Downtown Disney

[Omegadiz]

I dont think DTD is functioningthe way that it was intended in terms of guest having much of a reason to go. I think that this is partially because of its location being way out on the edge of the property. I understand it was originally build for locals, but for its use now, it would have been much more effective north west of the Epcont resorts. No matter. I think that DTD should become a recreational market place.

Make this area a destination just short of a park with the following additions:

• Splitsville
• Rink City (roller skating and ice skating rink)
• Updated DisneyQuest themed to Flynn's Arcade (provided that now tron attraction comes to WDW. if so, Wreck-It Ralph)
• Return the Night Club that is for adults but themebd to Mad T Party
• Create a theater for Plays and other touring events

All of the above would possibly persuade more people to visit DTD without it just seaming like an obvious outdoor shopping mall.

 

[ImagineerDude]

I like all these ideas. A teen nightclub may be worthwhile too. DTD has great intentions, but they haven't lived up to them yet. I don't think it's odd location is a problem. Typhoon Lagoon is over there too. If they continue this outdoor shopping mall they might as well add outlet stores residents would enjoy (Aeropostale, Bananna Reoublic, Nike, etc) They could easily make one of the largest outlet malls in the world! I'm not saying this is the BEST choice but it's SOMETHING new

 

[Omegadiz]

I like all these ideas. A teen nightclub may be worthwhile too. DTD has great intentions, but they haven't lived up to them yet. I don't think it's odd location is a problem. Typhoon Lagoon is over there too. If they continue this outdoor shopping mall they might as well add outlet stores residents would enjoy (Aeropostale, Bananna Reoublic, Nike, etc) They could easily make one of the largest outlet malls in the world! I'm not saying this is the BEST choice but it's SOMETHING new

I know theres Typhoon lagoon over there but when guest travel there, its for a water park, not a watered-donw shopping district. In Disneyland, TDR, and DLRP, the respective downtowndisney-esque areas are right next to the parks so people wouldnt find it to be a hasstle to go; same with CityWalks. So if theres a lot of extra activities over there (and expanded transportation services) people would probably flock to the area alowing it to serve its purpose

 

[ImagineerDude]

I know theres Typhoon lagoon over there but when guest travel there, its for a water park, not a watered-donw shopping district. In Disneyland, TDR, and DLRP, the respective downtowndisney-esque areas are right next to the parks so people wouldnt find it to be a hasstle to go; same with CityWalks. So if theres a lot of extra activities over there (and expanded transportation services) people would probably flock to the area alowing it to serve its purpose

That's also because they don't have the crazy amount of land there. DTD in DL is a giant exit gift shop for both the parks. Never have been to the others...but signature and unique places to dine get people there as well as the giant Disney store (world's largest) which is always packed. I went to DTD twice on my vacation last week (once around 5 and 11pm) and it was PACKED both weeknights in the middle of October! A lot of people go there, but a lot of people don't go back afterwards. I do agree SOMETHING new would be nice, but while DTD is still a money maker, TDO will do nothing

 

[RonAnnArbor]

UM...lots of things wrong with the OP, but just a few comments...

Downtown Disney was NOT designed for the locals -- it was specifically designed for Walt Disney World resort guest to keep them on-property instead of heading to other Orlando attractions after the parks closed...for those who are too young to remember, the parks used to close earlier, and before there was Disney Studios and Animal Kingdom, people ran out of things to do after a couple days. The bus system was also very minimal at that time, and most visitors had cars, making it easy for them to go wherever they wanted for cheaper (and better) meals and souvenirs.
Downtown Disney was specifically designed to keep those folks on property, and it was deliberately built where it was because the road system used to go right by it, and it was a reminder you could stay right there. Besides some shopping, the main attraction there was the bars and clubs on Pleasure Island. There were whole tv shows that were dedicated to live performances from Pleasure Island once upon a time.

During the past ten years or so, Disney recognized that they could make money off of the locals TOO...that is why there are now movie theaters, bowling alleys, and lots of special events bringing in local choirs/bands etc to play (and bring in their parents to shop)....

Somewhere along the line, Disney realized that if they owned most of the stores (especially in Marketplace) they would be making money no matter what store someone shopped in.

Downtown Disney is 100% about making money and nothing else.

 

[Omegadiz]

UM...lots of things wrong with the OP, but just a few comments...

Downtown Disney was NOT designed for the locals -- it was specifically designed for Walt Disney World resort guest to keep them on-property instead of heading to other Orlando attractions after the parks closed...for those who are too young to remember, the parks used to close earlier, and before there was Disney Studios and Animal Kingdom, people ran out of things to do after a couple days. The bus system was also very minimal at that time, and most visitors had cars, making it easy for them to go wherever they wanted for cheaper (and better) meals and souvenirs.
Downtown Disney was specifically designed to keep those folks on property, and it was deliberately built where it was because the road system used to go right by it, and it was a reminder you could stay right there. Besides some shopping, the main attraction there was the bars and clubs on Pleasure Island. There were whole tv shows that were dedicated to live performances from Pleasure Island once upon a time.

During the past ten years or so, Disney recognized that they could make money off of the locals TOO...that is why there are now movie theaters, bowling alleys, and lots of special events bringing in local choirs/bands etc to play (and bring in their parents to shop)....

Somewhere along the line, Disney realized that if they owned most of the stores (especially in Marketplace) they would be making money no matter what store someone shopped in.

Downtown Disney is 100% about making money and nothing else.

Thanks for clearing that up. I guess i just heard something before in realation to locals. my ideas, which, based on your post, would probably skew more towards locals. But i thought they would make the place more interesting