Walt Disney World Resort is heading into one of its busiest weeks of the year, and guests visiting around Independence Day may notice that things look a little different across the property. A long-vacant Disney Springs location is finally getting a new occupant, transportation policies appear to be tightening, and Disney is extending operating hours as summer attendance continues to rise.
After years of speculation about what would replace NBA Experience, Disney Springs is finally set to unveil its newest attraction. Level99 opens June 29 at Disney Springs West Side, bringing an interactive entertainment concept to the massive building that once housed DisneyQuest and, later, NBA Experience.
The attraction centers on a mix of physical and mental challenges spread across more than 60 rooms. Guests participate in quick, game-style experiences, track their accomplishments with RFID wristbands, and compete in challenge duels throughout the venue.
The debut comes as Walt Disney World enters one of its busiest stretches of the summer season. With Central Florida temperatures regularly soaring, the addition of another large indoor experience could prove appealing to guests looking for a break from the heat.
Ticket sales begin June 22. Disney Springs visitors attending on opening day can also expect special offerings, including commemorative pins for the earliest guests. The opening marks a significant milestone for Disney Springs, transforming one of the district's most prominent vacant locations into a new entertainment destination.
Another change taking effect around the same time may affect how some guests travel around Walt Disney World. Reports reveal Disney is now asking guests for proof of reservations before allowing them to board buses from Disney Springs to Disney Resort hotels.
Visitors will now be required to show evidence of a hotel stay, dining reservation, or recreational booking associated with the resort they plan to visit.
The practice appears aimed at reducing use of a transportation workaround that became popular among longtime Disney visitors. Some guests would park at Disney Springs and then utilize Disney's complimentary transportation network to reach theme parks or other destinations across property.
Although Disney never promoted the strategy, it remained widely known among repeat visitors. With holiday crowds expected to increase significantly during the week of June 28, enforcement appears to be growing at a time when transportation demand is likely to be especially high. Guests planning to use Disney Springs as a starting point for resort transportation may want to review their plans before arriving.
Disney is also giving guests more opportunities to enjoy its parks during the Fourth of July period. Extended operating hours have been announced across multiple Walt Disney World theme parks, with Magic Kingdom receiving one of the largest schedule adjustments.
On July 4, the park will remain open until midnight, allowing visitors several additional hours to experience attractions and entertainment offerings. The decision follows a familiar pattern. Independence Day week has historically drawn some of the largest crowds of the year, prompting Disney to increase capacity and spread attendance across longer operating days.
For guests, the later closing times may offer practical benefits as well. Evening hours often provide a more comfortable experience after the hottest part of the day has passed. As the resort prepares for a busy holiday period, these three developments highlight how Walt Disney World is adapting for increased attendance.
The opening of Level99 introduces a major new entertainment venue at Disney Springs. At the same time, Disney appears to be taking a firmer stance on transportation access, while expanded park hours give guests more flexibility throughout the holiday week.
Visitors arriving between June 28 and July 4 may find that a little extra planning goes a long way.
Whether your goal is to experience Disney Springs' newest attraction, navigate updated transportation procedures, or enjoy extra hours inside Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World's Independence Day week is shaping up to be one of the most eventful stretches of the summer season.
What do you think about these changes arriving ahead of the Fourth of July crowds? Share your thoughts in the comments.
