Hi Ryan,
Welcome to planDisney! I'm happy you stopped by with your question about the benefits of staying at a hotel in the Disney Resorts Collection.
You are correct that there has been a recent adjustment to the
transportation policy from Disney Springs. As of June 28, 2026, guests are asked to show proof that they are a guest of a Disney resort or have a dining or special experience reservation at a resort before they can enter the bus area or board a water taxi at Disney Springs. (No buses or boats go from Disney Springs directly to the theme parks.)
Of course, policies can change, but as of now, this adjustment shouldn't have any effect on your day-of-checkout plans. You still have all the
benefits of being a Disney Resorts Collection guest throughout the day of checkout. So you can use the pools, the resort amenities, the transportation, the free standard parking and all the other benefits until midnight, even though you have left your room at checkout time.
You are welcome to drop your luggage at Bell Services and hop onto transportation to and from
Disney Springs. My family often ends our Walt Disney World visit with a little shopping and a meal there. It's a great way to get a few last hours of magic before we have to return to real life.
I hope that's helpful, Ryan. Please let us know if you have any other questions about logistics, dining, shopping or any other planning detail of your Walt Disney World vacation. We're always here to assist!
Enjoy,
Wilma