Best Ways to Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World

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Pros:

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are the most convenient way to get from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World.

You simply use the phone app to arrange for someone to pick you up at the airport, and then a driver will appear within minutes to take you to your resort.  Since your credit card is linked to your account. there’s never any exchange of cash like most traditional taxis. The entire process is simple and quick. And it’s cheap, too!

As we stated in our recent “How Much Does an Uber Cost from Orlando Airport to Disney World” article, a standard Uber from the airport to Disney World will cost you roughly $35. This can jump to above $40 if you request a special type of vehicle.

For a family of 4 or 5, your best bet may be an UberXL, which will cost you just over $50 between the airport and most of Disney’s resort hotels. The fancier Uber Black option will run you just over $90 per trip.

You’ll also pay a little more for vehicles equipped with car seats or if they are designed to accommodate pets.

One of the clear benefits of taking an Uber or Lyft (rather than a shuttle bus) is how direct the service is.  A ride from the airport to Disney takes less than 30 minutes and there are no stops along the way. Plus, most vehicles are at least as comfortable as a taxi service (and less expensive).

Cons:

Please note that the cost of a ride is subject to increase during peak times.  This “surge pricing” happens when there are more people requesting rides than there are enough cars to take them all. This can happen when parks open and close, during bad weather, special events, or other instances that cause an unusually high volume of people to request a ride.

The rideshare option may be somewhat limiting if you have a lot of people in your group or if you have an unusually large amount of luggage. If you’re going to Disney with a large family or group, then you probably won’t all fit in a single car and you may do better with the shuttle bus or private vehicle option.

Even though the Magical Express service has been discontinued, you’re still able to take a shuttle bus or passenger van from Orlando Airport to Disney World. Shuttles and vans can be a great option and they may end up being the most economical choice depending on how large your family or group is.

Mears Connect

A new option from Mears is being branded as a Magical Express replacement (for a fee, of course).  This new service is called Mears Connect.

The new route debuted on January 1st, 2022, the same date Disney’s Magical Express service was officially discontinued. The route connects Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Regular Pricing for Mears Connect:

• Standard Service, One-Way: $17.60 (including airport fees) per adult. $14.30 per child ages 3-9.
• Standard Service, Round-Trip: $33.60 per adult. $27.30 per child.
• Express Service, Round Trip: $250.00 for up to 4 passengers. $55.00 per additional passenger.

Pros:

Mears promises that the new bus service provides the same type of reliable, safe, and express service that we have become accustomed to from the Magical Express. It’s a credible claim, as Mears was the company which operated the original Magical Express on Disney’s behalf. In 2023, Mears Connect merged with a former competitor, Sunshine Flyer.

(Arriving by Brightline train? Mears also offers Brightline+ transportation services from the train station).

Cons:

Please note that shuttle buses for the Standard Service will make more than one stop. If you are looking for expedited service to and from the resort, you can book the Express Service. Contact The Vacationeer for more information.

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Pros: 

Taxi service is always a good option. They are all over at the airport and you don’t need to use an app or have a reservation in place. You simply hop into a taxi and head off to your destination. If you’d prefer to have a reservation in place, you can actually book a local taxi cab via a rideshare service like Uber if you want, or just give them a call to pick you up. But, again, there are taxis near all the exits so they are not hard to find.

The standard taxi only takes 3 or 4 passengers but some larger taxi vehicles can take up to 9 passengers.  If you’ll need to use a car seat, you should probably call the taxi company in advance and request one (an extra fee may apply).

Cons:

An estimated taxi fare from Orlando Internation Airport to Disney World is around $70 or so. This is just about double the cost of an Uber for the same route. So, while they are convenient and you won’t have to make stops along the way, you will pay considerably more than an Uber ride.

Pros:

Renting a car at the airport is the most expensive option and requires the most effort, but it will give you more freedom.

If you plan on doing some day trips around the Disney World area or going to Universal Orlando Resort and other parks, then it may just be your best option.

If you decide to rent a car, it’s really easy to do so at Orlando International Airport. There are several car rental companies located right at the airport so you won’t need to go somewhere off-site to pick up your rental.

Cons:

Renting a car certainly takes more effort on your part, and it’s also the most expensive option on this list.

A week-long economy car rental from Alamo will cost in the $350 – $400 range. A 5-passenger mid-size car costs about $400, while a 7-passenger minivan would have another $30-$50 for the week. Car rental prices are all subject to change so check the latest rates for yourself.  You also may not need a car rental for the entire duration of your trip, so that would reduce the cost somewhat.

Also keep in mind that car seats for children are usually subject to an extra charge, and that you’ll need to pay for theme park parking if you’re not staying at an on-site hotel.

Have Questions But Don’t Want to Wait on Hold?

Pros:

Some people may prefer to book a car, van, or another type of vehicle from a private car service company. Many of these vehicles can seat a larger number of passengers, and some have child seats or can be pet-friendly, or have other features that may be important to you. Maybe you are celebrating a special event, or maybe you just want to add some bling to your trip. If so, you can choose a party bus or limo. Wouldn’t that be fun!

One popular choice is Ultimate Town Car. They have a fleet of limos, luxury town cars, 4-passenger Lincoln Town Car, 7-passenger Chevrolet Suburban, 10-passenger Ford 350 vans, party buses, and more.

There are many different companies to choose from in the Orlando area so compare options and shop around.

Cons:

When all is said and done, renting a vehicle from a private car service company van will be more expensive than an Uber, Mears Connect, or a taxi. However, the value really comes down to how many people share the transportation. This option may end up being a good financial decision and the right fit for your group, so long as you opt for one of the more affordable vehicles.

This video explains how transportation works at Disney World:

Ready to Plan your Disney World vacation?

For completely free help planning and booking your magical Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando vacation, please contact our friends at The Vacationeer.

The Vacationeer ranks #1 on our Best Disney Travel Agencies list and our Best Travel Agencies for Universal Studios list, and for good reason!

They handle everything from theme park tickets to dining reservations to hotel rooms — and they can even save you money thanks to their extensive knowledge of all the latest discounts and deals.

Contact them today to find out just how much your trip will cost (and how to set up a payment plan for it).