Remember the good old days when Disney transported us and our luggage between the airport and our Walt Disney World Resort hotels? While Disney’s Magical Express is gone, there’s a tiny glimmer of hope that it may someday return. And a piece of that beloved old service is returning for some lucky guests…
1. When you check in at a Disney Value Resort hotel, you’ll need to call or visit Luggage Assistance to take advantage of this service (be sure to leave your inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bags to expedite the process).
2. The day before departure, check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online.
3. On check-out day, drop off your bags at Luggage Assistance in the lobby area by the required drop off time (you will need to provide a valid form of photo identification in order to drop off your bags). You can also call Luggage Assistance to ask for help with your bags.
4. You’ll be able to pick up your bags at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination. You can track your bags on the Southwest Airlines app.
When Do Bags Need to Be at Luggage Assistance?
This is the “fine print” you knew was coming:
- If your Southwest flight is departing Orlando before 1 p.m., you’ll need to have your bags to Luggage Assistance by 1 a.m. the night before.
- If your flight is departing after 1 p.m., your bags need to be at Luggage Assistance at least 4 hours before your departure time or no later than 1 p.m., whichever comes first.
Luggage Assistance is only available at the following locations:
- 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
For split stays, the Value Resort must be your last hotel, meaning even if you contact Luggage Assistance when you check in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, once you move to another Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you won’t be able to take advantage of the service (unless you switch to a different value category hotel).
This service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Even though it’s just a tiny baby step, we’re happy that Walt Disney World has brought back Luggage Assistance for at least some guests (and only departing flights for now)… and we’re hoping it will soon be available for everyone. Would you use this service if you were staying at a Disney Value hotel and flying Southwest or would you rather have control over your luggage? And do we think this gives us reason to hope for the return of Disney’s Magical Express? Let us know in the comments!
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