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Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World Resort has shared more information about what guests can expect from its new transportation rules.
Earlier this week, Disney confirmed plans to introduce permanent restrictions on the use of transportation services from Disney Springs. From June 28, buses and boat transportation from the shopping and dining district will be limited to either resort guests or those with a dining or amenities booking at a resort.
The news divided fans, with some claiming that it effectively puts an end to resort hopping for Disney World locals, while others insisted that it was a necessary move to reduce crowding and wait times for Disney’s free transportation ā as well as closing a loophole used by some guests to skip paying for parking at Disney’s theme parks.
It was also unclear whether resort guests would be able to visit other hotels during their stay, or when those with reservations would be able to use Disney transportation.
Now, Disney has clarified exactly what guests can expect from June 28.
Disney Issues Full Details of Transportation Rules
According to a Guest Relations response sent to a WDWMAGIC reader, the rules are slightly more flexible than some feared.
When boarding a bus or boat from Disney Springs, guests will need to provide a valid Disney Resort Hotel room key, MagicBand, or a Dining or Enchanting Extras reservation.
Disney resort guests with a valid Disney Resort Hotel reservation will still be able to board any Disney Resort Hotel Bus Service or Sassagoula River Cruise boat (a scenic water taxi that takes guests to Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort ā Riverside, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort ā French Quarter), meaning nothing changes for those staying on Disney property.
Anyone with a booking for a Disney restaurant or an Enchanting Extra ā such as a spa service at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground ā will be able to use the relevant buses or boats up to two hours before their reservation time.
Disney added: “Disney Transportation from Disney Springs is intended for Guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel or visiting one with a valid Dining or Enchanting Extras reservation. This helps keep our Disney Transportation running smoothly and allows us to deliver the best possible experience for our Disney Resort Hotels Guests.”
It also clarified that these changes only apply to transportation departing from Disney Springs. In recent years, an increasing number of guests have attempted to avoid paying for parking at Magic Kingdom and other Disney parks by parking for free at Disney Springs before traveling to a Disney Resort hotel and using its complimentary transportation services.
What do you think of the upcoming changes to Disney’s transportation?
