M.e. And S.w.

[DISFANS3]

Is Southwest one of the participating airlines for Magical Express? WE are leaving in one month and have not received anything from ME. First time using ME for us, how long did you wait at resort for luggage? We are still thinking about just picking up the bags ourself? Just don't like to start off the trip with lost bags.. 30 days and counting.... THANKS.....

 

[TDC Nala]

Please note the "participating airline" thing refers only to your return trip to the airport, not your arrival. ALL airlines can participate at arrival in Orlando. The "participating airlines" (Southwest is not one) are the ones who are set up to allow passengers to check their luggage and receive their boarding passes AT THE RESORT prior to boarding the bus on their return trip to the airport. If your airline does not participate, you will be taking your own luggage with you on the bus and checking it yourself at the airport.

I have never used the luggage service, just carryons, so I can't comment on how long it takes to get the luggage. I can also say that I have received the paperwork up to a week before departure. I don't know what happens if you never get tags. You can, if you want, pick up your own luggage and take it with you to the ME counter, then transport it with you on your bus.

 

[CarolynNC]

From the sticky post up top:

Okay, so there still seems to be some confusion about the term, "Participating Airline" so I figured I'd help explain this.

"PARTICIPATING AIRLINE" ONLY REFERS TO THE RESORT AIRLINE CHECK IN DESK. ​

IT DOES NOT REFER TO GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE AIRPORT, OR INBOUND LUGGAGE TRANSFERS.​

Inbound to Walt Disney World:

• Anyone who flies into Orlando International Airport with a Disney resort reservation can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express ground transfers, along with luggage transfers.
• You do NOT need to use the luggage tags to take advantage of the ground transportation. You are more than welcome to claim your luggage at baggage claim and bring it on the bus with you.
• You DO need to use the ground transportation to get your luggage transferred.
• You MUST have reservations prior to arriving at OIA.

Outbound to Orlando International Airport:

• Anyone who flies out of Orlando International Airport with a Disney resort reservation can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express ground transportation.
• Only those flying participating airlines may check thier luggage & get boarding passes at the Resort Airline Check-in Desk. All members of the party MUST be present. Bags may be checked 12 to 3 hours prior to flight departure time. Desk is open from 5am-1pm, daily.
• Those who are not flying a Participating Airline may still recieve thier boarding passes at thier Lobby Concierge desk, so long as the airline has internet check in.
• Non-participating and international airline guests will have to bring thier bags onto the motorcoach, and check it at the airport itself.
• Current Resort Airline Check-In Participating Airlines (Domestic only): American, Continental, Delta/Song, jetBlue, United/Ted

In other words...you may use ME when flying Southwest. My tags & info came about a week prior to my trip. My luggage arrived about an hour after I did. I was on a very early morning flight. Your mileage may vary!

I stored my luggage at bell services on checkout morning, retrieved my luggage when I returned for ME pickup, loaded them under the bus, and checked them at the Southwest airport counter for my flight home.

EDIT: Excuse the duplicate answer. That's what I get for being a slow poster.