Why Is Disney Springs Becoming More and More Crowded?

in Walt Disney World

disney springs

Left Image Credit: Paul Bryce / Right Image Credit: Angie Fallon

Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district located at Walt Disney World Resort, has reportedly hit capacity several times since reopening to the public last spring. And with the holidays quickly approaching, crowds continue to flock to Disney Springs to soak up the holiday Disney magic, get some shopping done, and to grab a bite to eat for date night.

However, there could be another reason why Disney Springs is so crowded. With Disney World not selling Annual Passes at the moment, all of the Florida locals who cannot enter the theme parks may be flocking to Disney Springs, which does not require admission. Here, we examine the recent trend in crowds at Disney Springs and why it is that way.

Related: Is Disney Springs Back to Full Capacity? Guests Wait 2+ Hours To Enter

Holiday Shopping and Date Nights

So with crowds continuously appearing at the shopping and dining district, we started thinking of all the reasons Disney Springs is seemingly becoming more and more popular each and every week. As we mentioned above, people could be doing some last-minute holiday shopping as Disney Springs has so many different stores and great deals during this time of year.

People could also be visiting to grab a delicious dinner for date night and spend some quality time with one another since there are several different holiday offerings at restaurants. But, there is one reason more and more people could be visiting Disney Springs that you may not have thought of.

Florida Locals

We are noticing that the shopping and dining district is much busier on the weekends than during the week, which more than likely means a majority of the crowds are Florida locals. This could support the holiday shopping idea, but it also could mean that Floridians are just wanting to take in the Disney magic since right now, Annual Pass sales are paused.

Florida locals who wished to purchase a new Annual Pass cannot do so at the moment since Disney decided to halt the sales of annual passes for the time being, with no sight of them coming back any time soon. Because of this, many locals do not want to pay for a single day park ticket with living so close. So, instead of visiting the theme parks, Floridians could be visiting Disney Springs to try and soak in the Disney magic, without being inside Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

One Inside the Magic reader even left this comment on a recently published article saying:

Most people are going to Disney Springs because they cannot get an annual pass. Bring annual passes back and bring people to the parks under supervision

disney springs capacity
Credit: Amanda McKenzie FOX 35

At this time, we do not know when Disney World will resume the sales of Annual Passes or if this is the reason why Disney Springs is becoming more and more popular. This is pure speculation and Disney has not released any statements regarding the crowds at Disney Springs or an update on Annual Pass sales.

Please note: Disney is continuing to make efforts as they enforce strict health and safety protocol within all of the theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — as well as at the Disney Resort hotels on Walt Disney World property. However, despite Disney Springs being on Disney World property, the shopping and dining district functions much like an outdoor shopping mall. Therefore, unlike the parks, reservations are not required to enter. As always, Guests should be aware of the current risks when visiting Disney Springs and other public places, as the pandemic is still ongoing.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Credit: Disney

If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World theme parks or Disney Springs, please remember to follow the new safety and health protocols in order to keep you and others safe during this time. Keep your distance from others, wear your face coverings, use the hand sanitizer located throughout the resort, try to use paperless payment methods, and cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing. For more information on Disney World’s safety protocols, visit their official website here.

Have you visited Disney Springs recently? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.

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