Walt Disney World has officially implemented a screening process which limits access to bus and boat service departing from Disney Springs.
Efffective June 28. 2026, Disney has begun screening guests at the Disney Springs shopping district before they are permitted to utilize resort transportation services. In order to be granted access, guests must meet one of the following criteria:
- Current hotel reservation for a Disney owned-and-operated resort, including Disney Vacation Club properties
- Advance Dining Reservation for a Disney resort restaurant that occurs within 2 hours
- Reservations for a Disney recreational experience--like a fireworks cruise--within 2 hours
Quick service mobile orders are not sufficient in order to gain resort access. Guests should also not expect to be admitted by voicing a desire to otherwise dine or shop at a Disney hotel.
Screening points have been set-up at the entrance to the Disney Springs bus depot and the Sassagoula boat dock. All individuals will be asked to present a MagicBand+ or other resort ID, along with a photo ID in order to gain access. Bus service is currently offered between Disney Springs and all Disney resort hotels. Watercraft connect the shopping district with Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
At this time, it does not appear that the Disney Springs screening process includes the walkway connecting Saratoga Springs to the shopping plaza.
It is important to note that Disney is not limiting guests to specific bus or boat routes. A reservation at any Disney hotel grants full access to the entire transportation system. In other words, a guest staying at Disney's Riviera Resort can still board a bus headed to Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Pop Century or any other supported destination.
Guests without a hotel reservation are asked to use other means to reach their destination. Annual Passholders are entitled to free parking at all of the Disney theme parks. From there, they are welcome to board buses, boats, Disney's Skyliner or other means to visit hotels.
While these changes are being implemented in advance of the busy July 4th holiday period, they are expected to remain in place indefinitely.
