【ANN NEWS, FLORIDA】
As Halloween decorations begin appearing across the resort, Walt Disney World in Florida is preparing to enter one of its busiest travel seasons of the year.
However, visitors planning a Disney trip this year should take note: Walt Disney World has recently adjusted some of its complimentary transportation rules, placing restrictions on the longtime popular practice known as “Resort Hopping.”
At the same time, a classic holiday tradition that lasted for more than 25 years is officially coming to an end.
Disney Springs Free Transportation Tightened
In the past, many visitors would park at Disney Springs. Not only is parking free there, but guests could also take Disney’s complimentary buses or boats to different Disney resort hotels.
After arriving at a hotel, visitors could take photos, browse shops, enjoy desserts, admire the hotel’s themed design, and then move on to another resort.
Because no theme park ticket is required, this practice became known as “Resort Hopping” and has been particularly popular among budget-conscious visitors and longtime Disney fans.
But beginning in late June this year, Disney imposed restrictions on this practice.
Under the new rules:
Guests taking buses or boats from Disney Springs to Disney resort hotels must now have a corresponding hotel stay or experience reservation.
In other words, simply parking for free at Disney Springs and then using Disney transportation to visit resort hotels may no longer be an option.
Disney told USA TODAY that one of the key reasons guests choose to stay at Disney resort hotels is the unique benefits and experiences they offer, and that the new measures are intended to protect the experience of resort guests.
“Resort Hopping” Has Not Been Completely Eliminated
After news of the change emerged, some Disney fans wondered whether they would no longer be able to freely visit other Disney resort hotels.
The answer is: No.
Disney has not completely prohibited Resort Hopping.
The transportation restrictions primarily apply to complimentary buses and boats traveling from Disney Springs to resort hotels.
Visitors can currently still take complimentary transportation from Walt Disney World’s four theme parks to Disney resort hotels.
However, unlike Disney Springs, parking at the theme parks requires a fee.
In other words, Disney has not prohibited visitors from “resort hopping,” but it has closed off what had been one of the most convenient “free parking + free transportation” routes.
Iconic Giant Gingerbread House Permanently Discontinued After 25 Years
Another change that has disappointed many longtime visitors is taking place at the famous Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Disney has confirmed that the hotel’s iconic giant Gingerbread House will be permanently discontinued.
For many years, a large gingerbread house appeared in the hotel lobby every Christmas season. Visitors could not only take photos but also purchase baked treats from a window inside the gingerbread house.
The tradition lasted for more than 25 years and helped make the Grand Floridian one of Walt Disney World’s most popular resort destinations during the Christmas season.
Going forward, the hotel will instead feature smaller holiday displays in different areas.
For many Disney fans who made a special trip there each year to take photos, it marks the end of an era.
Can You Still Park for Free at Disney Resort Hotels?
Yes, but there are conditions.
Guests staying at Disney resort hotels can park for free at the hotel where they are staying and also receive complimentary parking at the theme parks.
Visitors who are not staying at a hotel but have reservations for a restaurant, spa, salon service or other designated experience at the resort can generally also enter the corresponding hotel and park for free.
However, if visitors have neither a hotel stay nor a dining or other experience reservation and simply want to park at a Disney hotel before heading elsewhere, that is generally not permitted.
How Much Does Disney Parking Cost Now?
Currently, standard parking for cars and motorcycles at Walt Disney World theme parks costs:
$35 per day.
For campers, buses, limousines and oversized vehicles with trailers:
$40 per day.
Preferred Parking, which is closer to the theme park entrances:
Approximately $50 to $60 per day.
By comparison, Disney Springs continues to offer free parking, which was a major reason many visitors previously chose to begin their “Resort Hopping” there.
Plan Ahead Before Visiting Disney
It is worth noting that Disney has not announced a complete ban on visitors entering its resort hotels.
What has actually changed is this: It has become significantly more difficult to park for free at Disney Springs and then use complimentary transportation to visit different resort hotels.
The impact is relatively limited for visitors who already have Disney hotel, dining or other experience reservations. But for those who enjoy spending a low-cost “non-park day” visiting resorts, taking photos and enjoying desserts, the spontaneous “free” experience of the past is becoming increasingly difficult.
With Halloween and the year-end Christmas travel season approaching, anyone planning to visit Walt Disney World should check hotel stays, dining reservations, transportation and parking rules in advance to avoid arriving only to discover that their previous plans are no longer possible.
