Disney's New Airport Luggage Transfer Service is Free and Easy

We tried Disney's new complimentary Airport luggage transfer experience to get bags from the resort to the airport, and here is what happened! See how to make the most out of the service.

Airport Luggage Transfer Service Returns

Many Walt Disney World offerings and benefits vanished after the parks closed for an extended time during the pandemic. Some have trickled back, while others are still missing.

For example, returning guests miss benefits like free Magic Bands and free FastPass+ reservations. Guests also miss Magical Express transfers from the airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Part of the benefit of the Magical Express was not having to pick up checked bags at baggage claim and haul them to the resort. Baggage transfer was just part of the magic. However, now that element of magic has returned in a modified version, thanks to Disney's new luggage service!

Disney's Airport Luggage Transfer Service

Earlier this year, Disney began piloting FREE luggage transfers from Value Resorts to Orlando International Airport for domestic Guests departing on Southwest Airlines. Now, Disney's complimentary Airport Luggage Transfer service is finally available round-trip!

Disney brought back the Airport Luggage Transfer Program for Southwest domestic arrivals for guests at select Disney Resorts on November 18, 2025. Guests using Southwest to fly into Orlando International Airport can now opt to have baggage transferred directly from the airport to select Walt Disney World Hotels as well.

Right now, it is only available to guests staying at one of Disney's value resorts. These include: All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. But we hope this changes soon!

Registering for the Service

It is important to know that the service requires pre-registration at least 5 days prior to your flight on Southwest Airlines. To see a complete listing of steps for how to register, head over HERE. Remember, you can only register between 30 and 5 calendar days BEFORE your Southwest Flight.

You will need several things on hand for registration. These include your flight confirmation number and flight number, as well as your Disney confirmation number.

You must register to recieve the complementary luggage transfer service.

Once registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. The email will provide a link to make modifications as needed. It will also provide a link for you to track your bags.

Using the Transfer Tags

After enrollment, you will need to check your snail mailbox for luggage tags. These yellow tags will arrive about 48 hours after enrollment and at least 3 days prior to your flight.

When I (Kate) tried the service, my tags came in a relatively insignificant-looking envelope. So, keep a keen eye out for them and make sure anyone who checks your mail knows to be on the lookout for the tags, too. After all, you do not want to misplace these.

You will need to attach these tags to your checked baggage for luggage transfers. They peel and stick just like the tags for your checked bags at the self-serve kiosks at the airport. It is important to remember to attach your tags before you leave home so that you don't accidentally leave them behind.

Using the Service

Once you get to the airport, you will check your bags. Then, you will not see them again until they reach your resort hotel.

There is no need to stop by baggage claim. There is also no need to worry about getting a ride large enough to hold all of the luggage. You can start enjoying your time in Disney!

You might even be able to do things like stop and grab a few groceries or a meal before you head to your hotel, especially if you pack light in terms of carry-on luggage or personal bags. This simply isn't possible with large bags to lug around.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Your Bags

There is one catch to be aware of. Your bags might not reach your resort until up to four hours after your flight lands. This means you will most likely beat your bags to your hotel or to your first stop in Disney World.

Therefore, it is important to pack whatever you may need right away in your carry-on bag or personal item. This includes important medications, ID, sunscreen, and other personal items. You might even want a swimsuit or a change of clothes, depending on your plans.

How do the Bags Get to Your Room

The bags are delivered to bell services at your resort hotel. Once they arrive, bell services will deliver them directly to your room.

I was not required to visit Bell Services or to be in my room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort to receive my bags. They were magically waiting for us that evening when we returned from our visit to EPCOT. It was lovely timing.

To make things even easier, I had packed our pajamas and bedtime things on top so they would be easy to grab. However, it might have been even smarter to add these to our carry-on.

What if Your Flight Arrives Late

If your flight to Orlando lands later in the evening, and especially after 11 PM, you may wish to forego this service so that bags aren't delivered in the middle of the night. It may be easier to fetch the bags from baggage claim for yourself in that case.

And remember, you can use the service for your departure flight, even if you do not use it for your arrival. You must make arrangements for your luggage for one leg of the trip at the time anyway.

Return Flights

If you wish to use the service for your trip home, the process is even simpler. Simply drop your bags off within the time parameters provided and your resort, and the next time you see them will be at baggage claim at your home airport!

When you are flying home 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). You can always drop off the night before if you wish as well.

You can read about my positive experience with return services HERE if you wish.

Overall Impressions

This is a great service that brings back some of the "hassle-free" feel that guests used to associate more strongly with Disney. I hope it is extended to more resorts and more airlines soon!

I have had no issues with the transfer service for arrival or departure so far. However, I can see how people might worry over a lost or delayed bag, even with the bag tracking service.

If checking your bags and wondering where they are for four hours would be more stressful to you than just bringing them along, then this is not an ideal option for you. It is also not a great option if you will need access to your checked luggage right away.

Otherwise, it is a very helpful addition to a stay at Walt Disney World. For my part, I will be using he service again. In fact, the service swayed my decision to use Southwest for my next visit. Also, the service makes choosing a value a little more appealing!

Have you used the luggage transfer service for either leg of your trip? Are you excited to see it return? Feel free to let us know! And, share the good news with your friends too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katie's favorite park is Animal Kingdom. Her Disney loves include Disney mugs, Dole Whips, POG Juice, the Electrical Water Pageant, Chai Lattes from Joffrey's, and all the Disney Parks music!