The holiday season has brought record-breaking crowds to Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Springs is no exception. Overflowing parking garages, long security lines, and packed walkways have left guests overwhelmed as they navigate one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Holiday Crowds Flood Disney Springs
Formerly known as Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is a shopping and dining hub at Walt Disney World Resort featuring four themed areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. The district offers an array of experiences, from upscale dining at The Boathouse to fun family spots like Rainforest Cafe. Iconic retail locations like World of Disney and The LEGO Store attract holiday shoppers.
During Christmastime, Disney Springs transforms with festive offerings like the Disney-themed Christmas Tree Stroll, Santa meet-and-greets, and holiday scavenger hunts. These activities, along with free parking, draw in massive crowds, including both locals and tourists.
Security Stretched as Guests Descend
This weekend, TikTok user @live.laugh.lem documented their challenging experience entering Disney Springs. Arriving in the afternoon, they were greeted with a parking garage at capacity and an extensive security line snaking through the structure.
“I have NEVER seen Disney Springs like this before!” the TikToker captioned their video. “The holiday crowds are a thing to behold!”
@live.laugh.lem I have NEVER seen Disney Springs like this before! The holiday crowds are a thing to behold! #disneysprings #disneycrowds #disneyholidays #disneyworld
Disney Springs does not always conduct full security screenings but implements heightened measures during peak times to ensure guest safety. For @live.laugh.lem, the process took over 20 minutes, a delay that set the tone for the rest of their visit.
“There’s just a crapton of people here,” the guest said. “It’s free, and a lot of people are blocked out [of the parks], so it makes sense…These are daytime crowds…I can only imagine what tonight’s going to look like.”
Despite the chaos, they praised Disney cast members for their efforts: “Cast members are doing their best; it’s just that there’s that many people here.”
Guests Sound Off on Holiday Experiences
In the comments, otherWalt Disney World Resort chimed in with their holiday horror stories.
“I have never seen it this packed,” said @briattheparks.
“I was in this line. It was insane,” @wastingmytimehere3 replied. “I’ve never had to stand in line to enter Disney Springs before.”
Many guests said they avoid Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs altogether during Christmas.
“We went in 2019 during December and I said never again!” @noc_games wrote.
“Whew, I’ll wait a couple weeks to go back.,” said @thattherapistswife.
Have you braved Walt Disney World Resort this time of year? In the comments, share your tips with Disney Fanatic.
It’s a foregone conclusion that Disney Springs will be packed at Christmas. You’d think most people would know this. Apparently not.