Downtown Disney appreciation

[epcotisbest]

I have to agree with you, but the food looks awesome!!!

The food is pretty awesome, to me much better than Rainforest Cafe. There was just something about that ice cave room that gave me a headache the time we sat in there. I actually asked to be moved out of there and they gladly did so. I have noticed each time we have been there, I think three times now, little ones get scared during the meteor shower when all the dinosaurs start yelling. Heck it scared me a little.

 

[Virtual Toad]

Sorry folks, I think DD in its present form is way too frenetic/crowded/stressful with little or no substance.

I loved the quiet charm of the Marketplace. I loved the wondrous unique entertainment at Pleasure Island. We used to plan weekend trips just to go to PI.

But DD is (IMO) now nothing more than an overrated shopping mall. Even worse is the fact that they closed PI more than four years ago with the empty promise of a "bold new vision" that has yet to materialize.

We haven't stepped foot in the place since PI closed down and have no intentions of doing so in the future, unless by some miraculous shift in the space-time continuum we stop living in the BiffCo 2010s.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Sorry folks, I think DD in its present form is way too frenetic/crowded/stressful with little or no substance.

I loved the quiet charm of the Marketplace. I loved the wondrous unique entertainment at Pleasure Island. We used to plan weekend trips just to go to PI.

But DD is (IMO) now nothing more than an overrated shopping mall. Even worse is the fact that they closed PI more than four years ago with the empty promise of a "bold new vision" that has yet to materialize.

We haven't stepped foot in the place since PI closed down and have no intentions of doing so in the future, unless by some miraculous shift in the space-time continuum we stop living in the BiffCo 2010s.

I thought that too... for a bit... but last year (Oct) really opened our eyes. We really did have a blast (we were at DTD after 9pm) and it was a great time. Not too crazy, not too crowded, and we didnt spend a dime

 

[disneycouple07]

I wish we could spend more time at DTD. We go on our first night to eat at Planet Hollywood and are always in a rush to get there. Last time it was lightening really bad after dinner so we were in a hurry to get to the bus stop (they don't call FL the lightening capital of the world for nothing!!!) If we have time we like to go back because DH likes to stop in Sosa Cigar shop. There is just too much to cover in one trip. One must is Earl of Sandwich!

 

[Mikester71]

DTD is definitely a must for us. We actually visit it first every trip (since we drive down from Canada and usually arrive in the afternoon) and leave the MK for our first full day down there. It's nice to check into the Pop, put our stuff in our room and take a quick walk around the resort to reacquaint ourselves with our second home, and then head to DTD for some shopping and some dinner and to just stretch our legs out from a long couple of days of driving.

Throughout our 10 day trip, I'd say we visit it at least 4-5 times before we leave too. We don't spend a whole day there or anything, usually we'll head over on the bus at night if we are back from a park early and aren't going to hit up another park until the next day. We'll do some shopping, a little DisneyQuest one of the days, and our new MUST DO each trip - have a delicious ice cream or a milk shake from Ghiradelli's a couple of the nights while sitting on a bench and people watching while enjoying the gorgeous Florida weather in March! Gosh - I can picture it as I am typing and SO wish I was doing it right now!!!!

 

[draybook]

DtD is our cooldown when we get into town. We usually arrive around 2pm, and after we get checked in we head to DtD. We started a tradition of getting a Christmas ornament, and the ladies(wife and daughter) like to drag us around looking at the shops. We also head there after we've checked out for any last minute souvenir shopping.

 

[epcotisbest]

Sorry folks, I think DD in its present form is way too frenetic/crowded/stressful with little or no substance.

I loved the quiet charm of the Marketplace. I loved the wondrous unique entertainment at Pleasure Island. We used to plan weekend trips just to go to PI.

But DD is (IMO) now nothing more than an overrated shopping mall. Even worse is the fact that they closed PI more than four years ago with the empty promise of a "bold new vision" that has yet to materialize.

We haven't stepped foot in the place since PI closed down and have no intentions of doing so in the future, unless by some miraculous shift in the space-time continuum we stop living in the BiffCo 2010s.

Ok, so I am a bit confused...you have not set foot in the place since 2008, yet you discuss its present form as having little or no substance. What do you base your opinion of the present on if you have not been in 4.5 years?

 

[Virtual Toad]

Ok, so I am a bit confused...you have not set foot in the place since 2008, yet you discuss its present form as having little or no substance. What do you base your opinion of the present on if you have not been in 4.5 years?

First, see the big pile of nothing that exists in what they somehow still have the gall to call "Pleasure Island."

Second, I'm pretty well versed on what exists at DD now, including Splitsville, and in all honesty there's nothing "Disney" there to entice me to visit. Others may feel differently, and I'm happy they go and have a good time. But I can go shopping, eat or even bowl at third-party establishments a lot closer to home for a lot less. Without Pleasure Island, the "draw" is gone. Third-party shops and restaurants don't cut it for me. And it's sad because we used to stay at the resorts and spend a lot of money on those weekend trips.

Again, I'm not trying to dampen anyone's spirits or tell them their choices are wrong. Just providing my own two cents. I think Disney can (and used to) do a whole lot better when it comes to DD.

 

[Mickey_777]

It's a must do for us. Love Bongos. Love Ghirardelli. Love Earl of Sandwich. And a trip just wouldn't be complete if we didn't shop/browse WoD and the Christmas shop (even though we know much of what's there can be found at the parks). We also really just enjoy a nice evening stroll from Marketplace to Cirque and back.

 

[EOD K9]

For the missus and I its a must do. Ghriadelli, Earl's, World of Disney, and 365 days of Christmas DUH!

 

[LVgoN2WDW]

We go to DTD almost everyday during our 10 day vacation! My kids love to pin trade and eating at earls is our best and cheapest option for our large family! We love it!