I’ve done several split stays at Walt Disney World—meaning I stayed at more than one resort during the same trip. The first time I did it, I had the same question you probably do now: will Disney transfer luggage between resorts for you?
I wasn’t sure if I’d have to lug everything myself or catch a rideshare just to move my suitcase. The short answer is yes, they will—but there are a few things to know that can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Whether you’re hopping from a value resort to a deluxe one, or mixing it up with a few nights near EPCOT and a few near Magic Kingdom, split stays are a great way to experience different resorts. But coordinating the logistics is key. And Disney’s luggage transfer service is helpful—but it isn’t perfect.
Key Points
- Disney does transfer luggage between their own resorts—but it’s not instant. Bags are typically moved mid-day and arrive in the late afternoon.
- Pack a day bag with essentials. You won’t have access to your transferred luggage for several hours, so keep medication, swimwear, and chargers with you.
- You’ll need to call or visit Bell Services to request the transfer. It’s not automatic—you have to ask.
Will Disney Transfer Luggage Between Resorts For You?
Yes, Disney will transfer your luggage between Disney-owned resorts—but only between Disney resorts. If you’re switching from a Disney property to an off-site hotel (or vice versa), you’ll need to arrange that yourself.
Here’s how it worked for me: I called Bell Services the morning I was checking out of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (here’s my full Caribbean Beach Resort review), and let them know I’d be moving to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge later that day. A Cast Member came to my room, tagged the bags, and gave me a claim slip. Then I spent the day in the parks while my bags were transported. They arrived around 4:30 PM.
The process is free, though tipping Bell Services is customary (and appreciated). I usually give $2–$3 per bag when they come to collect, and a similar amount again when they deliver to the new resort. It’s not required, but it always feels like the right thing to do.
What to Expect During a Luggage Transfer
Disney’s luggage transfer is reliable, but not always fast. There’s a window of time where your stuff is in limbo—so plan accordingly.
Timing Matters
Bell Services usually starts moving bags around 11 AM and delivers them in the late afternoon, often between 3–5 PM. If you plan to check into your second resort early and relax by the pool, make sure you have swimwear and a change of clothes in your day bag.
This is especially important if you’re traveling with kids. The first time we did a split stay, we assumed our bags would arrive right after check-in. They didn’t. We were stuck with tired kids and no access to our bathing suits or snacks. Lesson learned: Disney doesn’t guarantee same-day bag delivery by check-in time.
How to Request the Transfer
You can either call Bell Services from your room phone or visit the Bell Services desk in the resort lobby. Let them know your next resort and how many bags you’re transferring. You’ll get a slip with your bag count—hang onto it just in case.
When you get to your new resort, you can either:
- Call Bell Services from your new room to have the bags brought up
- Go to the Bell Services desk to retrieve them yourself
Sometimes I just pick them up myself if I’m passing by the lobby anyway. But if you’re tired from a park day, having the bags delivered is a nice convenience.
Tips to Make Your Split Stay Easier
I’ve learned a few tricks over multiple split stays. Here’s what has helped me avoid frustration and lost time.
Pack a “Day of Transfer” Bag
You won’t see your luggage until late afternoon, so treat it like a flight day. I always pack:
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Swimsuit
- Phone charger
- Snacks
- Any medications
Also include park tickets, MagicBands, or your park bag if you’re going straight to the parks after check-out. I once packed our MagicBands in the luggage by accident. That made getting into the park way more complicated than it needed to be.
Don’t Plan Anything Time-Sensitive Midday
If you have a dining reservation, spa treatment, or park reservation early in the afternoon, assume you won’t have access to your bags until after. Schedule those things later or make sure you have everything you need in your day bag.
I’ve also learned not to plan midday Genie+ rides or table service meals too tightly. Moving resorts can add unexpected time—like waiting for a room to be ready, checking in again, or dealing with a room mix-up. Give yourself a buffer.
Consider Resort Proximity
Split stays are much easier when the resorts are near each other or on the same transportation line. For example, doing a few nights at Pop Century and then switching to the Royal Palm Club at the Grand Floridian can be a bit of a trek, but going from Pop Century to Art of Animation is simple.
If you’re relying on transportation like the Skyliner or monorail, make sure both resorts are connected. If they’re not, you may have to take a bus to a park and then transfer to another bus to reach your second resort.
When Disney Won’t Transfer Your Luggage
There are some situations where you’ll be on your own:
- Transfers to or from non-Disney resorts (like Marriott hotels near Disney World)
- If you’re going from a Disney hotel to a resort with only shuttle service that’s not owned by Disney
- Between campsites or cabins and hotels (some locations are considered separate systems)
In these cases, you may want to use a rideshare or taxi. Some travelers book resorts near Disney World with shuttle service to save money, but just know you’ll have to handle luggage moves yourself.
It’s also worth noting that Disney will not refrigerate perishables during transfers. If you have groceries or leftovers, you’ll need to carry them with you.
Here’s a helpful overview from Disney’s official site explaining how Bell Services works.
Is a Split Stay Worth It?
Absolutely—if you plan it well. I like using split stays to mix up the resort vibe or get closer to different parks. For example, I once stayed at Coronado Springs for the first part of a trip and then moved to a monorail resort for easier access to Magic Kingdom. It made both halves of the trip feel like different experiences.
Split stays are also a great way to test out different types of resorts. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a value, moderate, or deluxe resort, a split stay is a perfect way to compare firsthand. If you’re curious about options, here’s a breakdown of the best Disney World hotels for adults, or if you’re traveling with a group, check out the best Disney World resort for large families.
The key is to keep your expectations in check, pack smart, and give yourself time. Don’t expect your room to be ready early or your bags to beat you there. But if you go in knowing what to expect, a split stay can make your Disney trip even more memorable.
