One of the most significant changes in Walt Disney World is the Magical Express, the free shuttle at Orlando Airport (MCO) is kaput.

This leaves us standing on the sidewalk with a toddler on our hip, bags under our eyes — and in our hands — wondering how we’re getting to our hotel room. If you’re wondering how to get from Orlando Airport to your Disney World resort, keep reading.

Options from Orlando Airport to Disney World Resorts

There are 3 main options for getting from Orlando Airport to your resort if you’re not renting or bringing your own car:

• a shuttle bus
• Uber or Lyft
• a private car service

Before our last trip to Disney World, I priced out each option along with the pros and cons of each. Let’s do a little digging…

Note that the prices below are for a round trip.

Bus Shuttle from MCO to Disney World

The biggest reason we don’t take a bus shuttle from the airport is that it may take a long time to get to your hotel since it makes multiple stops. Of course, you could get lucky; you could hop on the bus just before it’s leaving and be the first stop — but there’s no guarantee.

BUT it is the most affordable and would be the easiest option with a big group or lots of luggage.

— Mears Connect

Wait time: up to 20 minutes to board for standard with very minimal wait for express. The website doesn’t give an exact time for your arrival.

Cost for standard, multiple stops: $33.60 for adults, $27.30 per child (ages 3 – 9)
Cost of express, 1 stop: $250

Pros: Using your own car seat is optional. Least expensive. Good for a large family.
Cons: No telling how long it will be before you get to your resort. You could be the first stop or the last.

Rideshare Service to Disney World Resort

— Uber

Wait: 8-10 minutes on average but could be longer during busy seasons.

Cost for SUV with car seat, during normal hours: ~$207.50

Pros: Can be booked up to 30 days before the flight, sans car seat. Minimal wait for pickup. Direct route to the resort. If I didn’t have kids in car seats, this would be a great option!

Cons: The car seat option can’t be booked ahead of time, so there is no guarantee of availability when you land. Would need multiple cars with a large group or lots of luggage. You may have to deal with surge pricing depending on the time of day, week, and holidays.

Private Car Service to Disney World

This is the option we go with. I’m admittedly not the best traveler, so when I get off the plane I want to just GO. Enter: private car service.

— Away We Go. My favorite option!

Wait time: none

Cost for van including car seats/boosters as needed: $189 + 18% gratuity automatically added

Pros: Immediate pickup, direct route to your resort, and car seats included in the price (!). Fits up to 12 people. Text communication with flight tracking. Laid-back Members get 10% off.

Cons: It costs more than the shuttle option.

— HappyLimo

Wait: none

Cost for SUV with car seat: $246 (av. depending on the vehicle)

Pros: Immediate pick up. Direct route to the resort. Can add a car seat and/or boosters. 1:1 service with email and text communication. Private & indoor pickup location. We have used them in the past and have been impressed each time!

Cons: More expensive. Would need multiple cars – or a limo! – for a large family or lots of luggage.

Coming soon: Minnie Vans via Lyft

Prior to 2020, Minnie Vans — a private car service from Disney through the Lyft app — was able to pick up at the Orlando Airport. That’s been on hold outside of Disney’s Club Level stays, but rumors are that it’s coming back soon. I’ll update this blog post once we have more info on this!

Car Seat Law in Orlando

The biggest concern with parents going to Disney World is car seats. Should you bring one, or rent one? Do you even need one?

In short, you don’t need a car seat using Disney World’s provided transportation like buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner.

And when it comes to driving around, there is a very specific car seat law in Florida (section 6) when it comes to a paid car service like a taxi or shuttle that car seats aren’t required. Some families are comfortable with this, some aren’t.

When it comes to a car seat you could…

• Bring one with you if you’re driving, or gate check/bring it on the plane with you
• Rent one along with your rental car once you arrive in Orlando
• Don’t bring one at all (this is the route we go, and is the easiest option)

Getting from Orlando Airport to Your Disney World Resort

Since we have three young kids, we’re going to stick with booking private car services for our trips to Disney World. Once we get off the plane we want to get to our resort ASAP (we don’t even check bags!).

Our driver will track our flight, so even if we’re early or late, they’re there. This helps with my anxiety soooo much.

I suggest booking your airport transportation right after you’ve purchased flights. It’s easier having a flight number – and it is sometimes required – when you book!

With Laid-back Magic, you have all the information and help you need to plan your next trip to Disney World, including discounts on private transportation. Learn more about it here.

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