Hi, Paull! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for stopping by with your question. The first place I look to save money when planning our vacations is with the flights. I do not blame you one bit for considering this early flight because those can certainly be among the least expensive of the day. We did this the last time we flew and it saved us a couple of hundred dollars per person! That adds up to a lot of extra vacation dollars. Wait, let's correct that - it adds up to a lot of extra Dole Whips while on vacation!
Paul, the
Resort Airline Check-In Service is a pretty handy benefit for guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Each resort has its own area where guests can go to check their luggage, check in for their flight, and receive their boarding passes, provided their airline is one that participates in the program. This makes arrival at Orlando International Airport super easy! The check-in desk is open each day from 5:00 a.m. to noon. At this time, guests can only check-in for flights 12 hours or less ahead of time. So, you will be unable to check your luggage the day before your flight. You will need to carry your luggage to the airport and check in for your flight there. However, you are still able to use
Disney's Magical Express for your return trip to the airport early that morning. The motorcoach driver will be happy to help you load and unload your luggage underneath the motorcoach.
I am sorry that you will not be able to use the Resort Airline Check-In Service if you book that early morning flight. But, just think of all the extra magical vacation dollars you will have for Dole Whips, churros, Disney character plushes, Minnie tee shirts, trading pins, Dessert Parties ...
Brandy