Disney Tightens Resort Access With Reservation Checks at Disney Springs and Polynesian
The company says the steps are meant to protect transit capacity and resort amenities for paying overnight guests.
Overview
- On June 28 Disney began requiring proof of a hotel stay, a MagicBand or room key, or a qualifying dining or Enchanting Extras reservation to board buses and boats from Disney Springs to resort hotels.
- Dining reservations are accepted only within a two-hour window of the booking time and cast members are checking eligibility before guests board transportation.
- During the July 4 holiday weekend the Polynesian enforced wristbands and limited its beach and pool to registered guests while cast members reportedly checked reservations on the walkway between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the resort.
- Disney is using a mix of MagicBand/key scans, My Disney Experience profile checks, geofencing and staffed checkpoints to enforce the rules but reporters documented inconsistent rollout, anecdotal bypasses, and uneven enforcement.
- Disney has not said whether the measures are temporary or permanent which leaves locals, day visitors, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members uncertain about future access and could change who can spontaneously visit resort restaurants, shops and fireworks viewing areas.