Disney World is cracking down on a magical hack that saved visitors money.
Just in time for spring break, the Florida theme park is getting strict with the popular money-saving shortcut used by savvy fans to dodge the $35 parking fee.
For years, parkgoers have parked at Disney Springs for free, hopped on a complimentary bus that would take them to a resort hotel, then used Disney’s free transportation network to get to the parks without paying for parking.
As of March 29, internal reports and guest accounts have shown that Disney Transportation has changed to a “Resort Guests Only” for its bus fleet, Inside the Magic reported.
Guests who attempt to get on a bus from Disney Springs are now being asked to show proof, such as a room key or confirmation, that they’re staying at a Disney property.
The policy is meant to prioritize those paying a premium to stay at an on-property hotel.
For years, the Disney bus system operated on an honor system basis — though they’re technically only for resort guests, anyone could get on the bus without question.
Reportedly, the change is temporary and will end after Easter Sunday, but there’s now a meticulous check-in process at the bus bays.
Cast Members will be stationed at the entrance to bus lines at the bus bays at the four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Prior to joining the bus queue, guests will be asked to scan their MagicBand, show a “Key to the World” card or present their digital room key through the My Disney Experience app.
If you can’t prove that you’re staying at a Disney resort, you’ll be redirected to the parking lot trams or ride-share loops.
Someone in the Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks Facebook group wrote that he was told that “this new policy is not posted anywhere on their website and they have the discretion to limit transportation use whenever they see necessary.”
Users on X noted that transportation restrictions are typically put in place during peak periods, so implementing one during prime spring break time makes sense.
“Think about this if you’re going during a busy time of year, people are paying so much money for the hotels, they don’t want a bad experience!” one person wrote.
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