Is DTD worth checking out on first visit to WDW?

[ashleendanny]

Should we try to fit in Downtown Disney in our first trip, or wait for another time, I am interested in the shopping, but didn't know if it is something we should try to do another time. I figured I could maybe go down a couple of evenings if the rest of my clan wasn't up for it, like do you just catch a bus down there or how does that work? What types of stores are there and how late does it stay open?

Ashlee

 

[madthemouse]

If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can catch a bus to DTD.

If you like shopping I would travel to DTD. Thay have some cool stores. And some excellent dining options. It may be something for your entire family to enjoy. I would suggest to checkout what DTD has, so you can plan accordingly.

Try the Allears web site for mor information. http://allears.net/btp/beyond.htm

 

[minnierocks]

We always take the time for an evening at DTD. On our first trip, the Lego store was a big hit and and the World of Disney is so much fun! Last time, my teenage son and his dad built their own lightsabers and dueled outside (all the way down the sidewalk ) It's very relaxing to walk around...a nice break from the hustle of the parks

 

[DisneyCP08]

I agree with minnierocks and madthehouse it is a fun place to walk around and there are some great places to eat at. We love going to World of Disney and seeing what type of new lego statues are out in front of the Lego store. The little kids love the huge Stitch at the entrance at World of Disney, the Train, and the water that shoots from the ground.

 

[ashleendanny]

Awesome, so sounds like something we for sure wanna check out!!!

I am not sure about our Tepan Edo reservations at Epcot, so we may forgo that and eat at DTD.

So next questions, good eating places at DTD and about how much time should I allow for DTD??

Thanks everyone!!!

Ashlee

 

[mommy2mrb]

Try the Earl of Sandwiches...yummy!!!
I would give yourself 3-4 hours at least especially if eating.
We always spend at least 1 afternoon shopping and hanging out. The lego store and world of disney will take a good chunk out of your time!
Enjoy!

 

[mytripsandraces]

Your children might enjoy the dance parties, too. I've seen them on a couple of visits when I've been down there in the evening. There's a DJ who teaches dance moves and everyone gets into it. Our usual DTD visit includes Earl of Sandwich and/or Cooke's and a sundae at Ghiradelli. I also like to bring home a custom treat from Goofy's.

 

[mytripsandraces]

Awesome, so sounds like something we for sure wanna check out!!!

I am not sure about our Tepan Edo reservations at Epcot, so we may forgo that and eat at DTD.

So next questions, good eating places at DTD and about how much time should I allow for DTD??

Thanks everyone!!!

Ashlee

My parents just tried House of Blues for the first time and they really enjoyed it, plus they got to use a restaurant.com certificate for their meal, so they even splurged a little. I prefer counter service (saves time and money), so I hit, as I mentioned above, either Earl of Sandwich (the holiday sandwich is the best!) or Cooke's.

 

[FunkyDuck]

Your boys would probably love T REX CAFE...lots of fun...great atmosphere...also this year we have put aside a full day for DTD and it will include a visit to Disney Quest...which we have never done...so my 13 year old is excited about checking it out...

 

[DOOM1001]

I still have my $25 Restaurant.com certificate for House of Blues as last time we went it was after 10pm and they had switched to their late night menu which meant not all of their entrees were available but also appetizers were 1/2 price,we opted to buy a couple of appetizers and save or certificate for when they have the full menu available.Another thumbs up for Earl.DTD is worth it just for World of Disney which is basically like a Disney department store,pretty much every Disney item you could want is there.

 

[AprilRenee]

If you have DDP and have a CS meal left, I highly recomend Wolfgang Puck Express. My husband and I LOVED it! We actually made a second trip down to DTD during our visit to eat there again. The food was much nicer than the average CS meal (though it only cost 1 CS from the DDP). AND you order at the counter then go sit down and they bring you your meal and serve you like it's a TS meal. The food was FABULOUS and the atmosphere very relaxing...it was a nice break from the crazyness that the normal CS meal is.

 

[njmom47]

Basin! I love that shop...I splurge on a couple of things for myself.

 

[Chelley00]

We always do DTD. I usually schedule it for the evening of our Animal Kingdom visit since that park closes earlier. We usually eat dinner somewhere at DTD, then walk around for the evening.

 

[keatonsmommy03]

Last March was our first trip and we were there for 5 day and did each park one day and MK two days. Kids were 6,3,and 2 and we were so tired, excited, and overwhelmed that we didn't/couldn't make time for downtown. I regret not going but I think there are always going to be things at WDW that you don't get to do that you wanted to for one reason or another. We are going back 3/11 and have figured out a better way to experience more. I think that everybody make some sort of rookie mistake. You will figure it all out, what works for your family, what you want to do again and what is lower on the must do list.

I will say if you haven't thought of this yet here are some good tips for souvenirs:

1. If you are close to a Disney store then go there often to find things on sale, hide them and bring them out on your trip

( I bought Disney reusable bags, filled them with goodies and snuck them into the room when the kids were in the pool and told them that Mickey had came to our room and left them a surprise)

2. Save your money and go to Walmart. There is one like 4 miles from WDW and they have a HUGE selection of stuff. We bought tshirts for $8 for the kids and 10-12 for adults!!!

3. There are a ton of stores along the "strip" which have souvenirs for cheap too.

4. When you check into your room request that housekeeping put magical touches in the room. I can't remember what they actually called it, but it was really neat they made animals and other neat things out of washclothes. Which I dont really know if your are allowed to take these with you, but I took them home with us. I didn't notice them til like our 3rd day so we only had a couple.


So now that I have shared the little WDW wisdom that I have, have a great time at WDW and tell Mickey we will see him soon!!!!

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

We've gone on all 3 of our trips. I would plan to at least check it out, if you have the time. The shops are fun, and I agree with the previous posters who recommended Wolfgang Puck Express and Earl of Sandwich. Both are great, but I think WPE is fantastic!

 

[verygfy]

I would try to incorporate DTD in a first timers visit. It is a great escape from the parks, but still a fun filled Disney day. If you are staying at POR or Saratoga you can take the boat over which is a really nice ride. Definitely agree with other posters and would do Earl of Sandwich. We always visit the Christmas Store and get our annual ornament. The kids have fun in WOD and Once Upon A Toy (build your own light saber).

If you have a chance I would also look into DisneyQuest. Great way to spend the day and your boys would really enjoy it. DH & DS attend while DD and I have a great day shopping.

Have a great trip

 

[essom71]

Depending when you go, DTD is open much later than the parks and is neat to check out at night. My teens get excited about disney quest and love to go every trip. If you have younger kids they would love the nightly dance parties.

 

[ashleendanny]

Thank you all So much!!!!

So what is Disney Quest??? We will definately go, we have on our itenerary for MK for three days, but I am thinking we may not need three days and make one of those for DTD, if not that then go in the evenings.

You all have helped tremendously, thanks again!!!

Ashlee

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Disney Quest has virtual games, etc. and you get to design them yourselves. Have you requested a Disney planning DVD? There is something on that about DTD/Disney Quest.

We always do DTD on day one and the day we leave so we can scout around for "things" and then you can have them shipped home, sent to your resort or carry them with you. Those are great options with limited space in packing and airline security.

It is my now 21 yo DS's favorite part but then he is a shopper!

 

[starann]

My boys highlight was DTD and the Lego store!!!

We went to TRex for dinner. It was a sit down meal, OOP (as it is not on the DDP) and was pretty expensive for waht you got, but it was neat to try as the boys like dinos.

There is also Wolf Gang Express, which we did on our last trip. It was yummy! We have to try Earl of Sandwhich, but it looks good too!

We did the LEgo store, World of Disney (but it is a BIG store and easy to lose a child if you are not careful, which can turn out to be the LONGEST 5 minutes of your life...jsut saying), there is a sport store, a Xmas store, a place to make your own mouse ears and a bunch of other spots I am missing. There is also a little train ride for the little on for about $2.


I will warn, that it gets VERY busy at night, as a lot of people go there after a day at the parks. When it gets busy, it gets crowded. If you can do it during the day, it would be a lot less stressful, if not, try to go earlier in the evening.


Have fun!