Now that Magical Express has gone way, we get asked a lot about the best way to get from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World resorts. The answer to that is that it depends.
Here are our top choices.
The way we choose most often (with all adults)
For nearly all of our trips, we use ride share to get to/from the airport. It’s the best combo of affordable and fast, and works for us since we travel without children.
We most often use Lyft since we’ve had the best luck with the drivers and their Walt Disney World maps tend to be most updated (since that’s the app used by Disney World’s own Minnie Vans). You might consider using the Obi app to compare rates of various ride services, since surge rates can sometimes be a big factor.
What I usually do is head to baggage claim and when I see the last bag coming out on the carousel, I’ll call a car which will arrive at the doors just outside of the baggage claim area.
With all of the people and bags, you might consider an XL level of car to allow enough room.
Best way for families (car seats + optional grocery stop)
Families don’t have it as easy since ride share doesn’t usually accommodate the need for car seats.
What we suggest for families is using a private car service which has a few perks:
- Driver can help with luggage at baggage claim
- Nicer cars with car seats included
- Optional grocery stop to pick up groceries on the way
We partner with Quicksilver Tours which can provide all of that during your trip.
Another option for families (affordable, no car seat required)
Although Magical Express is gone, there are still bus options you can pay to use.
The most popular option is Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine (Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer merged on August 1, 2023), which picks up on the first level at the airport.
Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine doesn’t have train-themed transportation like The Sunshine Flyer once did, but does offer 2 different levels of 24-hour service: a Standard shared service that utilizes buses or vans and will operate much like Magical Express, and a premium Express option that provides direct service with limited to no wait.
Car seats are not required which may be an appealing option for some families.
Best option if you want to go direct from airport to a park
There’s a newer service called Away We Go Transportation that has the option to pick you up at the airport, take you to a park, and then they’ll take your luggage to your resort’s bell services desk where you can retrieve it later.
This comes in super handy for people that want to get right to the parks without the resort stop in between.
Compare airport pickup options
Though the above are our top picks, there are several ways to do it with pros/cons of each method. Check out our chart to help you decide and for more in-depth comparison, make sure you read our guide on How to Get from the Orlando Airport to Disney World.
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Tori
Tuesday 6th of June 2023
We used Mears with kids and while car seats aren't required, it also felt very unsafe. They sent passenger vans so I had my 6, 4, and 2 year olds cruising down the interstate in a van without car seats. It was super convenient, they even dropped us right at the ticket counter level at each individual airline area. But not recommended for kids since you have no control over the type of vehicle they send
Patricia Mccauley
Friday 19th of May 2023
Mears has been sending passenger vans and sometimes have one car seat. Sunshine always sends buses so that is what we have to use with 2 kids under 4.