There is a lot going on in Disney World right now.
Pop Century Resort
From permanent closures to ride updates and new shows, there’s been a lot to keep up with! Now it seems like there might be something that makes the end of your Disney vacation just a bit easier and gives you less to keep up with.
It’s never easy leaving Disney World when you’re trip finally ends, but one Disney World resort is testing out something that might make it a bit easier. Before you get too excited, no, the Magical Express isn’t returning. (We know, we’re sad too.) Over at Pop Century Resort, guests who are flying with Southwest can now check their luggage at the resort!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Guests can take their luggage to the luggage assistance desk to drop off their luggage before heading to the airport, so there’s one less thing to lug with them as they depart from their vacation. The trial started today, March 31st, according to Cast Members we spoke with. Although we don’t know if it will be permanent, the Cast Member we spoke with expects it to be a permanent change and to be expanded to other value resorts soon.
The luggage assistance desk!
This service is free to guests staying at the resort, but there are stipulations. Disney can only take checked luggage so you will still be in charge of your carry-ons. If your flight leaves before 1PM, you must check it the day before. If your flight leaves after 1PM, you must check it at least four hours before, and you must check it by 1PM for same-day flights.
MCO Luggage Drop-Off
Check-in for luggage starts at 7 AM, so if your flight leaves at noon, you will need to check your luggage the night before. If your flight leaves at 2 PM, you will need to check in by 10 AM the day of your flight. If your flight leaves anytime after 5 PM, no matter the time, your luggage will need to be checked by 1 PM.
Luggage
Disney can take bulkier items like golf clubs, strollers, or wheelchairs if they are packed and secured properly. You won’t have access to your checked bag until it arrives at your final destination, so make sure you don’t pack anything you will need.
Baggage claim at MCO!
This will allow guests to bypass the baggage check counter at MCO and could save tons of time at the airport, especially during the busy season. If you want to utilize this service, you must be checked in for your Southwest Flight already to check your luggage at the hotel. After that, your luggage is secured in a van and driven to the airport for processing.
Pop Century Resort Lobby Check-In
For now, there is no signage for this new offering, so you will need to be aware of the service to utilize it. Cast Members have been alerting guests if it comes up through “normal guest interaction.” When Southwest starts charging for bags, you will have to pay for your bags with the airline to use this service. You won’t be able to add a checked bag and pay for it at the luggage services counter at Pop Century.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
This service was previously offered before covid so we’re excited to see it’s potential return. While it’s no Magical Express return, this is great news for anyone flying Southwest and looking for more convenience. We hope to see this expand to other resorts and airlines. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for your travel news and updates.
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Tell us what you think about these changes in the comments!
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This isn’t a new perk. This is a perk they are going to bring back since Epic universe is putting a lot of pressure on them. Reason why we were able to add even more discounts to our fort wilderness trip later this year. Competition is a great thing
Would love to see this expanded to moderate resorts and American Airlines as well.
We used to use this service and hoping they expand to American Airlines!
This is good news. Staying at Pop Century in September.
This perk is so nice. Check bags at hotel then go to breakfast with no worries to rush back to retrieve bags. Thanks to Disney for bringing this back.