Transportation from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World (and Universal)
Popular transportation options between Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando
What’s the best way to get from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World, and back again?
In this guide, I’ll share the most popular options for ground transfers to and from Orlando’s theme parks, even Port Canaveral, plus my recommended vendors.
Private Town Cars and Vans
In my opinion, hiring a car service is the way to go because you are guaranteed a professionally trained driver and a clean vehicle. One of the biggest complaints I hear from people using Uber and Lyft in Orlando is that the cars are often dirty. I also hear that it’s difficult to find a ride that has a car seat for little ones.
If you’re comparing a car service to a shuttle, consider this: a private car will travel directly to your destination in a fraction of the time a shuttle will take.
They also make runs to Port Canaveral for cruises. Most will include a free grocery stop after pick up from the airport.
Pros:
24-hour service, fast and direct.
Professional drivers who assist with luggage
Will pick up from any terminal at the airport
Airport fees are included in the price.
Car seats are available upon request
May cost less than a shared shuttle service
My Preferred Car Services In Orlando
Orlando Superior Transportation
Orlando Superior Transportation has professionally trained drivers and a fleet of town cars and limos servicing Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Port Canaveral.
They offer affordable pricing. Rates start at $95 one-way for 4–6 passengers. Promo rates are often available. For example, I recently saw a 15% promo code available on their website, reducing the cost to $80.75.
Complimentary car seats and booster seats are available. A 15–20-minute grocery stop can be included.
There are convenient payment options as well. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.
Your driver will meet you inside the baggage claim area at MCO and assist you with luggage.
Tiffany Towncar
Tiffany Town Car has been in business since 1998. Tiffany offers professional drivers and vehicles that can accommodate 4 people up to 10 people. They specialize in Walt Disney World and Port Canaveral but will also provide transportation to Universal Orlando, Brightline, and Amtrak.
Fares between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World start at $95 each way. Fares to Port Canaveral start at $155 each way.
A driver gratuity of 20% is not included but is recommended. Complimentary car seats and booster seats are offered plus a complimentary grocery stop can be arranged with advance notice.
Mears Connect Shuttle Service
Mears Connect provides convenient airport transfers for guests traveling to and from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and various destinations in the area, including Walt Disney World.
Mears Connect is generally more economical but may result in longer travel times due to multiple stops. BUt check your prices, if you have a large party, it may be cheaper or at least similarly priced to a car service.
You can book Mears Connect services in advance through their website or at designated locations in the airport. Upon arrival, passengers can check in at the Mears Connect desk located in the airport's terminal, where staff will assist with boarding the bus.
Pros:
Discounts and deals are often available
Operates 24 hours
Cons:
The slowest option takes 90 minutes or more
You may leave for the airport sooner than if you went by Uber or town car
RideShares - Uber and Lyft in Orlando
Use your phone to request a ride from Uber or Lyft. No advance reservations are required offer you the most flexibility with your schedule.
Pros
Fast, direct service
Plenty of availability in Orlando including SUVs and vans
Pick up from any terminal at Orlando International Airport
Car seats can be requested
Go anywhere in Orlando, even Universal and Port Canaveral.
Cons
Surge pricing often in effect in Orlando
Fares may change when there’s heavy traffic.
Somewhat confusing menu of vehicle types and services (like requesting car seats).
Uber and Lyft are by far the easiest way to get around Orlando. If you’re comfortable using ride shares, this is an excellent way to go.
Fares are typically in the $60 - $80 range (each way).
See my article on how to use Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World
Car Rentals in Orlando
Add a rental car to your Walt Disney World for competitive rates.
Pros:
Rental rates are competitive in Orlando
Free parking at Disney World hotels and theme parks (when staying at a Disney World hotel).
Disney has Alamo and Enterprise on property and a free shuttle to Disney World hotels.
Travel protection purchased from Disney covers your rental car in most situations.
Cons:
You could have a long walk when parking at the theme parks.
Fees are charged if you return the vehicle to a different location than where you rented it.
Booking a rental car through Disney offers a competitive rate and the convenience of having it listed in your travel plans. You can choose to rent from Orlando International Airport or one of the onsite offices at Walt Disney World.
You can also book a car on your own of course. For tips, see my article, How to Save Money on Car Rentals in Orlando.
Related:
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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How to Use Mears Connect Service Between Orlando International and Walt Disney World
Mears Connect Standard Service - Standard Service is a shared ride service, similar to Magical Express, on a Mears Connect coach bus or van. The shuttle makes limited stops at a few other hotels along the way.
Mears Express Service Express Service is a direct route between MCO and your Disney World hotel, typically in a van. This is similar to hiring a town car.
Mears Transportation is the leader in airport transfers between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. It was Mears who operated Disney’s Magical Express Service for Disney World when it began in 2005. When Disney canceled the complimentary shuttle program in 2022, Mears changed their name to Mears Connect and removed the Disney World livery from all buses.
Mears has many years of experience shuttling guests between the airport and Walt Disney World. They even bought out their competition, Sunshine Flyer, which lasted only 16 months in Orlando.
Let’s take a look at how Mears Connect operates today.
Mears Connect buses waiting for passengers at Orlando International Terminal B
Mears Connect provides 2 airport shuttle options:
Standard (shared) Service
Express (private) Service
Mears Connect Standard Service
Standard Service is a shared ride service, similar to Magical Express, on a Mears Connect coach bus or van.
The shuttle makes limited stops at a few other hotels along the way.
Mears Express Service
Express Service is a direct route between MCO and your Disney World hotel, typically in a van. This is similar to hiring a town car.
Mears Connect Orlando
Frequently Asked Questions about Mears Connect
Are car seats provided?
Florida law does not require car seats in coach buses. Mears will store your car seat in the luggage area of the motor coach if you have one. Car seats are not permitted inside the bus.
Car seats can be used in Mears Express vans. You’re welcome to use your own or request a car seat in advance.
Do I retrieve my own luggage at the airport?
You will need to stop at baggage claim to retrieve your checked luggage.
Once you have your bags, you will proceed to the Mears Welcome Center on the Ground transportation level.
Where do I board Mears Connect at Orlando International?
Terminal A: Go to Level 2 if you have checked bags and pick up your luggage. Then go up to Level 3, and cross over to the B-Side of the airport. Then go down to Level 1 and locate the Mears Welcome Center. (Just follow signs for Ground Transportation on the B-Side).
Terminal B: Go to Level 2 if you have checked bags and pick up your luggage. Then go down to Level 1 and locate the Mears Welcome Center.
Terminal C: Go to Level 6 if you have checked bags and pick up your luggage. Then go down to Level 1 and locate the Mears Welcome Center.
Mears check in area at Terminal C inside Orlando International Airport.
When will Mears Connect pick us up for the return flight?
Your resort departure time is scheduled based on your scheduled flight departure time and will be printed on your confirmation.
Mears will pick you up approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight time for domestic flights and about 4 hours prior for international flights.
You should be at the pickup location 15 minutes prior to allow time to load luggage and get everyone onboard in time.
Pick-up locations are located outside the lobby at Disney World hotels.
Will wheelchairs be accommodated?
Yes, Standard and Express service will be able to accommodate wheelchairs.
Be sure to mention this when making your reservation or let your travel advisor know in advance.
Do you tip Mears Drivers?
Yes, it’s customary to tip your driver for good service.
According to Mears, most people give 10% to coach bus drivers and 20% to van, drivers.
Is Mears cheaper than Uber and Lyft?
A typical ride-share service will cost about $40 - $60 each way. But this doesn’t include surge pricing in Orlando or Uber Car Seat. Both add significant costs to your fare. Read more about using ride-share services in Orlando here ▸
Mears Connect generally works out better because you won’t have to deal with car seats or wait for a car that can fit your party size.
Uber drivers have various skills. While I believe they have good intentions, some don’t know their way around Disney World property too well. I had Uber cars in Orlando that smelled unpleasant or never showed up only to cancel on me.
While a Mears shuttle might take longer than Uber, it’s a far more consistent and professional service.
How do I reserve a ride on Mears Connect?
Your Disney travel advisor can make your reservation for you. Just provide your airline and flight numbers. You can book directly on the Mears Transportation website
Mears Connect Phone Number
(407) 423-5566
What are the operating hours for Mears Connect?
Mears is a 24/7 service. In cases where your flight gets in very late due to a delay, Mears will probably send you to Disney in one of their taxis or vans when you arrive rather than a coach bus.
What hotels does Mears Connect service?
All of the Disney World hotels. There…That was easy! But here’s where it gets more interesting:
Disney Springs (only these hotels)
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs
Bonnet Creek Resort Area
JW Marriott
Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek
Other Areas
Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World
Gaylord Palms Resort
Marriott World Center
Shades of Green Resort
Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
Have a question about using Mears Connect or any other type of ground transfer service in Orlando? Use the comments section below.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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