How To Get From Orlando Airport (MCO) To Walt Disney World

Getting a ride from the Orlando Airport to Disney World is a breeze no matter the size of your group or if you’re traveling with family. There are several different transportation options to choose from, so you can get the best deal at any time of day with any combination of passenger needs.

Most people look to take the free shuttle from the Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World, but if the shuttle isn’t available, or if you have a larger group, other forms of transportation might make for a more enjoyable experience.

If you need child seats or wheelchair-accessible transportation, you can still take advantage of car rentals, shared transportation, private cars, limos, and more. Visitors can book most of these options well in advance to ensure a prompt pickup, and some options like Uber or Lyft offer credits or promotions for users.

How Far is Orlando Airport From Walt Disney World?

You’ll find Walt Disney World roughly 18-20 minutes, or about 20 miles, away from the Orlando Airport, and there is more than one route available. The most efficient routes require that you take a short drive on the highway, and you can also expect tolls.

Check out this Google map for step-by-step instructions on how to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney World and other details about the best route given relevant traffic, road closings, and other driving conditions.

Many car services, shuttles, or bus routes list a longer commute time for their services, and this happens when there are multiple stops or road closures due to construction. When planning out how long your trip from the airport to the resort will take, it’s best to leave plenty of extra time.

Are You Staying in a Disney Resort Hotel?

If you have a reservation for a Disney Resort Hotel, you can take advantage of the Magical Express shuttle that takes visitors from the airport to select resorts for free. This shuttle is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Disney, but unfortunately, this service ends in January 2022.

Visitors that have new or existing reservations in 2021 can still ride the Magical Express. For those visiting in 2022, there are alternate modes of transportation available that are affordable and convenient. Depending on the number of passengers, hotel visitors can take advantage of several services, including:

• Uber
• Lyft
• Taxi services
• Private cars
• Car rental services
• Limousines

All of these services can take you to a Disney Resort as that’s a common destination for those who fly to the Orlando Airport. To schedule your ride using the Magical Express, you can contact a booking agent or select that option when you place your reservation online.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Walt Disney World From Orlando Airport?

Even if you don’t plan ahead, you will never get stranded at the Orlando airport. This airport has various options for getting to Walt Disney World, but if you have a large party or children, you’ll want to make arrangements in advance.

1. Orlando Airport to Disney World by Car

 As with any other airport, you have the option to rent a car and drive to Walt Disney World. Renting a car is an excellent idea for those who plan to sightsee in other locations. Rental cars are also ideal for families who have children that require a car seat. 

Not all car rentals come with car seats as an option, so it’s best to book in advance with a company that can guarantee the seats you need.

Alamo

The official car rental service for Walt Disney World Resort is Alamo, and you can book their services when you make your Disney reservation or separately on their website. Some Disney hotels also charge extra for overnight parking for guests, so it’s a good idea to check and confirm you need the use of a car for your trip.

Through Alamo, a standard-sized vehicle large enough for a family of four will cost about $166 per day, and a booster seat or infant car seat costs an additional $7. So for your family of four, you can expect a rental car to cost about $1200 per week, not including gas and other add-ons or fees.

A Note on Parking Fees

There are overnight parking fees at Disney that amount to $15 each night for Value Resorts, $20 per night for parking at Moderate Resorts, and $25 a night at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villa Resorts. Parking at campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is complimentary, with one vehicle allowed at each site, but cabins charge $20 per night for parking.

There is also temporary parking available at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at no cost, but there is a three-hour time limit.

Renting with Lyft/Sixt

Guests may also rent cars with Lyft or their partner Sixt where you might get a better rate than with other car rental services. You can expect a seven-seat SUV to run about $112 per day, but a booster seat or baby seat is an additional $13.99 per day. 

Using Lyft equals $784 for the week plus the cost of child seats. You can find Lyft rentals on side A of the airport in the ground transportation area on level 1.

2. Orlando Airport To Disney World by Rideshare Service

Rideshare services are relatively widespread and very easy to book thanks to the excellent free WiFi service in the Orlando Airport, which happens to be fully wireless.

Both Uber and Lyft pick up passengers at the Orlando airport, but costs vary based on the time of day and the number of passengers. If you have a larger party with more than six individuals, it’s best to find another form of transportation. Lyft and Uber are excellent choices for non-peak transit or when you need a reasonably priced ride at the last minute.

Lyft

Lyft is a rideshare service similar to Uber that allows travelers to book transportation at any time. 

Lyft drivers charge between $30 and $50 for a family of four without car seats, but for a Lux XL ride that seats five, you are looking at costs between $120 and $150. You can find additional information and fare estimates for Lyft on their website, and they text you updates about your scheduled ride in real-time, so you’ll need to have your phone on hand.

To get started using Lyft, you can download the app to your phone or create an account on the Lyft website to get fare estimates and make reservations. Once you’ve made an account, you’ll also get to see alternate transportation options such as budget-friendly options, eco-friendly alternatives, public transit, and rentals. 

Uber

Uber is a popular rideshare option because it’s easy to book and allows travelers the chance to find last-minute transportation at an affordable rate. Uber rides for guests come in many options, including: 

• Connect
• UberX
• Uber Pet
• Comfort
• UberX Car Seat
• Uber XL

These options tend to cost between $30 to $50, depending on the timing that you need a ride. If you travel with a pet or children, using Uber Pet or UberX Car Seat is a cost-effective option that provides you with prompt service and a private ride. UberXL provides service for parties of up to five people, while Comfort specializes in vehicles that offer more legroom.

Uber also allows travelers to reserve their transportation online up to thirty days in advance. In most areas, you’ll need your smartphone to manage your ride and receive updates, but in some markets, you can sign in online.

To get started with Uber, download the free app on your phone first or visit their website online to create an account. Once you sign in, you’ll be able to request rides, see how long until a ride is available, and leave feedback.

3. Orlando Airport To Disney World by Taxi

There are a couple of taxi options that you’ll find at the Orlando airport, and you can expect to pay between $68 and $88 depending on the time of day, your resort, and the exact company. This amount doesn’t include the recommended 10% tip, and while you can book in advance with some companies, there is often a wait at the airport before you board.

Once you land at the Orlando airport, follow the signs to ground transportation, and chances are good there will be a taxi there waiting for passengers. Taxis are not always a good option for those with wheelchairs or children that need car seats, as taxis can’t always accommodate these needs.

Taxis can transport up to nine passengers if you book in advance for a larger party, but car seats usually mean an additional fee for each requested seat. You’ll likely find several taxis ready to take passengers at the Orlando Airport, but on occasion, visitors encounter wait times for rides that range from 15-30 minutes.

4. Orlando Airport To Disney World by Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses are a very economical option when traveling from the Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World Resorts, but this option may not be the best for large groups or families with small children. Shuttles are available at reasonable times, but you may have to wait to board, and you can expect to ride with multiple other passengers.

Mears Connect

Beginning in 2022, guests can take the Mears Connect shuttle service from the Orlando Airport to Disney World. Mears is also the same company that Disney currently uses to provide the Magical Express shuttle. Once Disney’s Magical Express shuttle retires in January 2022, the Mears Connect will debut.

Guests pay $16 per adult for a one-way ticket on the Mears Connect or $32 for a round trip fare. Each child costs $13.50 for a one-way ticket or $27 round trip. There is also the option to reserve private transportation through Mears using their premium service.

Other Shuttle Options and Buses

Other shuttle bus options from the Orlando Airport include Shuttles by Jayride, which cost between $70 and $110 and last about a half-hour, not including boarding time. A local public bus is available and costs $4 each way per passenger, but you cannot book this form of transportation in advance.

Instead, the bus departs once each hour, so you may need to wait up to an hour before you can get a ride. While this option is much cheaper, you’ll likely have to do a little walking once you arrive. The commute with this form of transportation takes a little over a half-hour which is reasonable compared to other more expensive options.

If you decide to take the bus, keep in mind that there are additional stops between the airport and the Disney resort, which add to the total commute time. Additionally, check the bus schedule upon arriving at the ground transportation area of the airport to ensure that you board the correct bus for your destination.

5.Orlando Airport To Disney World by Limo

A limo refers to several different vehicles and not just the elongated cars used for fancy events like weddings. This term also includes large SUVs, town cars, and pick-up trucks carrying medium-sized groups between four and twelve passengers.

Mears Connect Premium Service

Mears Connect offers premium service for guests that includes a private car for passengers. The cost of this service is $200 for the first four passengers and $55 for each additional passenger. This service is wheelchair accessible, they have car seats available, and guests board on the B-side of the airport on level 1 (follow the signs for ground transportation).

Stretch Limos

If you want to book a traditional stretch limo for your larger group, you can expect the twenty-minute journey to cost between $180 to $500, depending on the car chosen and your party size. Companies that offer limo services at Orlando Airport include Sunshine Limousine and Sedan Service, Orlando Ultimate Town Car, and Orlando Chauffeured Services Inc.

When you book a limo, you can expect a higher level of service that frequently means instant boarding once you arrive, bag handling, snacks and entertainment onboard, and a much faster commute. A limo is not the most common option for most travelers who arrive at the Orlando Airport, but it’s often a more cost-effective option if your party is on the larger side.

Many travelers like booking a limo because it’s easier for larger groups than the local bus or shuttle. You can expect a company employee holding a placard with your name on it when you get to the transportation area of the airport. 

Even if you aren’t staying at one of the Disney Resort hotels, a limo is a worthwhile form of transportation to consider for your group, but keep in mind that these services charge more for longer routes.

Final Thoughts

Most travelers plan out their transportation from the Orlando Airport to Disney World by making arrangements in advance. Also, many families have small children that require child seats during the commute, which limits the number of options available.

If you don’t require child seats for the drive from the Orlando Airport to Disney World, then your transportation options open up significantly, and you can even fly in at the last minute and get a ride to Disney at a reasonable rate.

As tempting as it is to rent a car once you get to the airport, it’s worth noting that there are additional parking fees at Disney. Once you’re in Orlando, you can always use rideshare services, the bus, taxis, and other forms of local transportation to go sightseeing, out to dinner, or explore the city.