Disney Springs resort transportation restrictions start June 28 for guests leaving the shopping and dining district by Walt Disney World bus or watercraft.
BlogMickey reported Tuesday that Walt Disney World confirmed the permanent policy. WDWMagic also reported the June 28 start date after first reporting Monday that Disney was preparing to make the checks permanent.
Disney Springs Bus and Watercraft Rules
Guests will need a confirmed Disney Resort hotel stay, dining reservation, or experience reservation to board resort transportation from Disney Springs. The restriction applies to buses and the Sassagoula River Cruise routes serving Disney resort hotels.
The rule targets outbound resort transportation from Disney Springs. It follows earlier tests around New Year's and Easter, when Cast Members checked MagicBands and reservations before guests boarded resort-bound buses.
What Changes June 28
The June 28 date gives the policy a fixed start after the earlier temporary tests. Disney Springs will remain connected to Walt Disney World resort hotels, but the resort-bound return trip will no longer operate as an open shortcut for guests without a qualifying reservation or hotel stay.
The change lands just before the July 4 holiday week, when Disney Springs parking, dining, and resort transportation can get messy late in the day.
Monday's CrowdLevels background story covered the expected permanent shift before the start date and watercraft detail surfaced.
Sources: BlogMickey, WDWMagic, Walt Disney World bus transportation, and Walt Disney World transportation FAQ.
Image credit: Disney Experiences.