A long-discussed transportation change at Walt Disney World is finally about to take effect.
Starting June 28, Disney Springs guests will see new restrictions on buses traveling to Disney Resort hotels, potentially affecting vacation plans for thousands of visitors this summer.
If you're heading to Walt Disney World in the coming days, consider this your reminder.
The new policy centers on transportation between Disney Springs and Disney Resort hotels. Disney has already installed signs notifying guests that the changes are coming, and the implementation date is now less than a week away.
Fortunately, guests staying at Disney-owned resorts won't see much disruption.
According to currently available information, resort guests will continue to have access to Disney Springs buses serving Disney hotels throughout property. Resort hopping remains available for those with valid Disney Resort reservations, allowing them to continue exploring different hotels during their stay.
Guests staying at Swan and Dolphin and Shades of Green will also maintain the same transportation privileges.
The bigger change impacts visitors who aren't staying at a qualifying resort.
Historically, Disney Springs has been a popular transportation hub for guests wanting to visit Disney hotels for dining reservations, lounge visits, holiday decorations, and other experiences. Beginning June 28, Disney will significantly tighten access to those transportation options.
Non-resort guests will no longer be able to freely board buses from Disney Springs to Disney hotels.
There is an exception for guests with dining reservations or eligible Enchanting Extras experiences. However, those guests will only be allowed to use transportation within a two-hour window before their reservation time.
The restriction applies to both buses and watercraft.
For some guests, that may require adjusting arrival times and transportation strategies. What once worked as a spontaneous trip from Disney Springs to a resort restaurant may now require more planning.
Even so, Disney is not completely shutting down resort hopping opportunities.
Transportation centers at Walt Disney World's theme parks are expected to remain unaffected. Guests can still use park transportation systems to reach Disney hotels, making theme parks an alternative starting point for those exploring the resort.
As June 28 approaches, Disney visitors should take a few minutes to review how they plan to move around property. The changes may not affect everyone, but they could impact dining plans, resort visits, and transportation choices for many Disney Springs guests.
With summer vacation season underway, understanding the new rules before arrival could help avoid confusion and keep your Disney World trip running smoothly.
