketplace and one near Cirque), it is difficult to find parking during the day let alone at night.

If I were staying at a Disney resort, I would definitely use the bus transportation rather than try to mess with the parking situation. Unfortunately, I am a local so parking is my only option. I see a lot fewer trips to DTD in my future until the construction is complete.

 

[MmmSuite]

I'm sorry you couldn't park! How long is it all going to be under construction?

 

[dawgfan]

I believe the $15 for valet is the key component here $$$$$$$$$$. Seriously, DTD parking has always been a problem...at least when I have gone. Removing spaces only makes that farrrrrr worse.

 

[Feralpeg]

I'm not sure how long the construction will last. It has been going on for at least six months. It could be another year or so before everything is done.

 

[OKW Lover]

When did they start to charge for valet at DTD?

 

[mesaboy2]

Just drove through that area.

Friday night + construction = major fubar

Impossible almost just to drop someone off.

 

[DOOM1001]

Can you still park across the street?

 

[DisneyWisher]

I hope the height limit for the parking garage is high. I work for Roadside Assistance and as soon as a towing company hears the vehicle is in a parking garage they turn down the call. Worst places are DC and NYC. I had a woman yell at me because no one could tow her car. She said "it's not rocket science" so wanted to say "why would you park a 4 wheel drive SUV in an underground parking garage with a clearance of 5'10"? I wanted to say "my dad can't even walk in that garage without ducking because he's 6'1 but you want a tow truck to fit in it?!?!?! Sorry off topic I know but word of caution if you are possibly having problems with your car don't park in a garage.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I believe the $15 for valet is the key component here $$$$$$$$$$. Seriously, DTD parking has always been a problem...at least when I have gone. Removing spaces only makes that farrrrrr worse.

I agree. We almost missed our t-rex ADR last year after circling for 1/2 hour for a spot. We went back a few days later and had the same issue during the day. So I cant imagine what its like now. If its still under construction in September, we may have to use..... buses

 

[Gramontherun]

Planning a stay a POR so hope to use the boat. Are the spots for the boat at Rainforest affected?

 

[thedonduck]

It will definitely still be under construction for the see able future. There are so much going into Disney Springs, I wouldn't be surprised if parts were blocked off for the next few years. Just wait until they start really messing with traffic with the addition of the I4 ramps

 

[Feralpeg]

When did they start to charge for valet at DTD?

They started last fall. They set up an area near Cirque.

 

[POOHsie]

Planning a stay a POR so hope to use the boat. Are the spots for the boat at Rainforest affected?

The boat dock near Rainforest (which served POR and some other boats) is closed. Captain Jack's is gone. There is a pedestrian bridge being constructed from former Captain Jack's over to Pleasure Island. The POR boat now arrives at Pleasusre Island. Not sure if POR boat will go back to Rainforest dock after construction is completely done.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Anyone know if valet at DTD is inclued with TiW proof of dining the way it is at resorts?

 

[michelle06]

We are staying offsite and want to visit DTD. We have been before but it's been about 4 years and we are not really familiar with all of the various parking lots, etc. How hard will it be for us to figure out how to get in and where to park and then find where we want to go? We really just want to go to the section that is shopping with World of Disney and a couple specialty shops like the pin store. I don't mind walking but I prefer to drive around to see where I am going so I don't spend too long walking around the parking lot not knowing where I am going. So, how hard will this be?

We had hoped to go on our off day, but if it's really that bad, I guess we could go on a park day and take the bus over. I just really didn't want a long park day and then more time on our feet shopping.

 

[mesaboy2]

We are staying offsite and want to visit DTD. We have been before but it's been about 4 years and we are not really familiar with all of the various parking lots, etc. How hard will it be for us to figure out how to get in and where to park and then find where we want to go? We really just want to go to the section that is shopping with World of Disney and a couple specialty shops like the pin store. I don't mind walking but I prefer to drive around to see where I am going so I don't spend too long walking around the parking lot not knowing where I am going. So, how hard will this be?

We had hoped to go on our off day, but if it's really that bad, I guess we could go on a park day and take the bus over. I just really didn't want a long park day and then more time on our feet shopping.

These days, very hard. There are electronic signs directing you to parking and valet parking. I'd Google "Downtown Disney Orlando Map" under Image Search and find a map--that's your best tool for figuring out where things are.

 

[michelle06]

These days, very hard. There are electronic signs directing you to parking and valet parking. I'd Google "Downtown Disney Orlando Map" under Image Search and find a map--that's your best tool for figuring out where things are.

Thanks.

 

[NYDisneyKid]

I believe the $15 for valet is the key component here $$$$$$$$$$.

Phase 1 to paid parking at DTD.

 

[Traveliz]

Just as a FYI. I valet parked near Cirque Monday the 26th and it was 20.00 plus tip and you pay in advance (unlike the resorts) so I do not believe using TIW will work. Liz

 

[jacksonsmom]

How is it taking a cab?
We are going to La Nouba in 2 weeks and was thinking instead of dealing with the resort buses, just taking a cab.
Would they be able to drop us off near the Westside though?