The makeover of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs is well underway. We have mostly avoided that area over the past few visits as much as possible, because parking has been a problem during the construction. Since the first parking garage is partially open we thought that we would venture over to T-Rex for dinner back in November. Parking was a mess, and it doesn’t look like that is going to change anytime soon. We have friends that are currently there now and they said it is still a mess.
My best advice for parking at Downtown Disney right now is to avoid it if possible. If you’re staying on property, take the bus from your resort. Good parking spaces are at a premium, and trying to get one requires a lot of time and patience. If there is any way that you can avoid parking at Downtown Disney, do it.
If you plan to go to Downtown Disney and will need to park, there are a few things that you need to do. First, give yourself a lot extra time. The days of showing up a few minutes before your dining reservation, grabbing a close spot, and running to the restaurant are gone for now. Second, follow the traffic signs, there are construction barrels everywhere. Disney is doing a good job of directing traffic to open lots, where there should be spaces. You do need to follow the signs, don’t assume that a closer lot will have open spaces because that lot very well might be closed. Third, be prepared to walk. Many of the current parking spaces aren’t close; they’re in parking lots across the street from Downtown Disney. Fourth, cross the street only when you have a walk light. Even with cast members keeping an eye on things, there are a lot of people trying to cross the busy road at the same time. Finally, be nice and take your patience with you. The current mess is not the other guests’ fault.
The last time that we went to Downtown Disney we ended up parking across the street in the casting lot. It was in around 6 pm, and that parking lot had some open spaces. The area was very busy and cross walk was a bit hairy with the kids.
Once the parking decks are both open and fully operational the parking problems at Downtown Disney should ease up. Until then, I would avoid driving to the area if possible, or give yourself plenty of extra time.
