travel time from disney world to orlando airport

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Getting to Walt Disney World from Orlando Airport

Getting to and from Orlando airport

There are lots of different transportation options from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney Resort hotels including car rental, Lyft, Uber and Orlando Airport Shuttle.

Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of having a rental car during your stay. Choose from a wide variety of cars from Alamo , the Official Rent A Car of Walt Disney World Resort.

Download the Lyft app and get a ride from a friendly driver within minutes. Lyft has a variety of modes to fit your travel needs, from standard cars to SUVs.

Download the Uber app and request a ride from your pickup location. There are different levels to Uber to suit your travel needs including UberX, UberXL, UberSelect and UberFamily.

Orlando Airport Shuttle

The airport shuttle service is an economical transportation option that connects you from the airport to your Disney Resort hotel.

Getting around Walt Disney World

Guests can explore Walt Disney World Resort at ease, thanks to complimentary transportation between selected Resort hotels and the Parks.

There is a wide array of complimentary transportation options including:

Bus Transportation

Guests can take in the sights as they take advantage of complimentary bus service to and from all 4 theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs.

Water Transportation

Guests can enjoy complimentary boat service to and from Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Monorail Transportation

Guests can soar high in the sky aboard the world-famous monorail which stops at Magic Kingdom Park, Transportation and Ticket Center and select Disney Resort hotels.

Disney Skyliner Transportation

Guests can glide across the sky on a grand, state-of-the-art gondola system, conveniently connecting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot to select Disney Resort hotels.

A division of The Walt Disney Company Limited. Registered in London, No. 530051. Registered Office: 3 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9PE, UK. Part of The Magic of The Walt Disney Company.

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Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World: Seamless Transfer Options

When you arrive at the Orlando Airport (MCO), the last thing you want is any kind of complication getting to your Disney vacation. But what if, at the very beginning of your much-anticipated (and much-needed) vacation, transportation troubles derail your plans? Running behind schedule, navigating unfamiliar roads (with tolls and fees), overpaying for a ride – are all very real and disrupting scenarios that can get your long-awaited Disney adventure off to a bad start.

To make sure those things don’t happen this guide is designed to deliver for you a seamless transfer from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World, eliminating the stress and getting your vacation started in the right way from the moment you step off the plane. Here you’ll find answers to questions like:

• What are the different transportation options, and how do they compare in terms of time, cost, and convenience?
• What are the pros and cons of each mode of travel?
• How can you navigate the booking process for shuttle services like Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer?
• What step-by-step guidance is available for using rideshares like Uber and Lyft from the airport?
• Which luxury private car services should you consider, and what are their cost breakdowns?
• If renting a car, what tips can help you navigate to Disney World, including parking information?
• When might taxi services be the best choice over other options?
• How can you elevate your Disney experience with exclusive limo and party bus options?
• What transportation ensures accessibility for travelers with disabilities?
• Why did Disney’s Magical Express shuttle service get discontinued, and what are the alternatives?

With each transportation option laid out, you can make an informed decision tailored to your needs and budget. Get ready to embark on a hassle-free journey straight into the magic of Disney World.

Choosing Your Transportation from MCO to Disney

When traveling from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World, it’s essential to evaluate the various transportation options based on time, cost, and convenience.

Comparative Snapshot of Time, Cost, and Convenience

Choosing transportation from MCO to Disney means picking from a variety of different options: shuttle services, rideshares, private car services, car rentals, and taxis. Shuttle services offer direct routes to Disney hotels with fixed schedules. Rideshares and taxis provide flexibility with on-demand service, suitable for those prioritizing convenience. Private car services offer a more luxurious, personalized experience. Car rentals give freedom to explore at your own pace, ideal for visitors planning to visit multiple attractions beyond Disney. Each option varies in cost, time efficiency, and level of convenience, catering to different traveler needs and preferences.

Time: The average transit time from MCO to Disney World typically ranges from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, time of day and your chosen mode of transport.

Pros & Cons of Transportation Options from the Orlando Airport to Disney

Having covered the basics, now let’s get in to the details for each option so you can choose which option is best for you.

Option 1: Shuttle Bus Services: Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer

When traveling from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World, you have the option of using shuttle bus services such as Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer.

Booking Process, Schedules, and Fare Details

Booking Process:

To book your shuttle service, start by visiting the official websites for Mears Connect or Sunshine Flyer. Fill out the required fields with your travel details, like your arrival date and time, and pay the fees to confirm your booking.

The shuttle services operate on set schedules that align with typical flight arrivals and departures. Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer provide frequent daily services to ensure seamless connectivity.

Fare Details:

The fare for a one-way trip typically ranges between $14 to $20 for adults and less for children. Prices are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest rates on the respective websites.

Advantages of Shuttle Services Over Other Transportation Methods

Shuttle bus services offer several benefits:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Shuttle services are often more affordable than private car hires or taxis.
• Convenience: Both Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer drop you off directly at your Disney resort hotel.
• Reliable Scheduling: With fixed schedules, you can plan your transfer around the shuttle times, ensuring less waiting at the airport.
• Luggage Handling: The bus service includes luggage handling, freeing you from the burden of your bags.

Option 2: Rideshares: Uber & Lyft Insights

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation options from Orlando Airport to Disney World, with variable pricing that can be influenced by factors like vehicle size and demand.

Step-By-Step Guide to Booking Rideshares at Orlando Airport

If you’re not familiar with ridesharing apps, it’s actually really easy to set up. Test your app and make sure your account is fully completely set up before you arrive to save yourself some time. First, ensure that you have the Uber or Lyft app installed on your smartphone. Upon landing at Orlando Airport:

• Turn on your phone and ensure you have a data connection.
• Open the preferred rideshare app—either Uber or Lyft.
• Select the ride option that suits your needs, such as UberX for up to four passengers or UberXL for larger groups.
• Confirm your pickup location at the airport’s designated rideshare pickup zone.
• Review the fare estimate provided in the app before booking.
• Request your ride and wait for driver confirmation.

Cost Comparison and Tips for a Smooth Experience

The cost of a ride from Orlando Airport to Disney World can vary:

• Standard UberX or Lyft : Estimated $40-$50
• Larger UberXL or Lyft Plus : Higher cost due to larger vehicle capacity

Tips to help you manage your rideshare experience:

• Book ahead during peak arrival times to avoid surge pricing.
• Compare fares between Uber and Lyft as they may differ.
• Check the app for any special pricing or discount codes before booking.
• Communicate with your driver through the app if you have any special requests or questions.
• Confirm the car’s make, model, and license plate as well as the driver’s name for safety.

Option 3: Private Car Services: Luxury and Efficiency

Private car services offer a personalized travel experience combining luxury with efficiency from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World.

Top Providers: Features, Benefits, and How to Book

Tiffany Town Car and similar private car service providers ensure a comfortable journey with exclusive features.

Benefits of opting for a private service like Tiffany Town Car include convenience, privacy, and time-saving.

You can book a town car or a luxury vehicle by visiting the provider’s website, selecting your vehicle type, and scheduling your ride in advance.

• Choose a Service : Select a standard service or upgrade to a more luxurious option.
• Schedule Your Ride : Provide your flight details and pick-up time.
• Confirm the Booking : Complete your reservation and receive confirmation.

Detailed Cost Breakdown and What to Expect

The cost of a private car service to Disney World typically depends on the vehicle type and level of service.

• Standard Town Car Service : Starting from $50 to $70 per hour.
• Luxury Service : Ranging from $75 to $150 or higher for premium options.

You can expect the following from a private car service:

• Punctuality : The car will be waiting for you at the designated time.
• Professionalism : Drivers are skilled and familiar with the best routes.
• Comfort : Vehicles are well-maintained and equipped with amenities for a pleasant ride.

Option 4: Car Rental Guide

Renting a car provides you with the flexibility to travel from the Orlando Airport to Disney World at your own pace. Below, you’ll find a structured guide covering the car rental process, choosing the right vehicle, and navigating to Disney World.

How to Rent a Car: Process, Providers, and Picking the Right Vehicle

To rent a car, you usually follow a standardized process at most rental companies including Alamo, one of the providers at Orlando Airport.

Start by booking your car online or at rental counters upon arrival. Ensure your driver’s license and credit card are at hand.

Evaluate your options among various types of vehicles to fit your group size and luggage requirements.

• Reserve a vehicle online with rental car companies like Alamo to save time.
• Collect your car from the designated airport pickup area after completing paperwork.
• Inspect the car for any existing damages before driving off.
• Consider additional insurance coverage based on your comfort and budget.

Tips for Navigating from the Airport to Disney World, Including Parking Info

When driving from Orlando Airport to Disney World, familiarize yourself with the route via maps or GPS.

Parking at Disney World is straightforward, with theme park parking available for varying fees based on vehicle type.

• Use a GPS or smartphone map application for real-time navigation.
• Follow signs for Interstate 4 West toward the theme parks.
• Expect tolls on the route – have change or a toll pass ready.
• Park at the designated Disney lots; standard parking rates for cars are $25 per day.

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks. Keep your parking receipt; it’s valid for re-entry to any park for the day.

Option 5: Taxi Services: Convenience vs. Cost

Taxis offer a straightforward travel option from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World, balancing convenience with potentially higher costs compared to other transportation modes.

Locating Taxi Stands and Estimated Fares to Disney World

Find taxi stands located on the A-Side and B-Side of the Main Terminal at MCO on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1).

Expect fares to Disney World to range between $60 and $85 for a one-way journey, depending on traffic conditions and the exact destination within Disney World.

Fare estimations are based on metered rates, which may include additional fees for airport surcharge, tolls, and tips.

When to Choose a Taxi Over Rideshares or Shuttles

Choose a taxi when speed is a priority and you prefer a private travel environment.

Taxis can leave immediately upon hire without the wait for other passengers, making them ideal if you are on a tight schedule or arriving at odd hours when rideshare availability may fluctuate.

If you value direct routes and minimal stopovers, a taxi is a pertinent choice over shuttles, which often run on fixed schedules and multiple stops.

Option 6: Exclusivity – Limos and Party Buses

Limos and party buses offer an elevated and private travel experience from Orlando Airport to Disney World, often with a touch of luxury that public options simply cannot match.

How to Book Limo and Party Bus Services

Booking a limousine or party bus is a straightforward process that can typically be completed online or over the phone with reputable providers in the Orlando area. Here are the key steps:

• Research Providers: Explore top-rated limo and party bus companies servicing the Orlando Airport and Disney World areas, reading reviews and comparing amenities and pricing.
• Determine Vehicle Size: Based on your group size, select the appropriate vehicle ranging from luxury sedans and SUVs to stretch limousines or lavish party buses accommodating larger parties.
• Select Amenities: Many providers offer upgrades like complimentary beverages, Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and more to enhance your experience.
• Provide Details: When booking, specify your arrival/departure times, pickup/drop-off locations, and any special requests.
• Payment and Confirmation: After making your payment, you’ll receive a confirmation with all trip details.

Benefits of Limo and Party Bus Transportation

Opting for a limousine or party bus service offers several advantages over traditional transportation options:

• Unparalleled Luxury and Comfort: Travel in style with spacious, well-appointed interiors and premium amenities.
• Seamless Airport Transfers: Your driver will greet you at the airport, assist with luggage, and whisk you away to your Disney destination.
• Elevated Disney Experience: Arrive at Disney World in grand fashion, setting the tone for a truly magical vacation.
• Group Transportation Solution: Keep your entire party together, ensuring a stress-free journey for larger groups or families.

Estimated Costs

The cost of limousine and party bus services can vary based on factors like vehicle size, amenities, duration of travel, and the service provider. Here are some general estimates:

• Luxury Sedan or SUV Limo: $100 – $200 for a one-way transfer from MCO to Disney World
• Stretch Limo (6-8 passengers): $150 – $300 one-way
• Party Bus (14-30 passengers): $300 – $600 one-way

Keep in mind that many companies offer package deals or discounts for round-trip transportation or extended rentals.

For those seeking an extraordinary start to their Disney adventure, limousine and party bus services from Orlando Airport (MCO) provide an unmatched level of comfort, convenience, and exclusivity, elevating your trip from the moment you arrive.

Accessibility Considerations & Information

Transportation accessibility for travelers with disabilities between Orlando Airport (MCO) and Disney World is highly facilitated with various vehicle options designed to ensure comfort and convenience.

These services cater to specific mobility needs, guaranteeing a smooth transit experience.

Options for Ensuring Transportation Using Vehicles Equipped for Travelers with Disabilities

Reserving an Accessible Rental Vehicle:

• Contact rental agencies located at MCO in advance to secure a vehicle that meets your accessibility needs.
• These vehicles typically feature hand controls, wheelchair accessibility, and transfer seats.

Utilizing Specialized Shuttle Services:

• Select shuttles provide wheelchair-accessible transportation with features like lift-equipped vehicles.
• Confirm accessible shuttle availability by contacting the service before your trip.

Hiring an Accessible Taxi or Ride-Share:

• Ensure you specify your requirements for a wheelchair-accessible taxi or ride-share when booking.
• The MCO website lists approved providers of accessible transportation services.

Remember, it’s essential to book these specialized services in advance to guarantee availability during your travel dates.

Be specific about your accessibility needs to ensure the vehicle provided can accommodate them adequately.

What Happened to Disney’s Magical Express Shuttle Service?

Disney’s Magical Express was a Disney-owned and operated shuttle service that provided complimentary airport shuttle and luggage delivery services for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Unfortunately, it was discontinued on January 1, 2022. This service allowed guests to bypass baggage claim by delivering checked luggage directly to their hotel rooms. Now that it’s no longer available, guests who fly in to Orlando International Airport for their Disney vacation are now required to find other transportation alternatives to get them to their resort (hence this article). Guests must now arrange for their own airport transfers, which affects all of your Disney planning and will likely incur additional costs during your visit.

Planning Your Trek From MCO to Disney

Making your way from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World can be a smooth experience with proper planning.

Prioritize information on duration, cost-effectiveness, speed, and special needs to ensure a seamless transition to the magic of Disney.

How Long Is the Trip from Orlando Airport to Disney World?

The trip from Orlando Airport to Disney World typically takes about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.

If using a shuttle or bus, account for a 45 to 70-minute ride.

What’s the Most Cost-Effective Transportation Option?

Buses and shuttles are generally the cheapest options, with prices varying based on service providers.

Researching and comparing different transport services can help you find the best rates.

Which Is the Fastest Transportation Method?

Choosing a rental car or taxi is the fastest way to travel from Orlando Airport to Disney World, facilitating direct routes and minimal stops.

Recommendations for Families Needing Car Seats

Families with children requiring car seats should consider rental car services that offer them, or use taxi and shuttle companies that provide child safety seats upon request.

Optimal Booking Times and Avoiding Common Mistakes

To avoid delays, book your transportation at least two weeks in advance.

Peak season and holidays demand even earlier bookings.

Ensure to confirm the total number of passengers and luggage with the service provider to prevent last-minute complications.

Understanding Orlando’s Peak Traffic Times for Travel Planning

Traffic is heaviest during weekdays from 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM .

For a smoother journey, plan your airport departure or arrival outside these times, or allow extra travel time if unavoidable.

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Closest Airport to Disney World

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation , choosing the most convenient airport is an essential first step. But what is the closest airport to Disney World?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located only 17-20 miles or a 20-25 minute drive away. It provides the most convenient access to the theme parks and resorts.

Orlando International Airport (MCO), the closest airport to Disney World | Image © GOAA

This guide will provide everything you need to know about getting to and from Orlando International Airport for your Disney World vacation, including:

• Details on MCO airport amenities, airlines, terminals, parking, etc.
• Overview of transportation options from MCO to Disney hotels, including cost, travel time, and recommendations
• Descriptions of alternative airports like Sanford, Melbourne, Tampa, Daytona Beach and Miami
• Tips for navigating Orlando International Airport and making connections smooth
• Answers to frequently asked questions about the best and easiest airports for Disney trips
• A recommendation for how to book your trip.

Knowing the closest airport will ensure easy transportation to and from your Disney vacation. Read on for more information!

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About Orlando International Airport (MCO), Disney World’s Closest Airport

As I mentioned, the nearest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). It’s accessible through numerous airlines – both domestic and international – and has various transportation modes available to get you to the resort. Here are some essential details you should know about MCO:

• Distance from Disney : Approximately 17-20 miles, about a 20-25 minute drive
• Airlines and Destinations : Services over 35 airlines, including American, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, United, Frontier, Delta, and major international carriers. Nonstop flights are available to over 150 cities domestically and internationally.
• Terminals : The airport has three terminals (A, B, and C) with restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and a 3000-gallon aquarium.
• Parking : Short- and long-term parking, connected to terminals.
• Address : 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
• Phone Number : (407) 825-2001

With its close proximity and transit choices, MCO allows travelers to typically be on Disney property within 30-60 minutes of landing. It offers unparalleled convenience for Disney-bound flights.

Transportation Options Between MCO and Walt Disney World

Here are the best ways to get from Orlando Airport to Disney World :

• Uber/Lyft : Convenient rideshare services that can be booked via smartphone app upon arrival at MCO. The average fare for an Uber between MCO and Disney World is $35-50, making it an affordable option. Allows direct transportation with no stops. The downside is potential surge pricing during peak times.
• Shuttle Bus : Shared transit services like Mears Connect offer scheduled routes from MCO to Disney hotels. You can book ahead online. It’s a more economical option at around $20/adult when traveling in groups. The downside is multiple stops and longer overall travel time.
• Rental Car : Convenient for those wanting flexibility. Allows independence and ability to take day trips near Disney . The downside is the added cost of $400+ per week for rental and parking fees. Not needed for transportation within Disney World .
• Private Car Service : Luxury sedans, vans, and SUVs provide privacy and convenience. Best for large groups and special occasions. The downside is the higher cost of $80-$150 per trip.
• Taxi : Traditional cab option with 24/7 availability at MCO taxi stands. Convenience comes at a premium of around $70 per trip.
• Driving Directions : If you are driving, the best routes are via FL-417 Toll S or FL-528 W/FL-528 Toll W. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to navigate from MCO to your Disney hotel. Expect to pay tolls on portions of virtually any route between MCO and WDW.

Mears Connect shuttle buses | Image © Mears Transportation

My Recommendation for travel between MCO and Disney World:

During our trips to Disney World, my wife and I traditionally used the complimentary Magical Express shuttle service. With its discontinuation in 2021 – and replacement by the paid Mears Connect – we’ve found Uber and Lyft to be more convenient and budget-friendly. Families with young children like ours will benefit from the direct route to our hotel.

Rental cars offer flexibility to explore beyond Disney but are often unnecessary on-property. For groups of 5+ people , shared shuttles remain a good value. However, we favor rideshares for their direct trips and value. For those with lots of luggage or wanting luxury transport without the high cost, private vans and limos are great. While reliable, taxis tend to be pricier than ridesharing.

It’s advisable to consult an experienced Disney travel agency like The Vacationeer , an Earmarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . Their team of experts cheerfully assists with transportation recommendations and bookings at no cost to you !

The Vacationeer also handles all of your Disney World hotel bookings, dining reservations, and theme park ticket purchases so you don’t have to stress over the details of your vacation.

Your trip won’t cost more than if you’d booked it yourself — and it might even cost less thanks to their extensive knowledge of discounts. They’ll even watch for new savings to be announced after you’ve booked and automatically add them to your reservation!

So focus on having fun with your family — let The Vacationeer handle all the logistics so all you have to do is pay and go!

Alternative Airports Near Disney World

Though Orlando International Airport is the top airport pick for Disney World travelers, here are some other airport options in the region you can consider:

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

• Distance from Disney World : 43 miles, about a 45-60 minute drive
• Transportation Options : Uber/Lyft, taxi, rental car, private shuttle/limo
• Address : 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773
• Directions : Take FL-417 Toll S to/from Walt Disney World
• Phone Number : (407) 585-4000

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

• Distance from Disney World : Approximately 70 miles, about a 1-hour 10-minute drive.
• Transportation Options : Uber/Lyft, taxi, rental car, private shuttle/limo.
• Address : 700 Catalina Dr, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
• Directions : Take I-4 Express and I-4 W to/from Walt Disney World.
• Phone Number : (386) 248-8030

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

• Distance from Disney World : Approximately 73 miles, about a 1-hour 15-minute drive.
• Address : 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607
• Directions : Take I-4 E to/from Walt Disney World.
• Phone Number : (813) 870-8700

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

• Distance from Disney World : Approximately 75 miles, about a 1-hour 15-minute drive.
• Address : 1 Air Terminal Pkwy, Melbourne, FL 32901
• Directions : Take I-95 N and FL-528 W to/from Walt Disney World.
• Phone Number : (321) 723-6227

Miami International Airport (MIA)

• Distance from Disney World : Approximately 230 miles, about a 3-hour 25-minute drive.
• Address : 2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126
• Directions : Take Florida’s Turnpike and I-95 N to/from Walt Disney World.
• Phone Number : (305) 876-7000

Note : While flying into a nearby airport and then driving to Disney World may save you money on airfare, the additional transportation costs may negate the savings. Therefore, we recommend flying directly to MCO. But for some carriers — or for nonstop flights originating at smaller regional airports — the nearest airports may not be an option.

Tips for Navigating the Orlando Area Airports

Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. Use these tips for easy travel:

• Allow extra time to get through security lines and check in
• Bring snacks and an empty water bottle in a carry-on
• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your return flight
• Download your airline app and add your flight for updates
• Charge your devices fully before departing
• Print or screenshot your boarding pass
• Request wheelchair or special assistance if needed
• Pack medications and park tickets in a carry-on bag
• Verify transportation details before leaving home
• Check airport food options online in case of delays

Being prepared and utilizing technology will help overcome the chaos of this massive transportation hub.

Is There an Airport at Disney World?

No, there is no currently-operating airport on Walt Disney World property .

A 1967 company document promised a “Jet Airport of the Future” would be built as part of the original plans for Disney World’s EPCOT  (which was to be a fully-functioning city rather than a theme park). Sadly, like the ambitious plans for the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” itself, the full-fledged Disney World Airport never really materialized.

When Disney World first opened in 1971, there was a small on-site airfield known as Disney World Airport (DWS). The facility was a so-called “ STOLport ” ( S hort T ake- O ff and L anding Air port ) which briefly offered a sort of “puddle jumper” service via small planes from the larger nearby airports.

The long-abandoned Disney World STOLport, near Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary | Image © Disney

That passenger service — and the airport itself — has been abandoned for about four decades now. The former runway is about all that’s left, located off of World Drive just east of the Magic Kingdom parking lots. It’s now used mainly to park giant storage containers and construction equipment.

In the absence of an actual operating Disney World Airport, most visitors to Disney World simply fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nearby Airports

Is there an airport in kissimmee.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) is located in Kissimmee, but it does not currently offer any regularly-scheduled passenger flights.

Is there public transportation from MCO to Disney World?

Yes, Lynx bus service provides public transportation from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World. Lynx bus route 311 offers transportation between Orlando International’s Terminal A and the Disney Springs area (where you can then connect with Disney transportation). You’ll make a few stops along the way, and the entire trip will take about an hour. The cost is $2 per ride, per person. Buses generally run every 30 minutes or so, from approximately 5AM – 11PM, seven days a week. See Lynx website or call 407-841-LYNX for exact times.

Is Lynx a good option to get to Disney World?

Lynx is certainly cheap, but can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially if are traveling with a lot of luggage or young children. There are much better options time-wise and logistics-wise — but it’s hard to argue with the price!

What is the nearest airport to Walt Disney World?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the nearest airport to Walt Disney World, located just 17-20 miles away.

What is the cheapest airport to fly into for Disney World?

SFB and MLB may sometimes have cheaper flights than MCO, but it depends on the flight.

How far is Orlando Sanford International Airport from Disney World?

Approximately 43 miles or a 45-60 minute drive.

What transportation options are available from MCO to Disney World?

Options include shuttle bus services like Mears Connect, Uber/Lyft, taxis, and rental cars.

Is it better to fly into Tampa or Orlando for Disney World?

Orlando is closer and more convenient, but Tampa can sometimes offer cheaper flights. Any savings might be offset by transportation costs.

Is there an airport shuttle from Tampa to Disney World?

Private shuttle services like Express Transportation provide transportation from Tampa Airport to Disney hotels, but they are less frequent and more expensive than services from Orlando International Airport.

What is the easiest airport to fly into for Disney World?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers the closest proximity and most transportation choices.

Which Disney-area airport is best for private jets?

Private jet passengers will likely prefer Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). It’s a few miles farther from Disney World than Orlando International is, but the smaller size and lower passenger volume offers a better experience for celebrities visiting Disney World or anyone planning a luxury Disney vacation . MCO still supports private jets, but you’ll miss out on much of the exclusivity and serenity that flying into ORL offers.

Can I take a shuttle from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Disney World?

Shared shuttles are not available from MIA to Disney World. Private shuttle services are available, but they are a long and expensive option compared to MCO.

What is the best way to get from Orlando airport to Disney World?

The best way depends on your priorities. Uber/Lyft, rental cars, and shuttle bus services are all good options.

How far is Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) from Walt Disney World?

The drive is approximately 70 miles or about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Heavy traffic in downtown Orlando can make the drive longer during rush hours.

Can I use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft at the airport?

Yes. Uber and Lyft offer their services from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World.

Are there any car rental services at Orlando International Airport?

There are several car rental agencies at the airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz.

How much does it cost to park at Orlando International Airport?

The cost of parking at MCO usually ranges from $10 to $25 per day.

Is parking available at Disney World?

Guests staying at Disney hotels park for free, while day guests pay $25-30 per day for parking at the Disney World theme parks (parking is free at Disney Springs ).

Can I walk from Orlando International Airport to Disney World?

No, it is a 17-20 mile journey that includes busy highways. It is not a safe or practical distance to walk!

What is the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World?

The best time to visit Walt Disney World is during the off-peak seasons, which include the periods during January , February , September , and October . Not only are crowds smaller during these times, but Disney’s prices tend to be cheaper .

Expert Disney Planning Assistance with The Vacationeer

Now that you know Orlando International Airport is the closest and most convenient option for your Disney World adventure, it’s time to start planning all the details of your vacation. From choosing the best Disney resorts for kids or adults to navigating Disney World with toddlers , the planning process can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – The Vacationeer has got you covered!

Get expert help planning and booking your Disney trip with The Vacationeer , an Earmarked Diamond-level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency. Their friendly advisors have years of specialized experience planning Disney vacations and are experts at crafting the perfect getaway.

Here’s what they can do for you:

• Recommend the best rides, resorts, restaurants, and activities
• Find discounts and promos to maximize your value
• Book your entire vacation , including tickets, accommodations, dining, and transportation
• Offer Disney payment plan options to make your trip more affordable
• Provide fast service and the lowest price
• Assign you a dedicated planning advisor for personalized service
• Help plan a daily itinerary and packing list for Disney World
• Gives you peace of mind knowing everything is booked correctly and timely

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Airport Transportation to Disney World Guide

There are multiple transportation options between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World, including shuttle buses, Uber and Lyft, private car services, and more. This guide covers MCO to WDW ground transportation, pricing, comparisons, and more. Plus, updates on supply/demand and price increases. ( Updated August 4, 2023. )

In case you missed it, Walt Disney World ended the Magical Express airport shuttle service . In place of that free bus service between MCO and resort hotels, two paid bus services originally filled the void. One is Mears Connect, which was the operator of Disney’s Magical Express (DME) and now uses the same buses and drivers. The other is Sunshine Flyer, a new service with a fun railroad theme. ( More on these “two” services in our latest update below. )

The elimination of Disney’s Magical Express was big and surprising Walt Disney World news, and continues to anger fans. It even took the #1 spot in our List of Biggest Guest Complaints About Walt Disney World , ahead of Genie+ and other cutbacks. Fortunately, there are plenty of viable alternatives, including several that are superior to DME, and we’re here to give you a rundown of the alternatives for airport transportation. First, let’s start with an update…

The biggest news is that Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer have “joined forces” to form Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine . This merger has pros and cons for consumers. Competition is always good for keeping prices and service competitive. In this case, there arguably wasn’t a market for two competing shuttle services between MCO and WDW. The two were stretched thin, and had issues with both supply and demand at times.

We’ve used both Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer (separately), and will be using the combined Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine later this month. Our expectation is that it’ll mostly be more of the same–an economical and reliable way to get between the airport and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Our experiences with both have been entirely uneventful. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, but they’ve been solid for airport shuttle buses. Neither will win any awards for speed, but that’s par for the course. We have no complaints. Basically Disney’s Magical Express. Minus the “Disney” part…and the “Magical” part. Okay, and the “Express” part, too. (In fairness, DME was never actually “Express,” either.)

Otherwise, issues with shortages, disruptions, and other ripple effects from the pandemic and resulting economic circumstances are largely in the rearview mirror. This had impacted airport transportation services, rental car companies, and rideshare services–there were plenty of horror stories about supply and demand imbalances for airport transportation at Walt Disney World over the last couple of years.

About the only lingering effect is higher prices for Uber and Lyft. That’s probably the “new normal” as some drivers have moved from rideshare to food delivery and other opportunities that don’t require having strangers in their cars.

If you’re planning on visiting Walt Disney World during peak travel weeks in 2023 (or any year, really)–think Presidents’ Day/Mardi Gras, Spring Break, Easter July 4th, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, NYE, etc–and plan on using an airport shuttle service or renting a car, we’d encourage you to book early.

This is good practice, in general. Airfare and hotel prices increase, availability worsens, and so forth. Well, same applies to ground transportation between MCO and WDW. It’s possible that Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine will sell out ahead of the busiest dates in October through December 2023, and rental car prices will almost certainly increase. That happened last holiday season on certain dates between Columbus Day and New Year’s.

We’ve used Uber and Lyft a lot for getting to and from MCO. This has been easy and efficient, and we’ve never had any issues whatsoever with availability or wait times at the airport or on-property at Walt Disney World. That hasn’t always been the story at Flamingo Crossings–where wait times are usually longer–but it’s also out in the middle of nowhere. (It’s an odd dynamic–middle of nowhere, and yet, tons of people live in that booming area.)

Pricing with Uber and Lyft is all over the place, but the range is definitely above what we experience in 2019. We’re primarily traveling between the Orange Counties (Florida and Southern California), which tends to put our MCO arrivals late at night. For whatever reason, MCO is often slammed late at night, which leads to surge pricing. We’ve paid as much as $70 for a ride to Walt Disney World via rideshare. That’s not even as bad as it gets–we’ve heard of some people paying $100.

We usually depart Walt Disney World early in the morning or in the middle of weekdays, and rideshare prices are almost always significantly lower. In the last two months, our range has been $30 to $40 before tip for these trips. On that note, a couple of suggestions.

First, pull up both Uber and Lyft and compare prices. The vast majority of the time, we’ve found cheaper (sometimes significantly so) rides via Lyft–but not always. Second, opt for the “Wait & Save” option if you’re not tight on time. We did this once, got an immediate pick-up time, and have done it ever since. If you’re traveling at an off-peak time, this is usually easy savings and minimal inconvenience.

With that update out of the way, let’s turn to our normal Orlando International Airport transportation guide…

MCO-WDW Shuttle Service

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine – As noted above, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer have merged as of August 2023. More accurately, it seems like Sunshine Flyer was absorbed by Mears, the dominant player in Central Florida transportation and the shuttle service by the company that operated Disney’s Magical Express.

This makes Mears Connect the “true” spiritual successor to Disney’s Magical Express. It literally uses the exact same drivers and buses, just minus the Disney-branded wraps. Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine offers transportation in high occupancy vehicles, including buses and vans. The company advertises this as the “same reliable, safe service guests have been using for decades to Disney area hotels” with scheduled service, luggage handling, convenient airport terminal staging, and return trips from resorts to the airport.

Mears Connect has two options: Standard and Express. Standard is a shared vehicle on Mears Connect (bus or van) that is economical. Standard makes a limited number of stops and will have you on your way to your resort within 20 minutes of your check-in to the Mears Connect reception area. The Express level offers direct service with limited to no wait time.

Pricing could vary depending on date and hotel, but the current rate on the standard service is $16 for adults and $13.50 for children for a one-way trip or $32 for adults and $27 for children for round trips. Express is currently priced at $250 per round trip for up to 4 passengers, plus $55 for each additional person.

Mears is a transportation company with coach buses and taxis that enjoyed a virtual monopoly on Orlando for decades. Historically, we have not been fans of Mears. We had several negative experiences with them in the pre-rideshare days–enough to arrive at the conclusion that it was a poorly-managed company doing the bare minimum and not caring about customer service given their aforementioned monopoly.

To the extent that Disney’s Magical Express offered good service, our suspicion is that it was due to contractual requirements with, and oversight from, Walt Disney World. Without the Disney monitoring and mandating service quality, bus frequency, dispatch times, etc., we fear the “spiritual successor” could be worse. In our experiences with Mears Connect thus far, this has not been a problem–but we’ll continue to use the shuttle service and provide periodic updates.

Alternative Airport Transportation

Luxury Car, Limo & Private Van Service – Honestly, we’ve never used private van service for traveling between MCO and Walt Disney World. There are only two of us, so it has never made sense. It also felt of little value from a research perspective, since Disney’s Magical Express, rideshare, or rental car served the needs of 98% of readers.

Obviously, the end of Disney’s Magical Express changes the equation. Now, many families of 4-6 will be find private car service to be a superior and more economical option than the aforementioned shuttles. Moreover, depending upon how things play out with rental car and rideshare prices and waits, private vehicle service might be better than those, as well.

I’ll level with you again: researching private car service in putting together this article has been overwhelming. There are a lot of advertorials and it’s almost impossible to tell what’s objective advice. Fortunately, we’ve gotten a lot of feedback from readers in the months since DME’s demise was announced, and I’ve cobbled that together here. (On that note, please offer more recommendations–I’ll continue to modify this with your top picks!)

Quicksilver Tours – Far and away the “most recommended” option, we’ve heard nothing but good things about Quicksilver from our readers. Many praise the pricing, noting that it worked out to be cheaper for them than Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. (Just keep in mind that prices will likely go up with demand, which will assuredly increase with the end of DME. So book sooner rather than later!)

Orlando Transportation by Mike – Readers have recommended this service ( including in the comments to this post! ) and online reviews elsewhere are likewise overwhelmingly positive. Mike’s transportation company gets high marks on communication, courtesy, and cleanliness.

Happy Limo – Based on our research, this is one of the most well-established and largest luxury vehicle services in Orlando. It’s definitely not the cheapest, but appears to offer good customer service, with fewer issues than many alternatives. From our perspective, there’s something to be said for a larger scale operation with years of experience–especially as all of these transportation options adjust to a post-DME environment.

Tiffany Town Car – Readers who have used Tiffany have unanimously praised their service and recommended this luxury limo. However, we’d offer the caveat that online reviews are more mixed, with some red flags from guests with disabilities.

Again, we cannot vouch for any of these services as we haven’t used them. Generally speaking, we’d recommend checking policies on luggage handling (included or do drivers assist?), car seats (included or do they cost extra?), airport meet & greet policy (does the driver greet you with a sign in the pickup area of MCO?), grocery stops (whether they’re included, discretionary, and duration), and whether gratuities are included or recommended on top of the base price.

Public Bus – Orlando International Airport has bus stops that are serviced by LYNX local buses. This public transportation is available not only to Walt Disney World, but also Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, International Drive, Downtown Orlando, and a range of other destinations in Central Florida.

We haven’t used the LYNX buses in Central Florida, but are not averse to public transportation. Judging by Google Maps and LYNX’s route map, this seems like a much better option if you’re staying near downtown or I-Drive, which offer more direct routes. (Really, anything to the east of Walt Disney World is better for bus service.) With that said, transit times seem relatively reasonable (~90 minutes from MCO to Disney Springs) but just be aware that you’ll likely have multiple transfers to get to your resort. Probably not ideal with kids in tow, but that’s the nature of public transportation.

Taxi – Available on a walk-up basis at the Arrivals Level (Level 2) on both sides of Orlando International Airport. Taxis may carry up to 9 passengers, and charge the same rate regardless of the number of passengers. All taxicabs picking up at the MCO are regulated by Orlando’s Vehicle-for-Hire Ordinance, which requires fares to be determined by a taximeter. This means there are no flat rates–you’re paying by distance, which typically amounts to $60 to $70 each way depending upon the location of your hotel.

This is another example of where the Mears monopoly comes into play, but there are a handful of alternatives to Mears at MCO. Given the wealth of alternatives, I would not take a taxi from the airport unless really desperate. There’s a decent chance desperation will creep in for some visitors if problems play out with rental car and rideshare services, though…

Rental Cars – This one is pretty self-explanatory, so we’re not going to fixate on the ‘basics’ of it too much. We have an entire post titled Tips for Renting a Car at Walt Disney World that covers the ins and outs of renting a car, along with money-saving tips. If you don’t like waiting at all, like to be in control, and don’t mind driving while on vacation, renting a car is probably for you. This is doubly true if you ever want to leave Walt Disney World property.

When we rent a car anywhere, we typically use either AutoSlash or Hotwire for car rentals and book one of their “blind” Hot Rates . Renting a car can reduce waits and commute times, but we’ve found that sometimes not renting works better for us. Consider your circumstances, how much you want to drive while on vacation, whether you’ll be staying off-site or on-site at Walt Disney World, and how frequently you’ll want to venture beyond the bubble.

Without question, there will be strong demand for rental cars at MCO during peak travel dates. The unknowns are to what degree, whether it’ll exceed supply of available rental cars (and how often), result in more overbookings, and the long-term impact on pricing. If you plan on booking a rental car, it’s wise to lock-in rates as early as possible.

Rideshare – Similar deal here as with the rental car section. Now that they’re reasonably well-established in most cities, we assume most people are familiar with Uber and Lyft–even if you’ve never used them. If not, you can read some of our advice for using Uber and other ride-sharing services in the post Uber & Lyft at Walt Disney World Tips .

In general, we are huge fans of Uber and Lyft, using rideshare services whenever possible rather than renting a car. We’ve almost exclusively switched from renting cars to Uber/Lyft when visiting Walt Disney World. For us, it just makes more sense, is more convenient, and cost-effective.

Using rideshare in tandem with Disney transportation works out really well for us. As with renting a car, you’ll also want to consider your circumstances to determine whether relying on rideshare is right for you.

Ultimately, the end of Disney’s Magical Express has been disappointing to many Walt Disney World visitors, but the good news is that great alternatives exist. Equally as important, there largely are no longer issues with supply and demand imbalances or regular roadway congestion between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is absorbing most displaced DME riders, with rideshare and rental cars picking up the rest of the slack. The bad news is that all of these options cost money. Even though the last couple years have been a roller coaster of supply and demand imbalances, this outcome isn’t all that surprising. After all, Disney’s Magical Express didn’t exist until the 2000s–before the days of Uber and Lyft–and people managed to get to and from the airport just fine, and without issue.

With that said, Walt Disney World attendance is up significantly since then (Magic Kingdom alone has increased by ~6 million guests). A lot has changed since Disney’s Magical Express debuted and Disney attendance still hasn’t recovered to 2019 levels, so there could still be disruptions during peak travel dates. Just something of which you might want to be mindful if visiting Walt Disney World during a particularly busy travel time–it doesn’t hurt to hedge your bets and get something booked sooner rather than later.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of the various ground transportation options between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World? Will you opt for Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, Uber, Lyft, or renting a car? Thoughts on pricing, efficiency, or anything else regarding airport transportation? What do you think about Walt Disney World ending Disney’s Magical Express? Other thoughts on this? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

We typically drive to Disney, but are traveling with family who are flying in. Since we have no experience in this area, how much time should you plan for from landing at the airport and arriving at your Disney hotel? Appreciate any information. Thank you.

Hello, I’m delighted to connect with you today. My name is Rebecca, and I own EveReady Transportation, a leading transportation service based right here in Orlando. At EveReady, we specialize in providing reliable and comfortable transportation solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. Whether you require airport transfers, corporate car services, or group transportation for special events, we’ve got you covered. Our commitment to excellence and our track record of satisfied clients make us the ideal choice for all your transportation needs in Orlando. I’d love the opportunity to discuss how EveReady Transportation can meet your specific requirements. http://www.evereadytransportationservices.com

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this. My name is Zain and I’m on of the owners of a company called Eveready Transportation Services LLC. I provide transportation assistance to and from Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Port Canaveral, MCO and Sanford airport. Upon reading your article I believe that if you or anyone that may be reading the article with a larger group would require a higher passenger capacity vehicle and would prefer to ride together rather than split into two or more vehicles. Also the other option would be to utilize the bus service to and from Mco and Disney World. Which isn’t private. I’d love to tell you more of my companies services and history if you’d allow me to. I believe in informing people who plan on traveling to Orlando, FL and how to save money because not all companies have the proper insurance coverage. Safety is the number one priority when traveling with loved ones. I don’t want to seem like I’m marketing my company to you but rather to be able to point out how Uber and Lyft are price wise the way to go when traveling for a small group but they are also not capable of going to special pick up locations like companies as my where it is referred to as meet and greet which is included in all my price. I have plenty to share so feel free to contact me and I’d love to speak with you. Thank you again for taking the time to read this.

At Arroyo Transportation, your get-away ought to begin when you venture out from home. That is the reason we’re committed to making your transportation experience consistent and lavish. Find the enchantment of movement accommodation with Arroyo Transportation, the top-level transportation answer for your number one objections in Orlando and encompassing urban areas. Whether it’s an enchanted excursion to Disney World or a brief pickup from Orlando Global Air terminal, we take care of you. Disney World Car Service

Thanks for putting together such an exhaustive overview of all the transportation options for getting to Disney World from the Orlando airport. The cost and convenience comparisons between shuttles, rideshares, rental cars and more are appreciated.

Thank you for your generosity in sharing. I genuinely value the fact that you’ve provided us with such an enlightening article, filled with excellent advice presented in a highly comprehensible manner.

Just visited WDW June 4-11, 2023 and used Mears Express – the expensive option that’s supposed to be immediate and direct and it was neither – I could have paid for the standard and likely arrived at the same time. So long leaving the airport from the pick up spot, only to be brought to another pick up spot at the new Jet Blue terminal, for another long wait. No better from Boardwalk Villas back to MCO – driver was almost 15 minutes late. We were a large party – 4 adults, 1 teen, 2 littles and lot of luggage so Lyft wasn’t a good option, but I wouldn’t take Mears (or the “new” Mears Sunshine again).

Big plug for Happy Limo. We’ve used the company two times now and are impressed with the service. $200 round trip plus tip but the driver is waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs at baggage claim. Using Happy Limo in September.

Feeling obligated to unplug that big plug…. Happy Limo did us dirty. HAPPY LIMO is NOT recommended! NOT SAFE! Both side doors of the van were open, the stool down, and we were instructed to board the vehicle. One person went inside, a second person was halfway in, with one foot on the step stool and the other in the van when the DRIVER DROVE FORWARD 3 FEET!! The driver said “they” told him he had to move forward. WHAT!?? I’m grateful nobody was hurt, as I was fortunately paying attention, yelled and grabbed the child! There could have been a serious injury. One of us older folks would have gone down for sure. I’ve kindly called the company to speak with the manager SIX TIMES within a week of the incident to resolve/acknowledge the situation and recommend this particular driver receive more training, but have only been put off with one excuse after another. SADLY, HAPPY LIMO CLEARLY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE SAFTEY OF THEIR CLIENTS.

Thank you so much for recommending Orlando Transportation by Mike. I sent them over a request last night and I had a response right away. They were so nice and replied very fast. I already have a booking and confirmation from them. I was really starting to panic since MME is no long and especially traveling with kids and car seats. I will follow up after too to give feedback.

Monique what are the rates for Mike? Thanks

Try Macksride Orlando Town Car Service, No luggage problem, Free car seats, Free Grocery stop, MCO to Disney private transportation service

As of now, Sunshine Flyer doesn’t service Terminal C. I flew JetBlue into C and had to take a shuttle to Terminal B. They use Mears shuttles that hold about 10 people. Adds about 20 minutes to get to B if you get a shuttle right away. Mears says they’ll pick you up at Terminal C. The APM is too far a walk. Extra steps to keep in mind for Sunshine Flyer & Terminal C.

Is there any wheelchair assistance between these destinations.

Two years ago I was left sitting outside in a bus loading area sitting in a wheelchair for an extensive length of time. I was told there was no assistance outside of the terminal.

The shuttle I was on could not accommodate wheelchairs. Don’t know if they have any that can. Wheelchairs may have to go all the way to the train station and use the APM. Didn’t notice anything on the website. Probably best to call/email MCO.

A note about rental cars – if you rent from either Alamo or National, you don’t have to rent the car for your entire trip. The World Car Care Center at Disney has Alamo and National at the location, so you can rent a car at the airport and turn it in at Disney the next day. Then rent another car to get from Disney to the airport when it’s time to go back home. Going to Disney will be more expensive than going to the airport because vehicle demand will be bigger at the airport than at Disney, but it’s still not bad. All told, it was less than $200 for both rentals in September. That’s a more than Mears, but at least with the rental, we can stop on the way to Disney and do some grocery shopping (which will be cheaper than ordering through InstaCart) and we’ll have it to go off property for lunch and dinner on arrival day (which will be cheaper than eating on property).

This is an excellent point!

It also makes doing a day or two at Universal or SeaWorld at the front or back of the trip easier in addition to everything you mentioned.

Quicksilver tours is definitely not a cheap solution. Cheapest option i see is 110 each way. Not sure how that beats mears or sunshine by any imagination.

Thanks for sharing. I really appreciate it that you shared with us such informative post, great tips and very easy to understand.

Good article, I appreciate the dated info so I knew it’s up to date. Honestly, I found all the images of resort & theme park decor to detract from an otherwise good article. Keep the buses, etc, loose the cars characters.

I have used Orlando Ultimate Town Car, i was searching on google to find for car service in Orlando. when they came up on the list, i was really impressed with their reviews, didn’t hesitate to book a reservation online. After i got email confirmations with my trip and also got a Text on my arrival date that my chauffeur was on location when my flight landed. My first perception of this service was telling my husband about it, and we all relaxed knowing that company was there waiting for us. We met driver at baggage claim, our driver was prompt, professional, and made us feel like we were the most important people in Orlando. Return back to MCO we had a free upgrade for and suv and also driver was better than the other one. lol, with service like that, I wouldn’t consider hiring another service!! Top Notch Service!!!

We were there Sept 18-24 2022. Lyft was a few bucks cheaper than Uber. We paid about $50 before tip on Lyft for a one way from MCO to the Contemporary around noon. I got an XL since we had a party of 5. Our bags barely fit! That was a concern of mine which turned out to be valid. Keep in mind while these vehicles are meant for 6 people bags are not considered. Kudos to the driver who made it work! On the way back we booked Mears bus due to having even more luggage with souvenirs. Mears got the job done for $75 total. The driver was extremely rude and unprofessional but he was on time. 3 stops and the departure time was chosen based on our flight time. Long walk to baggage drop off but there are guys there with carts. I prefer ride share for the convenience but please be aware of luggage!

Used Sunshine flyer for first time last week and paid $4 more for the two of us round trip. Have used Mears the past two trips this year. We were kept outside under a concrete bunker in the heat and humidity around 8:30pm. Our bus finally came and we departed MCO around 9:15. Trip to resort was okay. Our return trip pick-up (11:35am) was on time but was not what I call safe by any means. Speeds were close to 80mph at times and you could feel the vibration of the tires. Cut from one lane to the other multiple times and we were not running late. Will not ride this bus again. I have never in the many years I have ridden Magical Express/ Mears now, ever been concerned about how the bus was driven. It is also nice to wait inside the terminal where the temperature is somewhat controlled.

I’ve used Orlando Airport Towncar Service, which doesn’t seem to appear on anyone’s “top” list, but have found them to be excellent. I’ve had the same driver a few times which is fun. In February I paid $60 one way (before tip) which was likely more than Uber or Lyft but the best priced flight from Seattle arrives at 11:59 PM, and at that time of night, the extra expense of having someone waiting for me at baggage claim and leading me to the car is worth the extra cost.

I am pretty sure the sellout on Sunshine Flyer is directly related to their promotion for kids riding free with a paying adult. The purchase by date was Labor a day weekend but your trip could be anytime in the future.

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

How to Easily Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World

June 1, 2023 //  by  Brandi Lyons //   Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for the easiest way to get from Orlando Airport to Disney World, then look no further! We are here to help you figure out what form of transportation will be the cheapest, fastest, and most accommodating for your family.

We’ve broken down each type of travel from Orlando Airport to Disney World, and have given you all the options and information. We to make sure you can choose the best way to get from Orlando Airport to Disney, and that you can get your vacation started right after you land!

How far is Orlando Airport from Disney World?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is only about 20 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, and it’s about 17-19 miles depending on what part of the resort you are traveling to. Also, even though it’s only about a 20 minute drive from Orlando Airport to Disney World, tolls, traffic, and the general hustle and bustle of Orlando will add time to that drive.

Is There a Free Shuttle from Disney World?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a free shuttle from MCO airport to Disney World. There used to be the Magical Express service, but that program was discontinued. You will have to pay for transportation between the Orlando airport and Disney World now, no matter what type you choose.

Transportation Options for Getting to Disney from Orlando Airport

There are several different options for transportation from Orlando airport to Disney:

• Shuttle Service
• Private vehicle services
• Rental cars

Uber/Lyft from Orlando Airport to Disney

This might be one of the most popular choices for traveling from Orlando airport to Disney World, especially for those who commonly use rideshare services in their everyday lives and already have the apps downloaded onto their phones.

Since the ride from the Orlando airport to Disney isn’t that long, the prices for both Uber and Lyft are fairly reasonable. During the morning or middle of the day, the prices start around $30 – making this possibly the cheapest way to get from Orlando airport to Disney.

Of course, prices will go up depending on what car you choose, whether you need a bigger vehicle or carseats, or if you experience surge pricing. Both Uber and Lyft hike their prices during busy times or later at night – and this can make a rideshare service not as affordable.

Shuttle Services Between Disney and Orlando Airport

There are two popular shuttle services that people use to get from Orlando airport to Disney World, and they are Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer. Mears Connect is the same company that used to run the free airport shuttle that Disney used to offer, and Sunshine Flyer is a different company altogether.

Mears Connect

Mears Connect offers Standard and Express services, where Standard is a less expensive shared shuttle bus service, and Express is a more private (but possibly still shared!) van service.

Both of these services are located in the old Magical Express section of Terminal B. Prices for Standard are around $21 for an adult, and $15 for a child, one way. This service can take a long time depending on what stop number you are along the way, and pick-up for heading from Disney World to Orlando airport will be around 3.5 hours before your flight to insure time to pick up other guests as well.

The Express service is $250 for up to 4 people, and this service doesn’t have other stops besides your hotel. It might still be shared though if someone else has booked Express.

The major pros for Mears transportation in Orlando is that they are great about delays, they text you to let you know when they are close for pick-up at your hotel, and their shuttles run 24/7 with no price hikes depending on time of day.

Sunshine Flyer

Sunshine Flyer , the other shuttle from Orlando airport to Disney also has shared and private services. Sunshine Flyer is the shared service, and the cost for this shuttle is $19.50 per adult and $12 per child. They are very cute buses and are train themed, which is fun for families with littles or kids who love trains.

Sunshine Flyer’s service starts at 4am for flights beginning at 7:30am, and their last shuttle leaves the airport at 11pm. If you have a flight time outside of these hours, then Sunshine Flyer might not be for you. They also do not pick-up or drop-off at the new Terminal C – which Mears connect does.

They also make multiple stops as they shuttle you from MCO to Disney, and will get you to the airport for your departure around 2-3 hours before your flight time. If you don’t want to make several stops, then you can choose Sunshine Flyer Direct for $120-$160 one way, depending on the vehicle that fits your needs.

Whether you choose Mears Connect or Sunshine Flyer, they are both fairly affordable and even offer discounts throughout the year. They’e great options for those who don’t need car seats or accessibility options, as well as both companies offer seamless travel from Orlando airport to Disney.

You have to book them in advance so once you land, you just head to your pick-up area and get ready to start your vacation. These shuttles could be the best way to get from Orlando airport to Disney World, and they try to make it easy for guests.

Taking a Taxi or Cab Between Orlando Airport and Disney

Getting a taxi from Orlando airport to Disney could be one of the easiest ways to get to Disney World. There isn’t any work you have to do before arriving at the airport, and there’s no reservations needed for getting a taxi/cab. Upon your arrival, just head to the ground transportation area of your terminal, and look for a taxi.

Taxi/cabs are always waiting outside of MCO, and you’ll be able to easily snag one and get started on your vacation. They will cost you close to double the cost of an Uber/Lyft though – with most guests who’ve used one say the cost starts around $70 one way.

This can also be a difficult type of airport transportation to Disney World depending on your family’s personal needs. If you need carseats, or more space, then a taxi might not be the best choice.

Private Vehicle Services from Orlando Airport

Of course, you can also hire a private vehicle service to get you from Orlando airport to Disney World. This guarantees that you don’t make any other stops, you have enough space for your entire family, and you don’t have to spend any time searching for a taxi for hire once you arrive. But, this is one of the most expensive types of Disney airport transportation.

There are several popular private vehicle services that guests use to go to Disney World, so we will discuss a few of the most popular and highly rated here.

Happy Limousine

Happy Limo is a highly rated private vehicle service that offers transportation for anywhere from 8-20 passengers. Prices range from $65 to $175 an hour, but it might be worth it if you’re traveling with a big group and want them to stay all together.

Happy Limo will also take you to Universal Studios, International Drive, and Port Canaveral to get on the cruise lines.

Another popular company to get from Orlando International Airport to Disney is Away We Go . They offer complimentary carseats, luggage drop-offs and pick-ups so that you don’t have to handle your luggage at all, and it’s entirely private for groups of 1-11 passengers.

Away We Go is $99 one way, and they will also take you to other Orlando locations besides Disney World.

Tiffany Town Car

One popular vehicle company for transportation from Orlando airport to Disney is Tiffany Town Car . They are an extremely popular choice because they offer a free 20-minute grocery store stop on all their trips, and this is great for families who need to pick up last minute items and food, and didn’t choose to get anything shipped to their resorts.

They also offer multiple vehicles and carseats, so they can accommodate different sizes of families and groups. Prices range from $95 to $150 for one way transportation.

The Magical Express

Not to be confused with the defunct free shuttle service, The Magical Express is a private vehicle service started by former Disney Cast Members. They offer both shared and private services. The shared rates are $75-$140 one way based on the number of people. The private rates are a flat $190 for up to 13 people.

Much like the surge pricing of Uber/Lyft, prices for The Magical Express go up during peak seasons, holidays, before 7am and after 7pm.

For those Disney World guests that are staying Club Level in the Deluxe Resorts, you can book a Minnie Van for your type of Disney airport transportation. It’s $199 one way, carseats are available, and the driver is a Disney Cast Member.

Unfortunately if you aren’t staying Club Level, then this isn’t an option right now.

Renting a Car at Orlando International Airport

This may be one of the easier ways to get transportation from Orlando airport to Disney, but it’s not going to be one of the most affordable. Renting a car will cost anywhere from $350-$500 for a week, and like a lot of the other services, it all depends on car types and needs. You will also need to have insurance, refill the car with gas before returning it, and it’s a good idea to pre-pay your tolls when you reserve the car.

Each terminal at MCO has car rental desks, and those lines can be very long and it can be busy. It’s a great idea to book your car in advance on the Orlando International Airport website so that all you have to do is go straight to your rental upon arrival. It’s also wise to use any type of discounts you might be eligible for, like from Costco/Sam’s Club.

Renting a car can be a great option for getting from the Orlando airport to Disney, but it might not be right for everyone. If you don’t plan on driving to the parks or off of Disney property, you might not need to have a car during your entire stay.

Disney offers great transportation options on property, and it might be cheaper and easier for you to use another form of airport transportation to Disney World. You will also have to understand Disney parking in order to get around the resort in your rental car.

We hope that our breakdown of the types of transportation to get you from Orlando airport to Disney World helps you figure out what the best option is for your family. Since it’s not a huge distance from Orlando airport to Disney, we definitely think it’s a great idea to choose whatever the cheapest and easiest form of transport is best for you.

What type of transportation from Orlando airport to Disney World have you used before? And which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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The Family Vacation Guide

How To Get From Orlando Airport (MCO) To Walt Disney World

posted by James Brockbank on August 25, 2021 // last updated on August 25, 2021

Getting a ride from the Orlando Airport to Disney World is a breeze no matter the size of your group or if you’re traveling with family. There are several different transportation options to choose from, so you can get the best deal at any time of day with any combination of passenger needs.

Most people look to take the free shuttle from the Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World, but if the shuttle isn’t available, or if you have a larger group, other forms of transportation might make for a more enjoyable experience.

If you need child seats or wheelchair-accessible transportation, you can still take advantage of car rentals, shared transportation, private cars, limos, and more. Visitors can book most of these options well in advance to ensure a prompt pickup, and some options like Uber or Lyft offer credits or promotions for users.

Are You Staying in a Disney Resort Hotel?

A note on parking fees, renting with lyft/sixt, 3. orlando airport to disney world by taxi, mears connect, other shuttle options and buses, mears connect premium service, stretch limos, how far is orlando airport from walt disney world.

You’ll find Walt Disney World roughly 18-20 minutes, or about 20 miles, away from the Orlando Airport, and there is more than one route available. The most efficient routes require that you take a short drive on the highway, and you can also expect tolls.

Check out this Google map for step-by-step instructions on how to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney World and other details about the best route given relevant traffic, road closings, and other driving conditions.

Many car services, shuttles, or bus routes list a longer commute time for their services, and this happens when there are multiple stops or road closures due to construction. When planning out how long your trip from the airport to the resort will take, it’s best to leave plenty of extra time.

If you have a reservation for a Disney Resort Hotel , you can take advantage of the Magical Express shuttle that takes visitors from the airport to select resorts for free. This shuttle is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Disney, but unfortunately, this service ends in January 2022.

Visitors that have new or existing reservations in 2021 can still ride the Magical Express. For those visiting in 2022, there are alternate modes of transportation available that are affordable and convenient. Depending on the number of passengers, hotel visitors can take advantage of several services, including:

• Taxi services
• Private cars
• Car rental services

All of these services can take you to a Disney Resort as that’s a common destination for those who fly to the Orlando Airport. To schedule your ride using the Magical Express, you can contact a booking agent or select that option when you place your reservation online.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Walt Disney World From Orlando Airport?

Even if you don’t plan ahead, you will never get stranded at the Orlando airport. This airport has various options for getting to Walt Disney World, but if you have a large party or children, you’ll want to make arrangements in advance.

1. Orlando Airport to Disney World by Car

 As with any other airport, you have the option to rent a car and drive to Walt Disney World. Renting a car is an excellent idea for those who plan to sightsee in other locations. Rental cars are also ideal for families who have children that require a car seat. 

Not all car rentals come with car seats as an option, so it’s best to book in advance with a company that can guarantee the seats you need.

The official car rental service for Walt Disney World Resort is Alamo , and you can book their services when you make your Disney reservation or separately on their website. Some Disney hotels also charge extra for overnight parking for guests, so it’s a good idea to check and confirm you need the use of a car for your trip.

Through Alamo, a standard-sized vehicle large enough for a family of four will cost about $166 per day, and a booster seat or infant car seat costs an additional $7. So for your family of four, you can expect a rental car to cost about $1200 per week, not including gas and other add-ons or fees.

There are overnight parking fees at Disney that amount to $15 each night for Value Resorts, $20 per night for parking at Moderate Resorts, and $25 a night at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts. Parking at campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is complimentary, with one vehicle allowed at each site, but cabins charge $20 per night for parking.

There is also temporary parking available at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at no cost, but there is a three-hour time limit.

Guests may also rent cars with Lyft or their partner Sixt where you might get a better rate than with other car rental services. You can expect a seven-seat SUV to run about $112 per day, but a booster seat or baby seat is an additional $13.99 per day. 

Using Lyft equals $784 for the week plus the cost of child seats. You can find Lyft rentals on side A of the airport in the ground transportation area on level 1.

2. Orlando Airport To Disney World by Rideshare Service

Rideshare services are relatively widespread and very easy to book thanks to the excellent free WiFi service in the Orlando Airport, which happens to be fully wireless.

Both Uber and Lyft pick up passengers at the Orlando airport, but costs vary based on the time of day and the number of passengers. If you have a larger party with more than six individuals, it’s best to find another form of transportation. Lyft and Uber are excellent choices for non-peak transit or when you need a reasonably priced ride at the last minute.

Lyft is a rideshare service similar to Uber that allows travelers to book transportation at any time. 

Lyft drivers charge between $30 and $50 for a family of four without car seats, but for a Lux XL ride that seats five, you are looking at costs between $120 and $150. You can find additional information and fare estimates for Lyft on their website , and they text you updates about your scheduled ride in real-time, so you’ll need to have your phone on hand.

To get started using Lyft, you can download the app to your phone or create an account on the Lyft website to get fare estimates and make reservations. Once you’ve made an account, you’ll also get to see alternate transportation options such as budget-friendly options, eco-friendly alternatives, public transit, and rentals . 

Uber is a popular rideshare option because it’s easy to book and allows travelers the chance to find last-minute transportation at an affordable rate. Uber rides for guests come in many options , including: 

• UberX Car Seat

These options tend to cost between $30 to $50, depending on the timing that you need a ride. If you travel with a pet or children, using Uber Pet or UberX Car Seat is a cost-effective option that provides you with prompt service and a private ride. UberXL provides service for parties of up to five people, while Comfort specializes in vehicles that offer more legroom.

Uber also allows travelers to reserve their transportation online up to thirty days in advance. In most areas, you’ll need your smartphone to manage your ride and receive updates, but in some markets, you can sign in online.

To get started with Uber, download the free app on your phone first or visit their website online to create an account. Once you sign in, you’ll be able to request rides, see how long until a ride is available, and leave feedback.

There are a couple of taxi options that you’ll find at the Orlando airport, and you can expect to pay between $68 and $88 depending on the time of day, your resort, and the exact company. This amount doesn’t include the recommended 10% tip, and while you can book in advance with some companies, there is often a wait at the airport before you board.

Once you land at the Orlando airport, follow the signs to ground transportation, and chances are good there will be a taxi there waiting for passengers. Taxis are not always a good option for those with wheelchairs or children that need car seats, as taxis can’t always accommodate these needs.

Taxis can transport up to nine passengers if you book in advance for a larger party, but car seats usually mean an additional fee for each requested seat. You’ll likely find several taxis ready to take passengers at the Orlando Airport, but on occasion, visitors encounter wait times for rides that range from 15-30 minutes.

4. Orlando Airport To Disney World by Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses are a very economical option when traveling from the Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World Resorts, but this option may not be the best for large groups or families with small children. Shuttles are available at reasonable times, but you may have to wait to board, and you can expect to ride with multiple other passengers.

Beginning in 2022, guests can take the Mears Connect shuttle service from the Orlando Airport to Disney World. Mears is also the same company that Disney currently uses to provide the Magical Express shuttle. Once Disney’s Magical Express shuttle retires in January 2022, the Mears Connect will debut.

Guests pay $16 per adult for a one-way ticket on the Mears Connect or $32 for a round trip fare. Each child costs $13.50 for a one-way ticket or $27 round trip. There is also the option to reserve private transportation through Mears using their premium service.

Other shuttle bus options from the Orlando Airport include Shuttles by Jayride , which cost between $70 and $110 and last about a half-hour, not including boarding time. A local public bus is available and costs $4 each way per passenger, but you cannot book this form of transportation in advance.

Instead, the bus departs once each hour, so you may need to wait up to an hour before you can get a ride. While this option is much cheaper, you’ll likely have to do a little walking once you arrive. The commute with this form of transportation takes a little over a half-hour which is reasonable compared to other more expensive options.

If you decide to take the bus , keep in mind that there are additional stops between the airport and the Disney resort, which add to the total commute time. Additionally, check the bus schedule upon arriving at the ground transportation area of the airport to ensure that you board the correct bus for your destination.

5.Orlando Airport To Disney World by Limo

A limo refers to several different vehicles and not just the elongated cars used for fancy events like weddings. This term also includes large SUVs, town cars, and pick-up trucks carrying medium-sized groups between four and twelve passengers.

Mears Connect offers premium service for guests that includes a private car for passengers. The cost of this service is $200 for the first four passengers and $55 for each additional passenger. This service is wheelchair accessible, they have car seats available, and guests board on the B-side of the airport on level 1 (follow the signs for ground transportation).

If you want to book a traditional stretch limo for your larger group, you can expect the twenty-minute journey to cost between $180 to $500, depending on the car chosen and your party size. Companies that offer limo services at Orlando Airport include Sunshine Limousine and Sedan Service , Orlando Ultimate Town Car , and Orlando Chauffeured Services Inc.

When you book a limo, you can expect a higher level of service that frequently means instant boarding once you arrive, bag handling, snacks and entertainment onboard, and a much faster commute. A limo is not the most common option for most travelers who arrive at the Orlando Airport, but it’s often a more cost-effective option if your party is on the larger side.

Many travelers like booking a limo because it’s easier for larger groups than the local bus or shuttle. You can expect a company employee holding a placard with your name on it when you get to the transportation area of the airport. 

Even if you aren’t staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels, a limo is a worthwhile form of transportation to consider for your group, but keep in mind that these services charge more for longer routes.

Final Thoughts

Most travelers plan out their transportation from the Orlando Airport to Disney World by making arrangements in advance. Also, many families have small children that require child seats during the commute, which limits the number of options available.

If you don’t require child seats for the drive from the Orlando Airport to Disney World, then your transportation options open up significantly, and you can even fly in at the last minute and get a ride to Disney at a reasonable rate.

As tempting as it is to rent a car once you get to the airport, it’s worth noting that there are additional parking fees at Disney. Once you’re in Orlando, you can always use rideshare services, the bus, taxis, and other forms of local transportation to go sightseeing, out to dinner, or explore the city.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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Home » Walt Disney World » Transportation

How to Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: November 7, 2023

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If you haven’t been to Disney World since the days of the Magical Express bus, you are probably wondering: “How do I get from the airport to Disney World?” Should you take a bus? A shuttle? Uber? Is it worth it to get a rental car?

In this post, we will explain the easiest and cheapest ways to get from the Orlando airports to Walt Disney World to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Your Walt Disney World vacation does not begin until you actually arrive at your destination and for more than 15 years, Disney provided a free bus service to and from the airport called Disney’s Magical Express .

All you had to do was get off the airplane, walk downstairs and get on the bus that brought you to your resort hotel. You didn’t even have to get your own bags, Disney picked them up and sent them automatically to your room.

Now, that service is long gone and each guest arriving at the Orlando International Airport is responsible to arrange their own transportation to Walt Disney World and back. Sure it would be nice to get a little magic pixie dust sprinkled on you and then wake up on Main Street U.S.A., but that’s not how it works.

Don’t worry. We’ll show you all the ways to get from the airport to Disney World, compare prices, and help you decide the best solution for your family so you can get to the theme parks and start having fun right away!

If you are looking for general transportation info, check out our Disney World Transportation Guide where we have the latest updates on the monorail , buses , and Disney Skyliner .

(UPDATE) – The popular Mears Connect shuttle service recently merged with the Sunshine Shuttle to form “Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine.” Read more below about what this means for your next trip.

Before we start, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest updates on Disney transportation as well as a ton of other Disney vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Table of Contents

Orlando Airports Basics

If you’re flying into Orlando and you just can’t wait to begin your Disney World Vacation, you’re almost there! Just one more step. And that’s getting from the airport to your actual hotel! 

Sure, things are a little more complicated without Disney’s Magical Express Bus service, but with some help and planning (which we plan on giving you in this article), you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect replacement for your family’s needs.

There are two airports in the greater Orlando metro area that visitors to Walt Disney World can arrive at, Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).

Keep in mind that going from the Orlando Airport to Disney World can be different depending on which of the two Orlando Airports you’re flying into.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is by far the most common, due to its closer proximity and abundance of flight options. Transportation from MCO to Disney World is slightly easier and in most instances, more affordable. 

Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) is smaller and a bit further from the park entrance. But there are some reasonable options to get into Disney World from SFB as well, and it could be especially worth it if you’re saving significant amounts of money on your flights.

How Far is Orlando Airport from Disney World?

How far is the Orlando Airport from Walt Disney World?  That depends on which one you are coming from, what time you are arriving, and where you are going in Disney World.

• Under normal circumstances, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 25 miles or a 35-minute drive to the entrance to Walt Disney World.  
• Sanford Airport (SFB) is about 50 miles or a 1-hour drive to the entrance to Walt Disney World.

If you are driving from either Orlando airport, the quickest and most efficient way is to take the highway, where you can expect tolls along the way.

On most trips from MCO, it takes us at least 30 minutes, maybe more with traffic.

Interestingly, when you put in the directions from MCO to Walt Disney World in Google Maps, it says that it is only 16.8 miles and takes much less time.  This is likely to the very edge of Walt Disney World, and not to the location of your hotel. 

Is there Free Transportation to Disney World?

Unfortunately, following the removal of Disney’s Complimentary Bus Service, the Magical Express, Disney no longer offers any kind of free transportation to Disney World .

There is free transportation to the theme parks once you get on property, but each guest is now responsible to plan how they will arrive at Walt Disney World and unless you have a friend pick you up, that requires paying money.

What Happened to the Magical Express?

From 2005 until January 2022, Disney used and contracted Mears Transportation to run its popular Magical Express Bus Service. This was a complimentary service that was one of the perks of staying at a Disney Resort Hotel , giving guests free transportation and luggage services back and forth to Orlando International Airport (MCO). 

Despite many complaints from guests, Disney decided to end the contract with Mears, no longer giving Disney Resort guests free transportation to and from the airport. This has been a sore subject among fans and for many, it has become another reason why you may consider staying off-site. 

We think this was a poor decision on Disney’s part to get rid of the Magical Express service.  Having your transportation included in the price of your vacation was an incredible incentive, especially the luggage delivery option, and now this has just made things more complicated for visitors.

Airport to Disney World Transportation Options

There are many ways to get from the Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World and we are going to briefly list each of them here before going into more detail later on.  We will be covering all your transportation options from Orlando International Airport (MCO) since that is where the majority of visitors will be arriving.

Here are the 5 main transportation methods from MCO to Disney World:

• Shuttle/Bus Services – The company that ran Disney’s Magical Express Mears offers two different shuttle services to/from the airport. It’s now called Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. And there is both a ‘Standard’ service and an ‘Express’ service.
• Rental Cars – Renting a car at both Orlando International and Sanford Orlando airports is easy and convenient upon grabbing your luggage. It gives the most flexibility but it can be costly. 
• Ride-Sharing Services (Uber and Lyft) – If you’ve never used ride-sharing before, it’s as simple as downloading an app and inputting your pick-up and drop-off locations. It’s especially easy and convenient if you don’t want to plan something in advance. 
• Town Car or Limo Service – Paying for a private service that will be waiting for you upon arrival can be invaluable for families that require car seats, extra room or need to make stops. 
• Taxi – Similar to ride-sharing, taxis have major advantages due to their convenience and ‘no planning necessary’ approach to your trip. They will cost more than Uber and Lyft but require slightly less “work.” 

Where Can You Take Transportation to?

Once you decide which form of transportation you are going to take to get to Disney World, you have a few options for a final destination.

For those staying within the “Disney Bubble,” you’re staying inside one of the Disney World Resort Hotels . Transportation to Disney Resorts is simple and easy for all the available transportation options. 

Disney Springs

If you’re arriving a little bit earlier in the day, and it’s possible your hotel might not be ready for check-in, some travelers choose to take transportation to Disney Springs to spend some time shopping in the meantime.

This can be a nice way to start your trip, especially if you are going to eat at one of the many amazing Disney Springs restaurants , but it can be a little bit challenging if you have extensive luggage.

Off-Site Hotels  

If you’re staying outside of Disney, in one of the surrounding off-site hotels , any of the above-listed transportation methods will bring you to your destination.

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

How Much Does it Cost to Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World?

Let’s face it, going to Walt Disney World is super expensive, probably one of the most expensive trips your family will take in the near future. So figuring out any way to save money is always welcome, even in transportation costs.

Here is a list of the common transportation costs to get from MCO to Walt Disney World:

• Shuttle/Bus Services – $16-$17 per adult and $12.50-$13.50 per child each way
• Rental Cars – At least $35 per day, not including gas and tolls, but can run up to $80 per day for a larger or more luxurious vehicle. 
• Ride Sharing Services (Uber and Lyft) – A simple UberX for 2-4 people will cost about $38 to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Lyft tends to be $5-$10 more. XL vehicles that can fit 6 passengers will be between $55-$65 depending on the time of day. More luxurious vehicle options, such as Uber and Lyft’s black car services can cost upwards of $100. 
• Town Car or Limo Service – Depending on the time of day, stops made, and size of the vehicle, private car services will typically cost at least $70 each way for a smaller vehicle. It can be upwards of $150 each way for a larger or more luxurious limousine option. 
• Taxi – During off-peak travel times, you might be fortunate to only spend only around $40 each way. But if arriving during a busier travel time, it can be up to $80 each way. 
• Minnie Van Service – Unfortunately, Minnie Van Service is NOT currently available to the airport for guests at this moment. In the past, using Disney’s Minnie Van Service costed a set cost of $155 each way. Minnie Vans fit up to 6 passengers.

Keep in mind that these prices do not include tipping . Prices will also vary depending on how many people you have in your party.

Also, if traveling from Sanford Airport (SFB), expect to pay 30% -40% more on average for each vehicle option.

Now, let’s go over each of the 6 ways to get from MCO to Walt Disney World and look at them in detail one by one.

Shuttle/Bus Services (Updated)

Shuttle Bus Services from Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World have long been the standard for families traveling to Disney World and staying at a Disney Resort.

Despite the fact that Disney’s Magical Express Service became extinct in 2022, there are still (2) nice and reasonable options for families desiring familiarity, safety, and ease.

(UPDATE July 14, 2023): There was also formerly a 3rd option called The Sunshine Flyer. Mears and Sunshine Flyer announced on July 14, 2023, that they have announced a merger between the two companies to work together in providing exceptional guest transportation options from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resorts.

The new service is called Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine . There will still be both the ‘Standard’ version and the ‘Express’ version as there previously was. This “new” company will be the only 24-hour shuttle servicing both the A/B and the C Terminals for both arrivals and departures at Orlando International Airport.

The press report reads:

“The new service, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, will continue to provide guests with safe and reliable transportation services to and from the airport with enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience to and from their preferred Walt Disney World® Resort.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine will provide superior guest service, while also enhancing the guest benefits through combined operational capabilities, best practices, aligned marketing efforts, and the best possible experience that guests have come to know and love from Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer.”

Here are some important details to keep in mind about the new merger:

• The new service began August 1, 2023.
• A dedicated hotline is available 24/7 to answer questions and assist guests regarding new reservations: (407) 423-5566
• For all existing reservations, unless otherwise provided, please contact the customer care team on your confirmation email.
• Guests may also email during business hours:  [email protected] .   
• Mears Connect guests will not be impacted and reservations will remain the same.
• Sunshine Flyer guests traveling between July 14 and July 31 will receive an email using the email linked to the original reservation to confirm all travel instructions.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Standard Version

• Price: $16 one-way/$32 round trip per adult. $13.50 one-way and $27 round trip per child (3-9). 
• Extra Fees: None
• Tipping: $1-$2 per bag
• Travel Time: Typically 2-3 hours from the time of landing till you get to your resort hotel.
• Car Seats: Typically not needed. Although some transfers may occur in a van and car seats are not provided. If you want a guarantee, bring your own.
• Luggage Handling: None
• Grocery Stops: Not available
• Pickup/Dropoff Locations: Disney Resorts and Other Off-Site Disney resorts

If you’re looking for the exact replacement for Disney’s old Magical Express service, the standard offering from Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is it. The only difference of course is now it is not complimentary.

The Standard offering provides a nice blend of reliability and safety that our family has grown to love over the years with the Magical Express. It is one of the most cost-effective ways of traveling to your resort, depending on the size of your family. 

There’s a safety factor that is nice if you are a solo traveler as well, as my sister was able to use this service when traveling by herself and she felt much safer using this option as opposed to some of the other alternatives.

The main negative isn’t necessarily anyone’s fault, but it’s the fact that the same service that was once complimentary now costs money. When using Disney’s Magical Express in the past, dealing with slow times and waiting around was a necessary evil of dealing with a complimentary service, but now when it’s a paid service, it can be frustrating. 

If you are the type of person or family that just “wants to get there,” the Standard option can be a little frustrating as it can sometimes take more time than you want.

In our experience, our hotel resort was NEVER the first stop, so be prepared to stop at multiple hotels before you get to your own. Dampening expectations will much more likely prepare you for a better-than-expected experience.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Express Version

• Price: $250 round trip (up to 4 passengers) and $55 per additional passenger
• Tipping: $1-$2 per bag 
• Travel Time: Between 45 and 90 minutes
• Car Seats: Typically not needed. Although some transfers may occur in a van and car seats are not provided. If you want a guarantee, bring your own. 

The same reliability, 24-hour service, and safety that Mears and Sunshine Flyer previously have grown to provide their customers over the years but with speedier service. The only difference between Standard and Express is that the latter guarantees a direct (guaranteed 1st stop) trip to your resort to and from the airport which should make for a quicker arrival.

Unlike the Standard option, the Express option requires all travelers to book a round-trip ride. The cost of the Express option has already increased from $200 to $250 since its inception. 

The Express option is NOT a private transfer and is still likely to still include riding with other people in the vehicle. For the price point, you’ll likely have much better options with some of the other alternatives.

Read our Full Guide to Mears Connect Driven By Sunshine Shuttles for prices and more details on how the service works.

• Price: About $4 each way per person
• Tipping: Optional tip for the driver
• Travel Time: Between 2 to 3 hours on average
• Car Seats: None provided and NOT recommended with small kids
• Pickup/Dropoff Locations: Multiple stops on each of the (2) buses

If counting the cost is the absolute #1 priority on your Disney trip, utilizing the public bus will certainly be your cheapest option at only $4 for each way to and from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World. 

If getting to Disney World efficiently and quickly is AT ALL a priority, don’t take the Orlando Public Bus system. Using it will require you to take (2) different buses to get within about a 10-minute walk to the Walt Disney World Ticket and Transportation Center. 

Having children and/or luggage will be a major hassle as you have to switch buses and walk a sizable distance. Not to mention once you get to the Ticket and Transportation Center, you’ll have to get additional transportation to your destination.

Ride Sharing Service

Our family has been using ride-sharing services for years on our vacations and our visits to Disney World have been no different. Ride Sharing Services like Uber and Lyft allow travelers to get around easily, cheaply, and incredibly efficiently. 

Simply download the Uber and Lyft apps on your smartphone and input your credit card information and you’re ready to go! Let’s look at the two most popular options for ride-sharing from Orlando Airport to your resort or destination.

Let’s take a look at these two most popular ride-sharing services.

• Price: Depending on the size of the vehicle, Uber will cost typically between $35 (smaller vehicle) and $55. (XL vehicle) If you want to travel in style and use the Black service, your cost will likely exceed $100. 
• Travel Time: Less than an hour
• Car Seats: Available upon request (if available). Car seats should be requested upon ride booking.
• Grocery Stops: Yes, but you will pay additional money as your driver waits. 
• Pickup/Dropoff Locations: Anywhere you want

It’s almost impossible to beat Uber’s level of convenience, efficiency, and cost. I’ve found that generally speaking Uber’s costs are a little bit better than Lyft’s in the Orlando area. I’ve never had a bad experience in our family’s hundreds of rides in an Uber. 

For the most cost-effective way of requesting an Uber, get an UberX if you have 3 or fewer people and an UberXL if you have 4-6.

It’s hard to find any cons for ride-sharing other than making sure you have the app downloaded on your phone and your credit card linked prior to requesting your first ride. Always keep an eye on your pickup location to make sure you don’t confuse your driver and that you are standing in the right location. 

At MCO airport, keep in mind there are multiple pickup locations for drivers and it’ll ask you which one you are located at for your driver to find you. Also, pay attention to which baggage claim area you are in prior to requesting a vehicle (A or B) so that you choose the right pick-up location.

Another slight con is I can understand the hesitancy of some solo travelers that would prefer not to spend more money when cheaper options are available. I’ve also heard some safety concerns about traveling in an Uber by themselves and these are understandable, although our family has never had the slightest of issues.

One thing we’ve noticed for both ride-sharing services is that prices can surge during peak time when there are many people looking for a ride at the same time. If you notice the price jumping higher, we suggest waiting 5 minutes and trying again, and often the price drops.

For travelers that don’t have a smartphone or are not tech-savvy at all, figuring out how to use the apps can be frustrating and in that case, something like Mears Connect could be a better choice.

• Price: Depending on the size of the vehicle, Lyft will cost typically between $40 (smaller vehicle) and $60. (XL vehicle) If you want to travel in style and use the Black service, your cost will likely exceed $100. 
• Car Seats: Available upon request (if available) 

Lyft is almost identical to Uber’s pros and cons. The nice thing about having the Lyft app is you can compare and contrast Uber’s costs and Lyft’s costs prior to booking a ride. Go with whichever one gives you a better price at the moment.

Having the Lyft app also allows you to request Minnie Vans as well, both to/from the airport and on your Disney vacation, assuming you are staying at a Disney Resort. 

I have found Lyft’s prices slightly higher on average than Uber’s in most instances in the Orlando area. It’s always good to compare and contrast.

Town Car or Limo Service

For many years, our family has used private transfers, such as Town Cars or Limo services for our trips. When counting the cost, for our family the price difference is negligible considering the amount of time and frustration saved on our trip. 

We’ve always found private transportation has allowed our trip to immediately get off to a great start, rather than sitting around waiting when we get to the Orlando airport. Let’s look at some of the most popular options.

• Price: Anywhere between $70 to $150 each way depending on stops made, size of the vehicle, and time of day
• Extra Fees: Some companies do charge hidden fees for extra people or after hours
• Tipping: 20% usually is recommended if the service is good
• Travel Time: Under an hour unless a stop is requested
• Car Seats: Some companies include them for free, others will charge additional money 
• Luggage Handling: Included
• Grocery Stops: Can be included but will cost extra typically 

Our family has continually found utilizing a town car or limo service to be the most stress-free way to arrive and depart our trip. There’s something nice about arriving at Orlando Airport and having your name and your driver waiting for you upon arrival.

Unless you requested a stop on the way to your resort or destination, you’ll arrive nice and promptly and can start your trip immediately! Speaking of stopping, most car services allow you to stop by the supermarket or liquor store along the way if you need to get groceries.

If you’re a person that has mobility limitations, the drivers will almost always certainly assist with luggage and make your walk a very short walk out of the airport. Or if you’re a family that has small kids in need of car seats, the private vehicles will have you covered, just inform them ahead of time. 

The biggest con is of course the financial aspects of utilizing a private service. Obviously count the costs because in many instances, depending on the size of your family and the size of the vehicle reserved, it might not be all that much more expensive than you’d think. 

Be careful to look for hidden fees, because some companies will charge extra money for things that you thought were included.

Below are a few of our favorite limo services for transportation from MCO to Disney World.

Quicksilver Tours

Quicksilver Tours is an all-in-one private transport that will take care of you completely once your luggage arrives at the baggage claim. The fact that they include a 20-minute grocery stop in the cost of their service is highly attractive if you’re the type of family, like ours, that loves to grab a few things for our hotel room prior to arriving.

This is actually one of the best ways to save money at Disney World and lets you get what you need for snacks or meals.

If traveling with a family, Quicksilver Tours makes it incredibly easy while being reasonably priced, providing you with free car seats and boosters at your request. Expect to pay around $70 each way for a family of four and a little bit more money for a larger family.

Ultimate Town Cars

Ultimate Town Cars is a common and reliable private transfer company that can suit your family’s needs. We’ve found them to be reliable and unlike many of the other private car services, they don’t include any hidden fees. 

Just keep in mind they will charge your credit card 48 hours prior to your trip and automatically add a 20% gratuity onto your final cost. In our calculations, we’ve found them to be significantly faster and more affordable than Mears Connect Express.

Happy Limo is one of the most reputable and longest-thriving luxury vehicle companies in Orlando. While they aren’t a “budget option” they provide first-class service and are certainly reputable while maintaining a great reputation in the Orlando area for many, many years.

Tiffany Towncar

Our family has used Tiffany Towncar for many trips over the last few years and has typically found them to be very reliable, extremely punctual, and mostly affordable. It’s a nice feeling to be greeted upon arrival at the baggage claim area and then has zero worries from the minute you arrive. 

While their prices have gone up significantly over the last few years, they’ve always been accommodating while meeting the needs of our family and affording us additional time at the grocery and liquor stores prior to dropping us off at our resort.

Orlando Transportation by Mike

A favorite amongst Disney travelers, Orlando Transportation by Mike carries a tremendous reputation and continually gets excellent reviews throughout the Disney community. Mike is known for setting high standards for customer service and cleanliness and has many positive reviews.

Renting a car is unmatched when it comes to flexibility and saving time on your trip as a whole. When we go for longer stays and leave the ‘Disney Bubble’ we often rent a car. This is definitely the best option if you will be visiting other places like Universal Orlando.

Renting a car allows you to get to Disney World incredibly efficiently, whether you are flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Sanford Orlando.

Here is a realistic view of the costs involved in renting a vehicle: 

• Price: $35 – $80 a day depending on the size of the vehicle 
• Extra Fees: Parking costs in all the parks of up to $30 per day, gas and tolls
• Tipping: None
• Travel Time: Less than an hour, although rental car lines can be very very long if traveling during peak time
• Car Seats: Available for rent, can be $15 per day 
• Grocery Stops: Anywhere you want

In terms of freedom and flexibility, renting a vehicle allows you the most options. You don’t feel rushed at any stage of the airport, leaving or going, and you can take your time which is highly valuable if you have a family with small children. 

Having a vehicle on your trip is very nice, making the need for Disney Transportation or ride-sharing services null-in-void. If you are staying outside of Disney, having your own rental car makes even more sense. 

In almost every instance, renting a car is going to be your most costly option. Also, while it will save time and frustration on your trip, the truth is, when staying inside Disney the need for a private vehicle is usually unnecessary. 

The costs of having a car will add up quickly, between parking costs, gas, and tolls. This is also the most stressful of all the transportation options as you have to do all the driving and you are responsible to make sure your family gets to its destination in a safe and timely manner.

READ MORE: Guide to Renting a Car at Disney World

Rental Car Extra Costs

Rental car companies will significantly adjust prices, both up and down, in the months leading up to your vacation. I highly recommend booking early, if you choose to go this route, while also making sure that the company you use has free cancellation. 

On our last trip, surprisingly, we were able to save $700 on our car rental by canceling the first one we booked nearly a year prior to our trip and re-booking another one only about 3 months prior to our trip. 

Make sure you count the costs of renting a car and really compare whether it’s completely worth it. Extra costs include:

• Disney hotels and off-property hotels charge for parking (Anywhere between $15-40 a night).
• Disney theme parks cost up to $30 a day for standard parking.
• Car seats for kids can be up to $15 per day.
• If you want to add insurance coverage to your rental agreement.
• Additional driver fees are sometimes charged by car rental companies.
• Tolls and gas money, and whether to gas up or not to gas up prior to returning to the airport.
• Going over mileage restrictions imposed by car rental companies (check the fine print).

Can I Rent a Car Directly from Disney?

Yes! Disney has a Car Care Center just outside of Magic Kingdom which we’ve used many times in the past. It is incredibly useful, as they use preferred partners: Enterprise, Alamo, and National.

This is a convenient location and allows you to drop off your car inside Disney if you just want a 1-way car rental or to pick up a car rental if you’re leaving Disney and heading back to the airport or another destination.

If I Rent a Car Do I Need a Car Seat for My Child?

The State of Florida requires children 5 and under to use car seats and it is a primary enforcement law, meaning they can pull you over if they see a child unrestrained. You can either bring a car seat with you or pay the additional cost of renting a car seat with your rental car company.

Many airlines will allow you to check a car seat for free, making it much easier and more affordable to bring your own.

Best Travel Car Seats

Finding a travel-friendly car seat that maximizes safety standards, comfort, and easy installation is important for travelers with children 5 and under. Buying one will ultimately save families money as opposed to having to rent one for each trip.

Here are a few of our favorite budget-conscious car seats:

Cosco Mighty Fit DX Convertible Car Seat – The best combination of affordability and weight, this car seat will allow up to five different positions and three buckle locations. It has built-in side impact protection to keep your little one extra secure. The cover is removable and washable. Just keep in mind this car seat will only hold up a child up to 65 pounds.

Shop for Cosco Mighty Fit 65 prices here .

Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat – A little sturdier than the Cosco Scenera, this seat is extremely compact and will fit even smaller European rental cars. It will support children up to 65 pounds and last for years!

Shop for Safety First Guide 65 prices here .

Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat – Features three different modes allowing you to purchase just one travel car seat and use it for many years. It can be used for a baby as small as 4 pounds and children as big as 65 pounds. It’s also incredibly easy to install, which can be invaluable for traveling.

Taxi Service

• Price: $40-$80 each way depending on the time of day
• Car Seats: Available by request

Even better than ride-sharing services, taxis afford unmatched efficiency and delivery times if speed is something you covet, assuming there are available taxis waiting at the airport. The nice thing about taxis is they don’t require any requesting a ride on an app or a tech-savvy person to order one. 

While taxis will likely get you from Point A to Point B faster than any of the other available options, there is a price to pay for that. Similar to Uber and Lyft, for families with small children, you will have to request car seats or booster seats.

This is certainly a no-frills way to get somewhere and is ideal while in a rush, but in our estimation, there are better options for most people.

Minnie Vans

(As of this writing, Disney has not resumed its Minnie Van airport shuttle service, and we are unsure when it will resume.)

• Price: a set cost of $155 each way. Minnie Vans fit up to 6 passengers. 
• Extra Fees: An additional $10 for arrivals after 11 p.m., $10 for international passenger pickups, and $3 for fuel surcharges. 
• Tipping: 20% tipping is suggested
• Travel Time: As fast as possible. Typically well under an hour. 
• Car Seats: Included
• Grocery Stops: Not provided
• Pickup/Dropoff Locations: All of Walt Disney World’s official resorts and some additional resorts as well.

One of the perks of using Disney Minnie Vans is ‘The Disney Difference.’ The drivers are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. You’ll feel fully engrossed in the Disney Experience immediately upon entering the vehicle.

They do an excellent job of catering to the entire family and making the experience as seamless as possible. This is the most “Disney way” to start your vacation at this point in time.

The Minnie Van service from the airport is only available for Disney World Resort guests and does not include rides to many of the other ‘unofficial Disney resorts’ that are located on Disney property. The main negative without question is of course the cost. 

Also, it’s really expensive. Paying over $300 for round-trip transportation for a family is a hard pill to swallow, even for individuals with deep pockets.

For us personally, it’s hard to justify this service and while we are fans of the Minnie Van Service for certain trips around Disney property, utilizing it to/from Orlando International Airport is just not worth it to us.

While we were excited to hear about the new Brightline Train that connected Miami to Orlando, unfortunately when it comes to getting from the Orlando Airport to within the ‘Disney Bubble’, it looks like that is not happening, at least not any time soon.

When the Brightline route was first announced, it was reported that there would be a stop in Disney Springs. Since then, those plans were cancelled. Still, there was hope to have a stop at another outside Disney nearby hotel, which was then unfortunately cancelled as well.

So long story short, while we LOVE the new Brightline Train when taking the route from Orlando to Miami or vice versa, it doesn’t help you get from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your Disney World Resort. You’ll still need to take some other form of transportation from the Orlando International Airport.

You can check out our article on the planned Brightline Orlando Train and we’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more info.

Top 3 Places to Stay in Orlando

Ultimate Luxury : Four Seasons Resort Orlando – Five Star Dining and Best Luxury Hotel in Orlando. On-site with many of the same perks as Disney Resort guests.

My Favorite: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – Best Pool and Amenities, Close location

Budget Hotel Near Disney : Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Great Value and upscale feel at a low price

Best Way to Get from Orlando Airport to Disney World

So after comparing all the transportation options, what is the best way to get from MCO airport to Walt Disney World?

For our family, we try to find the sweet spot between value, efficiency, and getting our trip off to a great start immediately upon arrival at Orlando International Airport without having to wait a long time for our transportation.

Since we usually have 6 people on our family trips, it makes the most sense for us to use a private transfer service such as Quicksilver Tours or Tiffany Town Car . 

For us, while it’s not the cheapest option, it is a seamless experience that allows us to get groceries, and stop at the liquor store all while getting excellent customer care.

If I’m traveling solo or with my wife or even up to 4 people total, I’ll typically get an Uber . I’ve had nothing but great experiences with Uber in Orlando. Plus, the price difference for 2 people to get an Uber or for 2 people to use one of the bus shuttle services is just not worth the time saved by choosing the former.

The cheapest and best overall way if you are traveling with 3 people or fewer is taking the Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine bus service. It will cost you just under $50, you might just have to wait a little longer than an Uber.

Cheapest Way to Get to Disney World

The cheapest method of getting into Disney World is utilizing Orlando’s Public Buses . While you will save some money, I would NOT recommend this method to most travelers. It takes a long time and you can easily get lost if you aren’t familiar with the system.

The next cheapest option for families is utilizing Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine service. While these are not the promptest services, they are trustworthy and doable alternatives to the former Magical Express and we highly recommend them.

How to Get to Disney World – Step-by-Step

The first part of your trip is of course booking your airfare! Once you have your travel dates set, you’ll also want to book that hotel reservation. Keep in mind Orlando has (2) airports and pay attention to whether you’re flying into MCO or SFB.

Once you have your airfare and hotel reservation worked out, this is where you should plan and make reservations for your transportation to/from the airport.

If you’re going to rent a car, use a private car service, or book a shuttle bus service (such as Mears), you’re going to want to plan and book that in advance. If your going to simply get a taxi or use ridesharing, advanced planning here would be unnecessary.

Get on your flight! When arriving at the Orlando airport, immediately follow the signs to the baggage claim area . Find out if your luggage is going to baggage claim ‘A’ or ‘B’ and then follow the appropriate signs to lead you there. 

Once going down the escalator or elevator, if you hired a private transfer service, here is where you will likely see your driver holding up the sign of your family to pick you up! Once you get your bags, follow the signs to the appropriate pick-up location. 

• Rental cars, shuttle vans, resort transportation, and buses are all on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1).
• Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is located on Level 1 in Terminal (Baggage Claim) B.

Now it’s time to board the transportation to your destination! This is where it gets exciting. Make sure you have the appropriate information and documentation needed to board while making the process as seamless as possible.

Your home! You’ve arrived at your destination and now it’s time to begin your trip! And remember, Hakuna Matata!

Best Way to Save Big $$$ on Disney Resorts

If you want to potentially save thousands of dollars on your next trip to Disney World, I personally recommend David’s DVC Rentals . They consistently have the best prices and biggest selection of Disney Villas that will make you ask yourself: “How do they do it?”

Is there a Free Shuttle from MCO to Disney World?

No, there is not. Right now, there is no free shuttle from MCO airport to Disney World.

Prior to 2022, Disney had an agreement with Mears Transportation to provide a service called Disney’s Magical Express which brought all Disney resort guests to/from their resort to the Orlando International Airport (MCO).

This service is now discontinued and travelers need to find a different alternative.

How Long is the Ride from Orlando Airport to Disney World?

The ride from Orlando Airport to Disney World is about 25 miles away. Depending on traffic, it usually takes between 30-40 minutes.

Do International Flights Arrive at MCO Airport?

Yes. MCO or Orlando International Airport has a number of international options and is frequently home to foreign travelers.

Do We Have to Carry Our Own Bags?

Yes, at this time guests must carry their own bags for all but the most luxurious transportation options.

The former Disney Magical Express had a service that took care of travelers’ luggage from the moment it arrived at MCO, which we absolutely LOVED! This is no longer the case and travelers will now need to bring their luggage from the baggage claim area directly to their driver.

Is there a Shuttle from MCO to Disney World?

There is no direct shuttle from Orlando airport to Disney World. Once the Brightline train is ready, this will be the closest thing to a direct shuttle from MCO to Disney World.

While it’s likely not going directly through Disney World and or there, it will get very close to Disney Springs so there should be some options from there to the resorts.

Have Someone Plan Transportation For You

We know all the planning you need to do for a Disney World vacation can be very frustrating and a real pain. That’s why we always recommend an Authorized Disney Travel Planner to do the hard work for you!

They’ll help you navigate all the transportation options to and from Disney World and also find you the very best deals on tickets and hotel rooms so you can save money! Surprisingly, it’s also 100% FREE to use and you’ll never get higher prices than those directly from Disney.

Our favorite Disney Travel Agent is René Cittadino and her fantastic team from Show You the World Travel . We use them for our personal trips to Disney and are always satisfied with the A+ service we get.

Click here for a Free Quote . Trust me, it makes everything A LOT easier!

That wraps up our look at getting from the Orlando airport to Walt Disney World. I hope that it gave you some good options for transportation now that you have to organize it yourself.

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our guide to getting from Orlando airport to Disney World…

• Which is your favorite mode of transportation?
• What other options would you like to see?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

Shelley Schwartz

Sunday 21st of April 2024

I am not taking a trip to WDW at the present time but, if I was, you are very organized and knowledgeable about all WDW things. I don't think you had this Ziggy Knows Disney when I made my trips. My son was little when we made our trips to Disney My son is now an Adult. I appreciate all that you do putting this information together. I just read all your information on the transportation. I wish I had this information when I went to WDW. Again, I want to thank you and tell you are a very special person for putting all this information out there for people to use. I keep all this information in my phone so I have when and if I go to WDW. Good luck to you and G-d Bless you. Regards, Shelley Schwartz ([email protected]

Wednesday 21st of June 2023

Can not find the Mackride.com transportation as private car service

Saturday 10th of June 2023

Did not see Water Butler as an option

George Mells

Tuesday 22nd of November 2022

Maybe one of the first things Robert Iger will do after re-assuming the CEO position will be to reinstate the Disney World Express Transportation, at least for the high priced Disney World hotels. While many cost cutting things were needed during the Covid period I think the elimination of this service was short sighted.

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How Far is Orlando Airport (MCO) from Disney World?

How Long Does It Take from Orlando Airport to Disney World?

If you’re planning a trip to the most magical place on Earth, you might be wondering how long it takes to get from Orlando Airport to Disney World. The answer can vary depending on several factors such as the time of day, the mode of transportation you choose, and the specific location within the resort you are traveling to. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all these factors and provide you with everything you need to plan your journey.

The journey from Orlando Airport to Disney World typically takes between 20 to 35 minutes by car, taxi, or rideshare service, depending on traffic. However, if you choose to use shuttle services, the travel time can extend up to 85 minutes due to multiple stops and transfers. Public transportation, such as buses, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the route and transfers. These times can vary depending on factors such as the time of day and peak seasons.

Distance Between Orlando Airport and Disney World

The distance between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney World is approximately 17-19 miles. However, the exact distance can vary depending on the specific location within the resort you are traveling to.

Transportation Options

There are several ways to travel from Orlando Airport to Disney World. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Rideshare Services (Uber or Lyft) : These services are convenient and typically cost-effective. However, prices can surge during peak times, and not everyone is comfortable with rideshare.
• Shuttle Bus Services : Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer have merged into a single service, offering shared ride shuttle transportation from Orlando Airport to Disney hotels. They provide 24/7 ride service, are more affordable than car rentals, and offer express service to all Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels.
• Taxi Service : Taxis are available at the airport, but they can be more expensive than rideshare services.
• Car Rental : Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, but it can be more expensive than other options, and you’ll need to consider parking fees at Disney World.
• Private Vehicle Services : Companies like Quicksilver Tours and Happy Limos offer private car services, which can be luxurious and convenient but are typically more expensive than other options.

Travel Times

The travel time from Orlando Airport to Disney World can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose:

• Car rental: The drive takes about 20-31 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft): The journey takes around 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Private car services: Travel time is typically 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Shuttle services (Mears Connect, Sunshine Flyer): The trip can take up to 85 minutes, depending on the number of stops and transfers.
• Public transportation (bus): The bus ride can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the route and transfers.

Peak Hours and Seasons

The time of day can affect the travel time from Orlando Airport to Disney World. During peak hours, traffic and other factors can increase the travel time. It is recommended to allow for extra time when planning your trip during peak hours to account for any potential delays.

Peak seasons can also affect travel times. The most popular times to visit Disney World are during school holidays and summer vacation. During these times, you can expect higher crowds and potentially longer travel times.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

To ensure a smooth and timely journey from Orlando Airport to Disney World, consider the following tips:

• Plan your transportation in advance.
• Allocate extra time for your journey to account for any unforeseen delays.
• Consider your budget, comfort level, and group size when choosing a transportation option.
• Keep in mind that travel times may vary depending on traffic and other factors.

Now that you know how long it takes to get from Orlando Airport to Disney World and the different transportation options available, you can plan your trip accordingly. Remember to consider factors such as your budget, comfort level, and group size when choosing a transportation option. Happy traveling!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a rideshare service from orlando airport to disney world.

The cost of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can vary based on factors like time of day, demand, and the specific location within Disney World to which you’re traveling. On average, you can expect to pay between $25 and $40 for a one-way trip.

Are there any free shuttle services from Orlando Airport to Disney World?

As of January 1, 2022, Disney’s Magical Express, a complimentary shuttle service that used to transport guests from Orlando Airport to Disney World, has been discontinued. The new options are Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer, which are paid services.

Is there a direct public bus from Orlando Airport to Disney World?

There isn’t a direct public bus from Orlando Airport to Disney World. You would need to make a transfer to reach the resort. The journey can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the route and transfers.

Where can I rent a car at Orlando Airport for my trip to Disney World?

Orlando Airport has several car rental companies located on both the A-Side and B-Side of the Terminal on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1). Companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

Can I use public transportation to travel from Orlando Airport to Disney World late at night?

While public transportation is available from Orlando Airport, service times can vary and may not be available late at night. It’s recommended to check the schedule of the Lynx bus service in advance or consider other transportation options like taxis, rideshares, or shuttle services for late-night travel.

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Ashley is a true theme park veteran, with insights gleaned from multiple visits to every park in the US. Her goal is to provide an insider's guide to making the most of your visit to any theme park.

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How to get from the Orlando airport to Disney World (w/ prices)

By: Author Heather Thomas

Posted on Published: January 5, 2022  - Last updated: January 25, 2024

If you plan to fly to Orlando on your next Disney World vacation, you’ll have to figure out how to get from the Orlando International Airport to your Disney World resort.

To help with that, we’ve put together a handy comparison with your best options, including costs and info on car seats, tipping , and luggage handling.

Let’s take a look at the different ways you’ll have to get from the Orlando airport to Disney World …

(FYI: meet-and-greet service means the driver meets you at the baggage claim area and offers assistance with your bags. Prices listed below reflect the average cost to go from MCO to WDW-area resorts. As with many posts on this site, some links below provide a commission if booked through this site.)

In this article

Chart: Comparing Orlando Airport Pickup Options

We go into a lot more detail on each of your options down below, but we know it is easier to understand the big picture when you can see your options side-by-side.

Here’s how your top choices for getting from the Orlando International Airport stack up against each other.

Open PDF version

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine

A pay-to-use replacement for Magical Express.

On August 1, 2023, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer merged into Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine doesn’t have train-themed transportation like The Sunshine Flyer once did, but does offer 2 different levels of 24-hour service: a Standard shared service that utilizes buses or vans and will operate much like Magical Express, and a premium Express option that provides direct service with limited to no wait.

• Price ( Standard Service) One Way – $20.90/adult and $13.80/child (ages 3-9) Round Trip – $39.90/adult and $28.35 per child (ages 3-9)
• Price ( Express/Premium Service) Round Trip – $250 (up to 4 passengers); $55 each additional passenger
• Other fees: None
• Tipping: $1-2/bag if you take your own luggage onto the bus

• Car seats: Not needed on motor coaches however there is no guarantee that you will be on a motor coach. Some transfers may occur in a van and car seats are not provided or required. If you want to guarantee a car seat, you will need to bring your own (if you bring your own and are placed on a motor coach, they’ll stow it in the storage compartment during the ride)
• Meet-and-greet service: Not available
• Grocery stops: Not available, though you can get groceries other ways
• Luggage handling: Not available
• Transport time (Standard): up to 2-3 hours from the time you land to the time you get to your resort, depending on lines at the airport, when the bus leaves, and when you get dropped off (buses go to multiple resorts)
• Transport time (Express): 45-90 minutes from when you land to the time you get to your resort, depending on lines at the airport and how long luggage takes.
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine operates between all of Walt Disney World, plus select other resorts (check their website for current resorts being serviced)
• More info: get additional details on how Mears Connect works and be sure to also check out our review of the service

No reservation required and easy to find at the airport.

• Price: ~$70 (one way)
• Tipping: $1-2/bag if the driver helps you load and unload your bags
• Tipping: 15-20% is typical
• Car seats: Available by request
• Grocery stops: As requested, but you’ll pay as the driver waits
• Luggage handling: You’ll handle your own bags
• Transport time: Direct, so transport time is as minimal as possible
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: Just about anywhere. If your pickup spot isn’t an area where taxis line up, you can call or use the app to request pickup.
• More info: Mears taxi info

Both of these rideshare services can pick up at the Orlando International Airport. This is one of our three preferred methods for transportation from the airport.

• Price: ~$35-$140, depending on the type of service you choose
• Car seats: Available with some levels of Uber including UberX, Uber Black, and UberXL
• Grocery stops: As requested, but you’ll pay as the driver waits (or you can have the car leave and request another Uber when you’re finished shopping)
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: Just about anywhere in Central Florida, including the coasts (though that would be expensive and there are probably better options for that)
• More info: Learn more about how rideshare services works at Disney World

Another one of our other preferred method of airport transportation right now is by rental car.

The lowest level of Orlando International Airport has rental car desks, and there are even more companies just outside of the airport that are accessible by shuttle.

• Price: Varies by trip length, often $150-300/week for standard size car
• Other fees: Tolls, gas, $25/day parking at WDW parks for people who aren’t Annual Passholders or staying onsite, and  $15-$25 at Disney World resorts for guests staying onsite
• Tipping: None
• Car seats: Varies by company, but often $10/day to rent
• Grocery stops: Obviously available if you’d like
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: Obviously if you have your own car, you can go wherever you’d like. If you want to pickup or drop off a rental car in the middle of your trip, you can do so onsite at Disney World. See this chart for locations.
• More info: See our tips on Renting a Car at Disney World

Quicksilver Tours & Transportation

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. They are our recommended and preferred private car service.

Here’s what they typically charge and offer.

Price: ~$120 one way and ~$230 roundtrip Other fees: No hidden fees, which we love Tipping: 20% is suggested

• Car seats: Booster and car seats included at no additional charge
• Meet-and-greet service: included in cost of service
• Grocery stops: 30 minute grocery stop included for free, just make sure to request this ahead of time to guarantee your driver will have time to stop
• Luggage handling: Included
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: several options available, contact directly if you do not see desired location on list of rates
• More Info: Reservation request form

Private car service

There are many private car service companies available to go from the Orlando airport to Disney World.

• Price: Starting at ~$90+
• Other fees: Some charge $10 for arrivals after 11 p.m., $10 for international arrivals, $3 fuel surcharge, etc. 
• Tipping: 20% is suggested
• Car seats: Some free, some up to $7-10 per seat
• Meet-and-greet service: Some companies charge for this service, others provide it for free
• Grocery stops: Most include a 15-20 minute stop for free
• Luggage handling: The ones that provide meet-and-greet service will usually assist you in getting your bags
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: most will pickup at resorts and theme parks as well, but many include extra fees

VIDEO: 6 ways to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney World

Minnie Vans (not currently available for everyone)

Although Minnie Vans used to be able to transport you to and from the airport, that service is not currently available — except for guests staying Club Level at a Walt Disney World Resort.

Currently, the service can be used from 6 a.m. until midnight.

Space for luggage is limited, and the vehicles can only accommodate about 6 medium-sized bags.

Bookings can be made 60 days before your check-in date by contacting Disney Signature Services, which is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You can call (407) 939-7777 or  email  Disney Signature Services but note that you must have a Club Level Reservation to book.

We do, however, expect this service to return sometime in the future for all guests.

• Price: $199 one-way and $398 round-trip
• Car seats: 2 convertible car seats are provided
• Grocery stops: Not provided
• Luggage handling: Driver will help you load your bags
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: Minnie Vans operate between all of Walt Disney World, plus select other resorts (check their website for current resorts being serviced)
• More Info: Check out our Complete Guide to Minnie Vans

Is Magical Express still available? (ended January 1, 2022)

Unfortunately, it isn’t. Magical Express (which was the only free shuttle service available to onsite Walt Disney World Guests) ended on January 1, 2022.

Fans of this transportation option were very sad to see it go because not only was it free, but it also provided a luggage service that transported your bags from the airport to your room – without you having to pick them up at the airport. You could simply step off the plane and get on the Magical Express bus to be shuttled to the Disney bubble.

When the parks reopened in 2020 Magical Express returned, but without the luggage service and although losing that complimentary add-on made it slightly convenient, at least the service itself was still free.

But, then on January 11, 2021, Disney shocked the entire fandom by announcing the end to Magical Express.

In its place, Mears Transportation (the company that ran Magical Express for Disney) has started their own service called “ Mears Connect “.

Historical Magical Express Information

Although this service is no longer around, we are keeping the Magical Express information below available for reference purposes only.

• Historical Magical Express Price: Free
• Tipping: $1-2/bag if you took your own luggage onto the bus
• Car seats: Car seats were not needed on Magical Express (if you brought your own, they’d stow it in the storage compartment during the ride)
• Luggage handling: Originally (pre-Covid shutdown), your luggage was picked up at the airport and delivered to your room as long as you used the yellow Magical Express tags provided by Disney. After Walt Disney World reopened, however, luggage service was suspended, and you had to pick it up yourself at the luggage carousel and carry it with you to the bus.
• Transport time: It could take up to 2-3 hours from the time you land to the time you get to your resort, depending on lines at the airport, when the bus left, and when you get dropped off (buses would go to multiple resorts)
• Other locations for pickup/dropoff: Magical Express only went between MCO and WDW resorts
• More historical info: get additional details on how Magical Express worked

What happened to The Sunshine Flyer?

The Sunshine Flyer provided direct, private transportation that brought guests directly from the Orlando International Airport to most Walt Disney World area resorts. You could book either one-way or round-trip reservations.

It was also known for its train-themed transportation, which no longer exists (even with Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine).

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine offers 2 different levels of 24-hour service: a Standard shared service that utilizes buses or vans and will operate much like Magical Express, and a premium Express option that provides direct service with limited to no wait.

Read more about the new service .

**************************

Have any thoughts or comments on getting from the Orlando airport to Disney World? Feel free to share in the comments .

Disney World Transportation Links

Want to learn more about Disney World buses, boats, monorail, and more?

Check out these handy posts for even more information on how to get around Walt Disney World.

• How to Navigate with Disney World Transportation
• How to Get Anywhere on Disney World Property (WDW Prep Navigator)
• Strollers on Disney World Transportation (Buses, Skyliner, Monorail, Boats)
• Complete Guide to the Disney Skyliner
• How Minnie Vans Work
• How to use Lyft or Uber at Walt Disney World
• Renting a Car at Walt Disney World
• Everything You Need to Know About Parking at Walt Disney World
• How Mears Connect (the Magical Express replacement) works
• Mears Connect review: Is the airport transportation service worth your time and money?

Thursday 12th of October 2023

Quicksilver is now much more expensive than what's listed here! $230 round trip for a sedan, which only has a booster seat option, no car seat. The cheapest option with a carseat is a van, which is $295 round trip. Plus the grocery stop is now only 20 minutes, and they do now have fees added for early or late pickup.

Wednesday 9th of June 2021

The Magical Express definitely should not be discontinued. As a party of 13 making plans to go to Disneyworld next year, the elimination of the Magical Express will add an additional $1000 plus just to get back and forth to the airport. I would like to know what other alternatives there are to reduce this expense to an already expensive vacation

Thursday 27th of May 2021

They shouldn't get rid of the Disney Magical Express bus because the Disney Magical Express bus makes it easy for families with children to get from the Orlando International airport to their Disney Resort. Everyone should sign a petition to keep the Disney Magical Express bus.

Thursday 3rd of December 2020

We used Orlando transportation by mike on our past 2 trips and liked them but our trip two weeks ago we arrived at mco and the driver was a no show...we waited and called but ended up having to take a cab and am still waiting for a refund . I have to now dispute the charge probably won’t use them again

Thursday 9th of May 2019

The more I read your posts the more I learn and make my trip easier! We are going to LEGOLAND first when we get to Orlando so we are renting a car. The original plan was to return the car to MCO and then hop on the Magical Express... after reading this post I've learned I can return my car rental right onsite at WDW (we are renting with Alamo) and save the time of going back to MCO and taking the ME! We will take ME at the end of our trip from WDW to MCO - so that's another tip I got from this article, that I can take it one way only! Thanks Shannon and team, you guys are amazing!

How to Get from the Airport to Walt Disney World

One of the most basic questions in planning a trip to Walt Disney World is: How do I get from Orlando International Airport to my Disney hotel. Here are your options. Last updated/republished March 25, 2024.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Flyer offers motorcoach services to Disney World. Mears has been running shuttles from MCO to WDW for decades. While Magical Express was a Disney brand name, the actual bus service was run by Mears. And prior to the inception of Magical Express, Mears ran the WDW hotel shuttle under their own name as a fee-based service for guests. Now Disney’s free Magical Express service is no longer offered, Mears is once again offering shuttle service. A merger with another service in late 2023 gave us the lengthy “driven by Sunshine Flyer” name.

This is a shared ride in a motorcoach that may make a few stops at other hotels, and you may wait up to 20 minutes for your ride to depart from the airport. Rides may be reserved either one-way or round-trip. Each leg costs $16 for adults or $13.50 for children.

The Express Service is much like a town car service. Your party is transported in a dedicated vehicle; it’s just you and the driver. The round trip price is $250 for up to four passengers, with additional passengers transported at $55 each, round trip. Mears advertises that it will not implement surge pricing during high-demand transportation windows.

There are pros and cons to each version related to cost, time commitment, interaction with other guests (important to some in the COVID era), need for car seats, and so on.

Both the standard and express services have options for handicapped guests.

There are a number of rental car options from MCO. Rental agencies located at the airport itself include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. These services have cars that you pick up directly at the airport terminal.

Additionally, there are a few dozen vehicle rental agencies that keep their cars off-site, accessible via a shuttle service from the airport. Among these are Florida Van Rentals, Action Car Rental, Inbocars, Fox Rent A Car, and GreenMotion Car Rental.

Choosing the right rental agent for your needs will involve an assessment of price, loyalty programs/points options, party size, type of vehicle required, and so on. You should also consider whether you will be subject to parking fees at your Disney hotel. Note: Disney Vacation Club members may not be subject to the same fees as other guests.

Another significant factor in the decision to rent a car will be your overall vacation plans. Your decision might be very different if you’re just visiting Walt Disney World during your trip or if you’re planning to go to other area attractions, to the beach, or to travel to other parts of Florida.

Arrange for a Town Car or Limo Service

Town Car and Limo services typically pick you up directly at the airport. Depending on the service you can customize your pick-up by choosing a type of vehicle, need for car seats, party size, amenities like snacks and water, and interim stops on the way to your hotel (at a grocery store, for example). There are dozens of Town Car services that work in central Florida. Popular options include Happy Limo and Quicksilver.

Take a Ride Share Service

Lyft is the preferred ride share service for Disney World, but Uber works just as well. Just download the app/s to get started. It never hurts to compare prices and availability between the two.

Ride share use is second nature to some folks, but if you want to guarantee that you’ll have wheelchair accommodation or car seats, a shuttle service (Magical Express or Mears Connect) or a reserved limo may give you more peace of mind.

In addition to using Lyft or Uber to get to/from the airport to your hotel, many guests also use these services to travel from their hotel to the theme parks or to other resorts . Disney’s transportation system of buses, boats, monorails, and the Skyliner does serve these routes at no charge; however, Disney’s free options may not always be the fastest option.

Take a Minnie Van

If you’re staying Club Level at Disney World, you have the option to arrange a Minnie Van in advance. The price is $199 one-way, and you’ll need to work with Signature Services to book. Minnie Vans are more expensive than a regular Lyft, but many who choose to use them like that they are a Disney product. You know the drivers are vetted by Disney, you know they’ll show up with carseats, and you’re confident that the experience will go smoothly.

Take a Taxi

Good old yellow cabs are still an option. If you’re at the airport and want a cab, just go to the Ground Transportation Level and look for the taxi line. You’ll be boarded in the next available vehicle.

From your hotel, ask the bell services desk to call you a cab.

Many of the taxis in the Orlando area are operated by Mears , the same folks that run Magical Express and its replacement. Give them a call at 407-422-2222 if you have questions.

(Don’t) Take the Train

Someday guests may be able to take a train from MCO to WDW, but that day is not today.

Brightline was planning to build a passenger rail line from Orlando International to a station to be built somewhere at Disney World (likely Disney Springs). Unfortunately, that project has been canceled. It’s unknown if any Orlando Brightline stations that are built in the future would be close enough to Disney World to make the train a reasonable option.

For most of these options, you’ll want to take a look at the Mousesavers.com Transportation Discount page , which is a great resource for codes and tips on how to save money on transportation to Walt Disney World.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

10 thoughts on “ How to Get from the Airport to Walt Disney World ”

i read your blog and this blog contain useful information. Thank you for sharing Westchester County Limo – New York, US

Very helpful! Is there a piece like this on touring plans for how to get to a Disney cruise from MCO. I tried to look but may have missed it. I did get a subscription to the Touringplans cruise information but missed anything about pre-or post trip transportation or lodging

Hi Kathleen – does this page help? https://touringplans.com/disney-cruise-line/planning/transportation

What options are going to be available for families with babies who need car seats? Mears Connect FAQ says they won’t have them, but a bus is not guaranteed. What options are there for us?!

Any suggestions on cheaper ways to get to Disney resorts from airport with a family of 6? $300 is ridiculous.. Thanks in advance

@Precious, the Mears Connect bus service is $16 each way per adult and $13.50 each way per child. So, a family of two adults and four children would be $86 to get to WDW from Orlando International via that method.

It’s possible that you might be able to find an Uber XL (or two regular Ubers) for that price or a bit less, but it would depend on the time of your arrival and the weather.

we have a trip arriving 12/30/21 but leaving 1/10/22, we can only use ME from the airport correct? Our ride back to the airport must be using another option?

Can you pre-book a Uber or Lyft? Thanks!

@april Good news.

You can pre-book an Uber from MCO up to 30 days in advance https://www.uber.com/global/en/airports/mco/

You can pre-book an Lyft from MCO up to 7 days in advance https://www.lyft.com/rider/airports/mco

Suggestion — tag this post with “transportation” so it comes up if someone clicks that tag on the more recent disneyLAND post, and expects to quickly find WDW transportation info? Thanks.

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Getting to Walt Disney World from Orlando Airport

Getting to and from Orlando airport

There are lots of different transportation options from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney Resort hotels including car rental, Lyft, Uber and Orlando Airport Shuttle.

Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of having a rental car during your stay. Choose from a wide variety of cars from Alamo , the Official Rent A Car of Walt Disney World Resort.

Download the Lyft app and get a ride from a friendly driver within minutes. Lyft has a variety of modes to fit your travel needs, from standard cars to SUVs.

Download the Uber app and request a ride from your pickup location. There are different levels to Uber to suit your travel needs including UberX, UberXL, UberSelect and UberFamily.

Orlando Airport Shuttle

The airport shuttle service is an economical transportation option that connects you from the airport to your Disney Resort hotel.

Getting around Walt Disney World

Guests can explore Walt Disney World Resort at ease, thanks to complimentary transportation between selected Resort hotels and the Parks.

There is a wide array of complimentary transportation options including:

Bus Transportation

Guests can take in the sights as they take advantage of complimentary bus service to and from all 4 theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and Disney Springs.

Water Transportation

Guests can enjoy complimentary boat service to and from Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Monorail Transportation

Guests can soar high in the sky aboard the world-famous monorail which stops at Magic Kingdom Park, Transportation and Ticket Center and select Disney Resort hotels.

Disney Skyliner Transportation

Guests can glide across the sky on a grand, state-of-the-art gondola system, conveniently connecting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot to select Disney Resort hotels.

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The driving time from Disney World to Orlando International Airport is:

Average driving speed: 47.6 mph Kilometers per hour: 76.6 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

• Lake Buena Vista to Orlando drive
• road conditions from Lake Buena Vista to Orlando
• flattest route from Lake Buena Vista to Orlando

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Map of driving directions from Disney World to MCO

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest .

More trip calculations

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Driving time from Disney World to MCO

How long is the drive from Disney World to MCO? The total driving time is 31 minutes .

Your trip begins in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It ends at Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Disney World to MCO .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Disney World to MCO based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Disney World and MCO .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Disney World to MCO.

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Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

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How to Find Cheap Flights to Disney World (7 Pro Tips for Flying to Disney)

Do you know how to find cheap flights to Disney World?

Well, you’re in the right place!

When people ask me about planning their vacation to Walt Disney World, the first two things I recommend is for them to take care of their hotel and flights first.

Flying to experience all the wonder and magic Orlando has to offer doesn’t have to break the bank.

There are many ways to find cheap flights to Disney World, but the number one way is to have a strategy.

I know that when I’m looking for flights from and to Orlando, I want the cheapest option available.

The airlines know this and are always competing with each other to get your booking.

Many websites offer last minute, cheap flights to places throughout Florida, but I want to show you how you can book a flight on any budget to Walt Disney World the right way.

But first let’s go through a few things you need to know for your trip.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

How much does it cost to fly to Disney World?

This is a common question that I am asked about A LOT!

Although I can not give you an exact cost because of the endless variables I can give you an industry average for direct flights to Orlando.

The typical Disney Florida flights average around $185 round trip per person domestically.

What is the cheapest way to fly to Orlando?

Flights to Orlando can be really cheap or super expensive depending on when and from which company you purchase your ticket.

The best way to get a cheap flight ticket to Disney World is to book your tickets within 3 months before your departure date. I’ll breakdown all the specifics in the tips section of this article.

Southwest Flights to Orlando

Southwest Airlines is one of the most budget friendly airlines you will find. They are able to give you a cheaper way to fly to Orlando because of their boarding process.

Seats are not assigned on Southwest flights.

When you check in, you are assigned a boarding group and position. Both the boarding group and position will let you know when you’ll be able to board the plane.

Group A goes first, followed by Group B and Group C.

Having this business model allows for Southwest to be one of the low-cost airlines who are good at giving last minute cheap flights to Disney World on sites like Expedia.

Find Cheap Last Minute Flight Deals with CheapOAir TODAY!

Delta Flights to Orlando

Delta airlines is a company everyone recognizes. The advantage of Delta is that you’ll be able to use them for international flights if you are coming to Walt Disney World from another country.

Delta flights to Disney World can be reasonably priced if you purchase them within the 3 to 6-month time-frame of your trip.

There are times when you can find travel deals with Delta just in time for your vacation on sites like CheapOAir.

7 Tips for Flying to Disney World

Now that we have all the basics covered, let’s go through the best tips for getting cheap flights to Disney World in Orlando.

1. Book on Tuesday for Flights to Disney World

During my research, there has been a consensus that the cheapest day to buy a flight to Orlando is on a Tuesday around 3 p.m.

Why Tuesday?

Airlines usually have a sale on Monday nights, prompting other airlines to follow by Tuesday.

Usually the other airlines will have price matching incentives or have cheaper flights to get you to buy from them.

You’ll save about $11 per ticket, which may not be a huge deal to you, but I’m always happy to save money when booking a flight anywhere.

Tuesdays also give you a variety of airfare selections , allowing you to find the best flight deals to Disney World.

Now go set your reminder for Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time!

2. Choose the Cheapest Day to Fly In and Out of Orlando

I know most Florida theme park visitors would probably prefer to land in Orlando on a Friday, but if possible, I always recommend coming mid-week.

Wednesdays are the best days to fly into Orlando for your Disney trip.

Not only can you save around $40, Wednesdays are slow days at all of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

So, you could fly into the Orlando International Airport early Wednesday morning and by lunchtime you’ll be screaming your head off on Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom .

On the contrary, Sundays are the worst days to fly out of Orlando , because it’s one of the most expensive days with Fridays coming in at close second.

Fridays are bad days to depart Orlando because the airport is a madhouse with business travelers leaving after a conference and families arriving to start their theme park vacation.

I recommend trying to book a return flight home on a Tuesday.

Tuesdays are usually less hectic, plus you will save about $40 on your flight ticket if you choose that return day.

Cheap Flying Days in the U.S.A:

Cheap flying days for international travel:, expensive flying days in the u.s.a..

Flight + Hotel Packages under $499 Per Person. Book now at Expedia.com TODAY!

3. Purchase Your Airline Tickets One at a Time

I know this may sound a bit strange and a lot of work, but if you can, try to buy you Orlando flight tickets one at a time.

When booking your flight, you have to go through the airline reservation system . This system is setup where there is a single seat available at the cheapest price.

But, you’ll most likely be looking for more than one ticket to fly into the Disney area.

Once you put in two or more tickets, the airline system will automatically increase your order to the next highest pricing tier.

This means that the two tickets will now be the same higher price.

Here’s an Example

Let’s say you’re going to purchase two tickets for your Orlando flight. The airline may have one ticket for $165 with the others at $185 . This means you will end up spending $185 for each ticket to Orlando. If you book the two flights one-at-a-time, you will pay $165 for each of your tickets. The downside to this option is that you may not be seated next to anyone in your party, so that’s a risk you’ll have to think about.

4. Know the Cheapest Month to Fly to Orlando

On a previous article I went over the best days to visit Orlando as far as the crowd level, but if you want to save money on your Disney trip than maybe August might work for you .

Mid to late August is when most of the local schools start back up again, so you’ll be delighted to enjoy the moderate crowd level at the parks.

August is also usually one of the hottest months to visit Florida (temperatures reaching well over 90 degrees), so saving around $20 in airfare may not be worth it at all to you.

January, February, and November are still the best months to visit any of the theme parks in Florida. Especially, Walt Disney World.

If you can deal with the heat, then make sure you enjoy one of the many water parks offered in Orlando.

WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!

5. Use Flight Booking Sites to Compare Airline Prices

When shopping for anything, you never want to go with the first one you see. You always want to shop around and compare prices.

This is a must do tip when finding the cheapest flights to Orlando, Florida.

Websites such as, Expedia and CheapOair , will have cost comparisons of the airlines and vacation packages if you want to book everything in one place.

6. Know When it’s Too Early or Too Late to Book Your Flight

I have been guilty of waiting to the very last minute to book my flights in the past. Sometimes it worked out for me and other times I paid dearly for that procrastination.

So, I don’t want this to happen to you, but I don’t want you to shop too early either.

If you buy your airline ticket too early , you may lose out on some deals and discounts offered by the online retailers.

Start looking for Orlando flights early, but don’t book until 25 to 30 days out if possible. Flight tickets to Orlando can be $200 cheaper if booked in advance, but a lot more expensive if book less than 10 days out.

If you’re traveling from another country , then I recommend booking a flight once it’s in your budget.

I’d hate to have you miss the opportunity to get a flight book, just to save a few dollars.

Hipster Power Tips for Booking Your Cheap Flight to Disney World:

• Cheapest seats for domestic routes are 3 months before your departure date
• Best shopping window is 3 months to 30 days before your departure date
• The best shopping window for International travel is 6 months to 2 months before your departure date
• Book your flight at least two months in advance for times around the most popular holidays

Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the  Disney World Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

7. Signup for Email Alerts

Make sure that you always subscribe to the email list or download the app of your favorite online flight booking site such as CheapOair.

This way you can stay on top of finding cheap flights to Disney World once they are posted.

They usually send daily to weekly emails on some of the best flight deals. If you’re doing your research ahead of time, then you may just luck up and grab that epic cheap airline ticket to Orlando.

Get Roundtrip Fares UNDER $199 and Save up to $32 off your Fees on Flights Using Coupon Code RT32!

How can I get to Disney World for cheap?

You can save money by budgeting for your Walt Disney World vacation in so many ways.

Don’t stress yourself about breaking the bank for a chance at experiencing the famous mouse.

1. Shop Around

Remember that hotels are  less expensive off-site . If you do stay on site you will get special perks such as free transportation within the property which can save on car rental or rideshares.

2. Book a Vacation Package with Your Tickets

Through the  authorize vacation sellers , you will be able to get a significant discount on your  Walt Disney World vacation package . 

Your theme park tickets will also get scooped up in that whole package price.

Who to use for your Disney World vacation package?

Planning an epic trip to Disney World can be stressful, but a cure for the stress is using an authorized Disney Planner or Travel Agent.

A Disney travel agent is a specialist in all things Disney. They stay up to date on all the upcoming attractions and customize your itinerary based on all the interests of you and your family.

Many agents even attend a special Disney “college” to make sure they know the best way to put your package together.

Why I recommend Disney Travel Agents

Most travel agencies do not charge you to plan your vacation.  Disney covers all agent fees themselves.

So, whether you book through them or do it yourself, there’s no extra cost for the service!

They can also help you find cheap flights to Disney World and stay on top of the latest Orlando theme park deals.

A thorough conversation with your agent is usually all you’ll need to completely customize your vacation. 

If you’re traveling with family, just let your agent know, and they’ll be sure to include family-friendly events.

The reason I prefer  authorized planners  is because they are an earmarked agency with Disney. This means Disney recognizes them as an official agency.

As Laura explains in  episode 27   of my  ThemeParkHipster podcast , this also means Disney is more likely to honor special requests from them because of their legitimacy.

For a free service, I think that’s pretty cool.

Recommended: 5 Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts to Stay at Right Now

3. Stay at an All-suite Hotel with an In-room Kitchen

This is important because it gives you the chance to save on your  dining budget .  

You can go grocery shopping and based on the planned-out meals, you do breakfast and dinner at your  hotel or vacation rental  and do a lunch at one of the parks.

Just have it all mapped out. It will cut your dining budget in half.

What are the best Disney resorts for Solo Travelers?

• Swan and Dolphin Resort
• Encore Resort  (perfect if you’re meeting family or friends later)
• Disney Wilderness Lodge Resort
• POP Century Resort
• Holiday Inn Express

Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!

4. Purchase the Multi-day Park Pass

Get  cheap Disney World tickets  that are one or two days short of your total vacation length. If you will be at Disney for four days, maybe book only two days to go to a park.

On the first day in Orlando you may be tired or jet-lagged.   Use that day to explore Disney Springs or discover your resort.

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

5. Book Vacation During the Off-season

Be sure to use  Disney crowd calendars  to help you determine the best season to book your Disney vacation. I recommend early November or mid-January.

You will be able to maximize your days and really enjoy the whole property offered by Walt Disney World.

Read more money-saving tips for Walt Disney World here!

What to Know Before You Fly Into Orlando, Florida

Let me give you a few things to remember before flying to Disney World.

Where do you fly into for Disney World?

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 20 miles from Walt Disney World – the closest with Disney’s Magical Express offered
• Sanford International Airport (SFB) about 44 miles from Walt Disney World
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) about 70 miles from Walt Disney World – the farthest, but may come out cheaper especially if you’re already going to rent a car

What are airport procedures for first time flyers?

• Check into your flight a day before your departure using the airline app
• Make sure your phone is fully charged the day of your flight since you’ll be using it as your boarding pass
• Arrive to the airport at least 1.5 hours early (I’m paranoid so sometimes I get there 2 hours early which my friends hate, lol)
• Check your luggage if applicable (this is where you go to your airline’s counter and have them label and take your bag…I prefer packing light so that I can have a carryon bag to bypass this step)
• Have your government issued I.D. available along with your boarding pass
• Head to airport security
• Be sure not to have any of the prohibited items in your carryon or personal bag
• You’ll be required to remove your shoes, coat, belt, and jacket
• Grab your things on the other side of the security check point
• Find your airline gate and head that way
• If you have time, grab a snack at one of the eateries
• Be sure to be back at your gate 35 to 40 minutes before departure
• Listen for your boarding group number
• Board the plane and find your seat
• Enjoy the plane ride
• Once you arrive at Orlando airport, head to baggage claim to grab your luggage
• Get on your designated transportation of choice
• Check into your hotel near Disney

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the  latest podcast episode on Apple  or on your  non-Apple  device now!

My Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Flights to Disney World

Overall, do your own research. Remember not to jump in right way and purchase your flight tickets to Orlando too quickly, but definitely don’t wait until the last minute.

I love using CheapOair because you not only get the cheapest flights to and from Orlando, they also give great details on the particular flight you will board.

Information such as length of flight, specific airline policies, passenger ratings, and so much more.

What’s your number one way of finding inexpensive airline tickets to Orlando? Let me know in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: Spring of 2019/Updated by Editor on June 16, 2024)

The post How to Find Cheap Flights to Disney World (7 Pro Tips for Flying to Disney) appeared first on ThemeParkHipster .

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Why visit Orlando?

Orlando is somewhat synonymous with theme parks, but downtown Orlando has a rich variety of attractions and cultural institutions to offer. There are interesting theaters, music clubs, museums, parks and shopping outlets to add more diversity to your Orlando vacation. Book your flights to Orlando with United and prepare for a fun-filled adventure.

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Things to do after your flight to Orlando (MCO)

A popular family destination, Orlando is famous for its abundance of fun theme parks and beaches. With museums, parks and diverse activities, there’s something to keep everyone happy.

Orlando’s top attractions

• Meet your favorite Disney characters, have fun on the rides and watch shows at Disney World.
• Enter the world of movies at Universal Orlando Resort.
• Be amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
• Get splashed and cool down at SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica.
• Relax on nearby beaches, including Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach.
• Play a round of golf on one of the area’s many courses, such as Shingle Creek, Champions Gate and Grande Vista.
• Shop at Orlando Premium Outlets, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores or The Florida Mall.

Best time to travel to Orlando

While summer sees the most visitors to Orlando, spring is when you’ll find the best deals on accommodations while enjoying the pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Popular festivals include fall’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as The Orlando Fringe, held in summer. Experience Orlando or one of United's many other Florida destinations when you book today.

Find your vacation package to Orlando with United Vacations.

Find more flights to Orlando (MCO) with United

The peak tourist seasons in Orlando generally tie in with school vacations, with the busiest times being spring break (March to April), summer break (June to August) and winter break (December to January). If you can avoid these periods, you’ll find fewer crowds and better discounts on accommodations. While the Florida weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, some visitors can find the heat and humidity of the summer months to be too intense. Weather wise, the best time to visit Orlando is between January and April when the temperatures are cooler and humidity levels are lower.

Start planning your memorable vacation and book your flights to Orlando with United today. Popular festivals include fall’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as The Orlando Fringe, held in summer.

Experience Orlando or one of United's many other   Florida destinations   when you book today. Find your vacation package to   Orlando   with United Vacations.

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Experience Grande Lakes Water Park, featuring three thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, restful lagoons, and luxury cabanas. Try the challenging 18-hole golf course designed by PGA legend, Greg Norman. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is centrally located between all of the attractions in Orlando and only 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport. At the end of an adventure-filled day, stretch out in modern accommodations with sweeping views of the resort. Delight in nature or challenge yourself with several activities to choose from at the resort including Grande Lakes Sports Mountain Bike Trail, Falconry, Kayak Eco Tour, Fishing, and Sunrise Safari. Resort guests easily have access to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes where you can find MICHELIN Star dining, the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa, a tranquil resort pool, and a calming Solaire Pool.

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A Popular Budget Airline Is Adding a NEW Nonstop Flight to Disney World!

There are a lot of things to consider when planning a trip to Disney World .

You’ll need to know how much you’re willing to spend , how long you’re staying , what kind of park tickets you want to purchase, and where you want to stay . You’ll also have to figure out HOW to get to Disney World, and for many of us, the answer to that is by flying into Orlando International Airport. The airport adds new nonstop flights all the time, and now ANOTHER new nonstop flight will be added soon.

According to The Orlando Business Journal , JetBlue will be offering service to Orlando International Airport from New York’s Long Island MacArthur Airport for the first time ever. The airline will also be flying nonstop from Long Island to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport.

The new service to Orlando will begin on October 24th once per day, while Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach will have service four times a week. Only two other airlines fly nonstop to Orlando from the Long Island Airport: Frontier and Southwest.

In 2023, JetBlue was the sixth-biggest airline at Orlando International Airport, flying more than 5.51 million passengers.

Of course, once you get to Orlando International Airport, you’ll still have to figure out how to get to and from Disney World. You have several options available, including renting a car and taking a rideshare . Many Disney World visitors use a shared shuttle service like Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine . You’ll have to do the math and figure out which service is the most economical for your group and their needs.

While you’re at Disney World, though, you’ll have access to a variety of free transportation options to travel to and from the parks and Disney Springs, including Disney buses , the Disney Skyliner , the Monorail , and boats . Did we mention that this transportation is 100% free? We encourage everyone to take advantage of this Disney World perk.

We keep an eye out for new nonstop flights to Disney World, so be sure to check back with AllEars again soon for more.

7 NEW Tips for Flying Through the Orlando Airport in 2024

Join the allears.net newsletter  to stay on top of all the breaking disney news you'll also get access to allears tips, reviews, trivia, and more click here to subscribe.

Do you fly into Orlando International Airport when visiting Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

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Florida welcomes new food chains: What's recently opened & what's coming soon

Central florida eats: tom's watch bar.

FOX 35's David Martin heads to Orlando, Florida to check out Tom's Watch Bar, the brand new two-story sports bar, restaurant and gaming facility. The restaurant is also unique as it features a 360-degree viewing experience and world-class rooftop views. David got the chance to try out their signature drinks, appetizers, entrées and desserts, as well as get a taste of the dining experience.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A slew of new nationwide and regional chain restaurants and fast food joints have announced their foray into Florida recently. Some eateries are even expanding their footprint in the area with the announcement of new locations. 

That includes Chicago-based Portillo's, the South's late-night staple Cook Out, and Jack in the Box, headquartered in California. 

Red Lobster's bankruptcy threatens closures in major Florida cities like Orlando, Tampa & Miami

Here's a look at what restaurants are looking to come to Orlando and Florida soon, and some that have recently opened:

Raising Cane's

There are three Raising Cane's locations currently open in the Orlando area, with a couple more on the way. 

Here's a look at the locations now open:

• Orlando: 7105 Palm Parkway
• Orlando: 12040 Pioneers Way
• Kissimmee: 8170 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

The City of Daytona Beach confirmed back in February that a new location would open on International Speedway Boulevard . The popular chicken finger restaurant also confirmed to FOX 35 that two more locations , in Winter Park and Altamonte Springs, are also in the works. 

Additionally, another location near the University of Central Florida is also on the books . It'll take over Del Taco on Collegiate Way, just across the street from UCF's main campus. 

Here's where they are and when they're expected to open:

• UCF: 12025 Collegiate Way (construction is slated to begin in December 2024 with a restaurant opening planned before the end of 2025)
• Daytona Beach: 2451 International Speedway Blvd. (scheduled to open late summer/early fall 2024)
• Altamonte Springs: 766 East Altamonte Drive (scheduled to open late fall 2024)
• Winter Park: South Semoran Boulevard and Scarlet Road (scheduled to open fall 2024)

Photo: Raising Cane's

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box announced back in February that it would bring 10 locations to Orlando. Earlier in June, the fast food chain known for its late-night burgers and curly fries revealed it's planning to open 10 more locations in the area. That's 20 locations coming to Orlando . 

It remains unclear at this time where these locations will be, or when they plan to open. 

Jack in the box road sign, Buellton, California (Photo: Geri Lavrov/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Portillo's announced on June 18 that it plans to open its seventh location in Florida and third in the Orlando area by the end of the year. This new location will be in the Waterford Lakes Town Center just south of UCF's main campus in Orlando. 

The Chicago-based chain has been on a roll in recent months, expanding its footprint in Florida. Here's a look at the six locations currently open:

• Brandon: 1748 W Brandon Blvd.
• Clermont: 1251 East Highway 50
• Kissimmee: 8041 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
• Orlando: 7715 Palm Parkway
• St. Petersburg: 2302 Tyrone Blvd. N
• Tampa: 2102 E Fowler Ave.

FOX 35 previously reported back in September that the chain got the green light to build another location in Lady Lake along US-27/441. No other details about this location have been announced. 

Photo: Portillo's

Cook Out, a late-night fast food chain known for its extensive menu that includes burgers, hot dogs, BBQ and milkshakes, has recently purchased two properties in the Tampa area . This would mark the North Carolina-based chain's first locations in Florida. 

According to Hillsborough County property records, Cook Out has purchased two deeds in the Tampa area at the following locations:

• 5501 E. Fowler Avenue, Temple Terrace
• 16215 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Cook Out has not listed these two Florida locations under the "coming soon" tab on its website. It remains unclear at this time when these locations would open. 

Photo: Dani Medina

California-based Fatburger opened its first Central Florida location in Celebration in February . This marks Fatburger's second location in Florida; the first opened in Riverview, near Tampa. 

Photo by Moses Robinson/WireImage

Buc-ee's currently has two locations now open in Florida – in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. 

The travel center giant confirmed to FOX 35 earlier this month that another location in Ocala is closer to opening. The 74,000-square-foot location , which is one of the largest store models outside the state of Texas, will soon be constructed just off the Interstate 75 and NW 49th Street interchange. 

A spokesperson for Buc-ee's said that construction typically takes about 16 months from groundbreaking to construct a travel center location. That means this Buc-ee's in Ocala could open as early as mid-2026 using this timeline. 

Additionally, another location in St. Lucie County is in the works. The company officially submitted a site plan to the county in February for a location at the southeast corner of Indrio Road and Interstate 95 in Fort Pierce. The proposal has not yet been approved. 

LULING, TEXAS - JUNE 12: The Buc-ee's convenience store is seen on June 12, 2024 in Luling, Texas. The Texas-based convenience store and gas stop, Buc-ee's has become the world's largest convenience store with over 100 gas pumps and a 75,000 square f

Wawa Drive-Thru

Wawa opened Florida's first-ever standalone drive-thru location in Largo in June. It's located at 2530 E. Bay Drive in Largo, which is about 5 miles southeast of Clearwater in Pinellas County. 

This location marks the third drive-thru-only Wawa in the U.S. 

Florida's first drive-thru Wawa is now open in Largo. (Photo: Wawa)

Friendly's opened its third location in Florida on June 1 near Disney Springs at 8600 Vineland Ave. #101. 

This is one of about 100 locations in the U.S. after the chain shut down nearly two dozen locations in 2022-2023 in the northeast U.S. 

MOORESTOWN, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES - 2012/04/04: Friendly's restaurant. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Oregon-based Dutch Bros Coffee opened its first Winter Park location at the end of May. It's the third location to open in Florida behind its Clermont and Davenport stores. 

Photo: Dutch Bros Coffee

Slim Chickens

Arkansas-based Slim Chickens opened its first Orlando-area location in Celebration in February . It's the 13th location in Florida. 

Slim Chickens opened its first Orlando-area location on Monday, February 26, 2024, in Celebration, Florida. (Photo: Slim Chickens)

Chicago-based Potbelly opened its first-ever Orlando location in January . It's located at 2714 E. Colonial Drive in the Milk District's Colonial Landing Plaza. It's the fourth location in Florida; all three other locations are in the Tampa area. 

Photo: Potbelly/handout

Twelve more Potbelly locations are slated to open in Orlando over the next seven years, the company announced.