Walt Disney World retired their Disney Magical Express service to and from the Orlando International Airport. There are other options. There were always other options, but they cost money.
Renting a car at the airport is a great option, but many simply don’t want to. Disney guests plan on utilizing Disney’s free transportation to get to the parks. Many simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of having to deal with the car especially when returning it the day of departure. You have to get gas within a few miles of the return location or incur additional fees. For additional things you need to know before renting a car, click here. They are Very Important Warnings And Tips When Renting A Car.
Mears Transportation
You can make reservations for transportation with Mears Transportation in advance. Click here to start reserving your ride to/from the airport. I’m sure the costs will be different depending on the day, hotel, demand, etc. At the time of gathering this information, I selected Grand Floridian for 2 people in January on a Sunday and these were the rates/options for 1 way.
Mears Transportation also offers “Mears Connect“. This service has many of the same benefits that Magical Express offered, such as onboard entertainment will be provided.
Mears Connect has two tiers. The Standard offers round-trip service for $32 per adult and $26 per child (Child ages are 3-9. Children under 3 are free). One-way tickets cost exactly half that ($16/adult and $13/child). For those seeking direct service to and from their hotel, an Express option is available. There is a $250 fee for up to four guests. Reservations are recommended, which can be done via their website. For groups of 5 guests or more, $250 for 4 and then $55/additional passenger.
Lyft
Walt Disney World partnered with Lyft when they introduced their Minnie Van Service. It’s also great to use going from park to park or to/from hotel for a variety of different reasons. Download their app onto your phone. Be sure your location is on your phone. The app will prompt you at some point, anyway, if you are unsure on how to do that.
It is important to know that the cars only wait 5 minutes for you. If you order a car and you are still waiting for your luggage when it arrives, the car will leave after 5 minutes. You will also be charged a no-show fee.
Here is where you would go to get to your car: Arrivals is on the center level just outside the baggage claim on either side of the terminal. The Lyft app moves the passenger’s pin to an approved pickup area.
Tip: Lyft will send your phone something to complete the transaction after the ride and you are out of the car, which includes rating them and tipping them. Cash is not necessary to have on you to tip. Your credit card is attached to the app and will be charged accordingly.
The picture below shows the cost at the time I gathered information. Once again, I’m sure the costs will be different depending on the day, time, hotel, demand, etc. At the time of gathering this information, I selected Grand Floridian for 2 people in January on a Sunday and these were the rates/options for 1 way.
Uber
Another ride share that I’m sure everyone has heard about is Uber. Download their app onto your phone. Be sure your location is on your phone.
Here is where you would go to get to your car: Arrivals is on the center level (level 2) just outside the baggage claim on either side of the terminal. You’ll get directions about pickup points directly in the Uber app.
It is important to know that the cars only wait 5 minutes for you. If you order a car and you are still waiting for your luggage when it arrives, the car will leave after 5 minutes. You will also be charged a no-show fee.
Cash is not necessary to have on you to tip. Your credit card is attached to the app and will be charged accordingly.
The picture below shows the cost at the time I gathered information. Once again, I’m sure the costs will be different depending on the day, time, hotel, demand, etc. At the time of gathering this information, I selected Grand Floridian for 2 people in January on a Sunday and these were the rates/options for 1 way.
You could get a taxi, but that option tends to be more expensive. The options above cover all needs including those who require a special car due to disability, the need for a car seat, etc. I focused on providing options you can book in advance, transportation needed for larger vacation parties and ways to get a car by using your smart phone. Most importantly, have a magical time!