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Walt Disney World is taking steps to close a widely used loophole that has allowed visitors to avoid parking fees.
With spring break crowds now on the rise, the resort has begun limiting access to its public transportation system.
The update effectively ends a long-standing initiative that helped guests avoid the $35 parking fee.
DISNEYLAND MAY EXCLUDE A LONG PARK RULE THAT REQUIRES VISITORS.
For years, some guests would park for free at Disney Springs, then ride a bus to a Disney resort hotel before transferring to the park’s internal transportation network to get to the theme parks without paying for parking.
That’s according to the Disney Theme Park news blog, “Inside the Magic.”
Disney World is now restricting access to its free shuttle system to prevent visitors from bypassing the $35 parking fee. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
That hack just doesn’t fly anymore. As of late March, Disney has begun limiting bus access to Disney Springs to guests who can prove they are staying at a Disney resort.
Guests trying to board are now asked to show a MagicBand, room key or digital reservation through the My Disney Experience app. Those without proof are turned away and directed to regular parking or ride-sharing options, the blog noted.
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The strict rules are intended to prioritize vacationers during one of the busiest times of the year, when demand for transportation increases.
In the past, the system operated mostly on the honor system, which allowed non-hotel guests to use the benefit.
The strict rules are intended to give priority to resort guests during high crowds when transportation demand is high. (Stock)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Walt Disney World for comment.
Users on Reddit have started sharing information on the new restrictions.
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“We tried to take a bus to the monorail lounge for snacks and drinks, but were told you have to have a lounge or restaurant to ride,” the user wrote.
Others supported the move, with one person saying, “I’d like to see Disney finally protect the benefits for guests.”
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But one person commented that Disney should prioritize guests who pay hundreds of dollars per night to stay on the property over those who are just visiting for the day.
Many social media users supported the change, saying Disney should prioritize paying guests and protect their profits. (Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket)
Fox News Digital previously reported that the Disneyland Resort could soon relax one of its long-standing rules that has frustrated visitors, potentially allowing guests to travel between its two theme parks at any time of day.
The reported change will apply to guests with Park Hopper tickets and Magic Key passes.
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The park’s rule used to state that guests had to wait until 11 a.m. before changing between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Under the update, visitors will still need to check into their assigned park first but can jump to another park after that, depending on capacity.
