Transportation From Orlando International Airport (MCO) To Disney World And Car Seat Laws
Updated October 2024
NO LONGER RUNNING AS OF JANUARY 2021
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is an exciting adventure, but getting there can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the options. Fortunately, traveling from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World is straightforward, with several transportation methods to choose from. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your way to the magic!
Disney’s Magical Express (Currently Unavailable)
Until 2022, Disney offered a complimentary transportation service called Magical Express for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Unfortunately, this service has been discontinued. As of now, guests must consider alternative options for airport transfers.
Our favorite option Sunshine Flyer has been bought by MEARS Connect.
Mears Connect
Mears Connect offers two primary service levels: Standard and Express, catering to different preferences for budget and travel style. Here’s what you need to know about each option:
Mears Connect Standard Service
Overview: This service closely resembles the former Magical Express, operating as a shared shuttle service with multiple stops. It's an economical and convenient choice, especially for families and groups who don’t mind a few extra stops.
How It Works: Upon arriving at MCO, you’ll head to the designated Mears Connect check-in counter. You’ll board a shuttle or bus with other guests heading to Disney World, and your drop-off will depend on the order of stops, which vary based on the number of passengers and their destinations.
Wait Times: Since this is a shared service, there may be some waiting time for the shuttle to fill up before departure. Once you’re en route, travel times to Disney World are typically 45-70 minutes, depending on the number of stops.
Pricing: Rates vary, but expect to pay around $16-$20 per adult and $13-$16 per child for a one-way trip. Round-trip options are available at a discounted rate.
Mears Connect Express Service
Overview: Mears Connect Express offers a more direct, semi-private experience similar to a private shuttle. The Express option provides direct service to your hotel without additional stops.
How It Works: With Mears Connect Express, you’ll experience a more exclusive ride directly to your Disney hotel. This is ideal for those who prefer minimal wait times and a quicker journey.
Wait Times: Since this is a direct service, wait times are significantly reduced compared to the Standard option. This service generally guarantees quicker transport from the airport to your hotel.
Pricing: The Express service comes at a premium, with rates typically starting at around $250 for a round-trip per family (up to four people). Additional charges may apply for larger groups.
How to Book Mears Connect
You can easily book Mears Connect online through the Mears website:
Select Your Service: Choose between Standard and Express service depending on your preference for speed and budget.
Choose Your Dates: Enter your travel dates and flight information so Mears can accommodate your arrival and departure times.
Reserve and Pay: Complete the booking process and pay in advance. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details on where to go upon arriving at MCO.
Benefits of Choosing Mears Connect
Convenience: Mears Connect provides a reliable, direct route from MCO to Walt Disney World, which helps minimize stress after a long flight.
Cost-Effective: The Standard service is one of the most affordable options for families, especially compared to rideshares and private cars.
Baggage Handling: While you will need to collect your luggage from the carousel, Mears staff are available to assist with loading and unloading bags onto the shuttle.
Tips for Using Mears Connect
Book Early: Mears Connect is a popular choice, especially during peak seasons. Booking early ensures you secure your spot.
Flight Delays: If your flight is delayed, Mears can typically accommodate you on the next available shuttle.
Check-In: Upon arrival, follow the signs to the Mears Connect counter, where staff will guide you to your shuttle.
Mears Connect offers Disney travelers a seamless, comfortable experience from MCO to their resort. With both Standard and Express options, Mears makes it easy to tailor your transportation to your budget and travel style, helping you start your Disney adventure with ease.
UBER/LYFT
If you’re planning a Disney vacation, having a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft is essential! They offer convenience and flexibility—just open the app on your phone to request a ride, and you'll have a private car ready to take you directly to the front entrance of your resort. If you need a car seat, there’s an additional $10 surcharge. To arrange this, select “Uber Car Seat” or “UberX” for Uber; for Lyft, choose the car seat mode.
On the rare occasions when we fly to Walt Disney World, we bring a collapsible car seat, which lets us skip the extra car seat fee. It’s compact and easy to travel with, making it a great alternative if you’d like to save a bit.
Uber and Lyft are our top picks, outside of renting a car. A tip: if you wait about 20 minutes after your flight lands, surge pricing often drops slightly. But if you’re eager to get started on your Disney adventure, feel free to book right away! Additionally, Minnie Vans—a Disney-specific rideshare option through Lyft—are available but require advance booking. You can arrange a Minnie Van pickup from MCO by calling 800-WDW-PLAY and are reserved for Concierge Level Guests if available.
Download the App: Before your trip, download the Uber or Lyft app and set up your account.
Pick-Up Location: After you arrive at MCO, head to the designated rideshare pick-up area. Follow the signs for “Rideshare” once you exit the terminal.
Choose Your Destination: Input your destination (e.g., your Disney hotel) in the app, and request your ride. You’ll be shown an estimated fare and wait time.
Enjoy the Ride: The drive to Disney World typically takes about 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
LIMO SERVICE/CAR SERVICE
Orlando offers plenty of limo service options, making it easy to find the perfect ride to kick off your Disney vacation in style. While I haven’t personally used a limo service in Orlando, I often book limos for birthdays, concerts, and special events—it’s such a fun, memorable way to start any adventure!
To find a reputable service, a quick Google search for “Orlando limo services” will reveal many options. Here’s how to select the best one to suit your needs:
Start with Reviews and Ratings: Aim to find 5-10 limo companies with at least a 4-star rating. Depending on your comfort level, you might narrow it down to 5, but reviewing more can help you find the best option.
Check Out Customer Feedback: Dig into the reviews, especially the critical ones, to see any common issues. Look out for feedback on important factors like punctuality, vehicle cleanliness, driver professionalism, and overall customer service. This will help you spot any red flags that could affect your experience.
Contact for Quotes: Call each of your top choices and ask for rates on an airport transfer from MCO to Disney, along with round-trip pricing if you plan to return the same way. Be sure to ask if rates include any fees, wait time, or tolls, and inquire about any additional amenities they offer, like car seats or meet-and-greet services.
Make Your Selection and Book: Once you’ve compared the services and rates, choose the limo service that best fits your family’s needs. Confirm your booking, and be sure to re-confirm about a week before your trip to ensure everything is on track.
By doing a little research and planning, you’ll find a limo service that makes your vacation feel extra special right from the start. Safe travels and enjoy the VIP treatment on your way to Disney!
EAR FOR EACH OTHER/PRIVATE CAR TRANSPORTATION IN ORLANDO
This is a group that I discovered during the pandemic of furloughed cast members on Facebook. There are even some cast members who have started FULL transportation businesses. Check out the page and put airport transportation in the search box in the search. You will see numerous recommendations and even the cast member's pages on there.
Just like limos, private cars can be expensive. But it's direct. They are waiting for you and will carry your luggage. It's a great option if you have some extra funds. Also, Ear for Each Other is a FB group of furloughed cast members that started their businesses during the pandemic. There are great referrals in there.
RENTAL CAR IN ORLANDO
Do you need a rental car?
Whether or not to rent a car depends on your plans—if you’re planning to explore beyond Disney’s “bubble,” renting a car can be a smart choice. Just remember that non-Disney Resort guests pay for parking at the parks, so if you’re staying off-site, be sure to check parking rates beforehand.
For the best rental car rates, we recommend Undercover Tourist. We’ve saved hundreds of dollars by combining our car rental with other purchases, like movie tickets, instead of Disney tickets! It’s a great way to bundle and save. Ideally, start planning your car rental about 30 days before your trip to ensure availability and lock in the best price. Then, about a week before arrival, confirm any scheduled services and check that all your reservations are set.! So if you spend $100, you get a discount on rental cars. We typically buy movie tickets since we are frequent moviegoers and then book our car from Undercover Tourist.
If you think you need a rental car to run errands, there are plenty of delivery services that can help you get the items you need. You do not need a car to run any errands.
Alamo Rent a Car (800) 327-9633
Budget Car Rental (407) 825-1700
Dollar Rent a Car (800) 800-4000
Enterprise Rent-a-Car (844) 951-0601
Hertz (407) 859-8400
National (800) 227-7368
Sixt Rent a Car (888) 941-7498
Payless Car Rental (407) 856-5539
Thrifty Car Rental (800) 367-2277
Away We Go Transportation
Away We Go Transportation provides reliable, private transfers tailored for families visiting Orlando, especially Walt Disney World. With their easy booking process, friendly drivers, and commitment to safety, they simplify airport and resort transfers. Their services include complimentary car seats, luggage drop-offs at resorts, and park-to-park transport within Disney, making travel worry-free. Highly rated for punctuality and cleanliness, they’re ideal for those seeking a smooth, dependable start to their Disney experience.
If you're traveling to Disney World with young kids, Away We Go Transportation now offers Zoe stroller rentals, making it a breeze for families to enjoy Disney with a lightweight, compact stroller that meets Disney's size guidelines. Known for being easy to maneuver, fold, and transport, the Zoe stroller is ideal for navigating crowded areas and hopping on and off Disney transportation. Renting through Away We Go Transportation allows you to pick up the stroller conveniently upon arrival at your Disney resort, meaning you’ll have it for the entire duration of your stay, including at Disney Springs, resort areas, and for travel on Disney’s various transit systems.
This flexible rental option means you don’t have to worry about the Disney in-park rental restrictions, which limit use to inside the parks. With Away We Go’s rental, you can take the stroller wherever you go throughout your Disney vacation, offering families a seamless and convenient way to handle every part of their trip comfortably.
For more details, visit Away We Go Transportation.
Car Seat Laws in Florida
In Florida, car seat laws are designed to ensure the safety of children while traveling in vehicles. Children under the age of 5 are required to use a federally approved car seat. Specifically, children up to 3 years old must be secured in a separate car seat, while children aged 4 to 5 may use either a car seat or a booster seat. It's also essential for children over the age of 5 to use a seat belt, but it's recommended they remain in a booster seat until they are tall enough for the seat belt to fit correctly—typically when they reach about 4 feet 9 inches tall the car seat is installed correctly and that your child is secured properly for every journey. For further details, you can refer to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website here.
Shuttle Buses (i.e., SunShine Flyer): You do not need a car seat as motor coaches do not legally require them. If you take one of their direct shuttle services, you do not need a car seat, but you may prefer it since it is a smaller vehicle, typically the size of a sprinter van. You can also pick options like foldable or inflatable boosters.
Uber/Lyft and renting a car: A child five and under must be in a car seat. If you are bringing an infant, I suggest bringing your own car seat. Unfortunately, many ride-share companies do not have car seats appropriate for your child. The available car seats are best for children 2 - 5 years old.
Minnie Vans: They come with two Graco 4EVER car seats that can be rear-facing for infants and forward facing for toddlers and above. Minnie Vans can now also pick you up from MCO. You can see my toddler pictured in a Minnie Van, living her best life in her front-facing car seat.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
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