New: Walt Disney World Airport Luggage Transfer (ALT) FAQ

Pack your bags, Disney lovers! There's some enchanting news for guests at Disney’s Value Resort hotels. Starting April 3, 2025, Walt Disney World is reintroducing airport luggage transfer for guests staying at Disney's Value Resorts and flying with Southwest Airlines from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Now, skipping the airport check-in line is as easy as a wave of a magic wand!

What is the Disney Airport Luggage Transfer Service?

A magical service where guests at select Disney Value Resorts can drop off checked bags directly at their hotel for Southwest Airlines flights, skipping the traditional airport checkin process.

 Which Disney Resorts Are Eligible?

Currently the service is only available at Disney's 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

When Does This Service Start?

The luggage transfer program at all Value Resorts launches TODAY, April 3, 2025.

Who Can Use This Service?

Only guests staying at the Value Resorts on the last day of their vacation may use this service. They must be flying OUT of Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Southwest Airlines.

How does this service work?

According to the Disney webiste:

Save time at the airport by sending your bags ahead to Southwest Airlines. Simply follow these steps:

1. At the beginning of your stay, check in at your Disney Value Resort hotel and call or visit Luggage Assistance to take advantage of this service. For a smoother experience, leave your inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bags.

2. The day before your departure, check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online.

3. 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 form of photo identification (and your boarding pass, either printed or digital) 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.

4. 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 destination.

This service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.

When should I drop off my bags?

Disney is strongly encouraged that you drop off your bags the night before your scheduled departure. However, if you need some extra time, you can do the following:

•  Guests who are flying Before 1:00PM: Drop bags by 1:00AM the night before

•  Guests who are flying After 1:00PM: Drop bags 4 hours before departure or one 1:00PM, which ever comes first.

•  Luggage Assistance is open 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily to receive bags.

What Do I Need to Bring?

• Printed or downloaded Southwest boarding pass. (Disney's Value Resorts will not be able to print your boarding pass for you.)

• Valid photo ID

• Remember to have any essential items and medication in your carry-on.

Can I print my boarding passes when I drop off my bags?

No. Disney's Resorts will not be able to print your boarding pass for you. You need to have your boarding passes ready before dropping off your bags.

Am I still eligible for the service if I removed the inbound tags from my bag?

Yes, you are still eligible for the service. However keeping your Southwest Airlines tags on your bag will help for a smoother experience, but it is not a requirement.

What Happens If My Flight Is Canceled?

Southwest will automatically reroute your checked luggage to your new flight.

Can I Track My Luggage?

Yes! Use the Southwest Airlines mobile app for real-time tracking.

Is there a cost to guests for the ALT service?

No, Disney's Lugage Airline Trasfer Serivce is a FREE guest perk to guess staying at Walt Disney World

Where can I pick up my checked luggage after my flight?

You pick up your luggage at baggage claim when you reach your flight’s final destination.

Do I need to pay checked bag fees before dropping off my luggage?

Southwest Airline currently does not charge for the first two checked bags with weight and size limitations applying. However, starting May 28, 2025, this poicy will change for most customers. At that time, Southwest customers who do not qualify for free bag options will be charged for their first and second checked bags. All baggage fees will need to be paid before dropping off your bags for Airport Luggage Transfer.

Has Disney released when other resorts will be included in ALT service?

Not yet, but Disney has released the following statement:

 “We continue to work with Orlando International Airport on ways we can help manage the high demand for travel to Central Florida and improve the experience for our guests and other airport passengers. As part of these efforts, we are working with a vendor to pilot a new one-way service for guests at Disney Value Resorts to conveniently check their luggage prior to departure when flying out of the airport on Southwest Airlines. We look forward to sharing more information with guests soon.”

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim

Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation?  Click here for our planning guide. Need tips for planning a Walt Disney World Vacation with someone with a disability?  Check out the disability section of our blog here.  Need help navigating the parks using DAS?  Click here. No longer qualify for DAS and need help figuring out  now to approach a day at the parks?  Click here for our ideas on how to flip your thinking and still have a good experience at Disney. Looking for someone to help plan your Practically Perfect Vacation? Need help navigating all the details? Click here to Book with Brenda.