If you are planning on flying to Walt Disney World, you might be wondering what your options are for getting to the parks from the airport.
There are actually several options available to you depending on your budget, family size, and the amount of time you want to spend in the "Disney bubble" while on vacation.
Here are your options for getting to Walt Disney World from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Adding Transportation Through Disney
Disney now offers an option for transportation as a part of your vacation package.
You can either have Disney set up a car rental through Alamo Rent a Car or private transportation through Mears Connect.
Prices for rental cars through Disney will vary based on dates and the length of your stay.
The private ground transportation will give you the option of booking a stretch limo, sedan, SUV, limo bus, or private shuttle van.
Disney Transportation Breakdown
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Price: Will vary based on options you chose. But you can expect to pay $200-$400 for ground transportation
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Additional fees: Tipping is not required, but $1-$2 per bag is standard
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Pros: Easy to add and pay for upfront. Private transportation. Less waiting.
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Cons: Costly. While convenient, I would suggest booking your own transportation separately to save on cost. There is no financial benefit to booking through Disney World in this case.
Renting a Car
The Orlando International Airport has several car rental options available. The on site companies are located on the ground transportation level (level 1). The on-site rental car companies include:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
There are many more options off-site, and many offer free shuttle service to the car rental counter.
Rental Car Breakdown
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Price: will vary based on length of stay and type of car
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Additional fees: parking fees will cost $15-25 per day, car seat rental will cost typically $12/day, tolls
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Pros: freedom to leave the "Disney bubble", can shop for groceries to save money on food, don't need to rely on Disney buses
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Cons: can be a costly add on
Mears Connect
Starting January 1, 2022 you can use this service to get from the airport to any Disney World Resort.
Mears is the same company that ran Disney's Magical Express, and this service is a paid replacement for that service.
You'll have two options with Mears. The first is the Standard Service. This will be shared buses, similar to Magical Express. The second is Premium Service, which will be a private ride with no wait times.
Mears Connect Breakdown
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Price: Varies based on what you book
- One Way Standard: $16/adult, $13.50/child (age 3-9), free under 3 years
- Round Trip Standard: $32/adult, $27/child (age 3-9), free under 3 years
- Express Service: $250 round trip for 4 people, $55 each additional person
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Additional fees: tipping is not required, but if the driver handles your bags $1-2 per bag is customary
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Pros: convenient to get to a Disney Resort, cheaper than many options for longer stays, car seats not needed
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Cons: there can be waits at busy times, you may make several stops before you arrive to your resort, pickup to get back to the airport is often several hours before your flight
Ride Share (Lyft and Uber)
Lyft and Uber are easy ways to get around the Orlando area. There are never a shortage of ride share drivers in the area, so getting a ride to and from the airport is easy.
Make sure you have your preferred app ready to go before you leave for Orlando.
Ride Share Breakdown
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Price: this will vary depending on the type of car you chose. Most standard ride share vehicles can accommodate 4 people. If you have more than that you'll be looking at additional cost. Expect to spend $35-$150 depending on peak pricing times and type of vehicle
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Additional fees: tipping can be done through the app after your ride
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Pros: rides can be called on demand, and are plentiful in the Orlando area
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Cons: if you are a larger family this can be expensive. Car seats and boosters are often available, but not guaranteed. They will also cost you extra
Car Shuttle Services
If you are looking for a no wait and private option, there is no shortage of car services that can pick you up from the airport. This can be a great option for larger groups.
Car Shuttle Breakdown
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Price: this will vary depending on the type of service and vehicle you chose. I'd expect to pay a minimum of $75
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Additional fees: tipping is typically 20%
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Pros: you can book through any number of services for any size group. Car seats are typically available upon request. This can be cost effective for large groups
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Cons: this can be an expensive option for a smaller family
Taxi
Taxis can be easily found at the airport, and if there are not any available at your resort, they can easily be called by bell services to get you back to the airport.
Taxi Breakdown
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Price: You can expect to pay about $70 or more each way
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Additional fees: tipping is typically 20%
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Pros: easy to find a taxi at the airport at any time
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Cons: car seats are hit or miss depending on the taxi, this can be a pricy option
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See you at the parks,
-Julie
