Disney has recently been doing test runs for a new policy change on transportation access at Walt Disney World to manage crowds and only allow access for select guests. The most recent test was run during spring break and made headlines for closing a previous loophole to accessing free transportation.
After we reported that this change was likely to become permanent, Disney has now confirmed it, revealing both the start date and a broader impact on boat transportation than previously anticipated. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the new Disney World ticket offer and the new opening date for a Disney Springs addition.
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Disney Confirms New Transportation Policy
Disney World implemented a new policy change during spring break this year to limit which guests can access the complimentary resort bus transportation for hotel guests. This rule change included a new verification step at the Disney Springs bus loop to limit access to buses to those who only had an active resort hotel or dining reservation.
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During this test run, cast members were stationed at the bus queue entrance and asked guests for proof of eligibility. Guests were then asked to provide their MagicBand or mobile device to verify hotel or resort dining reservations. This rule was put in place to manage crowds from Disney Springs from those who might be using the free parking at Disney Springs as a workaround to avoid paying for parking at the theme parks and resort hotels.
Now, Disney has confirmed via the Disney World My Experience App that this change is becoming permanent and is extending to boat transportation. According to a cast member on the app, this policy change will start June 28 and will become a part of daily operations at Disney Springs with no end date.
Guests boarding Disney Resort hotel buses and the Sassagoula River Cruise from Disney Springs will be asked to show a valid Disney Resort hotel room key, dining reservation, or experience reservation for the Resort they are visiting. If guests cannot provide verification, they will be denied boarding. Scroll to the end of the article to see our screenshot from our conversation with the cast member.
The addition of the Sassagoula River Cruise’s complimentary boat transportation impacts guests attempting to travel between Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resort (Riverside and French Quarter), Old Key West Resort, and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter is known for its popular dining options, especially as one of the main locations on Disney World property to enjoy beignets. This is a disappointing update for many guests who like to utilize this boat transportation primarily to enjoy this popular Disney World snack.
However, this change will also lighten some of the crowds at these popular resorts from day visitors who are not active hotel guests. This will be a relief to those staying at the resort hotels, especially with how long the lines can get for beignets at the French Quarter.
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While this makes the popular practice of resort hopping a bit trickier, guests can still visit the resort hotels with an active dining reservation. If you plan on taking advantage of this popular resort hopping trend, ensure you have dining reservations for the lounges you intend to visit. There are no such restrictions on the Disney Skyliner for now, and this transportation impact is currently only focused on Disney Springs, which is good news for the Skyliner bar crawls.
To see the screenshot from our conversation with a cast member on the My Experience App, see below.
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