DTD, International West, and Garden Walk

[BuzzedLightyear]

So the resort is getting a lot of competition in the forms of Garden Grove's International West (which is supposed to include House of Blues, Rainforest Cafe, Ralph Brennans, and other identical offerings.) Garden Walk is also springing up across teh way. What affect will this have on the resort? Do you see it as being good or bad? SHould Disney step up by expanding DTD and adding Pleasure Island?

[dizfan]

Where is Garden Walk supposed to be?

[jafar]

I think that a Pleasure Island would be wonderful at Disneyland. It's already clear that DTD is becoming a great date spot, and is frequented by the same demographics that would probably respond well to more young adult-oriented attractions. Clubs and comedy clubs, and more outdoor music would be awesome.

However, Disney could also benefit from additional family offerings, to keep them in DTD. Too bad the DisneyQuest concept died.

I don't think that the Garden Walk and and I-Drive West will be leeching too much from Downtown Disney, since they are not continguous with it. It's undeniable that they'll present competition, but they'll have to work hard to compete with DTD. I think that if DTD expands its entertainment options, they'll still be at the head of the game. Hopefully phase 2 will bring more activity-oriented tenants instead of just shopping. And lower-priced food wouldn't hurt!

Disney has the admirable benefits of a steady flow of basically captive guests, great atmosphere, top notch tenants, and family-friendly fare. The only thing that I see as a possible improvement would be to include some of the waterways envisioned in the original plans. They did a great job breaking up the strip feeling with the Uva Bar and other elements, but it would be nice to have some open space.

[dizfan]

I would really like to know where Phase two of DD would go. Where is more land located of it?

[ExClub]

I would guess that it would continue west (towards Disneyland Hotel), and / or south (towards Paradise Pier Hotel).

[Michael]

Does anyone know if the construction has started back up on the Garden Walk?

[driftwood714]

Didn't look like anything new has happened when I drove by yesterday. It's been like that for several months now.

[disney68]

What types of restuarants/shops do you think will be included in a DTD expansion? Also, The Block and Irvine Spectrum are also very close and they don't seem to take away from the DTD crowd. I doubt the new places will either. I think it's the Disney experience that attracts people to DTD.

[HollywoodTower]

From the International West website, I just got the impression that this is more dream than reality. All the names of the shops and restaurants that are "planned" for their development make no sense. Why would there be two House of Blues minutes from each other? same with Rainforest Cafe and a Vans skatepark. I think that Garden Grove certainly has ambitious plans , and is already developed quite a bit with their new hotels, but I am pretty sure we will see the third Disney park in Anaheim before we see I-West.

[Sydney]

I would definitely love more "activity-based" offerings at Downtown disney, especially if they could be included somehow into a higher level annual pass... One of the most valuable things about the resort for me right now is that I can pay one price (however high that may be) and basically be set for the year.

To me, what DD needs is a couple stores that cater more to the local crowd-- specifically a mega books/music/movies store like a borders or B&N, or even Virgin Megastore like in DD in Fl. I really find that to be lacking from making DD in CA a complete shopping experience.