DHS Parking lot remodel and expansion

[KrazyKat]

It takes a special level of geekdom to watch a 2 1/2 minute video of driving to a parking lot.
From the lines to enter the parking lot, it looks like a typical day crowd-wise pre-SWL.

I know what you mean TiggerDad. I was watching the video when a co-worker went by and asked what I was watching. I told him it was the new entrance to DHS. He shook his head and said "you're too into Disney World". Which I replied "why yes, yes I am"!

 

[Portable Hole]

I haven't seen that many generic unthemed road signs in Disney World since Test Track 1.0.

 

[peter11435]

I haven't seen that many generic unthemed road signs in Disney World since Test Track 1.0.

I’m hoping they are temporary until the proper signage is fabricated.

 

[Magic Feather]

One thing that I think many have vastly overlooked is that Hollywood Studios is now the only place on Walt Disney World Property where you can come on property, go to the place, and leave property without hitting a stoplight or passing anything else.

 

[J. D.]

The only thing I did not like was when I arrived, around 6:45-ish, they had the entire toll plaza blocked off. I had to enter the parking lot via a lane to the left of the plaza, an odd decision.

Probably because they stop charging for parking a few hours before park closing.

 

[J. D.]

But you can still go through the plaza at the other three parks and I went through the old one at DHS Tuesday. Anyway not anything to investigate too much

Maybe they built this new plaza with a side lane specifically for after they stop charging for parking.

 

[Dr.GrantSeeker]

One thing that I think many have vastly overlooked is that Hollywood Studios is now the only place on Walt Disney World Property where you can come on property, go to the place, and leave property without hitting a stoplight or passing anything else.

Was that intentional, or just coincidence?

 

[Goofyernmost]

Was that intentional, or just coincidence?

If I had to guess I would vote for coincidence, but, if it is a positive outcome, someone looking for a bigger bonus will take credit for it.

 

[YodaMan]

Maybe they built this new plaza with a side lane specifically for after they stop charging for parking.

^this. People who aren’t regulars don’t realize they stop charging 2 hours before park close. People get confused when they come up to an empty toll both and try to figure out what’s going on, how they’re supposed to pay, etc. Tourists slow down and stop and back everything up. Its easier to just route them around the tooboth entirely when they don’t have to pay so as to cause less confusion. It’s also safer for the toll booth cast to close up for the night when guests are being directed away from the toll booth.

 

[peter11435]

One thing that I think many have vastly overlooked is that Hollywood Studios is now the only place on Walt Disney World Property where you can come on property, go to the place, and leave property without hitting a stoplight or passing anything else.

Once the Osceola parkway overpass is complete you will be able to reach all 4 parks from off property without a single stop light.

 

[Rteetz]

 

[Rteetz]

 

[danlb_2000]

They have started to take up the asphalt on the old entrance road. They aren't wasting any time on that.

 

[brb1006]

While I like the new entrance, I wonder if there are any plans to spruce it up with an an entrance similar to the old DHS entrance that had the film strips. Maybe to the side of the road leading up to DHS? I know they just took the old one down.
View attachment 325176

I actually like the new entrance without the film strips. Especially since the pictures are prone to fading.

 

[flynnibus]

Holy cow I’m not even going to recognize this place

 

[LieutLaww]

Those wide shots of the parking lot shows just how much space Disney has for DHS expansion if it needs to, also note that is part of the reason for no parking garages, lots are easy to dig up and build on, garages are a more permanent solution so if we ever do see any at DHS we know Disney will have no plans of expanding in that direction (probably).

 

[Giraffiki]

also note that is part of the reason for no parking garages, lots are easy to dig up and build on, garages are a more permanent solution so if we ever do see any at DHS we know Disney will have no plans of expanding in that direction (probably).

That's a good point. I've always wanted a garage at MGM, but I guess I'd take more expansion over a garage

 

[Goofyernmost]

That's a good point. I've always wanted a garage at MGM, but I guess I'd take more expansion over a garage

The problem with that theory is the more they expand the larger the need for parking becomes. It's a catch 22. If one offers more to see, more people will come in to see it. More people means more parking. Taking out parking to accommodate and expansion will make a shortage of parking. They could do like it was done in Disney Springs. Do a parking lot length and build a multi-story parking garage toward the entrance side of the current parking lot and both problems would be solved. They would have more expansion and still have sufficient parking.

 

[mm121]

Did they do anything with the old casting building yet? Now that the new big dark green one is complete.

 

[mm121]

Those wide shots of the parking lot shows just how much space Disney has for DHS expansion if it needs to, also note that is part of the reason for no parking garages, lots are easy to dig up and build on, garages are a more permanent solution so if we ever do see any at DHS we know Disney will have no plans of expanding in that direction (probably).

Garages are an option of last resort,

Plus not sure they could fund garages at the parks with bonds from RCID, like at Disney springs since the garages are paid access not public access.