Disney tests luggage transport service for Florida resort guests

Disney is testing a luggage transport service that allows some US resort guests to have their bags sent directly from their hotel to their plane when they fly home from Florida’s Orlando International Airport.

The service is being offered on a limited basis, but theme park enthusiasts are wondering if it could pave the way for the return of Disney’s Magical Express, a fleet of buses that shuttled guests and bags between the airport and resorts.

Offered at no extra cost, the Magical Express ran from 2005 to late 2021, when Disney pulled the plug. At one point, about 10,000 tourists used the service every day, according to Disney figures.

The new service — which, if expanded, could reduce pressure and frustrations at baggage claim carousels — comes as airport leaders concede Orlando’s two older terminals, A and B, face “operational challenges” related to an aging baggage-handling system that needs upgrades as the nation’s seventh-busiest airport gets ever busier.

Theme park blogsfirst reported the baggage pilot program, sparking calls from some Disney fans for a return of the complimentary Magical Express service.

“Please, please, please!!! I loved my magical express!!!,” one social user media wrote.

Under a90-day pilot program that started April 3, guests staying at several Disney value resorts and flying on Southwest Airlines can drop off their checked bags at their hotel’s luggage service when their vacation ends.

They don’t have to lug the bags to the airport, can avoid lines at check-in counters and are able to pick up their luggage at baggage claim when they arrive at their destination.

The service is available at Disney’s All-Star resorts, Pop Century Resort, and Art of Animation Resort.

The Magical Express service, though popular among Disney guests, initially prompted protests from taxi and luxury car drivers who served the airport, as they claimed it was digging into their businesses.

Disney company officials haven’t revealed if they intend to expand the new service to other hotels.

“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,” said Avery Maehrer, a Disney spokesman.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority signed an agreement with Bag Check LLC for the pilot program. That company was founded by Craig Mateer, an Orlando entrepreneur who until recently served on boards overseeing the airport and Walt Disney World.

Mateer’s previous company, Bags Inc., handled baggage transport for Disney’s resort guests. Hesold Bags Inc. in 2018 to a national parking conglomerate for $275 million.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Mateer, one of his political donors, to serve both on the aviation authority’s board and on the board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which oversees government services for Disney World.

Mateer wrapped up his term on the aviation authority board in May of last year. He resigned from the tourism oversight board in September.

Mateer said he’s interested in expanding the luggage transport partnership to other Disney resorts, which would help reduce the strain on the airport’s baggage system.

“It is extremely needed and beneficial for the airport if we can recreate what was going on before but in a much better and more technically advanced process,” he said.

Southwest Airlines is glad it can offer the service to some of its passengers, company spokeswoman Alyssa Foster said in an email.

“In the first few days of the pilot program, we have heard positive feedback from customers who appreciate the ease of use and the added convenience for their Orlando travel,” she said.