LONE-STAR 370 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 2 gallons of gas and I can loop all week Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I got the chance to see this in person on this past Friday evening, June 12. You can see that all of the wooded area behind the DVC kiosk is cleared out: Now you can see the Settlement Trading Post while standing in front of Pioneer Hall: Here's the new spacious parking area peeking between the DVC and the souvenir kiosks: Here's a look at the work from the other side: You used to not be able to see Pioneer Hall clearly from here- there used to be some nice, mature trees and forest in the way: I would say that they've more than doubled the parking area- and they also cut down all of the trees that were left there when the parking lot was first built: This is the view from behind the 100 loop, looking toward Pioneer Hall: How is it that for 43 1/2 years that parking area has been adequate for the Fort, and it is just now that they have to rip out a bunch of the wilderness that was left for guests to enjoy to more than double it? Idiots. TCD BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Retired and Happy (Ken) 101 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Next they will rip out the foliage along the WL Trail...and still not let you drive a GC over there. Idiots. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Wow it looks more than twice as big to me. Wonder if they are going to start restricting carts from going down to the beach. That's the only reason I can think of to need that much parking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Wow it looks more than twice as big to me. Wonder if they are going to start restricting carts from going down to the beach. That's the only reason I can think of to need that much parking. As far as I know, the permit to build the new dining pavilion behind the Settlement Trading Post was abandoned, but if they are going to go forward with that, the golf cart parking area to the north of the Settlement Trading Post, along the beach, would probably be closed during the construction, and maybe would be gone for good. That would explain the need for increasing the size of this lot. But, it is a lot less convenient to the marina. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 As far as I know, the permit to build the new dining pavilion behind the Settlement Trading Post was abandoned, but if they are going to go forward with that, the golf cart parking area to the north of the Settlement Trading Post, along the beach, would probably be closed during the construction, and maybe would be gone for good. That would explain the need for increasing the size of this lot. But, it is a lot less convenient to the marina. TCDI was thinking more about the other end of the beach that a lot of people go to for the fire works and EWP. You know the ones that like to do donuts in the sand. Plus with the backyard bar b que and HDDR the area around Pioneer Hall and the road that leads to BYB gets pretty congested and I could see them stopping cart access to that area. But I hope not. I just don't see why they had to make the parking area so big. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I was thinking more about the other end of the beach that a lot of people go to for the fire works and EWP. You know the ones that like to do donuts in the sand. Plus with the backyard bar b que and HDDR the area around Pioneer Hall and the road that leads to BYB gets pretty congested and I could see them stopping cart access to that area. But I hope not. I just don't see why they had to make the parking area so big. Oh. I wasn't thinking about that, but you're right. There are a lot of pedestrians who walk down that pathway for the Backyard BBQ. I could see them blocking carts from going down there. There really isn't any reason that carts need to go down that path (except for the fireworks and EWP). TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Travisma 1,317 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Memorial Day weekend, we almost got ran into more than once by carts leaving the marina area after the beach party. People just back up out of their spaces full speed without checking to see if anyone is behind them. Then it's always like demolition derby time seeing who can outrun who to get to the cart path first and how dare these people trying to walk around the circle in front of the Settlement Store! djsamuel 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Memorial Day weekend, we almost got ran into more than once by carts leaving the marina area after the beach party. People just back up out of their spaces full speed without checking to see if anyone is behind them. Then it's always like demolition derby time seeing who can outrun who to get to the cart path first and how dare these people trying to walk around the circle in front of the Settlement Store! Yep - I've seen this more than once. We usually hang back and let things empty out. I'll be curious to see how much the new expanded parking area alleviates the congestion in the parking area closer to the beach. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I'll be curious to see how much the new expanded parking area alleviates the congestion in the parking area closer to the beach. I don't see it alleviating anything- that lot never filled up to begin with. So, they made it bigger? Why would anyone going to the marina or to watch fireworks park there? I think that Memphis is on to something- maybe they're about to restrict some of the current parking areas. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I figured they'd be trying to "force" at least some people to park in the expanded area to try and clear out some of the mess over by the marina. Sometimes there are carts parked all over the place there - including stacked up in the grass. And as Mark said, it's a dangerous free-for-all with carts, bikes and pedestrians all trying to get out of a relatively tight space. I actually wouldn't be surprised if the clear out *all* the cart parking by the marina and force everyone to park here. Otherwise you're right - no sense parking that far away if you don't have to, and if they leave even a few spots open by the marina, you know people will still park all over the place to save themselves the walk. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 You're right- they will have to "force" guests to park there. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that some change is about to be implemented. The only reason that parking area would need to be expanded is if there will be more carts parking there, and the only reason anyone would park there other than to visit Pioneer Hall, Trail's End of Crockett's would be if they weren't allowed to park at the marina. TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Yep. I'd say keep an eye out for new fences and signs over by the current cart parking area near the marina. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lightbikes 73 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 "How is it that for 43 1/2 years that parking area has been adequate for the Fort, and it is just now that they have to rip out a bunch of the wilderness that was left for guests to enjoy to more than double it? Idiots. TCD" Thank you for the pictures - that mess is just plain sad - I can think of a lot stronger words than "Idiots" but I can't use them on a public page!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WalkerFiend 22 Posted June 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Well, at the rate they are moving I think you have quite awhile before the new area is completely finished. But it seems it would be pretty simple at that point to just install posts to block the way over to the marina when they do, and it would be a done deal. The cart path would basically dead end into that parking area, no more parking at the Marina. Unless that is there is another way to get over there that I have not seen? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WalkerFiend 22 Posted June 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I mean, you can't have us campers getting in the way of the real guests can you? Edit: I've also seen the dangerous combination of foot, bike, and cart traffic at night especially. You have to admit it is not a great setup the way it is in that area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mommy rainbo.....Bo 41 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Darn. That was my planned parking spot for watching the fireworks and EWP. I had used it when I ran up to beg for trails end to allow me to get some food when J dislocated her elbow on the play equipment at the pool. I got there just at closing/EWP ending and the park ranger told me to park there. I Ran up and the told the TE manager my sob story. Please I need some diner and DD is passed out from the anesthesia and surgery. My husband and I need to eat. Please. They graciously filled me a bag from the buffet. So long story longer. No one was parked at that little area but me. I was thinking a little bit of a walk would be better than getting stuck in that crazy cart mess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starbuc71 162 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 Something else has to be up with this. I can't see them just deciding to do away with all that folige to double the size of a lot that never has more than 20 carts. I can see them doing away with the current parking by the marina and restricting carts to the path and that new parking area. The way a lot of people race around by the playground or back out of the marina parking, I can't believe some have not gotten hurt yet. If they close the marina paring, I don't think it's a big deal to walk an extra 50 yards or so. I read the backyard BBQ is open more nights this summer and add 2-3 shows of the hoop de do review, that puts a lot of people dodging carts especially the under age driver ones. M sure this new area looks like crap since its bare. I believe we will soon say goodbye to parking by the beach and sitting on the cart watching the water parade in the near future Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 ... I can see them doing away with the current parking by the marina and restricting carts to the path and that new parking area. ...I don't think it's a big deal to walk an extra 50 yards or so. ... I believe we will soon say goodbye to parking by the beach and sitting on the cart watching the water parade in the near future Agreed X3. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disneygeek87 2 Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 Just past it again on the way to the Marina. I bet you could squeeze a Starbucks in there...Haha, don't say that out loud around there. You don't want to give them any ideas! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WalkerFiend 22 Posted September 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 Haha, don't say that out loud around there. You don't want to give them any ideas! I'm a Starbucks addict. If they had a Golf Cart drive thru - I'd be all in favor! :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Humphrey Bear…Rob 42 Posted September 20, 2015 Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 So will the marina be "Premium" parking that you will have to pay extra to use with a special hang tag or just for Disney rentals only and if u bring your own you park in the new lot? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WalkerFiend 22 Posted September 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 There was a bit of speculation that they'd close down the beach parking area... As far as I know that has not happened - yet. In anothe thread (or one of the trip reports) I read that the staff actually would *not* allow parking there on July 4 weekend... And indeed forced folks to park near the beach, even when they had arrived at the Settlement early and there was no real need...So, I'm interested and a bit confused about the end game here, the reason they thought it was so needed. My gut tells me it's either because they are planning to close the Marina area to carts, or, for some reason they expect a lot more cart traffic in the future for some reason I have no clue about. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WalkerFiend 22 Posted September 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 I'll add. I have not been at the Fort when it's crazy busy... So maybe I just don't have a good frame of reference for the cart parking situation when it's really full. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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