Disney Expands ‘Airport Luggage Transfer’ Service to Include Arrivals

Written by Joshua Posted November 12th, 2025

Update (November 13, 2025): Walt Disney World has shared more details about its evolving “Airport Luggage Transfer” service. We’ve updated our original article with that information.

Walt Disney World is expanding the luggage assistance pilot program originally launched last spring. Soon, select Southwest fliers arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) can skip baggage claim and proceed directly to their Disney resort hotel. The Disney bubble just got a little bigger for those lucky guests.

Here’s a portion of the email those fliers are receiving today:

We’re excited to share a new pilot program for guests flying Southwest Airlines into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels. This convenient service lets you skip baggage claim and have your checked luggage delivered directly to your Disney Resort hotel.

Guests can register for the service beginning on November 18, 2025. Registration opens 30 days before departure and closes 5 days prior to travel.

“Airport Luggage Transfer” began as a one-way offering. Since May, value resort guests departing MCO on Southwest flights have been able to check in their bags at the resort. It’s a nice benefit, but the expanded service is even better. While checking bags at MCO isn’t what I would call fun, retrieving bags from its typically-packed baggage claim carousels can be a nightmare.

BagCheck will handle the airport transfers. Luggage will be delivered within four hours of arrival. That window probably prevents most late-night travelers from using the service. But for everyone else, prepare for more time in the parks on arrival day.

For now, the service is only offered at the following value resorts:

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

Disney shared the following instructions for arriving and departing guests. Guests do not have to use both services.

Arriving at Walt Disney World Resort

Fill out the registration form for the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service anytime from 30 days to 5 days prior to your departure flight. You will need your Disney Resort confirmation number and your Southwest Airlines confirmation number when you register. You will receive a confirmation email after registering.
Check in to your flight online as normal and pay any necessary baggage fees.
Head to the airport and follow the Southwest Airlines procedure to drop off your luggage.
Enjoy your flight!
Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and head directly to Walt Disney World Resort. Your luggage will arrive at your Resort hotel in under 4 hours.

Departing Walt Disney World Resort

Check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online starting 24 hours prior to departure and pay any necessary baggage fees via the Southwest mobile app or 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 government-issued 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. For a smoother experience, leave all inbound tags on 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 final destination.

Other departure notes

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.
Luggage Assistance is available to receive luggage any time from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, daily. You’re also welcome to use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance.

Disney also provided an FAQ section that includes some great info. Here are two important items from that section:

While you must register for the inbound service, you don’t have to for departures. Simply visit Luggage Assistance at your Resort hotel.
If you would like to keep strollers or car seats with you, please check them at the departure gate before boarding your flight. Be sure to tell the Southwest Airlines Customer Service Agent you’d like to claim the item at the gate of your final destination.

Visit Disney World’s website for more info.

Nothing says “vacation mode” like skipping baggage claim. Let’s hope Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer service expands, and quickly. If not, we might start flying Southwest and staying at Art of Animation.