- Mar 13, 2024
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Disney World just dropped a TON of details about the holiday season around the parks and hotels this year, and we’re SO excited for Disney to deck the halls once again.
Animal Kingdom Lodge at Christmas
While we can’t wait to experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, and more, there is one thing we’re a little concerned about. Disney has recently been restricting travel to its resorts for non-hotel guests, and now, it looks like those restrictions may get even stricter during the holiday season.
This past spring, Disney Springs started a new rule where guests using the bus system had to have a dining or hotel reservation to visit the resort they were going to. It was in place during a holiday weekend, likely to control the crowds and limit how many guests were able to use the free transportation and visit the hotels.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Magical Guides-Bus-Depot-Transportation-Disney-Springs-Disney-World-Photo-Jun-18-2026-10-42-38-AM-5712-x-4284-700x566.jpg
Disney Springs Transportation Rule
However, that rule is coming back, and Cast Members have confirmed that it is permanent. While transportation will still be available from Disney Springs, you will need to show proof to be able to get on the Disney buses or boats to resorts. You can show a hotel or restaurant reservation, but if you’re just coming to check out the resorts, you might run into some issues.
Blockades put up
When Disney World announced its holiday offerings for 2026, the announcements came with some interesting language that makes us think these rules are about to become stricter — and not just for those using Disney World transportation. In the announcements, Disney said, “For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.”
This sounds like only those staying at the hotels or those with dining reservations will be able to explore the resorts and see their holiday decor.
Grand Floridian Christmas Tree
Disney also said, “With more than 25 hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday season special for you and your loved ones while staying or dining with us.” The language that says “while staying or dining with us” supports our theory that Disney will be even further limiting visits for non-hotel guests or those with dining reservations.
Polynesian at Christmas
And then, there was the devastating news that one of the most popular holiday traditions at the Grand Floridian Resort has been permanently retired. We confirmed that the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will not be returning. The amazing house did not return for the 2025 season due to construction throughout the resort, specifically in the lobby, where they installed The Perch, a birdcage bar, but it has been confirmed that the gingerbread house is gone for good.
2024 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
While Disney didn’t share a reason for this controversial change, many fans are speculating that it has to do with just how popular the gingerbread house has become in recent years. Folks without reservations at the Grand Floridian would flock to the resort to see the display and take in the holiday decor, creating a bit of chaos in the process and making it harder for hotel guests to enjoy it.
One commenter on our Instagram post about the changes said, “I am sad for everyone that loves it, including me, but as someone that stays there at Christmas time, last year it was nice not having to fight the crowds in the lobby. I’m willing to do it for the house, but I can’t lie, it was beautiful and peaceful.”
Gingerbread crowds
Another person said, “I think Disney is pushing out non-staying guests out of their resorts little by little. 1st the buses and boats…next…But I get it, the price tags are really high, and when I stayed at GF last year, the absolute chaos of the crowds in the lobby made it not as dreamy as I wished for.” Someone else commented, “This confirms that resort hopping is officially over. Wasn’t planning on canceling my AP when it’s time to renew, but now I am.”
Resort boat launches
From what Disney has said, it sounds like there will be even more restrictions at the Disney World hotels moving forward. The days of resort hopping may be over, but Disney hasn’t officially come out and said it. We’re sad if this is the case, because it’s one of our favorite things to do at Disney World, but we also understand wanting to make the Disney hotel experience better for those people who are staying there. Either way, we’ll be sure to update you with any official changes.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-Christmas-Decorations-Contemporary-Disney-World-Photo-Nov-18-2025-11-17-52-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Contemporary Resort Christmas tree
We’ll be on the lookout for more details about the holiday season at Disney World and any changes at the resorts. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
Animal Kingdom Lodge at Christmas
While we can’t wait to experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, and more, there is one thing we’re a little concerned about. Disney has recently been restricting travel to its resorts for non-hotel guests, and now, it looks like those restrictions may get even stricter during the holiday season.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Magical Guides-Bus-Depot-Transportation-Disney-Springs-Disney-World-Photo-Jun-18-2026-10-42-38-AM-5712-x-4284-700x566.jpg
Disney Springs Transportation Rule
However, that rule is coming back, and Cast Members have confirmed that it is permanent. While transportation will still be available from Disney Springs, you will need to show proof to be able to get on the Disney buses or boats to resorts. You can show a hotel or restaurant reservation, but if you’re just coming to check out the resorts, you might run into some issues.
Blockades put up
When Disney World announced its holiday offerings for 2026, the announcements came with some interesting language that makes us think these rules are about to become stricter — and not just for those using Disney World transportation. In the announcements, Disney said, “For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.”
This sounds like only those staying at the hotels or those with dining reservations will be able to explore the resorts and see their holiday decor.
Grand Floridian Christmas Tree
Disney also said, “With more than 25 hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday season special for you and your loved ones while staying or dining with us.” The language that says “while staying or dining with us” supports our theory that Disney will be even further limiting visits for non-hotel guests or those with dining reservations.
Polynesian at Christmas
And then, there was the devastating news that one of the most popular holiday traditions at the Grand Floridian Resort has been permanently retired. We confirmed that the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will not be returning. The amazing house did not return for the 2025 season due to construction throughout the resort, specifically in the lobby, where they installed The Perch, a birdcage bar, but it has been confirmed that the gingerbread house is gone for good.
2024 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House
While Disney didn’t share a reason for this controversial change, many fans are speculating that it has to do with just how popular the gingerbread house has become in recent years. Folks without reservations at the Grand Floridian would flock to the resort to see the display and take in the holiday decor, creating a bit of chaos in the process and making it harder for hotel guests to enjoy it.
One commenter on our Instagram post about the changes said, “I am sad for everyone that loves it, including me, but as someone that stays there at Christmas time, last year it was nice not having to fight the crowds in the lobby. I’m willing to do it for the house, but I can’t lie, it was beautiful and peaceful.”
Gingerbread crowds
Another person said, “I think Disney is pushing out non-staying guests out of their resorts little by little. 1st the buses and boats…next…But I get it, the price tags are really high, and when I stayed at GF last year, the absolute chaos of the crowds in the lobby made it not as dreamy as I wished for.” Someone else commented, “This confirms that resort hopping is officially over. Wasn’t planning on canceling my AP when it’s time to renew, but now I am.”
Resort boat launches
From what Disney has said, it sounds like there will be even more restrictions at the Disney World hotels moving forward. The days of resort hopping may be over, but Disney hasn’t officially come out and said it. We’re sad if this is the case, because it’s one of our favorite things to do at Disney World, but we also understand wanting to make the Disney hotel experience better for those people who are staying there. Either way, we’ll be sure to update you with any official changes.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Magical Guides-Christmas-Decorations-Contemporary-Disney-World-Photo-Nov-18-2025-11-17-52-AM-4032-x-3024-700x525.jpg
Contemporary Resort Christmas tree
We’ll be on the lookout for more details about the holiday season at Disney World and any changes at the resorts. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
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