DTD worth going to just for dinner?

[kimkim]

We are going in September (me, DD9 and DS7). My mom is thinking about joining us as well for several nights, but she probably won't get park tickets for all the days. So I'm trying to find some non-park restaurants for dinner (otherwise I would make most dinners at Epcot for the convenience). We are on the DDP. Mom wont' be on the DDP, but I understand it's OK for her to pay OOP and we can use our credits for our meals.

We are staying at the Beach Club. Is it worth it to go to DTD one night just for dinner (it would need to be a DDP place for our credits)? Is there stuff to see and do there other than just eat (taking into account kids and a senior citizen that is!)? I've already got us booked at Cape May Clam Bake one night, but need to fill one more dinner with a non-theme park if possible. I don't really want to go to another resort to eat, I'd rather go somerwhere different so DTD looks like a good choice.

Is it easy/quick to get the shuttle from BC to DTD? Does the shuttle run often? We won't have a car, so driving isn't an option!

I apologize if this isn't the right forum. It sort of has to do with the restaurants, but also with transporation!


Thanks in advance!
Kim

 

[chipscamping buddy]

DTD is a great place for dinner, with many interesting restaurant choices. Planet Hollywood is a neat place, with good food. My personal favorite is Wolfgang Pucks, they have some of the best food of anywhere in the parks.

As for things to do there, first is super shopping, if you want to get something Disney, they have it here. There are also several unique and different stores that you are unlikely to have at home. The lego store is always a delight, and the new car store is a big hit.

Transportation is easy. The buses run regularly from all resorts and parks to DTD. You might wait a bit, but generally a bus every twenty minutes is the rule.

 

[poohbear2]

You will love DTD. We go all the time. There is so much to see. Lots of window shopping and lots of places to eat. It is worth it.

 

[pixarmom]

Before I sound like a complete downer, I'll say that you should give DTD a try if you've never been there before!! I just don't think the transportation is very quick or easy (compared to WDW transportation to other places) but if you allow enough time you might not mind that.

My first suggestion would be another Crescent Lake resort restaurant (like Boardwalk!) Our most recent stays have been at BC and WL, but wherever we have stayed, we've thought transportation to DTD has been particularly slow. The buses seem to come less frequently for DTD than anywhere else. That's part of the reason we're not big DTD fans. And we love WDW transportation - never use a car.

I also have 3 boys and a husband, so not much shopping time for me, and we haven't loved the restaurants as much as some of the other posters have.

But wait!! I didn't know about this new car store - can anyone provide more details??

 

[iloveeeyore]

WDW bus service from ALL of the resorts to DTD has been horrendous, in our experience. IMO, there is NO single restaurant in DTD that is worth the time and aggravation it costs to get there by Disney bus system...especially when there are so many other, more easily accessible dining venues to try!

However, if you want to spend some time in DTD, shop and have dinner for the experience, it is a nice place to explore, and there are some very good restaurants. I'd say decide what you really want to get out of the experience, and if you decide you'd enjoy the area for several hours...consider a taxi!

 

[amyy]

We love DTD and a trip to Disney wouldn't be complete without a night here. Lost of places to eat and shopping too.

 

[CathieArms]

I'm told Ragland Road is fantastic, so I'm actually planning dinner one night at DTD just for the purpose of having dinner at RR.

 

[kramer222]

Raglan Road IS pretty good. But other than that, the sit-down dining options are pretty forgettable. Counter service food is a little better: Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express are always wonderful.

I think you should go to DTD, but not just for the food. There's lots of Disneyphile shopping opportunities, plus other shops. And I think the atmosphere is really cool. Not as cool as Main Street or World Showcase, but pretty great.

A grain of salt: if you don't think you'll have TIME, skip it and spend more time at your favorite park.

 

[rance]

I found it crazy buzy when we were there and have no desire to go back. My vote would be to skip it.

 

[Silver Queen]

The only time that we would go to DDT for a meal was if we were staying at Saratoga Springs and we could just take the short boat ride over. If we had a parent-in-law with us we would probably go to one of the MK resort restaurants (Like Kona Cafe or Grand Floridian Cafe). After dinner you could go to the beach at the Poly and watch and listen to Wishes from there (they have speakers). Another resort choice would be the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Kindani Village. They're lovely resorts to visit. DDT is very commercial and can get crowded in the evening. If you're really into the shopping you may want to go there.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would highly recommend Earl of Sandwich and it's located in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

 

[Mr_G3]

Earle of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express are both very good (CS credits on QSDP or DDP). There are also lots of good "snack" places and plenty of interesting shopping spots. If you have some "down" time away from the parks, this is a good place to visit.

It can be busy, so try a late lunch or early dinner to avoid long waits. My kids love the pin trading store and of course, the Disney Store. The Disney Store is huge, but it can be very crowded. We had our own car, so I can't comment on bus transportation. Parking was tough in the evening, but not too bad for morning/afternoon.

 

[mkarizona]

We love wandering around DTD at night, even with my 92 year old dad!! And we never miss an opportunity to eat at Earl of Sandwich. We also enjoy riding the boats at night just for fun. Of course we also think the busses are part of the charm of Disney!

 

[tjmw2727]

We like DTD but I agree - have patience with the bus service FWIW I always have cab fare handy when leaving DTD just in case!

Our favorites are Wolfgang Puck and Ragland Road, we like to wander the shops and the kids like the live DJ's jugglers and such -kind of a street party. They also have the teathered balloon flight, we are hopeing to try it in August.

In your situation I would also consider something at the Poly, or CR so your mom could enjoy the MK fireworks after dinner from the beach at the Poly or from the CR as well as the electrical water parade.

We love Ohana so I would recommend that followed by the fireworks from the beach and the water parade but the Contemporary has some great restaurants as well.

Another favorite of ours is Whispering Canyon - lots of fun for the whole famil and the WL is georgeous.

You can get to either by the MK bus - then monorial to the Poly or CR and boat to the WL.

 

[TheDisneyingNewfie]

I'm with most of the others. Downtown Disney does have things to see/do so if you've never been there, you should go.

But I'll also second (or third?) the notion that there's lots of restaurants to try at all the other resorts. Ohana's is certainly a great choice if you time it with the fireworks. Hoop-de-doo, Whispering Canyon, etc. All pretty easy to get to.

Have a great trip.