Disney limiting Disney Springs bus riders on a daily basis

The days of anyone using the buses from Disney Springs to the resorts are over. Disney is now limiting this complimentary service as part of daily operations, beginning June 28, 2026.

As of June 28, 2026, a new permanent operational procedure has begun at Disney Springs. This change follows temporary procedures during the Easter and New Year’s holiday periods, when Cast Members checked guests for valid resort stays, dining reservations, or recreation bookings before allowing them to board resort buses from Disney Springs. The practice is intended to reduce crowding and discourage guests from using Disney Springs parking as a workaround to access the theme parks or the resort hotels.

As of our most recent update of this article, Walt Disney World’s official bus transportation webpage has been updated to reflect the policy change.

June 28, 2026: early confirmation

Prior to these changes being published on Walt Disney World’s transportation webpage, Attractions Magazine was able to verify that beginning June 28, the validation process used during peak travel periods will become part of daily operations at Disney Springs. In other words, regardless of how busy it is across Walt Disney World property, only guests with confirmed resort reservations (for room, dining, or recreation) can utilize Disney Springs resort transportation.

Guests boarding Disney Resort hotel buses and the Sassagoula River Cruise from Disney Springs will be asked to show proof of a Disney Resort hotel stay or a qualifying dining or experience reservation at the resort they are visiting. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel may also use their MagicBand to verify their stay.

The procedures were previously implemented during spring break 2026, around the last week of March through Easter weekend, as Disney worked to manage transportation demand and discourage guests from using Disney Springs as a transportation hub to access other areas of Walt Disney World.

Cast Members will check Resort IDs

Guests will find a cast member and signage at the entrance to the bus loop at Disney Springs checking resort IDs.

With guests regularly enjoying the Disney resorts’ restaurants, bars, and decor who are not staying at the resorts, it is no longer possible to use Disney Springs buses to do so without a proper reservation. Therefore, non-resort guests may want to consider other transportation options when traveling from Disney Springs to a Disney resort during spring break and other busy holidays, such as Christmas. 

Related: We tested Disney’s Contemporary Resort access after social media claims of new guest restrictions

Disney Springs is located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Previously known as Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is undergoing a lot of changes this summer and is a spot for guests to visit for dining, shopping, shows, and more. It is free to visit, and there is no fee for parking. It is located on the Walt Disney World Property. You can access the Walt Disney World app for more, or head to DisneySprings.com.