News

STM Disney World Updates Oct. 30: Luggage transfer adds resorts, Animal Kingdom opens late Nov. 15

Disney's airport luggage transfer now reaches Coronado Springs and both Port Orleans resorts, which could save a flying family a trip to the baggage carousel.

Getting to your resort

Airport Luggage Transfer now covers Coronado Springs (with Gran Destino Tower), Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside, per Disney's page, which also lists All-Star Movies, Music and Sports, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach and Pop Century.
It works with American, JetBlue, Southwest and United for now, and you register from 30 days to 24 hours before your flight, using your resort and flight confirmation numbers. You still pay airline bag fees.
Our luggage transfer guide covers who qualifies, and the Airport to Resort Transportation Comparison Tool and our airport transfer breakdown price the ride, which the bag service doesn't cover.

At the parks

Animal Kingdom opens at 9 a.m. instead of the usual 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, and closes at 6 p.m., as WDWNT reports from Disney's calendar, which Disney Dining also reports. Hours can change, so recheck before you go; our Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane guide can help you plan the shorter morning.
The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party foodie guide is out: new items include the Tostada de Nochebuena, Gingerbread Cheesecake Beignets, Winter Wonderland Express and Peppermint Bark Cola Slushy, and the Holiday Pot Roast Melt and Nice List Shake return.
The party is separately ticketed, so weigh it against your other plans with our Christmas Party worth-it breakdown and our early November guide.
The Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom is back open ahead of schedule, after closing for refurbishment in late September when Disney had said it would return in November. Check the My Disney Experience app for hours.

Dates to know

Nov. 8: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party begins, on select nights through Dec. 22
Nov. 15: Animal Kingdom opens at 9 a.m.

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