Relatively slow times to shop at DTD?

[Simba's Mom]

What times at DTD are relatively slow for shopping, and especially for getting a sundae at Ghiardelli's? I've gone in the late morning, during the week, and no one's there. But then I made the mistake of going one Saturday eve-don't want to do that again! There was a VERY long line at Ghiardelli's. So can I go only until early afternoon during the week or up until supertime? And I'd expect Saturday afternoon and every evening to be too busy, but what about Sunday in the early afternoon? Can anyone give me done guidance as to the best time (in early May) to get a seat at Ghiardelli's?

[bababear]

Hi yah Simba'smom

I found DTD to be the best first thing in the morning,, love to get a cup of coffee and watch the village come alive . I did try going back later in the afternoon and evening but it's just not that peaceful atmosphere. So I say lets eat chocolate treats (ice-cream) for breakfast,,:o

Hugs to you
Mel

[NorweJenNY]

Yes, I have to agree weekday mornings have been the quietest. If you drive, you can get really good parking spaces then too!

[harmrose22]

We like to go late afternoon during the week between lunch and dinner. It is usually not to crowded until really close to dinnertime but it's a good time to visit Ghiradelli's. We have never hit a very long line. This is an especially good time to go to get an early dinner and clear out before the crowds come in!

[Treeguy]

Right after a hurricane. We stayed at SS in Oct a couple of years ago when a hurricane came through. Everything was closed for 1/2 day, but some things opened later in the day. DTD was dead and I had the entire place pretty much to myself. So just plan on going during the next hurricane.

[Noreendisfourdisfour]

I was there for what felt like a hurricane one day and it was still crowded. :hahahaha:

Morning is the time to go. It is so beautiful and peaceful and the heat has usually not quite set in for the day. I love to sit on the benches and people watch.

[TinkLover]

I agree morning is the best time, no crowds at all, hey you're on vacation you can eat sweets any time you want...:beaniepro

[doombuggy]

Right after a hurricane. We stayed at SS in Oct a couple of years ago when a hurricane came through. Everything was closed for 1/2 day, but some things opened later in the day. DTD was dead and I had the entire place pretty much to myself. So just plan on going during the next hurricane.

I think this poster is referring to Hurricane Jeanne, which hit in late September, 2004: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004jeanne.shtml?

Yes, DTD closed early that Saturday night & i volunteered to stay late and sandbag, since I had done this 3 weeks before for Frances.

But back to Simba's mom's topic:
Early in the day is definately the best time to hit DTD if you are going shopping. For eating those treats, mid-afternoon might be better. And i would guess a weekday might be better than a weekend....but you can't visit me then! ;)

[Treeguy]

Actaually the hurricane I am referring to was late Oct, we went on a long weekend on our anniverisary. It hit the gulf coast, nicked WDW, and really wallopped Ft. Lauderdale on its way out into the Atlantic. WDW was closed for 1/2 day. Don't remember the name of it.

[AZDVC]

Actaually the hurricane I am referring to was late Oct, we went on a long weekend on our anniverisary. It hit the gulf coast, nicked WDW, and really wallopped Ft. Lauderdale on its way out into the Atlantic. WDW was closed for 1/2 day. Don't remember the name of it.

Treeguy, I'm betting that was Wilma in 2005. We slept in at OKW LATE that day and went to Epcot that afternoon. We saw a wedding going on in the Wedding Pavilion as we passed in the monorail....can you imagine how worried that bride must have been! But it turned out to be a beuatiful afternoon for them...whoever they were!
Patsy

[Treeguy]

Yep,I think you are right, I new the name was up there in the alphabet, but could not think of it.

[TinkWink]

We returned from our last trip last Monday and visited DTD a few times during the trip. We went on Monday, 6/23 at around 3:00 and the Earl of Sandwich was empty....it is the first time we've EVER experienced that. :goodvibes The World of Disney and Team Mickey stores were not too bad either. The women's apparel store was somewhat busy, as was the candy store and the Rainforest. I wanted to hit the Harley store, but it was too muggy and I pooped out. There were numerous thunderstorms almost every evening during our trip, so we didn't visit too much at night. We totally avoided Saturday and Sunday. On our other trip around lunchtime (on Friday, I think), the Earl's crowds were back in force!