Disney World Expands Airport Luggage Transfer to Include Southwest Arrivals at Orlando International Airport

25 days ago in "Walt Disney World Resorts"

Posted: Wednesday November 12, 2025 10:55am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World is extending its airport luggage transfer pilot to make travel smoother for guests flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Southwest Airlines.

Starting November 18, 2025, eligible guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels will be able to skip baggage claim and have their checked luggage delivered directly to their resort.

Southwest Airlines

How It Works

Guests arriving on domestic flights who checked in bags at the departing airport will be able to have a third-party provider, BagCheck, handle transportation of the luggage to the guest's Disney Resort hotel.

The service mirrors the outbound luggage program that began earlier this year for guests departing from Disney Value Resorts, allowing them to check bags at the hotel for direct transfer to Southwest Airlines at MCO.

Guest Email Invitations

Guests flying Southwest and staying at participating resorts are receiving emails this week introducing the expanded program. The message outlines the new arrival-side luggage service and key registration details:

"This convenient service lets you skip baggage claim and have your checked luggage delivered directly to your Disney Resort hotel. The service will begin operating for flights arriving November 18, 2025 or later. If you'd like to take advantage of the service, your registration window opens 30 days prior to departure and closes 5 days prior to departure."

A registration link is included in the email for guests to sign up during their eligibility window.

What's Next

Disney has not yet confirmed which resorts will be included in the arrival program, though the existing departure-side service currently operates at the Value Resorts. The pilot is expected to expand based on guest feedback and operational results.

With this addition, Disney is restoring a level of convenience reminiscent of the former Magical Express luggage delivery system, now in partnership with Southwest Airlines and BagCheck.

Discuss on the Forums

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StarWarsGirl24 days ago

In all seriousness, if you have a disability, this is a HUGE perk. Not having to drag around luggage at an airport makes life tremendously easier. Also because MCO's wheelchair service is terrible compared to when I've had to utilize it for my grandmother at other airports, but that's a different story.

StarWarsGirl24 days ago

I needed this back in August/September prior to foot surgery when I had to request wheelchair assistance in the airport.

lewisc24 days ago

Deluxe clients may be willingly to pay for curbside baggage check. Incoming luggage handling avoids the wait for luggage. This a real benefit when luggage handling is suspended during afternoon thunderstorms.

PREMiERdrum24 days ago

For our clients at least, this aligns with what we've seen since the death of MME: Our Value guests are much more likely to use Mears or a rideshare to get to their resort hotel, which can create the highest burden to collect and schlepp your bags from claim to your ride. Our Deluxe guests are much more often booking with one of the local car services, who meet you at claim, collect your bags for you, and take you out into the express tunnel for a convenient, seamless way out-the-door. We've done this on our last several trips, and it spoils you quick. Our Moderate guests... who knows? I can't think of enough bookings to start to identify any trends.

bmr159124 days ago

So still only values. Expected, but was hoping for an expansion. One piece at a time.

wdwmagic24 days ago

Disney World Releases Full Details and FAQ for Updated Airport Luggage Transfer Service https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/walt-disney-world-resorts-information/news/13nov2025-disney-world-releases-full-details-and-faq-for-updated-airport-luggage-transfer-service.htm

lewisc25 days ago

The company was sold. Disney decided to save $$$ and dropped DME. Craig started a new company. MCO can't really handle the volume of luggage. MCO is paying a per bag fee, with a cap. I haven't read anything which suggests Disney is contributing toward the cost. The value resorts have a lot of rooms. Evidently they produce enough volume to support the operation. I doubt the operation can be expanded to all resorts and more airlines without a direct or indirect contribution by Disney. I don't know much room for expansion, before hitting the cap. I don't think there would be enough customers to support the service if it was a guest paid service.

plutofan1525 days ago

And MCO has added another terminal and thus another baggage area. Would make it a bit more complicated as more airlines are potentially added. Better to get the kinks worked out with one airline in one terminal especially with JetBlue - a major carrier from the northeast - being in terminal C.

bmr159125 days ago

If I remember correctly, the company that did this shut down. The guy in charge of the new company created the old company, but he's basically having to restart infrastructure from scratch, so it's a slower process than any of us would like, but faster than if a total novice had stepped in to fill the void. I also recall reading that MCO was fronting some of the bill because it helped their already over-capacity baggage system get things organized and out of their way.

dlfan131325 days ago

I ain't running to Ceaser's to put money on the table, but I see an upcharge opportunity!

RememberWhen25 days ago

Currently it’s only by email invitation.

Goofy00725 days ago

I don't understand why they are only doing Southwest flights and they call it a pilot program, 4 years ago they picked up at airports with ALL airlines to all Disney's resort and they picked up at ALL Disney Resorts and brought to airport, and they did this very well. I wonder if Disney is getting some kind of kick back from Southwest and this is why they are only doing Southwest flights. Four years ago they had everything in place to do all airlines. I wonder what is up with this?

Touchdown25 days ago

Southwest isn’t getting a cent from me again. Still have 2 trips to burn my miles and then the only way I fly with them is if someone else (Chase Sapphire Reserve) pays for it or I accumulate enough miles for it to be free.

MisterPenguin25 days ago

This may all be on Southwest's dime to goose reservations especially since they ticked off customers by adopting a nickel-and-dime approach. At least, I'm guessing. So... what Southwest gives, Southwest can take away.