Getting to Disney World from the Airport
With Disney's Magical Express (free) shuttle ending in 2022, some new options have popped up in its place. Unfortunately, there's no clear winner so far, but I've gone over the different options in this blog post so you can make an educated choice based on your group’s needs.
Uber Or Lyft
Uber and Lyft are ride-sharing services where you can download an app, schedule a driver to pick you up in their car and drive you for a fee.
Advantages:
You do not have to share a ride with other passengers, so there are no extra stops. You don’t have to schedule anything ahead of time; you can request a ride once you’re at the airport and ready to go.
Disadvantages:
The pricing can vary depending on the time of day, and if you’re requesting a ride during peak time, they activate “surge pricing,” which can cost quite a bit more. Sometimes a driver will accept the job and then cancel for no reason, leaving you to book another ride (this usually only delays you a few minutes, but can be frustrating). If you have a large party, you may need to book more than one car. This option is not always great if you need a car seat.
Cost:
Rides usually average $35 from the airport to the resorts (or vice versa) for an average-sized car; around $45 for an XL (if you have a family of 4 with luggage, you’ll likely need a bigger car), but they can be higher at surge times.
This option is best for people who are already comfortable with how ride-sharing apps work, have smaller parties, and would prefer not to book anything ahead of time—traveling this way’s much more flexible if you’d like to make any stops at a grocery store or are staying off-site.
Shuttles
Mears Connect has emerged as the leading option in this category. I can book it for you if you’re using me as your travel agent. Most of the personal reviews I’ve read say that this service is exactly like the Magical Express, only now you have to pay for it.
Advantages:
With a shuttle service, pricing is fixed, so you know exactly what you’ll pay beforehand. You can also schedule it in advance so you don’t have to worry about booking anything last minute. You can bring your car seat, but they are not required because it’s a public transportation/charter bus. They often play Disney trivia or movies, and most people have reported that it’s a pleasant ride.
Disadvantages:
This option can be more expensive than catching the Uber/Lyft at the right time. You do have to schedule it ahead of time, and it makes other stops, so it’s not a direct ride to your hotel. I have heard mixed reviews on the wait times. Some people have had zero waits, but a few have complained of it taking a while.
Cost:
Pricing on their website as of 2/28/22 is:
One way: $16/adult, 13.50/child
Round trip: $32/adult, $27/child
It’s also worth noting that they offer a Mears Express Service, which is not necessarily private but guarantees you the first stop.
A shuttle service is an excellent choice for people who like to have things planned out ahead of time, larger parties, and people with car seat concerns.
Private Transportation
There are quite a few options for private transportation, and the prices may vary. This will result in a private ride, a quick trip to and from your resort, and the ability to stop at a store if you wish. I recommend talking to your travel agent about options if this is something that you’re interested in.
Rental Cars
Of course, there are many options to rent a car and drive from the airport yourself.
Advantages:
You will have much more control over your coming and going and have the freedom to explore options outside theoutside the Disney bubble if you wish. This is an excellent choice if you stay off-site and don’t wish to Uber/Lyft everywhere. You can book a rental car as part of your Disney package.
Disadvantages:
If you are staying off-property, you must pay to park at the parks. If you park hop, you only have to pay once for the day, but it can add up. Some prefer not to burst the Disney bubble and deal with “real world” hassles, like waiting in line at Walmart.
Cost:
This can vary, and prices at the airport are higher than other places in town, but if you only need a small rental, you can find some great deals. You can also save some money by traveling to a nearby big box store for water bottles, snacks, and other quick meals after you arrive.
Resort parking fees: $15-25 per night (depending on the resort)
Theme park parking fees: $25 per day
Rental car cost: $30-50 per day is relatively common, though it can vary
Rental cars are great options for people staying off Disney property, who would like to explore other Orlando areas, and who greatly value having the freedom to go where they want when they want.