Disney Hotel Airport Shuttles: What You Need To Know

Disney's official on-site Resort Hotels offer access to a full network of Disney transportation. However, it is unclear whether this includes airport shuttles. There are also non-Disney hotels in Orlando that offer shuttle services to Disney World. These hotels include the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and the Floridays Resort Orlando. Additionally, there are third-party shuttle services, such as Mears Connect, that provide transportation from the Orlando Airport to Disney hotels and resorts.

Non-Disney hotels with shuttle services

While staying at a Disney-owned hotel comes with perks like being close to the parks and having access to the Disney transportation system, there are plenty of non-Disney hotels in Orlando that offer shuttle services to the parks. Here are some of the best ones:

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World: This five-star luxury resort offers world-class amenities and accommodations. It is located within Walt Disney World, just three miles from Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to four major parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando: This luxury hotel features stunning swimming pools, a lazy river, an 18-hole golf course, and spacious rooms with balconies. Guests can enjoy complimentary shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and Disney Springs in the afternoon and evening.
• Floridays Resort Orlando: This family-friendly, all-suite resort is located just a short drive from attractions and a stroll from shopping and dining options. Floridays Resort provides a free shuttle service to and from Disney's theme parks.
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace: Located within Walt Disney World Resort, this hotel offers luxurious rooms and breathtaking views of Disney Springs. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to all four theme parks, departing every 30 or 60 minutes.
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista: This hotel is within walking distance of Disney Springs and offers deluxe rooms and suites, many with views of Disney Springs. Guests can enjoy free continuous shuttle bus service to all four Disney theme parks.
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress: This upscale, family-friendly golf resort was ranked 9th by Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards in 2021. The resort features a lagoon-style pool, award-winning golf course, and plenty of dining and activity options. The Hyatt Regency provides a shuttle service to Disney's Transportation and Ticket Center at Magic Kingdom and an evening service to Disney Springs.
• JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes: This upscale resort is located on 500 acres near Walt Disney World. It features an outdoor pool complex, a lazy river, and an 18-hole golf course. The shuttle service is free but requires an additional "resort fee" on top of the daily room rate.
• Margaritaville Resort Orlando: This laid-back, island-style resort offers traditional hotel rooms and individual vacation cottages. The resort includes a huge pool complex, an on-site shopping and entertainment district, and the Island H2O Water Park. Shuttles to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld are included in the resort amenity fee.
• Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek: This luxury resort is located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort and features a championship golf course, a lazy river pool, and dining options. Guests can enjoy complimentary shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and Disney Springs in the afternoon and evening.
• Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort: These two separate resorts share amenities, including swimming pools, a spa, and golf courses. They offer a free shuttle and boat service to and from Disney theme parks.
• Avanti International Resort: Located in the heart of International Drive, this resort offers modern and comfortable guest rooms and suites. The resort features a large pool complex and casual dining options. Reservations are required for the complimentary shuttle service to the theme parks.
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando: This all-suite hotel is located inside Walt Disney Resort and offers first-class amenities and services. It is also within walking distance of Disney Springs. The complimentary shuttle service runs every hour or 30 minutes with a reservation.
• Fantasy World Resort: This resort offers spacious two-bedroom, two-story villas at an affordable price. It features a large zero-entry pool, a lazy river, slides, and a kiddie splash zone. Fantasy World Resort provides free shuttle services to Disney World, but groups of 10 or more cannot utilize the shuttles.
• Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista: This hotel is just two miles from Disney World and offers low-key rooms with modern amenities. The Hilton Garden Inn provides a complimentary shuttle to Magic Kingdom, with one departure and return shuttle per day.
• Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs: This hotel is close to all major attractions and within walking distance of Disney Springs. It offers a free shuttle service to all four Disney theme parks every hour.
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista: Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, this resort features a fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, and spacious guest rooms. A complimentary shuttle brings guests to the Ticket and Transportation Center, from where they can board Disney transportation to their desired location.
• Liki Tiki Village: This resort is located seven miles from Walt Disney World and offers spacious, fully furnished condos. It features an on-site water park called Liki Tiki Lagoon Water Adventure. Liki Tiki Village provides complimentary shuttles to and from Disney World.
• Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista: An affordable, AAA three-diamond hotel, Rosen Inn is an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor hotel. It offers an on-site breakfast buffet, a "Kids Eat Free" program, and two heated swimming pools. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to Disney World, with a sample schedule available on their website.

Third-party shuttle services

If you're looking for a shuttle service to or from Orlando Airport and your Disney hotel, there are several third-party options available. Here's a detailed overview of some popular choices:

• Mears Connect: Mears Connect offers shuttle services between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disney World resorts. They provide 24/7 service, with no surge pricing, ample luggage space, and wheelchair accessibility. The standard shuttle service is suitable for families with small children, as kids under three ride for free. Mears Connect also offers an express service for direct, round-trip transfers to all Walt Disney World Resorts with minimal wait times.
• Sunshine Flyer: Sunshine Flyer is another shuttle service option that has been recommended by some Disney travellers. While it may not be as well-known as Mears, some users have reported positive experiences with this service.
• Uber or Lyft: If you're looking for a more direct and fast option, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available. These can be particularly cost-effective for smaller groups, especially if you're travelling with just one or two other people. However, it's important to note that Uber and Lyft may not be as affordable for larger groups or families.
• Tiffany Towncar: For a more luxurious experience, Tiffany Towncar offers low-cost private car services. They can accommodate your schedule and even make stops along the way, such as a grocery store, before reaching your hotel.
• Other Options: In addition to the above, there are other third-party shuttle services available, such as Gear Fusion. You can also consider renting a car, using public transportation like the Lynx bus service, or booking with a charter bus company like Mears Transportation for larger groups.

When planning your trip, it's always a good idea to compare prices, read reviews, and book in advance to ensure a smooth journey to your Disney destination.

Private car services

If you're looking for a private car service to or from Orlando Airport, there are a few options available.

Mears Connect

Mears Connect offers a shuttle service between Orlando International Airport and Disney World Resorts. The shuttle service is wheelchair accessible and operates 24/7, connecting to all Disney World Resort Hotels. The shuttle also stops at Disney Springs Resorts and other resorts in the Disney area. Mears Connect is the only shuttle servicing both the Main and C Terminals at Orlando International Airport. The shuttle offers ample luggage room, in-ride entertainment, and no surge pricing. The standard shuttle service costs $13 per child and $16 per adult for a one-way trip.

Orlando Private Car Service

This private car service offers 24/7 luxury transportation in the Orlando area. The service includes a range of vehicles, from sedans to party buses, with experienced chauffeurs. The company provides transportation for both personal and corporate purposes, including weddings, birthdays, business meetings, and conferences. They also offer a Disney car service with car seats, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey for families travelling with children. The service can be booked by calling 407-490-8779.

Ride-sharing services

One popular option is Mears Connect, which offers 24/7 shuttle services to and from the airport. Mears Connect provides direct transportation to all Disney World Resorts, with no stops, and is typically cheaper than renting a car. Mears Connect is also wheelchair accessible and offers ample luggage space, making it a convenient choice for families and travellers with mobility needs.

Another option is to use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft. These services offer flexibility and can be cheaper, especially for larger groups. Users have noted that Uber or Lyft can be more direct and faster than shuttle buses, as you are not stuck on a bus that makes multiple resort stops. However, it is important to note that these services can have surge pricing, which may make them more expensive during high-demand periods.

When choosing between ride-sharing options, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, convenience, luggage space, and accessibility. For travellers with mobility needs, ensuring that the selected service is wheelchair accessible is crucial. Additionally, for families with young children, it is worth noting that some services, like Mears Connect, offer free rides for children under a certain age.

By considering the available options and selecting the one that best meets their needs, travellers can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to their Disney hotel from the airport.

Rental cars

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida and are looking for rental car options, there are a few providers to consider. Here is some information about rental cars for Disney hotels:

Enterprise Rent-A-Car:

Enterprise is the official rental car partner of Walt Disney World. They offer a variety of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans, to suit different group sizes and luggage needs. Enterprise has multiple locations in Orlando, including Orlando International Airport (MCO) and an on-site location near Magic Kingdom® Theme Park. This on-site facility provides a complimentary shuttle service from your resort hotel, allowing for easy pick-up and drop-off. Enterprise also offers a Complete Clean Pledge, ensuring that all vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Expedia:

Expedia offers car rental services with a $1 car rental deal for Walt Disney World® Resort, allowing you to compare car suppliers and unlock savings. They provide flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals. Car options include economy, standard, full-size, compact SUV, premium, mini van, and more.

Mears Connect:

While not a traditional rental car service, Mears Connect provides airport shuttle services to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Walt Disney World® Resorts. They offer 24/7 ride service, express direct transportation, and standard shared ride shuttle transportation. Mears Connect is a cheaper alternative to car rentals, with no need to worry about luggage space or surge pricing. They service both the Main and C Terminals at the airport and provide wheelchair-accessible options.

Having a rental car during your stay at Walt Disney World can offer convenience, flexibility, and comfort, allowing you to explore Florida on your own terms. Be sure to compare prices, vehicle options, and additional benefits offered by each rental car company to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions