If you’ve been planning to spend the day resort hopping from Disney Springs, consider this your reminder.
Beginning June 28, Walt Disney World is officially changing how guests can access Disney Resort transportation departing from Disney Springs, ending a longtime perk that many visitors used simply to explore Disney resorts, grab a meal, or enjoy one of the most relaxing boat rides on property.
For years, guests could head to Disney Springs and hop aboard the Sassagoula River Cruise or the complimentary resort buses without staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Whether you wanted to visit Disney’s Port Orleans Resort for Mickey-shaped beignets, stroll through Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, or simply enjoy a peaceful ride along the Sassagoula River, all it took was walking to the dock and boarding the next available boat.
That will no longer be the case.
Here’s What’s Changing
Starting June 28, guests departing from Disney Springs will need to show they have a valid reason for traveling to a Disney Resort hotel before boarding resort transportation.
According to Disney’s updated policy, guests must have one of the following:
- A confirmed Disney Resort hotel reservation
- A valid dining reservation
- A qualifying recreation or experience reservation at the destination resort
Before boarding a boat or bus, Cast Members may verify eligibility by scanning a MagicBand or checking a reservation confirmation.
If you don’t have one of those reservations, you won’t be permitted to board transportation departing Disney Springs.
Disney has also confirmed that Annual Passholders are not exempt from the new policy. Even Passholders will need an eligible reservation if they want to use Disney Springs transportation to visit a resort.
The Sassagoula River Cruise Isn’t Going Away
One important thing to know is that Disney is not ending the Sassagoula River Cruise itself.
The boats will continue operating between Disney Springs and several Disney Resort hotels, including:
- Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The change only affects who can board from Disney Springs.
Guests staying at one of Disney’s resort hotels, or those with an eligible dining or recreation reservation, will still be able to use the transportation system as normal.
While the Sassagoula River Cruise serves as transportation, many Disney fans viewed it as an attraction in its own right.
The scenic ride through the waterways connecting Disney Springs and several Disney Resort hotels became a favorite free activity for guests looking to escape the crowds, explore resorts, or enjoy an afternoon of resort hopping without purchasing a park ticket.
Beginning tomorrow, that option will largely disappear for guests who don’t have a qualifying reservation.
We’ll continue following Disney transportation updates, Walt Disney World policy changes, Disney Springs news, resort updates, and everything happening around the parks. Be sure to check back often for the latest Disney news and vacation planning tips.
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