What the Return of Disney Resort Airline Check-In Could Mean for DVC Members

As someone who closely follows all things Disney and Disney Vacation Club (DVC), I’ve been left stunned over the past day at the news that Disney has quietly launched a pilot program bringing back airline check-in service at resorts. Yes—you read that right; and if you were like me, you never thought that program would see the light of day ever again after they got rid of it during the pandemic.

As of yesterday, March 31st, Pop Century became the first resort to offer airline check-in again through a new pilot program. Currently, the service is:

• Only available at Value Resorts (starting with Pop Century)
• Only available for Southwest Airlines passengers
• One-way service from the resort to Orlando International Airport (MCO)

For more details, I recommend checking out the in-depth report from BlogMickey, but as a DVC Member, I can’t help but ask the question: What does this mean for us?

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Could This Be the Start of Something Bigger?

Let’s call it what it is—this is essentially a test to gauge how viable it is to bring back some form of the old Disney Resort Airline Check-In, and possibly even Magical Express. And while it’s starting small, the implications could be massive, especially for DVC Members.

Some have speculated (and I agree) that this move is, at least in part, motivated by Disney’s growing concern over the opening of Universal’s EPIC Universe. With that park’s debut just around the corner, Disney is likely looking for ways to make their resort experience more seamless—maybe even magical—again.

We’ve already spent two full DVC Shows this year talking about the potential impact of Epic Universe. That’s how big the buzz is. And this new check-in pilot feels like Disney’s way of dipping a toe back into “bubble” thinking—keeping guests in the Disney ecosystem from arrival to departure.

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The Airport Angle: A Baggage Problem Needing a Solution

Here’s something I haven’t seen discussed much. Back in late 2024, the Orlando Sentinel ran a piece about Orlando International Airport’s growing baggage system issues. The article made a striking point: Disney’s Magical Express wasn’t just magical for guests—it was a critical pressure relief valve for the airport. When the service ended in 2022, airport congestion and baggage handling challenges worsened.

In response, the airport authority authorized new funding to support companies that could offer a “Magical Express-like” service. The offer? Up to $25 million annually and $6.75 per bag to any company willing to take the pressure off the airport’s overstretched systems.

Who’s overseeing that initiative? None other than Stephanie Kopelousos, administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (aka Disney’s special governing district). If that doesn’t sound like a carefully paved path to Disney re-entering the transportation space in some way, I don’t know what does.

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What This Could Mean for DVC Members

Right now, the honest answer is… nothing. This program is only running at Pop Century, and it’s still very much in the “let’s see if this works” phase. But if it succeeds, I believe it will expand to other resorts—especially DVC properties.

The question is: Will it be free?

If this baggage check-in service becomes a paid add-on, that would fall in line with Disney’s recent trend of monetizing previously included offerings. But if they truly want to compete with Universal’s “all-inclusive” guest experience, this may be one of the few perks they consider offering at no cost—especially for DVC Members or at least to Members in the new Membership Magic Beyond program.

Let’s be honest: That program launched with some promise, but it hasn’t exactly kept the fanfare going. Including airline check-in as an exclusive benefit for Membership Magic Beyond would be a perfect way to add real value to the offering and reignite interest from Members.

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Could Magical Express Come Back?

I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, but… maybe. It depends on how much of the cost can be offset. If Orlando International is willing to foot a large portion of the bill (which they seem to be), and if Disney can leverage Membership Magic Beyond or offer it as an upcharge to guests, it’s entirely possible we’ll see some form of Magical Express 2.0 in the near future.

And if that happens, DVC Members stand to benefit in a big way. The convenience, peace of mind, and ease of travel that came with Magical Express and resort airline check-in made the “Disney bubble” feel complete. Bringing that back—even in pieces—would be a huge win.

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This might all be speculation for now, but as someone who lives and breathes this stuff daily, I think there’s more happening behind the scenes than meets the eye. Whether it’s in response to EPIC Universe or simply good business strategy, Disney appears to be thinking about guest convenience again—and that’s a big deal for DVC Members.

We’ll be watching this closely, and if it expands, you can bet we’ll have the scoop. Would you use a new airline check-in service? Do you think Magical Express could make a comeback?

Let us know in the comments—and as always, stay tuned to DVCFan.com for the latest!