Downtown Disney update

[Mouse Detective]

I would expect some sort of validated parking where it would be free with certain purchases or tickets.

Universal was charging $3 for anyone entering their garage after 6pm. Earlier this year they changed it such that Florida residents became free at 6pm and the charge for non-residents was raised to $4. I would expect Disney to move to something more akin to that. The change came because third-party vendors, which is nearly everything at CityWalk except the clubs, were complaining that the charge had driven the locals away. Which was true. I certainly wouldn't pay to park there when there are many restaurants and theaters elsewhere that charge nothing to park. But tourists; another $3-4 would not deter them.

 

[Horizonsfan]

Universal was charging $3 for anyone entering their garage after 6pm. Earlier this year they changed it such that Florida residents became free at 6pm and the charge for non-residents was raised to $4. I would expect Disney to move to something more akin to that. The change came because third-party vendors, which is nearly everything at CityWalk except the clubs, were complaining that the charge had driven the locals away. Which was true. I certainly wouldn't pay to park there when there are many restaurants and theaters elsewhere that charge nothing to park. But tourists; another $3-4 would not deter them.

It certainly wouldn't deter guests to pay an additional $3-4 to park,but there is always the factor of outside competition. In addition to Uni, there's also the many malls that litter I-Drive, Millenia, and the Florida Mall, all of which charge nothing to park (except for valet). I wouldn't rule out the garages being no cost, if your there for less than say 4-hours, during the day. Or validated parking when you make a purchase.

 

[raven]

It certainly wouldn't deter guests to pay an additional $3-4 to park,but there is always the factor of outside competition. In addition to Uni, there's also the many malls that litter I-Drive, Millenia, and the Florida Mall, all of which charge nothing to park (except for valet). I wouldn't rule out the garages being no cost, if your there for less than say 4-hours, during the day. Or validated parking when you make a purchase.

Let's not forget that Universal's parking structure is also the lot to park in for their parks. DTD doesn't have the same scenario.

 

[marni1971]

Let's not forget that Universal's parking structure is also the lot to park in for their parks. DTD doesn't have the same scenario.

Unis got plenty of capacity - lucky them - I've yet to see both structure in use let alone full. Several of DTDs plans include parking structures, lets see if any come to fruition...

 

[maxairmike]

Unis got plenty of capacity - lucky them - I've yet to see both structure in use let alone full. Several of DTDs plans include parking structures, lets see if any come to fruition...

I've been there when I've had to park on the 6th level of the Islands garage and looked over to see the 5th level of the Studios garage full, several times. They usually only use both structures during the summer months and Christmas time, though. You can tell which one they use the most because the pavement in the Islands garage still has a bit of a sheen and the "pattern" is still very fresh on the surface.

 

[71jason]

Wont matter much to the average guest but locals might have a problem with it....I think if they build a garage they willprobably start chargeing to park.

I think the existing tenants--most notably AMC--would have a huge issue with that. Even the in-house management team at World of Disney would not be thrilled with it.

True they could validate, but that's still a hassle and tends to drive people away (look at the lack of crowds at Pointe Orlando, which is basically what TDO was trying to build with PI 2.0).

ETA: Even Christmas week, there is still plenty of parking at DTD--the only times I've seen the lots truly full were the final night of PI and July 4ths. The problem is the vast majority of spaces are west of the West Side, where no one wants to be, while there are a relatively tiny number over by Marketplace, where most of the action is these days.

 

[jt04]

I think the existing tenants--most notably AMC--would have a huge issue with that. Even the in-house management team at World of Disney would not be thrilled with it.

True they could validate, but that's still a hassle and tends to drive people away (look at the lack of crowds at Pointe Orlando, which is basically what TDO was trying to build with PI 2.0).

ETA: Even Christmas week, there is still plenty of parking at DTD--the only times I've seen the lots truly full were the final night of PI and July 4ths. The problem is the vast majority of spaces are west of the West Side, where no one wants to be, while there are a relatively tiny number over by Marketplace, where most of the action is these days.

That a parking lot is not technically full is of little consequence. When people know they can't park near to the main venue that draws them there or worse have to hunt for a parking space or park far away it deters visits.

The beauty of garages is they can be engineered so that it puts visitors much closer to their desired destination. They can also be engineered to keep people out of bad weather. So I would think covered walkways to the theater would be welcome by AMC. A lot of people choose to go to movies during bad weather so this would help ticket sales. And some sort of payment system-validated parking for locals does not seem to hurt CityWalk as far as I can see.

 

[flynnibus]

So the problem is transportation - not parking.

Now only if Disney had plans from the past in how to solve that people moving problem....

 

[jt04]

So the problem is transportation - not parking.

Now only if Disney had plans from the past in how to solve that people moving problem....

Better yet combine the two for a comprehensive solution.

 

[mystical magic]

There are certain scenarios where Downtown Disney would once again be more than shopping and dining.

Yuck! Possibly more shopping and dining!

Now improving the transportation and parking infrastructure would be welcomed, but I will continue to skip DTD if it is just shopping and dining.

 

[Beholder]

Yuck! Possibly more shopping and dining!

Now improving the transportation and parking infrastructure would be welcomed, but I will continue to skip DTD if it is just shopping and
dining.

I wouldn't mind the shopping/dining so much, if it was a more unique experience. Offer up things I can get NOWHERE else, and I'd be ok with that. I'm at Disney, I want see some of that Disney "magic" spread around DTD. If that means adding more variety to the entertainment options, then great, just make it unique.

 

[jt04]

I wouldn't mind the shopping/dining so much, if it was a more unique experience. Offer up things I can get NOWHERE else, and I'd be ok with that. I'm at Disney, I want see some of that Disney "magic" spread around DTD. If that means adding more variety to the entertainment options, then great, just make it unique.

It is pretty clear they are not going to build a DTD that is competitive with the parks. The trick is to find a balance that will encourage AP and DVC sales and provide options for guests lokking for something to do after the parks close. You are requesting something that is impossible. But perhaps I am wrong and you can detail your ideas in the Imagineering forum.

 

[Beholder]

It is pretty clear they are not going to build a DTD that is competitive with the parks. The trick is to find a balance that will encourage AP and DVC sales and provide options for guests lokking for something to do after the parks close. You are requesting something that is impossible. But
perhaps I am wrong and you can detail your ideas in the Imagineering forum.

Improbable maybe, but impossible? I don't mean attraction type entertainment options, just a more varied dining/dancing/comedy things, adult if you will. I'm not debating what used to there or if was good/bad, but just making a suggestion. It's not my cup of tea, but I'm not the only person who visits WDW.

 

[Mouse Detective]

And some sort of payment system-validated parking for locals does not seem to hurt CityWalk as far as I can see.

There is no payment system-validated for locals at CityWalk. During the entire day, locals pay the same $15 to park at the Universal/CityWalk garage as everyone else. It's only after 6pm that those showing a Florida drivers license at the parking garage toll plaza are let in free while non-residents are charged $4. At 10pm it's free for everybody. (The free after 6pm for locals was implemented earlier this year because CityWalk third-party venders did feel that locals were bypassing them for dinner and movies because of the charge.)

 

[John]

It is pretty clear they are not going to build a DTD that is competitive with the parks. The trick is to find a balance that will encourage AP and DVC sales and provide options for guests lokking for something to do after the parks close. You are requesting something that is impossible. But perhaps I am wrong and you can detail your ideas in the Imagineering forum.

that might be?
JT DTD was never competitive with the parks, even in PI's heyday. The clubs really didnt get started till after nine. Even you mention they have to build something that will drive DVC sales.....what might that be? Forget PI...even though it techically still exsist. I cant imagine that there will be NO nightclubs at DTD after any remake.

DVC owners are not going to be jumping for joy over "relaxed shopping experience" I mean seriously!

 

[jt04]

that might be?
JT DTD was never competitive with the parks, even in PI's heyday. The clubs really didnt get started till after nine. Even you mention they have to build something that will drive DVC sales.....what might that be? Forget PI...even though it techically still exsist. I cant imagine that there will be NO nightclubs at DTD after any remake.

DVC owners are not going to be jumping for joy over "relaxed shopping experience" I mean seriously!

Obviously there will be night clubs. They are several now such as Bongos. DVC owners would love a place to shop, see movies, enjoy live entertainment and just a pleasent relaxed atmosphere in general in the evenings. Beats sitting around the resort pool every night.

A DTD that is safe and inviting adds to the quality of life especially for DVC owners who do not generally do the parks from opening to closing. Outdoor rec and a quality, safe evening experience are vital additions to a complete DVC experience. It is all the rage among urban planners and there is no reason WDW can't offer a miniature version of such experiences. Exemplifies the term "value added".

I truly worry there are so many people unable to conceptualize and who always fall back on memes and group think. Very troubling.

 

[Vader2112]

JT...Good point about DVC owners.

 

[Bairstow]

Was Pleasure Island ever not safe?

Also, I still miss the Virgin Megastore.

 

[zulemara]

Was Pleasure Island ever not safe?

Also, I still miss the Virgin Megastore.

I addressed that issue specifically here: http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/07/17/pleasure-island-dispelling-the-myths/

 

[Vader2112]

Nice article. The other issue is that the removal of the turnstiles would lead to folks under 21 accessing the PI Nightclub area.