The way guests move around Disney World is changing from tomorrow.
Walt Disney World Resort is introducing new transportation rules on June 28 that will limit who can travel from Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels. The update marks one of the biggest changes to Disney World's transportation in recent years.
The Florida resort has spent decades making it easy to travel without a car. Complimentary buses, boats, monorails and the Disney Skyliner connect the theme parks, hotels and shopping district, allowing many guests to explore well beyond the park they are visiting.
That has made Disney Resort hotels popular destinations even for visitors who are not staying overnight. Guests regularly visit for restaurants, shopping, bars and seasonal displays, particularly during the holidays.
Starting tomorrow, however, access from one part of the transportation network will be more limited.
Disney Springs Transportation Rules Change June 28
Beginning June 28, guests leaving Disney Springs for a Disney Resort hotel must show a valid Disney Resort hotel room key, MagicBand, or proof of a Dining or Enchanting Extras reservation.
The policy applies to both buses and boats departing Disney Springs.
Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel will not notice any changes. They can continue using Disney transportation throughout their stay.
The Sassagoula River Cruise boats between Disney Springs and Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter will continue operating for eligible guests.
Visitors with dining reservations or Enchanting Extras bookings, including spa appointments at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, may also use transportation beginning two hours before their reservation.
Disney explained the new policy in a statement: “Disney Transportation from Disney Springs is intended for Guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel or visiting one with a valid Dining or Enchanting Extras reservation. This helps keep our Disney Transportation running smoothly and allows us to deliver the best possible experience for our Disney Resort Hotels Guests.”
Guests Fear More Changes at Disney World
Disney has only announced changes affecting transportation from Disney Springs.
Even so, some guests believe the new policy could be the first step toward tighter access at Disney Resort hotels.
The discussion follows the wording Disney recently used while announcing this year's holiday decorations.
“For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.”
The statement stood out because many guests make annual trips to visit multiple Disney Resort hotels during the holidays without staying overnight.
Disney has previously discouraged guests from using hotel parking lots simply to visit the resorts. Transportation from Disney Springs has remained one of the easiest ways to do so.
If similar restrictions are introduced elsewhere, visiting Disney Resort hotels without a hotel stay or reservation could become more difficult.
Disney has not announced any additional transportation changes beyond those taking effect on June 28.
Do you think Disney's rule changes make sense?
