Transfer from Port to MCO - luggage handling?

[rubysasha]

We are sailing on the Disney Fantasy in November. We won't be using the disney transfer service on the way in because we're getting in a couple days early and will have a rental car.

However, on the way back from the cruise, we will be going directly to MCO for our Southwest flight. If we use the Disney transfer service from the port to MCO, which they told us is $35/pp, what do to they do with our luggage? Do they handle the luggage the whole way so that once it leaves our room on the cruise ship, it makes its way onto our flight and we don't even have to worry about it?

Anyone who has experience with this, we would love hearing from you - thanks!

[jlk806]

If you book their transfers, generally you are eligible for cruise airline checkin, but Southwest is not one of the participating airlines.

[moki'smommy]

If you are on a participating airline, you can check in your bags directly from your cabin on the ship to your home airport.

 

HOWEVER, Southwest is not a participating airline. On Southwest, you will either carry off your bags yourself or place them outside the room on the last night and claim them in the terminal. They will then travel on the bus with you to the airport and get checked there.

[cathysmom]

Hi,

This will be our first trip with DCL and we did order the Ground transportation. I was under the impression that someone from Disney will be at Orlando to get our luggage as well as get it to the airport. They didn't say anything would need to be done different if we used Southwest, which we will probably do.

 

I gave a couple of elderly in our party and just want to make sure they don't get stuck having to deal with suitcases.

 

Any advice is appreciated.

[moki'smommy]

If you come IN on Southwest (arriving at MCO), there is no difference. DCL will claim your bags and they will next be seen at your cabin.

 

On leaving the ship, there IS a difference between a participating and non-participating airline. Disney will transport your luggage to MCO as part of your transfer cost, but how luggage is handled depends totally on whether your airline is participating or not.

 

Participating = Disney will check your bags from the ship to your home airport. No baggage handling for the guest to do other than put the tag on and place bag outside your stateroom.

Non-participating = claim bag at cruise terminal. You can still put it outside you stateroom and it will be moved for you to the terminal. There are porters who will help you by taking it to the bus. Bus driver will load it and unload at MCO. From there, you must check it in with your airline.

 

I love Southwest. but the baggage handling situation makes Delta look good when I am choosing flights.

[cathysmom]

Thank you Moki'smommy!

I will share this with my group! I have 9 travelers and airfare outside of SW was a little high...if there was 9 seats. But I guess there has to be one challenge to hurdle. Hopefully thus is ours!!