Disney Springs (or DTD) - current parking situation?

[Suwithoutane]

Hi all,
Last time I was in WDW (Nov), parking was an absolute nightmare for DTD and was only available at the far end (opposite all the shopping I wanted to do). I know there is a lot of construction, and garages, and walkways, but has any of that improved the parking situation yet? I prefer to drive since the buses tend to be a hassle with 2 small kids and a double stroller, and we're heading back this Nov - if I'd thought to ask last time, I never would have tried to park there. I'd appreciate any recent updates, and I'd also be interested in hearing about people's experiences taking Disney buses in because if they're still getting through in a reasonable amount of time, and dropping off down by the WOD, I'd rather just do that. Thanks!!

 

[lazyboy97o]

Regardless of traffic you will end up on the West Side.

 

[wdwmagic]

Parking is currently on the West Side, in either the Orange Parking Garage or behind La Nouba.

If you pare in the parking garage, you will exit near to Planet Hollywood, which puts you almost in the center of Downtwon Disney.
http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...st-side-parking-garage-connector-now-open.htm

If you go by WDW Bus, you will stop on the Marketplace Place only.

Generally, if you go out side of peak hours, so before 5pm, there is no problem either parking or on the busses. If you go during peak time, expect longer to get there via bus or car.

Lots of Disney Springs updates here
http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news.htm

 

[Nij]

We were there in July and having suffered the same as you describe last year we were wary of the parking..
We had totally avoided the area last year because of it.
I have to say we were really impressed with the new garage...
We ended up going to eat at DTD several times during our stay and never encountered a problem. The system of lights showing green over available spaces and the number of slots available guided us straight to a good spot and was not difficult at all.
I do agree with the previous poster that spaces get more sparse after 5.30 / 6.00pm
It was a HUGE improvement on 2014.

 

[Suwithoutane]

Thanks so much everyone - I was shocked by how bad it was my last trip, it took almost an hour to even find a space. I had seen some of the threads updating the progress but I was having trouble distilling the impact on the parking visitor so I appreciate you taking the time to update me We usually head over in the morning before going to a park so it sounds like we'll have good luck in the new garage and the light system sounds awesome!

 

[ml123_9]

We were there a few weeks ago. Parking is still at the west side. However, parking wasn't the issue. Traffic was the major hurdle. With all the road construction going, it was a nightmare just getting to the garage. We went at night and during the day, both directions, same issue. Parking garage was really nice. Look for the green lights on the balls hanging from the ceiling, then you shouldn't have an issue finding a spot to park.

 

[mergatroid]

I was there last October and swore that whilst building was going on I'd never drive from DTD towards Disney crossroads (or enter that way) ever again!

I'm assuming that this route is still madness?

 

[wogwog]

Even if you have been brave enough to go to DTD or DS recently more changes were just announced to traffic patterns. I don't know if these help or not but here they are. I am waiting as long as I can to go near this construction zone. I would think the Disney busses would be a good choice. I am told, by friends braver than I am, plenty of parking is usually available but getting in and out is horrid.

The next phase of roadwork will begin August 25 and impact road lanes, turn lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks.

For reference. Casting is across from the Market Place area. Team Disney is behind the Speedway Service station (Formerly Hess)

Here’s what to expect:

NEW ROADWORK

1. Intersection work near Casting entrance begins

• Cars will only be able to enter and exit Casting using one lane each way (previously, there were two lanes). When exiting Casting, cars can ONLY turn right.
• This temporary work is scheduled to begin August 31 and is anticipated to take 6-8 weeks.

2. Roadway shifts continue

• New roadway shifts go into effect on Buena Vista Drive during this time, and cars will be driving in the future bus lanes.

OPENINGS

3. New crosswalk at Team Disney opens

• We’ve moved the crosswalk between Team Disney and Downtown Disney Cast Services to make way for additional lanes along Buena Vista Drive.The new crosswalk is now open, and is further back from Buena Vista Drive, closer to the Team Disney entrance.
• Note: the crosswalk to cross Buena Vista Drive to Downtown Disney remains the same until the pedestrian bridge opens.
• This is a permanent change.

CLOSURES

4. Sidewalk between Team Disney and Speedway closes

• Those who park in the Team Disney or the Cast Services/Speedway lots should walk through the Speedway lot to cross at the intersection near Casting to access the Marketplace.
• This temporary change will be in effect until May 2016.

5. Left-turn entrance into the Orange Garage (across from Team Disney) closes permanently

• Cars needing to turn left into the garage should access it by entering from the intersection across from Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (until the flyover ramp opens).
• Cars will still be able to turn right into the garage from the intersections across from Team Disney and Typhoon Lagoon.

Please view the map for a visual of these changes, and continue to follow roadway signs and the direction of Parking Cast Members. With more roadwork occurring in the next month, please watch for additional updates and maps.

 

[mergatroid]

I'm guessing the best way to get to DTD is from the west, passing the Studios?