The most tiring part of an Orlando trip can be the first hour. You've been up since early morning, the kids are restless, and the baggage carousel stands between you and your hotel room. A service that takes that stop off your list has an obvious appeal for anyone who's lived it.
According to a new report, Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney has grown to include three more resorts. We've attributed every detail to the report, noted where it doesn't say more, and organized the instructions as a trip from home to resort and back. Here's what's new and how it works.
The Expansion in a Sentence
Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney now includes Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, including Gran Destino Tower, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, bringing the total to nine participating resorts.
Caribbean Beach Resort was the first Moderate Resort to join, the report says, and now every Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World is part of the program.
Who's In
- 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 Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney's Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower (new)
- Disney's Pop Century Resort
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (new)
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (new)
The Service Itself
Run by BagCheck, the service lets guests staying at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels send their bags to and from Orlando International Airport. You skip baggage claim on arrival, and you skip the check-in line at the airport when you leave.
Airlines That Qualify
You can only use the service if you're flying American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines, according to the report. A photo caption says JetBlue is now included, though the report doesn't say when that began.
The Windows That Matter
Several time windows shape how the service works, so they're worth listing in one place. You register between 30 days and 24 hours before your flight. Delivery to your resort can take up to 4 hours from your flight's arrival. And for departure, you drop your luggage between 24 hours and 4 hours before your flight.
Each of those windows comes from the report, and each is a reason to plan ahead. The report doesn't say what happens if you miss one.
Before You Fly
Register between 30 days and 24 hours before your flight. You'll need your resort confirmation number and your flight confirmation number, and a confirmation email will follow.
Register more than 7 days out, and luggage tags arrive in the mail. Register closer to your trip, and there are no tags, but your bags still get delivered, and you can track them through the link in your confirmation email.
At Your Home Airport
Check in for your flight online and pay any bag fees. Then drop your bags at the airport following your airline's normal process.
When You Land
Head straight to your resort, with no baggage claim stop. The report says to give it up to 4 hours from your flight's arrival for your bags to reach the resort.
Pick them up at Luggage Assistance/Bell Services in the lobby, or call from your in-room phone to have them brought to your room. Gratuities aren't included.
Heading Home
Drop your luggage at Luggage Assistance/Bell Services between 24 hours and 4 hours before your flight. You can bring bags yourself, or call from your room to have them picked up.
Bring a government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass to the lobby when you drop off your bags. Then go to the airport, skip the check-in line, and collect your luggage at baggage claim once you land.
The Fine Print
- The service only covers domestic flights.
- If you'd rather keep a stroller or car seat with you, check it at the gate and tell the agent you want it back at the gate on arrival.
- Keep medications, electronics, perishables, and important documents in your carry-on.
- If your flight lands after 11pm, you can grab your bags at baggage claim yourself or wait for BagCheck to deliver them to the resort within 4 hours.
- This is a pilot program, so it's subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Questions the Report Leaves Open
The report doesn't give a price, so we won't guess at one. It doesn't describe limits on the number or size of bags, say whether more resorts or airlines will be added, or explain what happens if a bag is delayed.
Planning Your Own Arrival
By the report's description, the service works for guests at participating resorts who are flying a listed airline on a domestic flight, and who register in the right window with the right confirmation numbers.
If that's you, allow up to 4 hours for bags to reach your resort, keep essentials in your carry-on, and check Disney's official page for current details before you register.
Did It Work for You?
Have you tried Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney, or are you thinking about it for a stay at one of the newly added resorts? Tell us in the comments how it went, and share any tips you've picked up. We'll keep an eye on the program as it grows.
