Traveling to Disney World from Orlando Airport seems like it would be a piece of cake, but it can be trickier than you think sometimes.
Mears Connect
If you’re not renting a car (which can be hard on its own), you may be taking Mears Connect to the parks, or booking a rideshare. We’ve traveled between these two locations more than we can count, so allow us to share some of the problems we’ve run into, so you can avoid them!
Mears Connect Has Many Stops (And Can Be Late)
Mears Connect is a good option for going in between Disney World and the airport if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Tickets for kids are $13 each way, and adults can grab tickets for $16 each way. However, if you’re in a rush to get to either location, you’ll want to beware.
Mears Connect
Mears Connect makes a LOT of different stops at hotels around Disney World, so it could be over an hour until you actually get off the bus at yours, and then you’ve still got to take free Disney transportation to the park you’re trying to get to.
Mears Connect
We’ve also heard some reviews that have complained of the buses being late or not showing at all, although it does seem more rare. It is something to keep in mind when you’re booking, however!
The Layout of the Airport
The layout of the Orlando Airport is NO JOKE, especially for people who are used to flying in and out of a smaller airport back home.
Orlando International Airport
It’s not just one floor, nor one terminal. You’ll need to take a monorail from your gate AND change floors to get to Mears Connect, a rideshare service, or just to grab your bags.
Inside Terminal C at MCO Airport
When in doubt, follow the signs you see around the airport, or ask an employee for help if you’re really lost. Don’t worry, they can help you get where you’re going!
Airport Wifi Not Working
One of our team members shared that the wifi on her phone didn’t work at all at the airport, so she had a huge issue booking a rideshare!
Rideshare sign in Disney World
This is a tricky situation, because there’s often not a quick way to fix technology issues. In this case, our coworker contacted her husband back at home, who was able to book one for her! If this isn’t an option for you, we also recommend:
- Restarting your phone
- Disconnecting from wifi, then reconnecting after a few seconds
- Using just the service on your phone (if available) instead of wifi)
Disney World Rideshare sign
And if none of those things work, you can head down to the rideshare area at the airport and ask an assistant for help.
Surge Pricing on Rideshares
If you’re grabbing a rideshare around a busy time, such as lunch or rush hour, you’ll notice prices SKYROCKET for rideshares.
Rideshare Pick Up Zone
Unfortunately again, there’s really no way around this one, other than to ensure you’re booking your rideshare earlier or later than these busy times, even if it means you’ll need to sit at the airport for an additional hour or so (always better to be early rather than late).
Rideshare at EPCOT
While you’re home before your vacation begins, you can also check what times the prices around Orlando shoot up to prepare in advance!
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As much as we hate to say it, there are sketchy people everywhere. Moreso at the Orlando Airport, but they can be hanging around Disney World as well. If you’re booking a rideshare or looking for a way to get to where you’re going and someone offers you a ride with no credentials, that’s not a great plan.
Orlando International Airport
This also goes for keeping an eye on your bags while you’re traveling, and making sure everyone in your party is always together safely. Again, we hate to bring this one up, especially that there’s nothing to do other than be vigilant, but it’s something everyone needs to keep in mind!
Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C
And there’s more where that came from! We’re always here to help you plan for your next Disney World trip.
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I’m a huge fan of Florida Town Car as a way to get from the airport to WDW. It is by no means inexpensive, but the convenience makes the cost worth it for me. You’ll make a reservation ahead of time, and they will confirm with you prior to your flight. Your driver meets you at baggage claim, takes you directly to your resort (although they will stop at a grocery store or Walmart for a slight extra charge) and they will give you a business card with the date and time that they will pick you up for your return trip. The same driver will bring you back to the airport. It costs $115 round trip and while that may be more than a ride share, it’s less than a taxi, plus you already have your return trip to the airport scheduled. This round trip cost (including the tip I give the driver) is actually less than a one-way trip from my house to Logan airport in Boston costs from a similar type of car service. I have never had a bad experience with Florida Town Car, and I highly recommend them if you’re looking for an alternative to Mears Connect or a ride share.
FYI: I do not work for Florida Town car or get any kind of discount or benefit for recommending them, I just really like the service.
Thank you, Disney, for getting rid of the magical express. None of these problems existed, except for multiple bus stops, when the magical express was running. Hope it is worth it to Disney.
When using Uber going to Jambo house, don’t just put in Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Uber will take you to some apartment complex. This happened twice, even though the drivers knew the resort, they said they had to follow the app. Both drivers took us to the same apartment complex so there is some glitch in the Uber app.
We desperately need Magical Express back. For the price gouging going on, excess funds should be spent on something every person wants back.
Tracy, I read your information about the Florida town car and I think I will try this option when I go in November! Do you know what their cancellation policy is? I looked on their website but couldn’t find one. Thank you!
Kristin, I’ve never had to cancel before so I’m not sure about the policy. I did miss my flight once (totally my fault) and had to call to with our new flight number and arrival time, but they were super nice about it and didn’t charge extra for rescheduling the pickup. I’ll be flying into Orlando Monday 5/20 and I can ask my driver about their cancellation policy.
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Florida Towncar doesn’t really have a cancellation policy; they just ask that you notify them as soon as possible that you’re cancelling. If you pay by credit card ahead of time, they will issue you a full refund back to that card.