Skip DTD/DS This Go-Round?

[WriterGina]

We always make a stop at the Place Formerly Known as Downtown Disney on our trips to the World--love to wander around there and shop at the Christmas store, the Lego store, and World of Disney. We have dinner reservations at Raglan Road, one of our favorites, for one night of our upcoming 4/18-4/25 trip. But the more I read what a mess DTD/DS is these days, I'm wondering if we should skip it? I was planning that we'd take the MK bus to Saratoga Springs and walk there, a route we're familiar with having stayed at SS. If we're not dealing with driving there, and it's past the peak of sprng break/Easter crowds, how bad do you think it will be?

 

[CAS239]

Dtd is not that bad. We drive through there multiple times a day each trip and normally stop once a trip. Traffic can get backed up in turning lanes, and late in the evening on the weekends, but other than that I wouldn't avoid it. The new parking garage is very nice and easy to find parking in. And if you want to avoid potentially long lines and don't mind a small walk, then park behind cirque du soleil.

Dtd is going to be really nice when they finish the pedestrian bridges over the streets so you don't have to wait for people to cross the street anymore.

 

[Planogirl]

We went early one weekday and it was really crowded because it was St Patricks Day. We waited a few times at the traffic light to go into the garage but other than that it wasn't too bad.

 

[Rosebud123]

I would go, but not on a weekend night. Enjoy!

 

[Alesia]

I would go.

We went last summer (at the peak of the whole "DTD is a nightmare" thing,) and it was fine. Yes, there were walls everywhere, but was fine.

 

[WriterGina]

Our current plans would be to go on a Sunday evening--we have ADRs at Raglan Road for 5:15. Sunday wouldn't be as bad as a Friday or Saturday night, right? I'm leaning toward going after the comments here, especially since driving/parking seems to be the worst aspect and we won't be doing that. We really do love it! (And much like I still refuse to call Washington National Airport "Reagan National," I don't know if I can ever get used to calling DTD "Disney Springs!")

 

[aretha30]

We were there in August and while there were walls up everywhere we had no problem getting in and out. We did take Disney transportation instead of driving our own car but had no issues getting around. We have plans to be there several times during our upcoming trip as well.

 

[100AcreWood]

If you're not driving, I would definitely go!

I was there in October and I was driving at night. It was a nightmare just getting out of the parking lot. But walking around DTD it didn't feel super crowded or anything.

 

[ghtx]

I have not been to DTD for the last several trips, and I don't plan on going back anytime soon. It's a pretty cool outdoor shopping mall, but it's just an outdoor shopping mall.

 

[Bluegrrl]

We went recently, and the parking sucked. But we were there on a weekend. The only reason we went was because LEGO had double points for VIP club. There are some new shops and stuff, but nothing really different except for the co-op store, which was pretty impressive. Lots of cool paintings, theme park vintage type items, and lots of Orange Bird things. They had a great selection of Tiki room things, which we would have bought for our 3yr old Tiki room obsessed son, but most of it was china. Still, it is a neat shop and worth a look. The rest you can find elsewhere.

 

[geenerbell]

Last Sunday was the most crowded I've ever seen DTD! As for DHS it's in a pretty sad state. We only stayed until 3pm.

 

[North of Mouse]

We always make a stop at the Place Formerly Known as Downtown Disney on our trips to the World--love to wander around there and shop at the Christmas store, the Lego store, and World of Disney. We have dinner reservations at Raglan Road, one of our favorites, for one night of our upcoming 4/18-4/25 trip. But the more I read what a mess DTD/DS is these days, I'm wondering if we should skip it? I was planning that we'd take the MK bus to Saratoga Springs and walk there, a route we're familiar with having stayed at SS. If we're not dealing with driving there, and it's past the peak of sprng break/Easter crowds, how bad do you think it will be?

We were there recently and it wasn't bad at all - took the bus there, stayed in the Market Place area, went over the new 'Causeway' (very nice) and had a great time. Didn't really notice much difference, as we didn't go where the construction was.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I have not been to DTD for the last several trips, and I don't plan on going back anytime soon. It's a pretty cool outdoor shopping mall, but it's just an outdoor shopping mall.

That's been my feeling the last couple of years. I'm not much of a shopper. I used to like having lunch at Wolfgang Puck's, but not enough to brave the transportation issues.

 

[TISHLOVESDISNEY]

Anyone been during the week, mid morning? I was "planning" on driving over Wednesday October 21st, after a late breakfast. I told my DD we were skipping it after reading so many horror stories, but do you think it'll be bad driving/[parking mid week, mid morning?

 

[tinkerbella16]

I skipped it completely in November because of the construction and crowds. I was staying at POFQ too and I LOVE taking that boat to DTD! I didn't even mind skipping it. This year I will return because I do want to check out the new stores.