Official: Disney World Issues Major Airport Update for Guests Landing at MCO

There was a time when getting from Orlando International Airport to a Walt Disney World Resort hotel was about as easy as it gets. Disney’s Magical Express would pick you up at the airport, and your checked bags would show up at your resort without you ever stepping foot in baggage claim. For many families, that hands-off start to a vacation was one of the most magical parts of the whole trip. Then, after Magical Express ended in early 2022, that convenience disappeared, and guests were left to handle their luggage and transportation on their own.

Lately, though, it feels like Disney is slowly but surely listening to what guests want. Over the past year and a half, free airport luggage transfers have been making a comeback at Walt Disney World, and the program just got even bigger. Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service has expanded to three more resort hotels, bringing the total to nine participating resorts.

The newest additions are all Moderate Resorts: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including Gran Destino Tower, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside. With Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort already part of the program, every Moderate Resort at Walt Disney World now offers the service. For families who remember the days of Magical Express, this is a welcome step back toward a smoother arrival and departure.

Here’s everything you need to know about the expansion, which resorts and airlines are included, and how to use the service on your next trip.

How the Program Got Started

Disney first launched Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney as a pilot program in April 2025. At first, it was only available to guests staying at Disney’s five Value Resorts and flying Southwest Airlines.

Since then, the program has grown to include more airlines, more resorts, and luggage delivery for arriving guests. This latest expansion brings it to all Moderate Resorts.

The service is operated by BagCheck. It allows eligible guests to skip baggage claim when they arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and skip the airline check-in counter when they leave.

Participating Disney World Resort Hotels

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

Moderate Resorts

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Gran Destino Tower (New)
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter (New)
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside (New)

Participating Airlines

The service currently supports domestic flights on four airlines:

• American Airlines
• JetBlue
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

How to Use the Service When Arriving to Disney World

Guests need to register between 30 days and 24 hours before their arriving flight. You’ll need your Disney Resort reservation confirmation number and your airline flight confirmation number.

If you register more than seven days before your flight, BagCheck will mail luggage tags to you. If you register closer to your arrival date, you won’t get physical tags, but you can still use the service and track your bags through your confirmation email.

Here’s how arrival works:

1. Check in for your flight online and pay any baggage fees directly to your airline.
2. Check your bags at your departure airport like you normally would.
3. When you land at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and head straight to Walt Disney World.
4. Allow up to four hours after your flight lands for your luggage to arrive at your resort.

Once your bags arrive, you can pick them up from Luggage Assistance or Bell Services in the resort lobby. You can also request delivery to your room by calling from your in-room phone. Gratuities are not included.

How to Use the Service When Leaving Disney World

The service also works on the way home, letting you check your bags right at your resort.

1. Check in for your flight online starting 24 hours before departure and pay any baggage fees.
2. Drop off your luggage at your resort’s Luggage Assistance or Bell Services desk between 24 hours and four hours before your flight. You can also ask for help collecting bags from your room.
3. Bring your government-issued photo ID and boarding pass when you drop off your bags.
4. Head to the airport and skip the airline’s baggage check-in line. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.

Important Things to Know

Before you plan on using the service, keep these details in mind:

• Domestic flights only: International flights are not supported.
• Strollers and car seats: If you want to keep these with you, check them at the gate and request them back at the gate when you land.
• Keep essentials with you: Pack medications, electronics, important documents, and perishable items in your carry-on.
• Late arrivals: If your flight lands after 11 PM, you can grab your bags yourself at MCO or allow up to four hours for BagCheck to deliver them.
• Still a pilot program: Disney may change or end the service without notice.

The transfer service itself is free, but airline baggage fees and gratuities still apply.

Why This Feels Like Disney Is Listening

When Magical Express ended, many guests felt Disney had taken away one of the easiest parts of a Disney vacation. Since then, fans have been vocal about wanting that convenience back.

The steady growth of Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney suggests that Disney has heard that feedback. It isn’t a full return of Magical Express, since guests still need to arrange their own ride from the airport, but having your bags handled for you is a big part of what made that service so loved.

Expanding from five Value Resorts to all Value and Moderate Resorts in about a year and a half shows that the program is working. Whether Deluxe Resorts will be added next remains to be seen.

A Smoother Start to Your Vacation

For families staying at a Value or Moderate Resort, skipping baggage claim can save time, stress, and energy, especially when traveling with kids. Instead of waiting at the carousel, you can head straight to your resort and start your vacation.

If you’re staying at Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, or Port Orleans Riverside on an upcoming trip, now’s the time to look into registering for the service.

Will you be using Disney’s free airport luggage transfer on your next visit?