Darby,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
There are a lot of options to get from the Orlando International Airport (Airport Code: MCO) to your Disney resort hotel. Let me share with you an idea of what your options are, and you can select the right one for your group. The list includes shuttles, ride share services, cabs, rental cars, and even car services. There are rides to meet every need and budget.
Shuttle Services: There are several shuttle services available to get you to your home in the magic! For many Disney veterans, the Mears Connect service most closely matches the old Magical Express service, though of course it is not free. I recently used this service, and it was very similar to Magical Express. It is likely the most affordable of all the options listed here. My wait times were about the same as with the Magical Express service.
Ride Share / Taxis: Ride share services like Uber & Lyft, as well as taxis are obvious choices. They will be more expensive than the larger shuttle services, but are more direct, and you are not typically riding with other travelers.
Rental Car: Of course, there is the option to rent a car. But the cost can be high, and you may not find yourself using it much during your stay. For many guests, after they arrive, they rely on the
Disney Transportation services to get from resort to park. In their case, a rental might just be sitting idle in a parking lot at the resort. Consider how often you will use it when weighing this option. Also check what the daily parking charge is at your resort if that applies.
Car Service: Another option that is a definite upgrade on your trip is to reserve a car service. When you book round trip the cost may not be as comparatively high as you would think, and it will shorten travel times, since you are the first and only stop. Many, like Quicksilver, also offer a grocery store stop on your arrival leg at no charge.
NEW! Disney did just announce the impending return of the
Disney Minnie Van Service Connected by Lyft. I don't know if it will be active by your late-May time frame, but you can always check. It won't be the cheapest option from this list, but it is a real "WOW" when that polka-dot van pulls up to whisk you away to the magic!
BOTTOM LINEFor my family's next visit we are going to either use Mears Connect or a car service so we can get all our sodas and snacks during that grocery store stop. We have found that stop can save us enough money to offset the added cost of the plush ride!
Write me back if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug