Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’ve ever stepped off a flight at Orlando International Airport and wished you could just skip baggage claim and get straight to the good part of your Disney World vacation, this update is a huge win. Disney Airport Luggage Transfer Service is returning, and this time, it brings full roundtrip support to guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels.
Beginning November 18, 2025, guests flying Southwest Airlines on domestic itineraries can use a new airport-to-resort luggage delivery service that completes the full loop of bag handling. This update connects directly with the resort-to-airport service Disney began reintroducing earlier in 2025, bringing back a major perk that fans have been missing since the Magical Express era.
Quick Facts: Disney Airport Luggage Transfer Service Returns
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Start Date | November 18, 2025 |
| Airline Eligible | Southwest Airlines (domestic arrivals only) |
| Eligible Resorts | All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century |
| Delivery Timeframe | Luggage delivered to resort in under 4 hours |
| Registration Window | Register 30–5 days before travel |
| Service Provider | BagCheck (also provides MCO-to-Port Canaveral luggage service for Disney Cruise Line) |
| Cost | No cost announced |
| Service Type | Airport → Resort and Resort → Airport |
| Registration Link | Airport Luggage Transfer webpage on the Disney website |
A Look at What’s Changing for Arriving Guests
Starting November 18, guests flying Southwest into Orlando can drop their luggage at their departure airport and skip baggage claim entirely after landing at MCO. Instead of waiting at the carousel, guests head straight to Disney World while BagCheck transports luggage directly to their resort.
BagCheck expects to deliver bags within approximately four hours of the guest’s arrival.
Participating Disney Resorts for Arrivals
- 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
Guests must register between 30 and 5 days before their travel date. Registration opened on November 13.
BagCheck has a long history with Disney. They are the same company Disney Cruise Line uses to transport luggage from MCO to Port Canaveral for cruise departures. This gives guests added confidence in the handling and reliability of the service.
How the Arrival Process Works
The arrival-side service is straightforward:
- Complete the online registration form 30–5 days before travel using your Disney Resort confirmation number and Southwest confirmation number.
- Check in for your Southwest flight as normal.
- Drop off your luggage at the Southwest bag drop or ticket counter.
- Fly to Orlando.
- Skip baggage claim and head directly to your Disney Resort.
- Expect delivery within about four hours of arrival.
This service allows you to start your trip immediately without juggling suitcases or waiting near the carousel.
The Return of a Familiar Service
This new arrival-side service pairs with an existing departure-side service that Disney reinstated earlier in 2025. Together, the two programs recreate the luggage convenience many guests remember from the former Remote Airline Check-In system.
Resort → Airport service returned first
In April 2025, Disney began offering a program that lets guests check their luggage at their resort for Southwest flights departing from Orlando. This gives guests the freedom to explore, relax, or enjoy the parks before heading to the airport.
Airport → Resort service completes the circle
With the arrival service beginning November 18, guests can now enjoy a complete roundtrip luggage experience.
How the Departure Process Works
Guests flying Southwest can check bags at their Disney resort before heading to MCO.
Steps:
- Check in online for your Southwest flight 24 hours before departure.
- Take your bags to the Luggage Assistance area in your resort lobby.
- Show a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Drop off your luggage by the required time.
- Travel to MCO, skip the airline counter, and go straight to security.
- Pick up your luggage at your final destination.
Bag Drop Deadlines
- Flights before 1:00 PM → Drop bags by 1:00 AM the night before
- Flights at or after 1:00 PM → Drop bags at least 4 hours before departure or by 1:00 PM, whichever is earlier
Luggage Assistance staff are available daily at:
- 5:00 AM–1:00 PM
- 4:00 PM–1:00 AM
Track Your Bags With Ease
Once your luggage is in the system, you can follow your bags using the tracking link included in your confirmation email. This tool provides peace of mind, especially for families managing multiple suitcases.
Comparing Both Services Side-by-Side
| Feature | Airport → Resort | Resort → Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | BagCheck | BagCheck |
| Airline | Southwest (domestic) | Southwest |
| Location | MCO → Disney Resort | Disney Resort → MCO |
| Registration | 30–5 days before travel | No preregistration required |
| Guest Action | Drop bags at departure airport | Drop bags at Resort Luggage Assistance |
| Delivery | Bags delivered to resort | Bags arrive at final destination baggage claim |
Is This the Return of Magical Express?
No. This update provides luggage handling only. Transportation between the airport and Disney World remains separate and must be booked through rideshare, shuttle services, rental cars, or private transfers. For more on airport transfers, check out my guide.
However, for many guests, the return of full luggage support feels like a piece of the old Magical Express magic.
Who Benefits Most From This Service
This service helps:
- Families juggling multiple bags
- Guests planning to visit the parks immediately after arrival
- Early-morning arrival travelers
- Guests staying at the participating Value Resorts
- Travelers who want less airport stress on departure day
Who May Prefer to Keep Their Bags
Guests may prefer to keep bags if they:
- Need quick access to medications
- Packed valuables or electronics
- Land during late-night hours
- Want immediate access to personal items
Important Reminders
- Bags may take up to four hours to arrive at the resort
- The service may change or pause without notice
- Only Southwest Airlines qualifies
- Only select Disney Resorts participate
- Only domestic arrivals are eligible
- Keep essentials in your carry-on
Final Thoughts: Disney Airport Luggage Transfer Service Returns
The return of this service brings back the convenience that many guests have missed. It gives families more time, reduces stress, and helps everyone start their vacation immediately after landing. With BagCheck handling both directions of luggage transfer — and bringing their experience from Disney Cruise Line — guests now have a smooth, reliable way to get their bags from the plane to their resort and back again.
If you’re flying Southwest and staying at one of the participating Disney Resorts, this service can remove one of the biggest logistics hurdles of your trip. It’s simple, it’s efficient, and it helps you start your Disney vacation faster.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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