Hiya Linda!
Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for stopping by with your question for us.
Hooray for returning to The Most Magical Place on Earth! Thanks to beloved attractions, legendary storytelling, Mickey-shaped snacks, and so much more, you’re going to have an incredible trip full of enchanting memories!
Linda, I miss Disney’s Magical Express, too, as it took the worry out of getting from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your Disney Resort hotel and back. However, you do have some great options when it comes to finding
Airport Transportation!
Guests can now book Mears Connect, a transportation service similar to Disney’s Magical Express, for an additional fee. My experience with them was great because their service is very similar to Disney’s Magical Express; even their location at MCO is in the same area. If you’re traveling with small Mouseketeers, Guests using bus services like Mears Connect are not required to have car seats on board. They offer two service level options, Standard and Express, and there is a price difference between them. Mears was the operator of Disney’s Magical Express, so they’re continuing to provide the service we’ve come to know well now for an additional cost.
You’ll also find app-based ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft to be options. Guests can use their smartphones to plug in the number of passengers, type of vehicle, etc., and commute to their destination. Please remember that if you have little ones needing car seats in your party, you must request vehicles that can provide car seats and/or booster seats, or you can bring your own.
My family has started
renting a car at Orlando International Airport for our trips. Several companies offer a rewards program where Guests can become members and enjoy perks like skipping waiting in line at the airport to pick up the vehicle. Remember to have cash/coins with you while using car rentals, as there are tolls. With a car rental, I love that we can come and go as we please on our own time. Guests enjoy
complimentary self-parking if staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Additionally, standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders at the theme parks.
If you do go with a car rental, I highly recommend using the
Car Locator, a complimentary feature in the
My Disney Experience Mobile App. It uses Location Services to find and save your parking details at select Walt Disney World Resort parking locations and has been so helpful at the end of the day when my family needs a reminder of where we parked.
Wishing you an enchanting visit, Linda!
Aena