Walt Disney World is closing a free parking loophole at Disney Springs
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Walt Disney World is taking steps to close a widely used loophole that allows visitors to avoid park fees.
As spring break crowds increased, the resort began restricting access to the free transportation system.
The update effectively ends the long-running workaround that helped guests bypass the $35 parking fee.
DISNEYLAND MAY REMOVE LONG-LONG PARKING RULES THAT MAKE VISITORS HELPFUL
For years, some visitors would park for free at Disney Springs, then take a bus to a Disney resort hotel, then take the park’s internal transportation network to reach the theme parks without paying parking fees.
This is according to the Disney Theme Park news blog. “Inside the Magic.”
Disney World now restricts access to its free transportation system to prevent guests from skipping the $35 park fee. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
This hack doesn’t fly anymore. Starting in late March, Disney began limiting bus access to Disney Springs to guests who can prove they are staying at a Disney resort.
Visitors attempting to board are now asked to present a MagicBand, room key or digital reservation through the My Disney Experience app. Those without proof were turned away and directed to standard parking or carpool options, the blog noted.
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The stricter rules are intended to give priority to resort guests during one of the busiest periods of the year when transportation demand increases.
In the past, the system operated largely on an honor system, allowing non-hotel guests to enjoy the privilege.
The purpose of the stricter rules is to give priority to resort guests during busy times when transportation demand is highest. (iStock)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Walt Disney World for comment.
Users on Reddit began sharing their experiences with the new restrictions.
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“We tried to take the bus to a monorail resort to get snacks and drinks, but were told you had to have a resort or dining reservation to get on the plane,” one user wrote.
Others supported the move, with one person saying: “Great to see Disney finally protecting resort guests’ privileges.”
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Yet another person commented that Disney should prioritize visitors who pay hundreds of dollars per night to stay on property rather than just day visitors.
Many users on social media supported the change, saying Disney should prioritize paying resort guests and protect their privileges. (Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket)
Fox News Digital previously reported that Disneyland Resort may soon relax one of its long-standing rules that has frustrated visitors, potentially allowing guests to move between the two theme parks at any time of day.
The announced change will apply to visitors with Park Hopper tickets and Magic Key passes.
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The park’s rule was that visitors had to wait until 11 a.m. before transferring between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
As part of the update, guests will still need to enter their assigned starting park first, but will be able to jump to the other park later, depending on capacity.
