Everything to know about Disney's Airport Luggage Transfer Service
We used Disney's Airport Luggage Transfer Service, and this is how it went! Here is everything you need to know about using the service on your next visit to Walt Disney World.
Disney's Airport Luggage Transfer Service
In April, Walt Disney World rolled out Airport Luggage Transfer to guests departing from select resorts. Currently, this pilot service is available at Disney Value Resort hotels for Guests with Southwest Airlines flights departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
My (Kate's) family has used the service several times to get checked baggage to the airport, So far, it has been amazingly helpful!
If you are like me, you may have some measure of anxiety about dropping a bag and not seeing it again until you get wherever your path leads. However, so far I have had nothing but a perfect experience. But just to be safe, remember to keep all valuables, irreplaceable items, and necessary items like medication in your carry-on or personal item.
How Airport Luggage Transfer Works
The service is so easy to use! Each resort will be able to give you instructions at check-in, and instructions are typically posted in the lobby as well. After that, it is simple!
You need to be checked in for your Southwest flight to use the service. Then, all you need to do is drop off your bags at Luggage Assistance within the appropriate timeframe. After that, your bag magically arrives at baggage claim when you arrive at your next destination!
This will save you time at the airport because you can skip the bag check line and head straight to security. It is also helpful if you have a later flight. You can store your carry-ons at your resort's bag check and continue to enjoy the last hours of your vacation until time to leave for your flight.
When to Drop Your Bags
Disney strongly encourages that you drop off your bags the night before your scheduled departure. However, if you need some extra time, that is fine too, in some cases!
When your are flying before 1:00 PM, you must drop your bags off by 1:00 AM the night before your flight. When you are flying at or after 1:00 PM, you must drop your bags off at least 4 hours before departure, and no later than 1:00 PM (whichever comes first).
If I book a late flight, I typically use same-day drop-off with no issues. It has made life infinitely easier when traveling with kids to have less stuff to haul to the airport and one less step at the airport. And now MCO is making it even easier to travel with children with dedicated security lanes that you can read about HERE.
Will Disney Expand the Service
As I mentioned, right now, the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney is only available for value resorts. And it is only available for Southwest.
Disney has not made any announcements expanding the program so far.
However, we sure hope the service extends to more resorts and other airlines soon! It is an awesome service. For now, Deluxe Guests can be excited that getting themselves and their bags to the airport just got easier with expanded Minnie Van airport services! Of course, the ideal thing would be for Magical Express to return. But for now, at least, there are some great strides toward making the sad task of traveling away from the magic easier.
Have you used Disney Airport Luggage Transfer yet? Do you wish it would expand to other hotels and airlines? What else would make it easier to get between Disney and the airport? Let us know. And, be sure to share this information with your friends and family who might not know the service exists.
