In recent years, many of the best perks of staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel have disappeared leaving many guests to wonder if it’s worth it anymore. Thankfully, Disney has heard the complaints and is now bringing some of them back, now including the Airport Luggage Transfer.
In this post, we are going to explain everything you need to know about the Airport Luggage Transfer service, including how it works, which airlines are included and which resorts offer it to guests. We’ll also go over all FAQs you may have.
Disney has just announced that starting April 3, 2025, guests staying at the Disney World Value Resorts will now have the option of using the Airport Luggage Transfer service which allows them to skip the airport check-in line by checking their bags before they leave the resort.
For the moment, the Airport Luggage Transfer service will only be provided at Disney World Value Resorts, and only for Southwest flights leaving out of Orlando International Airport MCO.
Before the budget cuts of 2020, the Airport Luggage Transfer service was available at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and for a number of different airlines. Disney bringing it back only at the Value Resorts is likely only for trial purposes and if everything goes well we anticipate it being offered at all the resorts eventually, as in the past.
We also would imagine that if it goes well, Disney will also open it back up to other airlines to fully accomodate guests’ needs.
Let’s take a closer look at just what is included with the Airport Luggage Transfer:
What Is Airport Luggage Transfer?
Airport Luggage Transfer service at Walt Disney World allows guests to check in for their flight at Orlando International Airport (MCO) from their Disney World resort. Upon checking in, guests can leave their bags at the resort check-in location and they will then be delivered directly to the airport and the according flight.
This means that guests to not need to bring their bags to the airport themselves, and when they arrive at the airport, they do not need to do check-in anymore. They are all set with tickets in hand and ready to go through the security check and on to their flight’s gate.
Who Can Use It?
At this time, only guests staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort are eligible to use the Airport Luggage Transfer service.
Here is a list of participating Walt Disney World Resort hotels:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
In the past, guests at ALL Walt Disney World Resort hotels had access to this service, but at this time it is only available to Value Resort guests. We anticipate this expanding back to the others in the future.
How It Works
Save time at the airport by sending your bags ahead to Southwest Airlines. Simply follow these steps:
- At the beginning of your stay, check in at your Disney Value Resort hotel and call or visit Luggage Assistance to take advantage of this service. For a smoother experience, leave your inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bags.
- The day before your departure, check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online.
- Drop off your bags at Luggage Assistance in the Resort hotel lobby area by the required drop off time. Please be aware that you will need to provide a valid form of photo identification in order to drop off your bags. You can also call Luggage Assistance from your in-room telephone to ask for help with your bags.
- Head to the airport, skip the check-in line, enjoy your flight and pick up your bags at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
This service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.
When to Drop Off Your Bags
Luggage Assistance is available to receive luggage any time from 7am-1pm and 4pm-1am daily. It is strongly encouraged that you drop off your bags the night before your scheduled departure.
However, if you need some extra time, you can do the following:
- When Flying Before 1:00 PM: Drop your bags off by 1:00 AM the night before your flight.
- When Flying at or After 1:00 PM: Drop your bags off at least 4 hours before departure or no later than 1:00 PM—whichever comes first.
What Happens After Bag Drop-Off?
Once you drop your bag off at the check-in, you can track your bags using the Southwest Airlines app. For additional support with your bags, please contact Southwest Airlines customer service.
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FAQs
Does This Service Include Transporting My Luggage from the Airport to My Hotel Upon Arrival?
No, unfortunately it does not. The Airport Luggage Transfer service is only for your departure flight and not for the arrival. You will still need to make your own arrangements to get yourself and your luggage from the Orlando International Airport to your Disney World Resort hotel.
Is This Service Available for All Airlines?
At the moment, this is only a pilot program and Southwest Airlines is the only airline participating in it. If all goes well, it should eventually be rolled out to include other airlines, but there is no date or list of other airlines that could be included at this time.
What Do I Need to Do Before Dropping Off My Luggage?
The first step is you must complete your Southwest Airlines check-in online or through the Southwest Airlines mobile app. Check-in begins 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
Do I Need to Show ID When Dropping Off my Luggage?
Yes, you will. A boarding pass and valid Photo ID are required when dropping off luggage.
Can I Print My Boarding Pass When I Check-In?
No, boarding pass printing is not included as part of this service. Guests should have their boarding passes ready before dropping off their bags.
Are there Weight or Size Restrictions for My Bags?
Check with Southwest Airlines for details on specific checked baggage policies.
Is This Service Available at All Walt Disney World Resort Hotels?
No it is not currently available at all Disney World Resort hotels. It is only available at the following locations:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
What Items Should Be Kept in a Carry-On Bag When Using the Airport Luggage Transfer Service?
We recommend keeping certain essential and sensitive items with you in your carry-on for easy access. These include:
- Medications
- Electronics (such as laptops, tablets, power banks and cameras)
- Perishable or heat-sensitive items
- Important documents (such as passports and travel itineraries)
What Happens If I Start My Vacation at a Value Resort and Switch to a Different Resort Later?
This service is only available if you are departing from a Disney Value Resort. Luggage cannot be transported to the airport from any other Resort hotel at this time.
What Happens to My Bags If a Flight is Cancelled?
If your Southwest Airlines flight is cancelled, your bag will be automatically redirected to your new flight. For assistance, please contact Southwest Airlines customer service.
Am I Still Eligible for the Service If I Removed the Inbound Tags from My Bags?
Yes, you are still eligible for the service. While we recommend keeping your inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bag for a smoother experience, it is not a requirement.
Where Do I Pick Up My Luggage After My Flight?
Like as you would for a regular flight, you can pick up your luggage in baggage claim at your flight’s final destination.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions About My Luggage Drop-Off?
You can contact or visit Luggage Assistance for any questions about your luggage after drop-off. Once the bag departs the Resort hotel, you can get information via the Baggage webpage for Southwest Airlines. You can also see a Southwest Agent at the airport for assistance.
What Happens If My Luggage is Missing, Delayed or Damaged?
If your luggage is missing, delayed or damaged, you can submit a report to Southwest Airlines.
Is Disney’s Magical Express Coming Back Now?
Naturally, the more we see some of the old Disney World Resort Hotel perks come back, the more guests start to wonder about others potentially making a return. And right at the top of that is Disney’s Magical Express.
Anyone who visited Disney World pre-2020 likely remembers this free ground transportation service that used to bring guests back and froth from the Orlando International Airport to their Walt Disney World Resorts. Did I mention it was free?
In my opinion, this was the number one cost-cutting mistake Disney has made in recent years and Disney has received harsh backlash since making this change. Even though your airport transportation is perhaps the smallest part of the overall cost of a Disney vacation, guests always appreciated the gesture and taking it away was considered an insult.
So would Disney ever bring the Magical Express back to Disney World?
As much as it makes sense and as much as it would be a move guests would no doubt appreciate, we don’t think it’s close to coming back at this time.
If we were in charge of Disney World, we would bring it back. With the on-site perks fewer and fewer in recent years, it would be a great first step to gain back loyalty from customers that have become more and more disillusioned. It’s also much easier to bring back the Magical Express than it is to build a new attraction or ride, and it may even be the more popular choice with guests.
While I’m not saying it will never happen (there have been faint rumors saying it could be a possibility), it’s not imminent and I don’t think it will happen in the next couple of years anyway.
At least bringing back the Airport Transfer service is a good first step, and who knows, anything is possible.
Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?
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That wraps up our look at Walt Disney World Airport Luggage Transfer service. We hope that it was helpful to you and that you now know what you need to be able to use this great perk. Check about all the others in our guide to Benefits of Staying On-Site at Disney World.
If you are going to Disney World soon, make sure to read our Disney World Planning Guide for all the tips and info you will need to cover everything! Also, check out our Disney World Crowd Calendar so you know when the best time to visit is!
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Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about the Airport Luggage Transfer…
- Do you like that Disney is bringing this perk back?
- What is the most you would pay for an annual pass?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Nancy
Saturday 5th of April 2025
It’s wonderful that this service is coming back. And especially using Southwest and Pop Century as I have been staying there.