Disney Airport Shuttle: What You Need To Know

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, previously offered a free shuttle service from the airport for guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels. However, this service was discontinued at the end of 2021. Now, visitors to Disney World have a variety of paid transportation options to get from Orlando International Airport to their hotel, including shuttle services, town car or limo services, ride-share services, rental cars, and taxis.

Mears Connect shuttle service

Mears Connect is a shuttle service that operates between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Walt Disney World Resorts area. It is a preferred transportation service provider for the airport and has been in operation for over four decades.

Mears Connect offers two types of services: Standard and Express. The Standard service is a shared motor coach ride, similar to the former Disney Magical Express, which may include stops at other hotels. The Express Service provides direct transportation to your hotel in a dedicated vehicle, though small groups may be combined. Both services are wheelchair accessible and offer ample luggage space.

The Standard service is available for $16-21 for adults and $12-15 for children aged 3-9, with children under 2 riding for free. The Express Service costs $250 round trip for up to four passengers, with an additional $55 charge for each extra passenger.

Mears Connect provides 24/7 ride and customer service, ensuring that you are covered even during delayed or cancelled flights. The shuttle service is available to both Main and C Terminals at MCO, and it services Walt Disney World, Disney Springs, and many other Disney area resorts.

Mears Connect is a reliable, affordable, and safe option for travellers looking to get from the airport to their Disney resort. It offers a seamless and stress-free experience, with professionally trained drivers and well-maintained vehicles.

Mears Connect also has a partnership with TGI Fridays®, offering guests exclusive discounts at the restaurant when they book with Mears. This adds further value to the already competitive pricing of the shuttle service.

Overall, the Mears Connect shuttle service provides a convenient, cost-effective, and worry-free transportation option for travellers looking to get between Orlando International Airport and their Disney resort.

Sunshine Flyer shuttle service

The Sunshine Flyer is a themed airport shuttle service to Walt Disney World, replacing Magical Express. The Sunshine Flyer brings the era of 1920s rail travel to the start of your vacation. The shuttle service covers transportation from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resorts. The Sunshine Flyer's buses are late-model, premium buses with themes that centre around old-fashioned passenger cars and train engines. The staff are dressed as 1920s rail conductors and engineers, effectively serving as time machines, offering a glimpse into 1920s train travel.

The Sunshine Flyer offers a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. The shuttle service is reliable, with a fun theme, albeit minus any Disney IP. The buses service all Walt Disney World resort hotels and offer a restroom, USB chargers, and three-point seatbelts for the comfort and safety of all guests.

Upon entering the Sunshine Flyer staging area, guests will not wait more than 20 minutes to board the bus, and the ride to the resorts is scheduled so that the last stop will not take more than 65 minutes. Tickets for the Sunshine Flyer must be booked at least four days in advance. The cost is $19.50 per adult and $11 per child each way. There is no round-trip discount. The Sunshine Flyer offers a full refund if cancelled 72 hours in advance or credit towards future tickets if cancelled under 72 hours.

The Sunshine Flyer service starts at 4:00 am and services flights starting at 7:00 am. The last bus leaving Orlando International Airport is at 11:00 pm. The Sunshine Flyer does not pick up or drop off guests at the new Terminal C. However, there is a tram that takes guests from Terminal C to Terminals A/B, where the Sunshine Flyer is located.

Ride-share services

Lyft is the preferred ride-share service for Disney World, but Uber also works well. It is worth comparing prices and availability between the two. Ride-share services are also useful for travelling between your hotel and the theme parks or other resorts.

However, if you want to guarantee wheelchair accommodation or car seats, a shuttle service or a reserved limo may be a better option.

Ride-share prices vary, but one user reported a $50 fare from the airport, while another said they paid $30.

Rental car options

There are a number of rental car options at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Rental agencies located at the airport itself include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. These services allow you to pick up your car directly at the airport terminal upon arrival.

In addition to the above, 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.

When choosing a rental agent, you will need to consider price, loyalty programs/points options, party size, type of vehicle required, and so on. It is also worth checking whether your hotel charges parking fees.

Another significant factor in your decision will be your overall vacation plans. For example, if you’re just visiting Walt Disney World during your trip, renting a car might not be necessary. However, if you’re planning to visit other area attractions, the beach, or travel to other parts of Florida, having a rental car could be beneficial.

Town car or limo services

For example, Orlando Chauffeured Services, Inc. offers a range of luxury transportation options, including black car services and stretch limousines, for travel between Orlando Airport and Disney World. Their prices vary depending on the chosen vehicle, with black car services costing around $150 one-way, and limousine transfers ranging from $250 to $500. Orlando Chauffeured Services boasts an exceptional standard of service, with professional chauffeurs, luxurious vehicles, and positive reviews from thousands of satisfied customers.

Another recommended option is Happy Limo, which services Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World, along with other attractions in the area. Happy Limo offers a range of vehicles, including luxury mid-size SUVs, luxury minivans, full-size vans, stretch limos, and super-stretched limos, with rates varying accordingly. Happy Limo is known for its responsive customer service, with a live chat option, email inquiries, and online booking available.

For those travelling to Disneyland in California, limo and town car services are also available from nearby airports, including Orange County, Long Beach, Ontario, Los Angeles, Burbank, and San Diego. Using a private vehicle can be a convenient and economical option, particularly for larger groups. Companies such as Sunny's Transportation and Karmel Shuttle offer private car or van services from these airports, providing a stress-free and comfortable start to your vacation.

Frequently asked questions