PHOTOS - Downtown Disney upgrades continue

[WDW Vacationer]

Two full service restaurants and at least three new shops have opened since the clubs closed. I believe two other shops are opening or being upgraded soon. And then there is Splisville which the consnsus here says will be at capacity every night.

Parking is the main factor for the "go slow" transformation. I am quite sure of it.

Yeah, but how much of that filled the empty space on PI? And Paradiso and Raglan don't count toward the bold, new vision because those were put in to motion before the clubs closed.

And I don't buy the parking excuse because somehow they had room for the PI guests.

 

[jt04]

They are doing something, but I think what's being argued is that additions don't equal design. We're looking for a high design, a concept, something that says Disney. Adding a couple non-themed stores and a bowling alley (which I'm excited about personally) here and there across the whole DTD area doesn't reflect that.

They have clearly said they are reimagining the area that was once called Pleasure Island. All plans since Iger has been CEO have been followed up on or plussed when a project is examined overall.

Steve has said repeatedly the clubs are not returning and his track record is better than even Lee's.

Again though, I believe any major new additions will have to consider parking capacity and as such the transformation will take time. IMO.

 

[Disaddict]

That is the most stupid thing I have ever read on this forum!

While I do agree with you that the comment was silly I do have to question whether you read many posts here if that is the stupidest thing you have read. How about people that call Disney a s***ty place and compare it to "dog 'poo'" then turn around and say "Yeah!! We have XX days until our trip!!" To me, that is the stupidest thing I see. I have read three different threads this morning alone where numerous people are slamming Disney, calling them morons, and acting like Disney never does anything to the parks and allows them to fall into total disrepair. And right below most of the posts are vacation return dates. LOL If they hate it so much, why go back? Maybe I shouldn't say these are the most stupidest things I read here but maybe the most Bi-Polar thing I read here.

 

[NadieMasK2]

The construction on the walkway around the Lego store is creating a foot-traffic nightmare. Was just there last week and so many people are being funneled into such a narrow space that it is quite an intimate experience . I didn't expect that at DTD. After Fantasmic is over, sure, but not for shopping .

 

[menamechris]

I don't think it was ever the intention nor would it be practical. They simply do not have the parking available today that would be necessary by a major expansion happening all at once.

I really think this is the primary reason they have opted to go slow. (cue the usual comments from the house cynics) The last thing the current tenants need is their customers fighting for a parking space beyond the current circumstances. It would be very easy for Disney to cross that line in the development of DTD that parking could become extremely difficult.

To fully realize the promise that the Hyperion Wharf concept offered they need to start building parking garages.

This is easy, just put a bid out for a smaller garage and allow the builder the revenue generated by the garage for a certain number of years if they finance it. Wouldn't cost the mouse a dime. Once one section of garage opens another section of parking lot can close to add another section of garage. The entire process could continue until there was adequate parking for any future growth considered for DTD. And if done right it would increase DTD's footprint and allow for even more expansion into the current parking lot. Possibly even a for a hotel and/or transportation hub.

I think the parking was probably originally built to the level that they would want that area busy. While management clearly does not want DD to be dead, they do not want it to be a headache security-wise either. If they think their "plans" will bring in that many people - they will find a way to charge admission to make a slam dunk profit, and at the same time, keep control of the crowd level. Disney will want to create something there that will entertain people enough to come when the parks close - but not take a day away from people being in the parks - or encourage them to leave the park early.

 

[Admiral01]

Downtown Disney at Disneyland has a parking fee. Granted, it is very close walking proximity to the parks...

 

[zulemara]

Two full service restaurants and at least three new shops have opened since the clubs closed. I believe two other shops are opening or being upgraded soon. And then there is Splisville which the consnsus here says will be at capacity every night.

Parking is the main factor for the "go slow" transformation. I am quite sure of it.

None of that has to do with PI closing. The fact is nothing has replaced any of the clubs, except for seed and mulch.

 

[jt04]

None of that has to do with PI closing. The fact is nothing has replaced any of the clubs, except for seed and mulch.

There was never any intention to "replace" the clubs with more clubs. So in that sense you are right. As for what will replace them, they have explained that the former PI is a work in progress. Look how long it took them to replace 20K. :lol:

 

[John]

While I do agree with you that the comment was silly I do have to question whether you read many posts here if that is the stupidest thing you have read. How about people that call Disney a s***ty place and compare it to "dog 'poo'" then turn around and say "Yeah!! We have XX days until our trip!!" To me, that is the stupidest thing I see. I have read three different threads this morning alone where numerous people are slamming Disney, calling them morons, and acting like Disney never does anything to the parks and allows them to fall into total disrepair. And right below most of the posts are vacation return dates. LOL If they hate it so much, why go back? Maybe I shouldn't say these are the most stupidest things I read here but maybe the most Bi-Polar thing I read here.

I guess I am one of those you MAY be refering to. I think just because I dont agree with what is going on at DTD dosnt mean I dont love WDW. I think they have lost their way when it comes to a once unique experience. Sure I am a PI fan but not to the extreme as others. Besides PI, I think TDO has lost its vision when it comes to themeing this property. So shoot me. Sorry, but I think the additions that have been made can be found anywhere across the country. The retail shops that have been added....can be found at various malls around the country and if I am not mistaken this isnt the very first splitsville either. I think the disapointment is more then just one thing you can point your finger at. The unique merch items....ie Disney art, christmas, world of Disney is just to name a few. Yes, the disaperience of nightlife is also a part of it. It has all added up to the disapointment I feel.

I absolutely loved DTD at one point in my life. To me there is not another place in WDW where there has been so many things I deem disapointing. Thus, I will curtail my time and dollars spent there....

 

[WDW1974]

Parking. Yep, that is DD's problem. And I am sure The Weatherman will have it all fixed before he bugs out of Burbank after announcing his/the company's intentions yesterday. I bet Bob and Willow will be out painting yellow lines in the new structures that will allow DD to expand and flourish just as has been the plan since at least 2001.

Seriously, other than Christmas and Spring Break, parking is almost never close to an issue at DD. Folks just all want to park in front of the World of Disney ... the further you head toward TSFKaPI and the Westside, parking opens up ...besides, most people take their MAGICal Disney buses anyway, right?

 

[jt04]

The construction on the walkway around the Lego store is creating a foot-traffic nightmare. Was just there last week and so many people are being funneled into such a narrow space that it is quite an intimate experience . I didn't expect that at DTD. After Fantasmic is over, sure, but not for shopping .

This is not possible as DTD is a "ghost town" since PI closed. Or so we have been told. :lol:

 

[WDW Vacationer]

Parking. Yep, that is DD's problem. And I am sure The Weatherman will have it all fixed before he bugs out of Burbank after announcing his/the company's intentions yesterday. I bet Bob and Willow will be out painting yellow lines in the new structures that will allow DD to expand and flourish just as has been the plan since at least 2001.

Seriously, other than Christmas and Spring Break, parking is almost never close to an issue at DD. Folks just all want to park in front of the World of Disney ... the further you head toward TSFKaPI and the Westside, parking opens up ...besides, most people take their MAGICal Disney buses anyway, right?

There are more times than that when parking becomes tight. Usually pretty busy when golf comes to town in October.

But, yes, for the most part parking is never a problem. Especially down by the West Side. The lot past Cirque is always very empty.

 

[zulemara]

There was never any intention to "replace" the clubs with more clubs. So in that sense you are right. As for what will replace them, they have explained that the former PI is a work in progress. Look how long it took them to replace 20K. :lol:

I didn't say they said they would replace the clubs with clubs.
Disney said they were going to re-imagine Pleasure Island to focus on a more family friendly environment. They stated they were closing the clubs and replacing[U[/U] them with restaurants and shops.

You stated
"Two full service restaurants and at least three new shops have opened since the clubs closed."

Those restaurants and shops have nothing to do with PI closing. Nothing.

I'm not talking about the rest of DTD, and neither were previous posters. We are talking about the fact that Disney hasn't made any progress on Pleasure Island to turn it from merely a walking path into a destination within the scope of DTD.

The fact is they have done NOTHING on PI except replace some clubs with seed and mulch. That's it.

 

[jt04]

I didn't say they said they would replace the clubs with clubs.
Disney said they were going to re-imagine Pleasure Island to focus on a more family friendly environment. They stated they were closing the clubs and replacing[U[/U] them with restaurants and shops.

You stated
"Two full service restaurants and at least three new shops have opened since the clubs closed."

Those restaurants and shops have nothing to do with PI closing. Nothing.

I'm not talking about the rest of DTD, and neither were previous posters. We are talking about the fact that Disney hasn't made any progress on Pleasure Island to turn it from merely a walking path into a destination within the scope of DTD.

The fact is they have done NOTHING on PI except replace some clubs with seed and mulch. That's it.

They just opened "Apricot Lane" on the former PI and now they are starting to add water features and LED lighting. So......that is something.

 

[jt04]

There are more times than that when parking becomes tight. Usually pretty busy when golf comes to town in October.

But, yes, for the most part parking is never a problem. Especially down by the West Side. The lot past Cirque is always very empty.

I think they will see what effect Splitsville has when combined with the premiere of a blockbuster movie. I think this could max out the parking lot some evenings. Not that this is a bad thing. It is the kind of problem you want to have to fix.

 

[uklad79]

Obviously you do not actually read something before responding. Here is what I said....

"Two full service restaurants and at least three new shops have opened since the clubs closed. I believe two other shops are opening or being upgraded soon. And then there is Splisville which the consnsus here says will be at capacity every night."

Obviously when you claim they are doing "nothing" it is disingenuous or is proof you do not know what you are talking about. Don't bother responding as I won't engage in what is obviously an attempt on your part to start a flame war.

Bye :wave:

You clearly have some have some kind of tunnel vision when it comes to reading. The post is in reply to your crazy comment regarding parking which you totally then ignored in your reply as you know it is just you clutching at straws and carparking is nothing to do with the lack of or as you would prefer slow development plans of the former PI area.

 

[Disaddict]

Parking is the main factor for the "go slow" transformation. I am quite sure of it.

What does parking have to do with this? Are you trying to say that they don't add more to DTD because there is not enough parking to handle the inflow of guests? If that is the case then they should build multi-level parking off to the sides in the "A" and "Q" lots. If this is your reasoning behind the slow to no development of DTD then I see your point (I don't agree with it, but I see it). When PI was open and in full swing you could kiss any chance of finding a parking spot after 6pm goodbye. It may get back to that if the PI site is fully developed but that alone is no reason for Disney to stall the project.

 

[jt04]

What does parking have to do with this? Are you trying to say that they don't add more to DTD because there is not enough parking to handle the inflow of guests? If that is the case then they should build multi-level parking off to the sides in the "A" and "Q" lots. If this is your reasoning behind the slow to no development of DTD then I see your point (I don't agree with it, but I see it). When PI was open and in full swing you could kiss any chance of finding a parking spot after 6pm goodbye. It may get back to that if the PI site is fully developed but that alone is no reason for Disney to stall the project.

I disagree and I will explain. If DTD was a "wholly owned subsidiary of the Walt Disney Corporation" parking may not be a big concern. But DTD consists of many third party interests many of whom might be quite concerned with parking availability for their customers. Keep in mind they are paying premium rates to be in the DTD complex and the last thing they are going to want is customers turning away or not bothering to visit because parking becomes too difficult.

And you are right, if parking is a large factor in their "go slow" strategy then you will see garages being announced or at the very least added parking between Cirque and HoB. I explained this a page or two back. Actually they could start the tranformation of DTD parking by building a large garage beside Cirque and HoB which would enable them to then systematically step by step transform all of DTD's parking scheme.

 

[Disaddict]

I disagree and I will explain. If DTD was a "wholly owned subsidiary of the Walt Disney Corporation" parking may not be a big concern. But DTD consists of many third party interests many of whom might be quite concerned with parking availability for their customers. Keep in mind they are paying premium rates to be in the DTD complex and the last thing they are going to want is customers turning away or not bothering to visit because parking becomes too difficult.

And you are right, if parking is a large factor in their "go slow" strategy then you will see garages being announced or at the very least added parking between Cirque and HoB. I explained this a page or two back. Actually they could start the tranformation of DTD parking by building a large garage beside Cirque and HoB which would enable them to then systematically step by step transform all of DTD's parking scheme.

The reason I suggested a garage where I did (lots A and Q) is because they are so far off to the ends that they will not detract from the visual of DTD from the front. Lot Q would be the more likely spot for a grage since it is down around and sort of behind Cirque. They could make a 5 story tall garage there and actually theme is just right on the outside to keep it from being a plain eye sore in the DTD skyline.

 

[patricia27]

We miss Virgin Megastore--we would spend hours in there--there was something for all members of our party. I`d love a decent book shop. We don`t visit Downtown much now