Disney World Confirms New Disney Springs Restrictions, Restaurant Openings, and More

A visit to Disney Springs isn’t quite as simple as it used to be.

Over the past several months, Walt Disney World has quietly introduced one of the biggest operational changes the shopping and dining district has seen in years while also adding brand-new restaurants, entertainment, and experiences. The result is a destination that offers more to do than ever before—but one that also requires a little more planning.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor or haven’t stopped by in a while, here are the biggest changes you’ll notice the next time you head to Disney Springs.

Resort Transportation Has Changed for Good

If you’ve ever parked at Disney Springs before catching a bus or boat to a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll want to know about Disney’s newest policy.

The company has permanently restricted complimentary transportation departing from Disney Springs. Instead of allowing anyone to board, Disney now limits buses and Sassagoula River Cruise boats to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels or visitors with eligible dining or Enchanting Extras reservations.

It’s a significant change because using Disney Springs as a starting point for resort hopping had become common among longtime visitors. That convenience is now gone unless guests meet Disney’s updated requirements.

For anyone planning dinner at a Disney Resort restaurant, it’s worth confirming transportation eligibility before your visit.

LEVEL99 Has Changed the West Side

The former NBA Experience building has finally found new life.

LEVEL99 has opened on Disney Springs’ West Side, bringing a completely different kind of attraction to Walt Disney World. Instead of rides or traditional arcade games, guests work together through dozens of physical and mental challenges designed to test teamwork and problem-solving.

Because the attraction tracks progress across future visits, it’s built with repeat guests in mind rather than one-time visitors.

Combined with its restaurant and bar, LEVEL99 gives Disney Springs another experience that can easily occupy an entire afternoon.

Six Ravens Is Already Drawing Crowds

Another major addition has arrived at Disney Springs, although it’s technically still easing into full operations.

Six Ravens, the newest concept from the creators of Gideon’s Bakehouse, has entered a soft-opening period while the restaurant prepares for its official grand opening.

Guests can already visit, but they should expect a slightly different experience than at most Disney Springs restaurants.

Instead of encouraging long standby lines, Six Ravens may activate a virtual queue whenever demand becomes too high. That allows guests to continue enjoying Disney Springs until they’re notified that it’s their turn to return.

The restaurant also operates as a grab-and-go location instead of offering indoor seating, making it an easy stop while exploring The Landing.

Its signature Coffyns have already become one of the newest food items Disney fans are talking about, offering savory stuffed bread instead of the sweets Gideon’s Bakehouse is famous for.

New Experiences Continue to Arrive

Disney Springs continues expanding beyond shopping and dining.

Wine Bar George recently announced its new Uncorked series, which will feature guided tastings, chef demonstrations, and curated food-and-wine experiences throughout the fall.

These kinds of events continue transforming Disney Springs into a destination where guests can spend an entire day without entering a theme park.

Between LEVEL99, live entertainment, waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, and new dining concepts like Six Ravens, there’s now more variety than ever before.

A Different Disney Springs

Disney Springs has always evolved, but this year’s changes stand out because they affect both operations and entertainment.

Visitors now have exciting new places to eat and play, but they’ll also need to pay closer attention to transportation policies and potential virtual queues.

That’s a different experience than many Disney fans have grown accustomed to over the years.

If your last visit was even a year ago, don’t be surprised if Disney Springs feels like an entirely new destination.