How to get from MCO (Orlando Airport) to Walt Disney World

You’ve planned your trip to Walt Disney World, have your flights booked and you’re all set.  Or are you?  How are you getting from the airport to your Disney resort?  While many just think about a taxi or rideshare service in any other city, things are a little different at Orlando International Airport (MCO) as they have a few more options.

This used to be SO easy and a non-issue, Disney had a bus for guests staying at one of their resorts that would take you there for free.  Sadly that ended in January 2022, and now you need to figure out your own plan.

The good news is there are solid options, the bad news is that none of them are free, and the right choice really does depend on your group.  Let me walk you through what’s available and what you need to consider before you make your decision.

Mears Connect

Mears Connect is the closest thing to what Magical Express used to be (it’s even the same company that used to run it!).  It’s a shared shuttle service that runs between MCO and Disney resort hotels.

How it works: You arrive at MCO, head to the Mears Connect desk (Terminal B or C), scan a QR code at the kiosk, and get assigned to the next bus heading toward your resort area. No set departure time on arrival – you just show up and get on the next one. For the return trip, they’ll assign you a pickup time based on your flight.

What it costs (as of 2026): Standard shared service runs around $17 per adult each way, $13 per child (ages 3-9), and kids under 3 ride free.  Mears did raise their prices in April 2026, so I’d always recommend checking current rates at mearsconnect.com before you book.

The big thing to know: It’s a shared shuttle. That means you might be on a bus with people staying at three other resorts before yours. It’s affordable per person, but factor in the wait time and the extra stops. For a solo traveler or a couple on a budget, it’s a great option. For a larger group, you might want to do the math on alternatives first – sometimes a private option actually comes out cheaper when you add up everyone’s fares.

I have used this personally many times and the service is exactly as you would expect.  Sometimes I have had a longer wait than I would like, and sometimes it’s super fast.  If you want my full insights (with pictures) see my blog post about Mears Connect here.

Uber and Lyft

Rideshare is simple – you land, you open your app, you get a car.  No pre-booking required, no shared stops, no waiting for a bus to fill up.

The pickup zone at MCO is on Level 1, and both Uber and Lyft operate there.  The ride to most Disney resorts takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and which resort you’re heading to.

What it costs: This is where it gets tricky to give you exact numbers, because rideshare pricing fluctuates with demand. A regular UberX or Lyft for a small group might run you $40-70 each way under normal conditions, but surge pricing during peak arrival times can push that higher.

For a couple or a small group, rideshare often wins on both price and convenience over Mears Connect.  For a family of four with luggage, you might need an XL vehicle which bumps the cost up – worth running the numbers before you assume it’s cheaper.

HOWEVER – I’m putting in a big caveat here.  I personally like to use rideshare especially after a night flight.  I don’t want to wait and fuss with a bus and multiple stops, I just want to GET there – even if I’m traveling solo and it will cost me more. However, traffic at MCO as of late has been crazy in the late evenings. Think around 11pm. When traffic is SO backed up to get IN to the airport, many Lyft and Uber rides get cancelled when the drivers get fed up sitting in the traffic. If it looks like it’s going to be a LONG wait for a driver, Mears Connect may be a better option. You can always go and make the reservation on the spot if you need to.

Taxi Service

Yes, there are actual taxis at Orlando Airport and many people prefer them to rideshare.  There are different requirements for Taxi drivers vs Uber / Lyft and I know a lot of people that prefer a taxi for that reason.  The pricing is reasonable and it has immediate departures too.  If the taxi is right there, it will be faster than Uber or Lyft.

Private Drivers and Car Services

This is the option people often overlook because they assume it’s out of their budget – but it’s worth a closer look, especially for larger groups.

Private transportation means a dedicated driver, a direct trip to your resort with no stops, and a fixed price you know before you even land. Many services will also have a car seat available if you need one, which is a genuine lifesaver with little ones.

Pricing for a private SUV typically runs in the $85-140 range for the vehicle (not per person), which means for a family of four it can be quite reasonable.

Mears does offer private car service that I have used myself and there are many other reputable drivers in the area.  Look for the ones that will meet you at baggage claim to walk you to the car, making it much easier to find them.  They will be there before you are, so there’s no waiting and you get to your resort quickly.  They are especially useful during those night flights when traffic is bad because they will be there waiting for you.

Rental Car

Years ago I wouldn’t dream of being in Walt Disney World without a rental car.  I always rented from Alamo and did the service where you reserved in advance and “skipped the counter” with the express service.  It was great, you could walk out to the parking lot, pick the car from the aisle of car types you had reserved, the keys were already in it and you drove to the window.  They scanned your credit card, and you were off!

Those were simple times when rental cars were affordable!  Now, they want upwards of $400 for a week to rent a regular car, that’s too much for me.  With transportation onsite already included, the added car expense just doesn’t make sense.

You can find some car rental companies that are less, but they are outside of Orlando airport and I wonder just how reputable they are, and what condition their cars are in.

So Which Option Is Right for You?

Here’s the short version:

Mears Connect makes the most sense for solo travelers, couples, or as a small family on a budget who doesn’t mind a shared ride and a bit of extra time.  More on Mears Connect and to find out if it’s your best option, read my blog Mears Connect – Airport Transportation

Uber or Lyft is great for couples and small groups who want flexibility and a direct service without pre-planning.  Just watch out for surge pricing and bad traffic that can cause a big delay.

A private car service is worth it for larger families and honestly anyone who just wants a stress-free start to their trip and doesn’t mind paying the cost for it.  Every time I have done this, it has started the trip on the right foot and made the departure from the airport such a great experience.

A Rental Car is only worth it if you get a really good deal from a reputable place.

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