A Long-Lost Walt Disney World Perk Has FINALLY Returned

With Epic Universe set to open at Universal Studios Orlando this summer, Walt Disney World is reinforcing the “Disney Bubble” to try and keep guests on property.

Largely under the leadership of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, Disney World prioritized keeping guests within the resort’s confines and away from the other theme parks and tourist destinations that Central Florida has to offer.

Disney’s strategy to keep guests on property has traditionally been twofold. First, Disney World created numerous theme parks and attractions to compete head-on with other Central Florida tourist destinations.

Additions to the resort, such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Living Seas, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, expanded the Disney experience and cut the legs out from under competitors, such as Universal, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld.

Tree of Life

The second phase of Disney’s retention strategy revolved around amenities and ease of transportation. Perks for Disney guests, such as Extra Magic Hours, free MagicBands, the Disney transportation system, and the Magical Express, were designed to encourage guests to stay on Disney property and remain in the bubble.

Photo: Disney

Another amenity previously offered was Resort Airline Check-In.

Resort Airline Check-In Was Discontinued During the Pandemic

For decades, guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort could check their bags at bell services on the day of their departure and let Disney take care of the rest.

Photo: Disney

Thanks to Disney, their bags would “magically” appear at the airport when they arrived back home.

For guests staying at a Disney resort, the Resort Airline Check-In was a great way to enjoy their checkout day and make traveling home a breeze.

Photo: Disney

Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney discontinued the Resort Airline Check-In offering. Like the Magical Express, one of the perks of staying at a Disney resort was quietly eliminated.

The Service Is Once Again Being Tested at Pop Century

Years after Resort Airline Check-In was discontinued, I am thrilled to report that Disney World is once again testing the service.

Beginning today, guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort can leave their bags at bell service and have their luggage transferred.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

There are, however, some stipulations.

The Pilot’s Limited Scope

As of this writing, Resort Airline Check-In is only available at Disney’s Pop Century Resort and is exclusive to Southwest Airlines passengers.

If you meet these criteria, you can drop off your luggage with Pop Century Bell Service, and they will transport it for you!

Photo: Thrifty Traveler

If your flight is before 1 p.m., you must check your bags by 1 a.m. If your departure is after 1 p.m., luggage must be dropped off 4 hours prior.

Additionally, to use the service, guests must set up the Resort Airline Check-In in their Southwest Airlines app. They can then follow their luggage’s journey on their phone.

The Test Will Expand to Other Value Resorts

According to the Cast Members we talked to today, the complimentary Resort Airline Check-In service will be expanded to Disney’s Art of Animation and All-Star Resorts by the end of the week.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

At this time, we can only confirm that the service is coming to Disney’s Value Resorts.

However, if the pilot goes well, the Resort Airline Check-In will hopefully return to all Disney World resorts.

Walt Disney World Entrance

As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news coming out of Walt Disney World.

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