Downtown Disney parking garage?

[Alexis]

Hello everyone!

I had a question regarding the Downtown Disney parking situation, so I figured why not come to the forum and ask my friendly experts

Does anyone know if Downtown Disney will still be having that outdoor parking?
I know they are building parking garages, but are they totally eliminating the parking single floored all outside of the area?
Also, where are the parking garages supposed to be placed? Will they be covering the driveby view of Downtown Disney?

What do you all think about the stores they're going to be putting in? I feel like it's just so generic and average, like the stores from a regular mall. I feel like it needed some more Disney appeal.
Thank you!

 

[GhostHost1000]

Yes, Disney Springs will still have outdoor parking as well. The parking garages will cover "some" of the view.. but not all

here's one of the models - you can see the second parking garage in the distance/top corner

 

[Alexis]

Yes, Disney Springs will still have outdoor parking as well. The parking garages will cover "some" of the view.. but not all

here's one of the models - you can see the second parking garage in the distance/top corner

Thank you for your reply & sharing the photo I've never seen this model.

 

[Unplugged]

Interesting model. I know Disney changes their plans on a regular basis, even mid construction. I recall seeing some concept art (and I cannot find it in the posting here...yet) that showed the old bus terminal near the marketplace was to be converted to more stores once the new bus terminal between the garages opened.

Curious if anyone knows if that is still in plan or not.

 

[Alexis]

What do you all think of the stores they're having? I feel like there just so generic, that the Downtown Disney is just gonna turn to a regular mall.

 

[Unplugged]

I'm not impressed. The unique Disney stores of Market Place were fun to visit & shop at, but the rest is nothing special to me. There are a few restaurants that are special and enjoyable with more on the way. Hopefully these will revitalize the feel of uniqueness as opposed to the chains that dominate Downtown. Overall, it's a nice place to walk a bit to simply get out of the parks for a bit, though the current model is as we all know, too crowded. Hopefully the expansion will provide more elbow room. I can see how it's a cash cow for Disney, though for us we only spend money at World of Disney, sometimes the Lego store, and rarely at restaurant.

 

[Alexis]

I'm not impressed. The unique Disney stores of Market Place were fun to visit & shop at, but the rest is nothing special to me. There are a few restaurants that are special and enjoyable with more on the way. Hopefully these will revitalize the feel of uniqueness as opposed to the chains that dominate Downtown. Overall, it's a nice place to walk a bit to simply get out of the parks for a bit, though the current model is as we all know, too crowded. Hopefully the expansion will provide more elbow room. I can see how it's a cash cow for Disney, though for us we only spend money at World of Disney, sometimes the Lego store, and rarely at restaurant.

I feel the exact same way! It seems now just like a regular shopping mall. Before had more of a special Disney appeal towards DTD. I really spend money only at World of Disney, Goofy candy co. Not sure why they've decided to add so many average stores. I feel like they needed some more Disney themed stores. But that's just my opinion.
I agree with you!

 

[Unplugged]

I really spend money only at World of Disney, Goofy candy co. Not sure why they've decided to add so many average stores. I feel like they needed some more Disney themed stores. But that's just my opinion.
I agree with you!

I left out Goofy's....good catch! Always stop in Goofy's for a little sweet while wandering Downtown. I used to love Pooh Corner and had found a lot of cool things there, a while back. The whole Market Place in general has had some nice offerings. I've never been a fan of the West Side, but loved Pleasure Island back in the day of the Comedy Club, Jazz Club, & dear departed Adventurer's Club. The closer it gets to mall status, the less I go. Though I am open to the new revitalization as Disney Springs, assuming they do add more entertainment in addition to the obvious.

 

[Alexis]

I left out Goofy's....good catch! Always stop in Goofy's for a little sweet while wandering Downtown. I used to love Pooh Corner and had found a lot of cool things there, a while back. The whole Market Place in general has had some nice offerings. I've never been a fan of the West Side, but loved Pleasure Island back in the day of the Comedy Club, Jazz Club, & dear departed Adventurer's Club. The closer it gets to mall status, the less I go. Though I am open to the new revitalization as Disney Springs, assuming they do add more entertainment in addition to the obvious.

Yes! Pooh's Corner! Hence the bench outside with the log you could sit on to take pictures with Pooh, Piglet and Tiger! It sounds like it is becoming mall status. For that, I just visit the Orlando malls. I will just visit to see the few stores I like, World Of Disney, Goofys, maybe the christmas store and Ghiradelli's. I also liked the sports store they took out. I'm looking forward to the new look to Disney Springs as well. Just wish they would of put some better stores in.

 

[marni1971]

Yes, Disney Springs will still have outdoor parking as well.

Expect surface parking close to the development to be restricted access. The lots west of westside should still be available. And yes, things have changed a lot. I've seen at least four different layouts and locations for the structures.

 

[Alexis]

Expect surface parking close to the development to be restricted access. The lots west of westside should still be available. And yes, things have changed a lot. I've seen at least four different layouts and locations for the structures.

Wow! Thank you for the information. Hope they don't make the undercover parking a fee....

 

[wdwmagic]

Wow! Thank you for the information. Hope they don't make the undercover parking a fee....

Parking is and will remain free.

 

[marni1971]

Wow! Thank you for the information. Hope they don't make the undercover parking a fee....

I dare say the third party commercial element would have something to say if they did, and have something in the small print regarding that.

 

[Alexis]

Parking is and will remain free.

That is very good to know! Thank you

 

[ULPO46]

I feel the exact same way! It seems now just like a regular shopping mall. Before had more of a special Disney appeal towards DTD. I really spend money only at World of Disney, Goofy candy co. Not sure why they've decided to add so many average stores. I feel like they needed some more Disney themed stores. But that's just my opinion.
I agree with you!

It's the Disney Corporate thing. They do not want any tourist to get off their property. Build generic stores Disney can control where people shop and eat. I feel someday I-Drive will end up looking like US-192.

 

[Alexis]

It's the Disney Corporate thing. They do not want any tourist to get off their property. Build generic stores Disney can control where people shop and eat. I feel someday I-Drive will end up looking like US-192.

Ahhh.. That makes a lot of sense. Thank you for bringing that up! I wouldn't have thought that way.

 

[ULPO46]

Yeah. I mean i have no hard feelings with Disney. I grew up and still live in Orlando and made a feed similar to this one yesterday. I still highly doubt that Disney will build this town center for the people of Orlando. I mean look at the countless outlet malls all around the outside of Disney Property. From an economic perspective I highly doubt it will affect the shopping industry around central Florida. This project has and will be only for Disney to control where and how people get out and into their property. I just hope that with the new project more parking means less traffic and more restaurants mean I don't have to go somewhere else to dine while on property.

 

[Alexis]

Yeah. I mean i have no hard feelings with Disney. I grew up and still live in Orlando and made a feed similar to this one yesterday. I still highly doubt that Disney will build this town center for the people of Orlando. I mean look at the countless outlet malls all around the outside of Disney Property. From an economic perspective I highly doubt it will affect the shopping industry around central Florida. This project has and will be only for Disney to control where and how people get out and into their property. I just hope that with the new project more parking means less traffic and more restaurants mean I don't have to go somewhere else to dine while on property.

I see what you're saying! So it's like a controlled process. Tourists are automatically attracted to Disney. It will take away some business from the other Orlando malls, outlets, etc.
Yes, the parking at DTD was always a serious problem, especially at night.