Disney, you should be embarrassed...

[PUSH]

DTD is pretty boring, IMO. The only thing I like there is T-Rex, and Art of Disney (though I can't afford much in there). The Christmas Shop is pretty generic these days, too. And it's always very overcrowded. I hope the Disney Springs project will plus it. Though that name is horrendous.

 

[acishere]

I'm done with DTD until Disney Springs is completed. I will give it a chance again then, but without the AC and Disney Quest still living in the N64 era, I've had no reason to visit there for a long time.

 

[Magenta Panther]

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.

OHHHH yeah, Citywalk. It is freaking amazing. Last time I visited Uni, I ate at Margaritaville. Then saw the new Universal water show. It's no Fantasmic, but it was still fun, and man the surroundings!!! Holy crap! Loved it! I can't wait for Cabana Bay Beach Resort to be built so I can afford to stay onsite at Uni...

 

[JenniferS]

Does anyone know if the Universal Studios Store at Citywalk sells Despicable Me merchandise?

A trip to USO/IOA is not in the cards for our upcoming trip, but I would certainly make an early evening trip to Citywalk to score some Minions merchandise.

My sister in law and I are Minion obsessed - but not to the point of forking out $400+ for a two park/two day pass for the three of us.

 

[rufio]

Does anyone know if the Universal Studios Store at Citywalk sells Despicable Me merchandise?

A trip to USO/IOA is not in the cards for our upcoming trip, but I would certainly make an early evening trip to Citywalk to score some Minions merchandise.

My sister in law and I are Minion obsessed - but not to the point of forking out $400+ for a two park/two day pass for the three of us.

When we were at UNI in December we saw lots of Despicable Me merch, so I'd guess yes!

 

[real mad hatter]

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.

Everyone to their own..I love DTD,and yes I've been to CW...So when you visit CW next year,I hope you have a following of hundreds so there's more space at DTD for me to enjoy..

 

[Sped2424]

For anyone staying in orlando at universal try and plan it around harbor nights! its such a great time not to mention the portfolio hotel is beyond beautiful.

 

[alissafalco]

I'm done with DTD until Disney Springs is completed. I will give it a chance again then, but without the AC and Disney Quest still living in the N64 era, I've had no reason to visit there for a long time.

And not to mention that WOD has all the same exact overpriced crap that you can get at any of the resort gift shops and parks. I'll give DTD another chance once Disney springs is completed.

 

[Disvillain63]

I'm partial to DTD. We went to CW a few years ago, as well as UNI and were unimpressed.

 

[graphite1326]

So how does one staying at WDW get to CW without a car?

 

[devoy1701]

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!

They have a great piano bar that is nice if you prefer a more "sit in your seat and participate" scene. I don't think the players are as good as the ones at Jellyrolls, but there was no cover charge. They also have 2 wicked cool Putt Putt courses (one Sci-Fi, one Horror).

 

[Since1976]

I agree that CityWalk is a much more happening place -- the only thing that keeps us from going more often is the parking fee. If not for that, we would go there whenever we felt like doing some mindless mall-walking.

I have doubts that Disney Springs will compare, as most descriptions of the place I've seen evoke something that is somehow even quieter than what is there now. Perhaps Disney is purposely going for that vibe, but I don't see them attracting folks looking for a fun night out with a place called the Springs.

 

[WDWDad13]

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.

Disney Springs

 

[devoy1701]

I agree that CityWalk is a much more happening place -- the only thing that keeps us from going more often is the parking fee. If not for that, we would go there whenever we felt like doing some mindless mall-walking.

I have doubts that Disney Springs will compare, as most descriptions of the place I've seen evoke something that is somehow even quieter than what is there now. Perhaps Disney is purposely going for that vibe, but I don't see them attracting folks looking for a fun night out with a place called the Springs.

parking fee helps keep the riff-raff out!

 

[LuvtheGoof]

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!

During the day, the parking fee is now $16. Ouch!

 

[jkl2000]

Since we'll be staying at POFQ, we have one definite dinner at Raglan Road planned. And possibly one another evening at T-Rex. But I'm not actually expecting to enjoy DTD very much. Actually, maybe we will since it's so rare that we're in a mall. But I don't really enjoy shopping. I just want to have a nice dinner and see DTD at least once. And take the boat from POFQ!

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'd rather pay and have fun than park for free and be bored.

 

[RandomPrincess]

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.

True! The garage is used for both parks and CW. That's why it's more expensive during the day.

 

[ChevisMickey]

CW is a good place to visit if you like to drink, dance, and enjoy the nightlife. Also good for many of the restaurants and a little shopping. That said, with younger children, on a budget, and/or if you are not big into the nightlife, CW can be loud and crazy. My kids did not want to stay and shop once we finished our meal the last time we were there. With the parks right there they will want to do other things.

DD is just a place our family has to visit. EoS and LEGO alone are 'must do' places. We always browse, but don't always buy at the big store. West Side has more of a CW feel to it, so our visits to that part of DD are usually limited.

So, for those that really liked Pleasure Island in its heyday, CW should be your new destination. Families, especially those with young kids, might make a few stops in CW while at Uni, but your kids might not want to stay too long.

 

[luv]

CityWalk is, obviously, much better than DTD.

Disney is working to improve DTD. I have high hopes that Disney Springs will be pretty, with lovely landscaping and big, open walkways so you don't feel crowded.