We theoretically investigate the magnitude and range of the photon-mediated interaction between two quantum dots embedded in a photonic crystal waveguide, including fabrication disorder both in the crystal and in the dot positioning. We find that disorder-induced light localization has a drastic effect on the excitation transfer rate-as compared to an ideal structure-and that this rate varies widely among different disorder configurations. Nevertheless, we also find that significant rates of 50 mu eV at a range of 10 mu m can be achieved in realistic systems.