We have seen reports that cast members are checking for proof of guest status prior to boarding Walt Disney World resort busses.
According to a post from Brian Yerac on the Facebook group, Walt Disney World Tips and Tricks, cast members may now be checking potential riders on the Disney Transport bus system for proof of their status as a resort guest before boarding a vehicle.
Reportedly, this is handled by scanning Magic Bands prior to boarding. In the instance reported by Brian, an annual passholder at Walt Disney World, he parked at Disney Springs and attempted to take a bus to the Polynesian Village Resort for lunch but was ultimately denied service.
It’s unclear if Brian had a lunch reservation at the Polynesian, which consequently proved insufficient to board, or if proof of resort stay is the minimum expectation for riders.
It is important to note, as Brian’s post suggests, that cast members have said this stricter enforcement is expected to be in place only until Easter Sunday next week – so guests of Walt Disney World Resort in the coming week without reservations may take this as a word of caution before utilizing buses.
Similar reports have been shared in the past during busy holiday seasons at Walt Disney World Resort, likely to combat seasonal crowds and minimize demand on the resort’s transportation network.
To date, however, the policy of restricting bus ridership to resort guests has not been implemented permanently, nor has there been any official announcement from Disney on the matter.
The logistics of enforcing ridership at the various locations serviced throughout the resort would present larger challenges on the existing infrastructure and practices of Disney Transport services.
Additionally, Brian was told the policy is not explicitly posted anywhere, and it is ultimately up to cast members’ discretion to limit transportation use when they deem it necessary.
You can read the full post and its recent comments below.
Have you utilized the Disney Transport bus system without a resort reservation in the past? Please share your experiences with us if you encounter something similar in the coming days.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
