How To Get From MCO to Walt Disney World in Orlando

If you’re traveling to Orlando, Florida to visit Disney World, you’ll likely be flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO). Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll have several transportation options to get to Walt Disney World, which is located approximately 20 miles southwest of the airport.

This post will outline the how to get from MCO to Disney World, as well as my recommendations on the best way depending on your situation. 

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As someone who previously lived in Maryland and frequented Disney World as an annual passholder, I have had my fair share of transportation experiences from MCO to Walt Disney World. Each transportation option has pros and cons, but there is sure to be one that works for your family!

Way back in the day (aka pre-2020), Disney offered a wonderful service to its guests called Disney’s Magical Express. This service was complimentary for resort guests and would take you from the airport to your resort and back to the airport at the end of your stay. Unfortunately, this service is no longer included, which adds a bit of complexity to the arrival experience. 

Transportation Options from MCO to Walt Disney World 

If you want a quick summary of all the options before diving into what works for each situation, below is a run down of every way to get from MCO to Walt Disney World and back. 

Rideshare Services: Via Uber or Lyft

• Cost: $35-$100
• Pros: Pickup directly from the Orlando airport and drop off directly at your resort (door-to-door) 
• Cons: Surge pricing, comfort level of a ride share service, limited luggage space

Most of the time you will find nearby vehicles available within a few minutes of checking the app. You can also look in advance to get a cost estimate, understand options, etc. You are also often able to add a few stops of you want to stop for groceries on the way. 

As of today, an Uber from MCO airport to the Boardwalk Inn provides 7 car options ranging from UberX to Uber XXL and UberBlack, with pricing between $35-$90 respectively. This is fairly standard pre-tip, though you may see costs go up to $70-$130 depending on surge pricing. 

On occasion, you will see Uber Car Seat options, this is not always available and does not always provide the style of car seat you may need. Please keep this in mind if you plan to use this option! Orlando is an incredibly busy city and you will want your child in the appropriate car seat. 

Taxi Service: can be picked up directly from the airport

• Cost: generally $50-$90
• Pros: always available, door-to-door service
• Cons: check to make sure you are getting into a licensed cab, surge pricing depending on demand, may not be as clean as other options 

Airport Shuttle Service: multiple services offering a coach bus with pickups from the airport and to hotels 

• Cost: under 2 are free, $13 per child, $16 per adult each way for standard service which is by far the economical transportation option if you have 1-3 people, and around $150 one way or $250 round trip for 2-4 guests for express service 
• Pros: could be less expensive, single pick-up location within the airport, check-in desk to guide you where to go, access to customer support if needed, plenty of space for luggage, Disney, Disney Springs & non-Disney hotels, standard and express service options, you can setup car seats on the bus
• Cons: no direct service as most buses drop off at multiple hotels (you could be first, or you could be the last of 6+ drop-offs), a sometimes long wait time to board the bus at the airport (we have waited an hour before!)

Shuttle Bus Services are provided via Mears Transportation on the Mears Connect shuttle buses. Previously, two options were available—Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer.

Keep in mind that the companies have merged, and now all services can be booked through Mears. Buses run 24/7, should be booked in advance and will pick you up at the main terminal or Terminal C in MCO and at your resort hotel for return service. There may be in-ride entertainment, like a Disney movie playing in the bus, but it isn’t guaranteed. 

You can book either the Standard service or Express service, the standard service will take you to your resort hotel as any number of the stops, express service will ensure that your hotel is the first stop on the bus. 

Be sure to check this list to see if your hotel is included in their drop off/pick-up options! 

Rental Car: plenty of national rental companies are located within the Orlando area 

• Cost: depends on the type of vehicle and the length of the rental
• Pros: you will have a car for your entire trip which is a nice to have if you are staying offsite, you can make stops along the way to get groceries or pick something up 
• Cons: may be offsite so you have to take a shuttle from the airport, you likely won’t need it if you are staying onsite at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you may have to pay for parking either at your resort or at the parks, renting a car in general can be an annoyance 

If you are staying on Disney property only, you really do not need a vehicle. Disney transportation is great once you are onsite. However, if you are visiting other theme parks like the Universal Orlando resort or Seaworld, or have an extended stay once you arrive to Florida, it could make sense.

I recommend Hertz if you opt to go this route, I have found them to offer the best perks as well as the easiest pick-up as long as you are a member (which is free!) If they are not one of the cheapest options, it’s not worth it to pay much extra for their perks though- unless you are arriving late at night. Then skipping the line is ideal! 

Private Car Service: individual agencies or businesses offering transportation services 

• Cost: depends on the type of rental vehicle as well as the business 
• Pros: a private service that has been pre-booked so you know they will be there and available, may be able to make additional stops if prearranged, can take you to any resort, great for families with car seats 
• Cons: can be an expensive option

It’s sometimes nice to greet someone holding a sign with your name on it, hand over your bags and follow them to their vehicle. They can often accommodate requests for specific style car seats, stops for picking up various items and offer lots of different transportation options. But this does often come at a hefty price tag. Depending on the size of your group, it may be something to consider. 

Limousines are also available at MCO for those looking for a more luxurious and hassle-free experience. These services offer a comfortable and stylish way to travel to Disney World, and they can often be arranged in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

I have found the best options users Get Transfer for private services, they guarantee a refund of the difference if you find the same service for a lesser cost than their quote. 

Minnie Vans: car service provided by Disney, mainly to Club Level guests only 

• Cost: $199+ one-way 
• Pros: two car seats are included, a Disney cast member will drive you to your destination and they are full of knowledge, private ride experience
• Cons: the cost is steep, limited availability

Minnie Vans are also great while on property if you don’t want to use the free shuttle provided by Disney. Booked through the Lyft app with direct service to wherever you want to go from Disney resort hotels or Disney restaurants, these can be booked for easy access and timely pick-ups. Keep it mind, it isn’t the cheapest way to get around but you can’t argue the convenience. 

Best Transportation Options for Families 

To be honest, families don’t get a bargain in this scenario unless you are comfortable bringing your own car seat and booking an Uber, which most of the time, we didn’t want to do. So, instead, we knew the cost would be a bit more, but we would sacrifice to save time and energy to get from MCO to Walt Disney World. 

• Private shuttle service with car seats provided. If you have a large family (4+ people) this is the only method I would consider. 
• Express Mears Connect 
• Minnie Van if you are staying club level at a Disney hotel 

Best Transportation Options to Non-Disney Hotels

• Limited options via Mears connect 
• Private town car service 
• Using the Uber or Lyft app

Best Transportation Options for Late Arrivals

• Private car service – the last thing I want to do at 1am is wait for a Mears bus or hop into an Uber  

No matter which transportation option you choose, you’ll find that traveling from MCO to Walt Disney World can be an easy experience if you plan in advance, allowing you to start your magical Walt Disney World vacation adventure with ease.

For more Walt Disney World posts, tips and tricks, head to the WDW section of To Travel and Beyond!