Disney World Starts Expanding Free Airport Luggage Transfer Beyond Value Resorts!

Walt Disney World brought back Airport Luggage Transfer over a year ago, and quickly expanded it to include all Value Resorts. In the months since, fans of Moderate and Deluxe Resorts have anxiously awaited further roll-out of the free baggage handling service between Orlando International Airport and onsite WDW hotels.

As basic background for those who missed the original coverage, the Airport Luggage Transfer Service Returned to Walt Disney World as a Pilot Program in late March 2025. The service expanded from only Pop Century to all Value Resorts in early April 2025. For the first several months, Airport Luggage Transfer (ALT) was only one-way, available for guests leaving Walt Disney World with departures out of Orlando International Airport.

Last November, Airport Luggage Transfer expanded and added inbound service for arrivals and transfers to Walt Disney World. With that, guests arriving on domestic flights now have the option to skip baggage claim at MCO. By pre-registering and checking their luggage at the bag drop area or ticket counter at their home airport, bags will be directly delivered to their Walt Disney World resort. This was a real game-changer from our perspective.

Fast-forward several months into mid-2026, and Airport Luggage Transfer expanded from just Southwest Airlines to also include American Airlines and United Airlines. As of the kickoff of Cool Kids’ Summer, the service was available at 5 resorts and on 3 airlines. Better than nothing, but certainly a slower rollout than we had hoped to see when Airport Luggage Transfer returned and speedily went from piloting at Pop to encompassing all Value Resorts.

The latest addition comes almost exactly three months after American Airlines and United Airlines were added to the lineup. Effective August 18, 2026, guests staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are now eligible for Airport Luggage Transfer.

Airport Luggage Transfer Eligible Resorts & Airlines

Both inbound and outbound Airport Luggage Transfer service is currently available at:

• 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 Pop Century Resort

The Airport Luggage Transfer service is only available for guests flying on the following airlines:

• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

Additional airlines could be added soon. Please check back for the most up-to-date information.

One interesting note here is that, two months ago, Walt Disney World announced that Delta Airlines would be joining the service, before issuing a retraction. We were in the middle of writing up the news, but held off in light of that. Based on what we heard at the time, the announcement was made prematurely, not completely in error.

The exact same thing had actually happened with the United and American news, with the website updating a couple of weeks before the announcement was made. Given that precedent, I’m surprised Disney hasn’t officially announced the Delta addition yet. Unless they decided to expand to Caribbean Beach instead of Delta.

Why These WDW Resorts?

As for why Walt Disney World started the Airport Luggage Transfer pilot program at the Value Resorts, the best explanation is that it’s easiest. These five resorts are located in only two distinct areas, with over 10,000 rooms. That’s over one-third of all Disney-owned hotel inventory and in relatively condensed regions of Walt Disney World.

There’s nowhere else at Walt Disney World that offers this many rooms in this close of proximity–especially if Walt Disney World wants to pilot the program at an entire tier of resorts, as opposed to a hodgepodge of them in a resort district.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the next logical extension of that, as it’s a short Skyliner flight from Pop Century and Art of Animation (although I’m guessing Airport Luggage Transfer will use vans) and it’s another large hotel. If we’re trying to predict where it goes next, well, Disney’s Riviera Resort is also right there.

Where Does the Service Expand Next?

At the same time, expanding from Value Resorts to the first Moderate Resort is logical, but skipping the remaining Moderates in favor of a small Deluxe Villa/DVC Resort is not. My guess is that the next step is Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts. Proximity-wise, they’re nowhere near here, but they are two sister resorts with a combined room count of over 3,000. That’s more than all of the Disney-owned resorts at Crescent Lake.

I’d probably bet against Coronado Springs coming before Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Despite being absolutely massive, it’s also the convention resort, and those guests are less likely to use the service. My hope is that Airport Luggage Transfer reaches all of the Moderates before the end of 2026. It would be fantastic if those rollout is done as expeditiously as the Pop Century to all Value Resorts expansion last year!

After extending Airport Luggage Transfer to all Moderates is complete, it seems inevitable that Delta Airlines will be next. My bet is that happens before Deluxe Resorts or any other airlines. Then again, I fully expected it to have expanded to encompass all onsite hotels and airlines long before now, so we shall see!

Airport Luggage Transfer Future

Airport Luggage Transfer seems pretty popular. I’ve done several Value Resort stays in the last year, and whenever I’ve dropped off bags, there’s always been a modest crowd of guests using ALT.

That’s good, because it’s our understanding that the service will expand in part based on guest response. Based on everything we’ve heard since Airport Luggage Transfer launched, the reception to the service has been positive and the rollout has been relatively smooth. To the extent there have been complaints, they’ve mostly been from guests wanting their resorts or airlines serviced.

Walt Disney World has also gotten better about communicating the service’s availability to guests. During my recent stay at Pop Century, not only was there signage around the resort, but I also got a call on my in-room phone. Prior to my trip, I did not receive any communications about the inbound version of the service, however.

Unfortunately, Walt Disney World seldom does anything quickly, even with the assistance of third party participants. The good news is that Airport Luggage Transfer will almost assuredly expand further. It’ll just take time. Admittedly, more time has passed than we hoped between the official launch and the first big expansion, but it’s not surprising.

This is a complicated service and the infrastructure for it has been dormant for over 6 years. It involves not just Walt Disney World Cast Members, but also BagCheck employees and vendors at MCO. There are a lot of moving parts, and it cannot go from zero to 100 overnight…or even in over 16 months.

It may not feel “fair” to guests paying big bucks to stay Club Level at the Grand Floridian and fly Delta One, but the service starting at Value and Moderate Resorts comes down to scale and logistics, as opposed to which guests are most “deserving” (air quotes) of Airport Luggage Transfer.

Is Disney’s Magical Express Next to Return?!

We’ll double-down on our perspective that this makes Disney’s Magical Express more likely to return. Orlando International Airport needs to improve its efficiency in multiple regards, and having passengers arrive and depart via higher-capacity buses is one such way. This feels like the stars aligning, as there’s a mutually-beneficial solution for both Disney’s and MCO’s woes.

The luggage handling is the more complicated piece of the puzzle that would need to roll out first. The airport shuttle infrastructure already exists, just with different stickers on the buses.

Unlike this, that changeover could be like flipping a switch. This is all great news, and seems like a perfect confluence of circumstances: Disney finally realizing the error of their ways in deflating the Disney Bubble and MCO needing relief from its high passenger volume.

This isn’t simply wishful thinking, like daydreaming about a return of Horizons that’ll never happen. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which runs Orlando International Airport (MCO), wants DME to return and is willing to help pay for it. If you don’t believe me, check out Will Disney’s Magical Express Airport Shuttle Ever Return? That recent post covers the very real possibility of DME returning, as part of an initiative by MCO.

Airport Luggage Transfer Background

Airport Luggage Transfer is operated by BagCheck, a third-party provider, which transports the luggage to and from the airport, with delivery to the resort within approximately four hours of arrival.

An substantially-similar service was previously known as Resort Airline Check-In prior to being discontinued in March 2020. That was previously associated with Disney’s Magical Express, although the two interconnected offerings were run by two different third party partners. (Confusing and convoluted, I know.)

What follows here is an explanation of how Airport Luggage Transfer works, courtesy of Walt Disney World, followed by an FAQ. Note that some of the specifics here have been updated recently to reflect changes to ALT…

How It Works: Arriving at Walt Disney World

Send your bags ahead to your participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel. Simply follow these steps:

1. Fill out the registration form for the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service anytime from 30 days to 5 days prior to your departure flight. You will need your Disney Resorts hotel confirmation number and your airline’s confirmation number when you register. You will receive a confirmation email after registering.
2. If you registered more than 7 days before your flight, you will receive luggage tags in the mail. If you registered less than 7 days before your flight, you will not receive luggage tags but your bags will still be delivered to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel.
3. Check in to your flight online as normal and pay any necessary baggage fees.
4. Head to the airport and follow your airline’s procedure to drop off your luggage.
5. Enjoy your flight!
6. Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and head directly to Walt Disney World Resort.
7. Once you arrive at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance—or visit Luggage Assistance in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby—to retrieve your luggage.

How It Works: Leaving Walt Disney World

Save time at the airport by sending your bags ahead to your flight at Orlando International Airport. Simply follow these steps:

1. Check in for your flight online starting 24 hours prior to departure and pay any necessary baggage fees via your airline’s mobile app or website.
2. Please be aware that your luggage must be delivered to Luggage Assistance/Bell Services between 24 hours and 4 hours prior to your flight’s departure time. You may drop your bags off yourself, or for your convenience, you may use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance/Bell Services to have your luggage delivered directly to the drop-off area. Gratuities are not included.
3. Bring a valid government-issued form of photo identification to the lobby area of your Disney Resorts Collection hotel. You will need to show it, along with your boarding pass, in order for your luggage to be dropped off.
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 final destination.

Keep Track of Your Bags

You can check the status of your luggage anytime during your trip.

On Your Way to Walt Disney World Resort: When using the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service, select the link in your confirmation email to keep track of your luggage.

On Your Way Home: Use your airline’s mobile app to check track of your luggage.

Airport Luggage Transfer – General FAQ

Can I use Airport Luggage Transfer at Walt Disney World for only one part of my trip? 

Yes, as long as you are staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel and are flying with a participating airline, you can use the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service for your arrival, departure or both!

Will I receive luggage tags for this service?

If you registered more than 7 days before your flight, you will receive luggage tags in the mail.

However, if you registered less than 7 days before your flight, you will not receive luggage tags but your bags will still be delivered to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel.

What if I prefer to keep certain items—like strollers and car seats—with me?

If you would like to keep strollers or car seats with you, please check them at the departure gate before boarding your flight. Be sure to tell the gate agent you’d like to claim the item at the gate of your final destination.

Can I enroll in this service if I booked with a travel agent?

Of course! However, you will need to retrieve your Walt Disney World resort hotel reservation number from your travel agent in order to enroll.

Do I have to register for inbound and outbound service separately?

You must register for inbound service online for travel to MCO. However, you do not need to register for outbound service, simply visit Luggage Assistance at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Can I use this service when traveling internationally?

No, this service is only available for domestic flights.

Who should I contact if I have issues or questions about my luggage after drop-off?

You can call Luggage Assistance from your in-room phone or visit them for any questions about your luggage after drop-off. Once the bag departs your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please contact your airline for assistance.

FAQ – Arriving at Walt Disney World

Do I need to label my luggage for the Airport Luggage Transfer arrival service?

Yes, luggage tags will be sent to the address provided during registration. If you have not received your luggage tags within 72 hours of your flight, please call BagCheck at (407) 505-7443.

Be sure to arrive at the airport with your luggage tags secured to your bags. Additional luggage tags will not be available at the airport.

What if I change my flight into Orlando International Airport after I register for this service?

If your airline’s confirmation number remains the same, no action is required.

If you have a new airline confirmation number, you will need to modify your registration with the new confirmation number. If you are no longer flying with a participating airline, you will no longer be eligible for the service.

What if I change my resort hotel after I register?

If your Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservation number remains the same and you are still staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection, no action is required.

If your Disney Resorts Collection reservation number changes, please email BagCheck at [email protected] or call (407) 505-7443 between 7:00 AM and 11:30 PM Eastern Time. If you are no longer staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you will no longer be eligible for the service.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive after 11:00 PM?

Guests arriving after 11:00 PM will have 2 options:

• Pick up their luggage at baggage claim upon arrival at Orlando International Airport
• Wait for BagCheck to deliver their luggage to their Disney Resorts Collection hotel within 4 hours of arrival

When will my luggage arrive at my Disney Resorts Collection hotel?

Once you arrive at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance—or visit Luggage Assistance in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby—to retrieve your luggage.

Walt Disney World recommends keeping anything you may need for your first day (backpack, stroller, swimsuits, medicine, electronics, perishables, heat-sensitive items, important documents, MagicBand+, etc.) with you in your carry-on bag.

What happens if my luggage is missing, delayed or damaged?

If your luggage is missing, delayed or damaged, visit Luggage Services at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel. If you’re at the airport, please visit the customer service counter for your airline.

If I checked my bag at the gate, can it still be delivered to my Disney Resorts Collection hotel?

Yes, items checked at the gate will still be delivered to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel unless you have specifically requested to collect it at your final destination. Items checked at the gate do not require luggage tags.

If you checked a bag at the gate and would like to retrieve it at the airport, please inform a gate agent.

FAQ – Leaving Walt Disney World

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

No, Walt Disney World does not provide boarding pass printing as part of this service. You should have your boarding passes ready before dropping off your bags.

What happens to the bag if a flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, your bag will be automatically redirected to your new flight. For assistance, please contact your airline’s customer service.

Where do I pick up my luggage after my flight?

You can pick up your luggage in baggage claim at your flight’s final destination.

Who should I contact if I have issues or questions about my luggage after drop-off?

You can call Luggage Assistance/Bell Services from your in-room phone or visit them at your Resort hotel lobby area for any questions about your luggage after drop-off. Once the bag departs your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please contact your airline for assistance.

Are there any size or weight restrictions for baggage?

Yes. Standard size and weight restrictions apply. Check with your airline for details on specific checked baggage policies.

What happens if my luggage is missing, delayed or damaged?

If your luggage is missing, delayed or damaged, call Luggage Assistance/Bell Services on your in-room phone or visit them in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby area. If you’re at the airport, please visit the customer service counter for your airline.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What do you think about the return of Airport Luggage Transfer expanding to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort? Hoping it adds Delta Airlines, Port Orleans, or other airlines and resorts before the end of 2026? Think this paves the way for a comeback of Disney’s Magical Express, or is that still unlikely? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!