Disney Luggage Check-In Returns: Everything You Need to Know
I want to start with a previous Walt Disney World experience. We were coming back from a three-week stay, including a seven-day cruise, and had way too much luggage. We also needed to drop off our rental. Since we use Terminal C at Orlando International Airport, there are no longer folks helping with luggage like we used to see at the other two terminals at MCO. This was one instance where checking our bags for departure flights at the resort with our airline would have been ideal.
The Disney Resort Airline Check-in service is one I would use again in a heartbeat—just being able to head straight to security instead of wrangling bags and navigating multiple elevators to reach departures makes a big difference.
🛫 Update: New Complimentary Airport Luggage Transfer Service Now Available at All Value Resorts (Published: April 3, 2025)
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published before the official expansion of the Airport Luggage Transfer service. As of April 3, 2025, we’re excited to share that Walt Disney World has formally announced and expanded the service across all Value Resort hotels, based on successful testing at Disney's Pop Century Resort.
What’s New?
Disney has rolled out Airport Luggage Transfer for guests flying Southwest Airlines from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Here’s what you need to know:
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Drop off your luggage at your resort instead of checking bags at the airport.
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Available only to guests flying Southwest and departing from MCO.
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Initially tested quietly at Pop Century but now live at:
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Disney's Pop Century Resort
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Disney's Art of Animation Resort
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Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
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Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
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What Is Disney Resort Airline Check-In?
Airport Luggage Transfer
Disney Resort Airline Check-In—now officially called Airport Luggage Transfer—is a complimentary service available to guests staying at all Walt Disney World Value Resorts.
If you're flying Southwest Airlines from Orlando International Airport (MCO), you can check your luggage directly at your Disney resort before heading to the airport. Your bags are securely transferred to your flight and delivered to your final destination’s baggage claim.
Originally tested at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, this time-saving service has now expanded to include All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Art of Animation, and Pop Century Resorts.
Why This Pilot Program Matters
This pilot marks the return of a beloved convenience once part of the Disney experience. According to Blog Mickey, It's operated by BagCheck, a company founded by the creator of Bags, Inc., who originally helped manage the service.
While it's only available at one resort and with one airline for now, Disney appears to be laying the groundwork for a broader rollout.
How the Check-In Process Works
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At Check-In: Let Luggage Assistance know you want to use the service. Keep your Southwest tags on your bags.
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Before Departure:
- Check in online for your Southwest flight.
- Drop off bags by 1:00 AM the night before, or at least 4 hours before your flight.
- Bags accepted daily between 5:00 AM and 1:00 AM.
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Skip Airport Bag Drop: Head to the airport and go straight to security. Your bags will be waiting at your destination.
What This Could Mean for Disney Transportation
Resort Airline Check-In was once part of a broader package that included Disney's Magical Express. While this pilot doesn’t include transportation, it’s seen as a step toward re-establishing the seamless "Disney Bubble" experience that many fans miss. Some speculate this could even lead to the eventual return of Magical Express or a similar service.
Who Benefits from This Service?
- Families with kids who want a smoother airport day
- Guests with lots of luggage or mobility limitations
- Anyone flying Southwest who wants to maximize their final park hours
Tips for Using the Service
If you're planning your next Disney trip and considering a split stay, you might want to end your trip with a night at Pop Century just to take advantage of this perk. It’s early, but signs point to a growing effort to bring back elements of the Disney Bubble we all know and love.
Other Tips
- Double-check your flight time and baggage fees
- Don’t pack anything in your checked bags that you’ll need access before your flight
Looking Ahead
While the current pilot is small, it shows promise. Guests have long asked for the return of this service, and early reactions are positive. If successful, it could become a permanent offering across more resorts and airlines.
What This Could Mean for the Future
Disney Tourist Blog is equally optimistic and sees this as a potential stepping stone for bigger things:
“This Resort Airline Check-In pilot program is the first step in something with much bigger ambitions... laying the groundwork for bringing back Disney’s Magical Express.”
Share Your Thoughts
Have you used Resort Airline Check-In in the past? Would you consider planning a split stay to use this service again?
Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media!
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