Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LILIANE
Just in case your luggage is delayed or your room isn't ready,
always pack a change of clothes and bathing suits for all family members in
your carry-on luggage.
If you're flying within the United States or Puerto Rico, when it's time to go
home, you can check your baggage and receive your boarding pass at the front
desk of your Disney resort. This service is available to all guests at Disney-owned
resorts—but not the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, or Downtown Disney re-
sorts—even those who don't use the Magical Express service (folks who have rental
cars, for example). Resort check-in counters are open 5 a.m.-1 p.m., and you must
check in no later than 3 hours before your flight. Participating airlines are
Alaska,
American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United
, and
US Airways
. All of the preced-
ing airlines have restrictions on the number of bags, checking procedures, and related
items; consult your carrier before leaving home for specifics.
If your flight departs from Orlando before 8 a.m., Magical Express will pick you
up before the Magical Express desk at your resort is open. In this case, because the
desk isn't manned until 5 a.m., you cannot use the resort check-in for your bags or get
your boarding pass. You'll need to handle your own luggage and get your boarding
pass at the airport.
Travel agents report few complaints about Magical Express, though it's not
without its faults. Luggage is transported by truck to Walt Disney World instead of
accompanying you on the bus. Readers have complained of luggage delivered to their
hotelroomshourslate,sometimes inthemiddleofthenight.Ifyouwant,youcancol-
lect your own luggage at the baggage claim and bring it along with you on the bus; if
your room isn't ready when you arrive, the hotel will store your luggage and provide
a number you can call to check the status of your room. Some buses go directly to
your resort while others make multiple stops at other resorts. Regarding the return trip
to the airport, some readers report barely getting to the airport in time for their flight,
while others have been made to depart from their hotel very early.
