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.
There are 3 main options for getting from Orlando Airport to your resort if you’re not renting or bringing your own car:
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…
These are the two most popular bus shuttles at the Orlando Airport. The biggest downfall 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.
— 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: $91
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.
— Sunshine Flyer
Wait: Up to 20 minutes to board + up to 65 minutes before you arrive at your stop.
Cost for standard, multiple stops: $93
Pros: Using your own car seat is optional. Inexpensive. Cute train/conductor theming. 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.
— 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.
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 and I will happily throw money at a convenience. Enter: private car service.
Wait: none
Cost for SUV with car seat: $246
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. We have used HappyLimo quite a bit and have been impressed each time!
Cons: More expensive. Would need multiple cars – or a limo! – for a large family or lots of luggage.
Wait: 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 (!). Text communication with flight tracking.
Cons: It costs more than a shuttle option, but honestly I’m not finding a lot of cons for this option and will be trying it on our next trip.
There are lots of car services when you search in Orlando, all of which I’m sure would be a good option if you’re looking to get straight to your resort.
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, but rumors are that it’s coming back soon. I’ll update this blog post once we have more info on this!
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…
Since we have two 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!). I like knowing that they were tracking our flight so I don’t have to be anxious about being early or delayed.
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. Learn more about it here.
For more Disney World planning, here’s how I can be of help:
My life doesn't revolve around Disney like you may think. I live for my family: my husband and our two daughters, Story + Sailor. In my spare time I like to make my home the best it can be, read on our porch and watch (you guessed it) Disney+.
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.
There are 3 main options for getting from Orlando Airport to your resort if you’re not renting or bringing your own car:
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…
These are the two most popular bus shuttles at the Orlando Airport. The biggest downfall 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.
— 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: $91
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.
— Sunshine Flyer
Wait: Up to 20 minutes to board + up to 65 minutes before you arrive at your stop.
Cost for standard, multiple stops: $93
Pros: Using your own car seat is optional. Inexpensive. Cute train/conductor theming. 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.
— 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.
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 and I will happily throw money at a convenience. Enter: private car service.
Wait: none
Cost for SUV with car seat: $246
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. We have used HappyLimo quite a bit and have been impressed each time!
Cons: More expensive. Would need multiple cars – or a limo! – for a large family or lots of luggage.
Wait: 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 (!). Text communication with flight tracking.
Cons: It costs more than a shuttle option, but honestly I’m not finding a lot of cons for this option and will be trying it on our next trip.
There are lots of car services when you search in Orlando, all of which I’m sure would be a good option if you’re looking to get straight to your resort.
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, but rumors are that it’s coming back soon. I’ll update this blog post once we have more info on this!
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…
Since we have two 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!). I like knowing that they were tracking our flight so I don’t have to be anxious about being early or delayed.
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. Learn more about it here.
For more Disney World planning, here’s how I can be of help:
I've planned our family vacations to Walt Disney World, ranging in ages, sizes, and circumstances; without kids, with one kid, and now with two! From these trips, I've learned what not to do and want to share them with you.
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