Why does anyone go to DTD?

[GraceMonica]

My siblings and I tried DisneyQuest for the first time last visit. It was a lot of fun!
We also enjoy going to DTD just to walk around and buy anything that we didn't want to buy from the parks (as many mentioned, its almost all the same merch, so its easier to get it from DTD)
Earl of Sandwich is really tasty. We've been to T-rex once before and are planning on going again next visit.
DTD is nice for when we have a day off from the parks and we don't want to sit inside all day. Also good for rainy days.
I love the Mickeys Pantry and the Christmas shop. The Pin Traders is lovely too!

And since we go in January, its never that crowded.

 

[tinkerpea]

I Love the Christmas store!!! It's fab to look around and makes me all happy inside Another reason is my wonderful hubby loves.....and I mean really loves Starwars Lego!!! So every visit we go and get him the latest model out it's become a tradition since we 1st went together 6yrs ago, I enjoy seeing his face light up like a child at Xmas we have spent loads in that shop!! Another thing is Ridemakerz wow what a shop! My boys seen the sho on there 2nd night of holiday and from then on they kept there hard earnt disney money so they could each make a car at the end of the holiday... Well they managed it and asked for nothing in that 2 wks( we bought them stuff as we was so proud and gave it them at the end ) we enjoyed making the cars with the boys sooo much that mummy and daddy had to make one too lol they are now the envy of all there friends at home! Coming from the uk we dont have places like that with that many shops and restaurants so I enjoy the walk around and eating at the different places like Planet hollywood We also think it's great to go watch a movie that won't be out in the UK yet and think it's fab we can watch it before our friends,( simple things huh) infact I'm really looking forward to staying at SSR next October as we will be across the lake from DTD which means my 3 boys( well 4 including hubby) can hope over to Disney Quest for a few hours a few nights a wk whilst mum and I shop in peace, I was gutted when they got rid of PI as I did enjoy a good night out and thought the comedy club? Was brilliant! So all in all I love DTD as I can shop for everything Disney I want in one place

 

[BrytEydBelle]

I typically only go to DTD when I'm not on a Disney trip. I've actually been three times in the past year: once for dinner at Rainforest Cafe and some shopping after a day at Universal, once for lunch at Earl of Sandwich after a cruise through Port Canaveral (flying out of MCO) and another lunch at EOS pre MNSSHP for one night only. When I am on a big Disney trip though, I can typically do my shopping in the parks/hotel, so I don't see the need. We may venture over on the next trip just for EOS but I won't bother with the shopping.

 

[Azrael]

We don't find a whole lot to do there, so we will go after the parks are closed for the day. I like the T-Rex restaurant, Basin store, and that is pretty much it. The rest we can get at any other gift shop.

 

[snyderla]

I like shopping at stores I don't have in my area and eating food I can't get in our little midwestern towns. AND I don't have to pay admission to get in there. I like the discounts I get at WoD, and the fact that they have SO many items there. I miss the Adventurer's Club and the other clubs.

 

[PatriciaH]

I like Raglan Road, WGP, the AMC theater, HOB, Tren-D, Earl of S, Paradisio 37, the guitar player, Spice and Tea Ex, the Christmas Shop, Art of Disney, D St, Little Miss Matched, Basin.

 

[Sweettears]

Thanks for the insight, and one heck of an argument. However, for the sake of some sort of rational discussion could you please elaborate? I will do so ever so briefly here and see where it develops.


I saw all the same merchandise in each. Please explain what is available at one that is not at the other. The only difference I saw was the shape of the building and the uniforms of the cast members.

FYI. I would love it if you or anyone wouild prove me wrong, because if that happens it means they are moving in the correct direction of diversifcation of merchandise.

I saw a large selection of buttoned down dress shirts at WoD and passed them up. Tried to find them the rest of the trip and found none.

 

[Jubilee]

I do not understand the appeal of this place, especially since the demise of PI. But what is it that appeals to anyone that they would actually have to travel to get to?

I understand DTD at DL and City Walk at Universal as they're both right there (and both great, IMO), but DTD at WDW is just a boatload of the same ole, same ole crappola. What is the appeal and how is Disney maintaining the crowds?

Hmmmm I think I smell a troll. lol

 

[Sweettears]

Hmmmm I think I smell a troll. lol

Yea right. A troll with over 2,300 posts. Not likely. Pete the Pirate has been around as long as I have. Opinionated yes , troll I don't think so.

 

[POLY1985]

I like going there for nostalgia. Besides the Magic Kingdom, it has been there longer than any of the other parks. I remember going there with my parents as a kid and wandering around all the shops. Going there on my honeymoon and eating in the Empress Lily. Going to Pleasure Island with my DH while my parents watched our kids. Love the Lego sea serpent. We always go once every trip on a non park day.

 

[Tori 2001]

We get a kick out of DTD, and go most every night when we are at the World. Not so much to shop, but to walk around and people watch. Disney Quest is actually pretty fun - good for an hour or two, or a rainy time when you can't do much outdoors. For families, the interactive attractions that can be done as a group are great, though it needs some updating. The Lego store is a blast for younger kids. The Disney store is impressive just to walk though. At night there are usually stiltwalkers or other street performers. The Cirque is worth a visit at least once in a person's life. There are some pretty neat eateries there; Raglin Road is a favorite. A chocolate malt is a tradition for us at the chocolate shop. It's also fun to go to Port Orleans and catch the boat to DTD for a relaxing time and a different view of several resorts. I don't really miss the bars - I go with my kids, and the drunks were a little much. I do miss the bands outdoors, and the Virgin store. They need to do something with the PI area, as there are some sadly empty spots here. Still, it is a well-lit, interesting place, safe and good-natured, lots of music coming from the blues and salsa places. You can have a good time without spending any extra money if you like, and the bus service makes access very easy. Especially in the times of year when parks close early, or on the day you do animal kingdom, WDW needs some alternative for after-dark entertainment other than hotel pools.

 

[Mike730]

I love DTD! It's a great place to eat and spend time when not in the parks. I might dare say its one of my favorite places in WDW if it weren't for the unbearable crowds that plague it on most nights.

 

[dansamy]

Legos. I have 2(3 counting DH) boys. Boy, can they pack those Legos cups!

 

[Disneyfreak001]

I do not understand the appeal of this place, especially since the demise of PI. But what is it that appeals to anyone that they would actually have to travel to get to?

I understand DTD at DL and City Walk at Universal as they're both right there (and both great, IMO), but DTD at WDW is just a boatload of the same ole, same ole crappola. What is the appeal and how is Disney maintaining the crowds?

Alright Mr. Pirate here we go again, after posting on your AK disapointment thread lets do this one.

Ok lets say you go to AK, now that park isn't open very late and lets say you dont have park hopper tickets, you want something to eat and something to do. DTD to the rescue! They have quick service and table service, they have amazing shops, they have the worlds largest indoor arcade (which might I add is pretty epic) you can even see La Nuba and dance clubs and... The Amazig Pinboard, Goofy's Candy Co. and so much more and once again i couldnot agree with you less.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Alright Mr. Pirate here we go again, after posting on your AK disapointment thread lets do this one.

Ok lets say you go to AK, now that park isn't open very late and lets say you dont have park hopper tickets, you want something to eat and something to do. DTD to the rescue! They have quick service and table service, they have amazing shops, they have the worlds largest indoor arcade (which might I add is pretty epic) you can even see La Nuba and dance clubs and... The Amazig Pinboard, Goofy's Candy Co. and so much more and once again i couldnot agree with you less.

Disney Freak I agree with everything you said 100%.


Just pointing out this thread is 18 months old!

 

[BDL]

Pin store, Ghiradelli, Christmas store and the boat ride to and from POR

 

[DizCaptain]

Alright Mr. Pirate here we go again, after posting on your AK disapointment thread lets do this one.

Ok lets say you go to AK, now that park isn't open very late and lets say you dont have park hopper tickets, you want something to eat and something to do. DTD to the rescue! They have quick service and table service, they have amazing shops, they have the worlds largest indoor arcade (which might I add is pretty epic) you can even see La Nuba and dance clubs and... The Amazig Pinboard, Goofy's Candy Co. and so much more and once again i couldnot agree with you less.

So you can pay and eat and pay and eat and pay and play and pay and eat. Sounds like oodles of fun. The extra expenditure wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so far away from everything else.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I do not understand the appeal of this place, especially since the demise of PI. But what is it that appeals to anyone that they would actually have to travel to get to?

I understand DTD at DL and City Walk at Universal as they're both right there (and both great, IMO), but DTD at WDW is just a boatload of the same ole, same ole crappola. What is the appeal and how is Disney maintaining the crowds?

Disney Quest and the Lego Store are two good reasons to go. Plus, you get the Disney feel if you're unable to go to the parks.

 

[momof2n2]

When my kids were really little they thought it was a park day to go hang out there.

 

[momof2n2]

The problem is the emporium and other gift shops used to have a lot more unique merchandise.

But the major gift shops at the themeparks are completely interchangable with each other and WoD with minor differences.

Last year everything in the gift shop at FW, was available at the two gift shops as you enter world showcase, and at the emporium. Everything is the same and interchangeable.

I used to buy a lot of souviniers, but now nothing catches my eye, because you see the same stuff everywhere.

I still love going to WDW I just spend a lot less time and money shopping

If this is true... And I believe you; I haven't been there in two years... And the new RFID phenomenon is to get us to spend more cash shopping... Well something has to bend.