There’s a lot that’s new when it comes to getting to Disney World from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Recent changes have included Disney discontinuing their popular “Magical Express” bus service, which made it easy to go from baggage claim directly to your resort. As such, multiple providers have surged in, some we already knew as operators and others, being brand new to the game. We break down each to help you figure out your best option to get to the resort and parks.
Here’s what you need to know about making your way from MCO to the happiest place on earth!
Mears Connect
Mears Connect has served as the backbone of Disney’s transporation system for several decades, and so, with Disney’s announcement, they immediately annouced the Mears Connect service.
The first option is the Standard Service, which is very much like what Disney was offering in the past as the Magical Express. Pricing goes from $16 per person ($13.50 for children), each way from the airport to the resorts and back. Under this option, it is VERY likely that you will visit at least one other resort before arriving at your own. Further, its recommended that you allow up to 3 hours for your return to the airport as other stops may be made on the way to the airport. Also, you will provide your flight info for arrival to help them manage capacity/ensure you have a bus to take to your resort for a late or early arrival.
The alternative to this offering is Express Service, where you are placed on a van, and taken directly to/from your destination. This service runs $250 round trip for up to 4 guests. Note: You are not guaranteed a ride with just your party at this rate, as Mears may add other guests to fill the size of the vehicle. This price runs similar to the limo pricing which we discuss below.
As a relaunched/new service, Mears is facing some issues with service, however we believe this will be resolved soon.
Mears: https://www.mearsconnect.com/
Concourse Location: B Side of MCO Airport/ Floor 1
Sunshine Flyer
Similar to Mears, there’s another new player in the market for transfers called Sunshine Flyer. Like Mears, they are priced at $17 per person ($12.50 per child). On their website, there appears to be a simple process of registering for your transfers by providing your arriving flight and departure times, however it does appear that you can bypass this step and simply select when you will need your bus. This does appear to differ from Mears where there’s at least the likelihood that they will not leave you without transportation at the end of the day. That being said, there have been some reviews of the Mears service indicating that guests have arrived without transportation so I would not consider this to be a major deal breaker. If anything, with so many guests going to Disney, I would line up whatever bus transportation you can, and then stay in touch with the carrier.
One positive is that this is a new carrier, so we know that they will be VERY focused on a positive experience, and thus might be worth checking out. If you do, please email and let us know what the experience was like so we can update this article.
Sunshine Flyer: https://sunshineflyer.com/
Concourse Location: B Side of MCO Airport
Private Livery/Limos/Uber/Lyft
Orlando International has a number private service providers, many of which offer good options if you’re looking for an experience that minimizes exposure to other travelers. We recommend several and can connect you with one based on your needs!
As for Lyft and Uber, while both exist at the airport, we highly recommend that you closely examine the driver’s background. When you’re looking for a ride at an airport, it is important that the service has plenty of good reviews and your driver has worked with them before. There have been several instances where travelers had difficulty using these companies due to misbehaving drivers or lack knowledge about Disney property–so make sure both are checked out! Since you don’t want your vacation interupted due to a transportation challenge, we simply are advocating a higher sense of awareness than you might put towards the private solutions we are suggesting with the livery services that we follow and recommend.
Rental Cars
The last option at MCO is, of course, rental cars. While rentals were a very difficult option due to lack of vehicles from the pandemic, things are much better now. Now the center of the world’s largest rental market, MCO has providers you know (Hertz) to ones you don’t (Easirent.com). Many of the providers now have plenty of cars, and the rates can be quite attractive.
One thing to consider is that while you might find a rate that is better than the private transportation options above, you will be paying $25/day to park at Disney World. This parking fee is per day at your resort and is transferable to all parks, and facilities on Disney property. At moments, this can be a great convenience, as moving from resort to park to resort can be time-consuming, and at the end of a long day, you will appreciate how quickly you can go from “door-to-door”. Also, it allows you to build less time into getting to breakfast, dinner or anything in between.
Summary
So, as you can see, there are a lot of options going from MCO to Disney World. Should you have questions about how you can build these options into a plan that will make you trip more magical, let us know. We love to help!
