First let me clairify our services by restate the following...
There are two new but very different services that Disney will provide to guests staying at a Disney Resort.
Disney's Magical Express is a free passenger and luggage transfer between the Orlando International Airport and your Disney Resort Hotel. It can be booked round trip or one way and is available to anyone staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort, who is flying into and or out of Orlando International Airport (
regardless of airline) with there flight dates matching their resort stay dates. Disney will even claim your luggage for you and deliver it directly to your resort room.
Disney's Resort Airline Check-In Service allows guest on select airlines to check their baggage and pick up their boarding pass for their departure flight from the lobby of their Disney Resort Hotel. This service is currently only available to guest flying with American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta (including Song,) United Airlines (including Ted) and now Jet Blue.
The services complement each other but are completely separate of each other, as guest can use either service or both services.
Any ideas on when Southwest may be included?
Do keep in mind that a third-party company approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates the Resort Airline Check-In on behalf of the participating airlines, it is not run by Disney. Disney is working with the TSA to add as many of the most popular Airlines as possible. I will be happy to continue to post any new updates to this service as they are anounced.
Will they have the kiosks at the resorts?
No, the desk is operated by real live people.
Now all they need to do is get rid of ME (which I feel sketchy about using)
If you read some of the trip reports, you will see that Disney's Magical Express Service is now running great. The average wait at the Airport until you get on to your motorcoach is less then 15 minutes. The average wait for your luggage is less then 2 hours from your plane's arrival. In most cases your bags make it to your room before you do!
...do they give you instructions on what to do when you get to the airport and before you leave the resort for home?
Yes. About 5-10 days prior to your arrival you will get your Magical Express Travel Documents including your special luggage tags. Included are full instructions on how the service works and what to expect.
Basically, you proceed from your airline's gate to the main terminal building. Once you pass the security checkpoint you will see Disney Cast Members wearing blue blazers and white 3 fingered Mickey Gloves. Simply approach any one of them, and say in a confident voice "I'm going to Disney World!" They will give you directions to the Disney Welcome Center at the Airport where you sign in and show your luggage claim tickets. You then will be assigned to a motor coach for your journey to your Disney Resort hotel.
It is recommended to pack a lighter change of clothes on your carry-on bag as you will not have imediate access to your luggage upon arrival.
Hope this helps! :sohappy: