Disney, you should be embarrassed...

[ml123_9]

A few weeks ago we went to DTD for lunch, shopping, and to purchase park tix. Nothing exciting, just the same restaurants and shops. We left around 6 or so and were trying to figure out what to do about dinner. There was nothing at DTD that interested us and everything near there we have at home. So, we decided to go CityWalk for dinner. After all, none of us had ever been there before. Now, I'm usually Disney all the way, but after visiting CityWalk, I have no desire to ever go to DTD again. CW is freakin awesome. All the lighting, the restaurants, shops, and bars there. It reminded me of what PI used to be. Plus, we could see part of Uni's firework show. There was live music at an outdoor stage, and families everywhere. We had a great time. We have never left DTD talking about how much fun we had. What really stood out to me though was the amount of security scattered through out the place. At CW you can tell who security is, at PI, I don't really remember ever seeing security. Now with that said, I don't know how anyone at CW would ever try to do anything stupid. Like all the alleged drunkeness and drug use that took place at PI. So Disney, it's time to wake up and get your heads out of your rearends! DTD is a joke and a shell of it's former self. To us, it's like any shopping mall we have here. My wife and I are already talking about how we would like to go back to CW and try out one of Uni's parks next year. Just my two cents.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'm on the western part of this country, but I feel the EXACT same way about Downtown Disney in Anaheim and City Walk in Hollywood. There are no comparisons, at all. City Walk all the way. It's actually alive and the restaurants and shops are ten times better than the ones at DtD. AMC at DtD tries to rip you off with the IMAX option. They charge you more for IMAX and you don't even get the full experience. City Walk doesn't do that. I won't even bother to mention the lack of entertainment at DtD (I always hear how DtD Anaheim is way more alive than DtD Orlando, which scares me). Maybe the location has something to do with it, but City Walks is leagues better than DtD. DtD is boring as hell.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Since they got rid of PL it's the same as any other fancy outdoor mall.

 

[LostPrincessKarleigh]

DTD in Orlando was really cool when I was younger. However they had PI then and Disney Quest was top notch. Now, I just go to shop at World of Disney.

 

[coachwnh]

One thing I did notice about DL in general compared to WDW is the greater visible presence of security. My wife even made a comment about it last week.
When we did Universal last summer, we didnt do CW at night. We ate lunch there, but didnt go back after dark. I wish I had now, but the kids were both under 9. Next time.
I cant remember seeing the musicians at DTD in FL at night like they have in California either, but then again, Im rarely in DTD ay night. I will say one thing, DTD in CA is much easier to navigate then in FL.

 

[Glasgow]

I'll second that notion. Been to CW Orl and HW and both put DTD to shame in terms of design and excitement. I won't go as far to say the restaurants are any better, but as far as overall experience, yup .. CW all the way

 

[JAG107]

You are absolutely right about CW, I have no idea why DTD is always so crowded. Never been to CW Orlando but the Hollywood one has always been great, since it first opened. I thought DTD Anaheim was a joke when they first opened it alongside DCA.

 

[epcotisbest]

We enjoy both DTD and City Walk. I think the Disney Springs concept may make a big difference at DTD. Here's hoping.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

...and this is why I barely spend any time at DTD. My annual pass gets me into Epcot whenever I want. Epcot vs. DTD. Yeah. It's fine if you're staying nearby and want something to do, but we stopped making the effort a while ago
I head over there for Disneyquest and I would like to try Splitsville as their bowling prices are comparable to my local alley.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I thought DTD Anaheim was a joke when they first opened it alongside DCA.

It's great if you're staying right there because it gives you more food options and something to do when we were just chilling, but still. It's a way for Disney to bring in money.

 

[ImagineerDude]

Never been to CW in Orlando, but if it's anything like Hollywood's CW then it beats DTD by a mile. I still have fun at DTD, but I hope Disney Springs spruces it up a little bit...

Is parking at CW in Orlando free? That's one major reason why we love DTD in WDW!

 

[rufio]

How is CW if you're not into bars or clubs? DH and I enjoy strolling through DTD, but I was always under the impression that CW was well known for its party atmosphere and that's just not our scene!

 

[MickeyPeace]

I'm seriously considering staying 3 nights in Universal during part of my next Disney trip (they currently have a special for HHN) and this is good info. Thanks.

 

[tare]

Earl of sandwich. What??!!?? I could eat there every day!!! Glad Dtd in ca has one now!!!!

 

[rufio]

Earl of sandwich. What??!!?? I could eat there every day!!! Glad Dtd in ca has one now!!!!

Brownie sandwich.... Yum.

 

[ml123_9]

Never been to CW in Orlando, but if it's anything like Hollywood's CW then it beats DTD by a mile. I still have fun at DTD, but I hope Disney Springs spruces it up a little bit...

Is parking at CW in Orlando free? That's one major reason why we love DTD in WDW!

No, they have a garage and since we got there after 8 I think it was like 5 bucks. If you go in the morning, then I believe it was around $15. It appeared that the CW garage is shared with both UNI parks. Although it wasn't very full so I don't know if that's true.

 

[ml123_9]

How is CW if you're not into bars or clubs? DH and I enjoy strolling through DTD, but I was always under the impression that CW was well known for its party atmosphere and that's just not our scene!

It's not just bars or clubs. They have a lot of nice restaurants and there are some shops. The way the area is lit up though, it made you feel like you were in a really neat dance club.

 

[ml123_9]

Earl of sandwich. What??!!?? I could eat there every day!!! Glad Dtd in ca has one now!!!!

We ate there for the first time for lunch that day. It was very good but I don't see us making a special trip to DTD just for EOS.

 

[tare]

We ate there for the first time for lunch that day. It was very good but I don't see us making a special trip to DTD just for EOS.

I definitely would and have. But I see your point too.

 

[BryceM]

My last experience at DTD was miserable. It was extremely overcrowded and I just couldn't find anything to enjoy. I feel like a lot of the venues and shops and restaurants are just tacky. That giant green alligator looks like something from a poor man's mini golf course in the middle of Kansas. When I was younger (like 7), I loved DTD. Now, not so much.

I did really enjoy Wolfgang Puck Express. Great food.

But honestly, I can't wait for Disney Springs. While I don't care for the name, I can't help but feel like it will be such an improvement over what is currently DTD. But for now, I do really prefer CityWalk. Especially at night with the IOA lighthouse shining to the left, the RockIt coaster lighting up to the sky to the right. It's a very fun atmosphere!