Holiday crowds are flooding Walt Disney World Resort this week, and Disney Springs isn’t immune to the chaos. The popular shopping and dining district faced overwhelming demand, with parking areas packed and some families turned away, unable to secure a spot.
Disney Springs Overrun by Holiday Visitors
Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, is a must-visit destination for Walt Disney World Resort tourists and locals alike. Divided into four neighborhoods—Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side—the district offers an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
From casual family spots like Rainforest Cafe and T-REX to upscale venues like The Boathouse, there’s something for everyone. Retailers include Disney staples like the World of Disney store and fan favorites like The LEGO Store, Coca-Cola Orlando, and Uniqlo.
Disney Springs hosts festive activities during the holiday season, including a Santa meet-and-greet, a holiday scavenger hunt, and the Disney-themed Christmas Tree Stroll. These offerings, coupled with free parking, attract locals and tourists alike during the busiest week of the year.
Security Struggles to Manage Overwhelming Crowds
This weekend, TikTok user @live.laugh.lem shared a video highlighting the intense crowd levels at Disney Springs. After arriving in the afternoon, the guest encountered a lengthy security line extending through the parking garage.
@live.laugh.lem I have NEVER seen Disney Springs like this before! The holiday crowds are a thing to behold! #disneysprings #disneycrowds #disneyholidays #disneyworld
“I have NEVER seen Disney Springs like this before!” the guest wrote. “The holiday crowds are a thing to behold!”
Disney Springs security doesn’t always screen every guest but increases measures during high-traffic times to ensure safety. The process took the TikToker over 20 minutes to clear before they could enter the complex.
“There’s just a crapton of people here,” the guest remarked in the video. “I mean, it’s free, and a lot of people are blocked out [of the parks], so it makes sense…These are daytime crowds…I can only imagine what tonight’s going to look like.”
Despite the overwhelming crowds, the guest praised Disney cast members for managing the situation as efficiently as possible: “Cast members are doing their best; it’s just that there’s that many people here.”
Guests Reflect on Christmas Chaos
Other Disney Parks fans shared similar stories about navigating Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season.
“Was there yesterday before 11am and parking garages were already full,” said @shaiwndnxmamam.
“It’s hellacious,” @its_melissa. added.
Some Walt Disney World Resort guests have vowed never to visit again during the last week of December.
“I ALMOST went today,” @pa1gee.92 replied. “…Glad I stayed home 😂 I’ll go in two weeks.”
“I’m local and I won’t go near anything Disney over winter break,” said @jillianv03.
Have you been to Disney Springs when it was busy? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
