12Holiday crowds have overtaken Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Springs is no exception. Earlier this month, Inside the Magic reported on packed parking areas outside the shopping and dining district that left many families turned away, scrambling for other options. This weekend, thousands of guests once again descended on the Disney parks and Disney Springs.
In 2015, Walt Disney World Resort transformed its shopping and dining district, Downtown Disney, into Disney Springs. The area is now home to four distinct neighborhoods: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. It boasts various dining options, from family-friendly destinations like Rainforest Cafe and T-REX to luxurious experiences like The Boathouse and Summer House On The Lake.
Disney Springs is also home to dozens of retailers, including the sprawling World of Disney. In addition to Disney-owned shops, it offers fan favorites like The LEGO Store, Lululemon, and the Coca-Cola Store Orlando.
During the holiday season, Disney Springs hosts complimentary Santa meet-and-greets at Once Upon A Toy, a holiday scavenger hunt, and a Christmas Tree Stroll featuring Disney-themed festive decorations. These offerings, holiday shopping destinations, and free parking make Walt Disney World Resort’s shopping and dining district appealing to tourists and locals alike.
Last weekend, TikTok user @live.laugh.lem shared their stressful experience arriving at Disney Springs in the afternoon. After parking, the Walt Disney World Resort guest was greeted with a lengthy security line that sprawled through the parking garage.
“I have NEVER seen Disney Springs like this before!” the guest wrote. “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 security doesn’t always screen each guest but ups protocols during busy times for guests’ safety. It took more than 20 minutes for the TikToker to make it through the screening and down the escalators into the outdoor complex.
“There’s just a crapton of people here,” the guest said. “I mean, 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.”
The guest commended Disney cast members for moving crowds as efficiently as possible: “Cast members are doing their best; it’s just that there’s that many people here.”
Other Disney Parks guests shared their experiences with holiday crowds in the comments.
“I have never seen it this packed,” said @briattheparks.
“I’m speechless with these crowds,” @_its_melissa._ agreed. “It’s hellacious.”
Many Walt Disney World Resort fans avoid Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs during the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
“We went in 2019 for during December and. I said never again!” @noc_games commented. “It was packed.”
“I’m local and I won’t go near anything Disney over winter break,” @jillianv03 agreed.
Have you visited Walt Disney World Resort at Christmastime? In the comments, share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic.