Garry,
Thanks for your question to planDisney!
At this time Disney does not provide any transportation services from
Orlando area airports to their resort hotels. The old Disney Magical Express service expired at the end of 2021.
There is a world of transportation options from the airport to the Walt Disney World resort hotels. Shuttles, ride share services, cabs, rental cars and even car services, there are choices to meet every need and budget. I will review them below,
Shuttle Services: Several Magical Express-like services have appeared in recent months. For many Disney veterans, the Mears Connect service most closely matches the old Magical Express service, though of course it is not free. Other similar bus shuttle services have also hit the market, though I have not tried any to make specific recommendations.
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 more direct, and you are not typically riding with other travelers.
Rental Car: Of course you can rent a car. But the cost can be high, especially if you are not really using it much during your stay. For many guests, after they arrive they really rely on the
Disney Transportation services to get from resort to park. So in their case, a rental might just be sitting idle in a parking lot at your resort. Consider how often you will actually use it when weighing this option. Also check what the daily parking charge is at your resort and factor that in as well.
Car Service: One option that is often overlooked is a car service. When you book roundtrip the cost may not be as 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 30-minute stop on your arrival leg at no charge. For my family this is great, because we can stop at a local grocery store, stock up on some drinks and snacks for the room, and save some money there in the process. This ability to stop on the way is also a perk if you rent a car.
BOTTOM LINE: My suggestion is to check out the costs of each of these different options, and then make a decision. We enjoy riding the
monorail, the
boats, and the
Disney Skyliner. They are attractions unto themselves! As such, having a rental car all week long for us is not the best choice. We opt for either a ride share service or a car service, to maximize time at Walt Disney World, and to keep an eye on our budget. But you should have enough info now to explore these options based on your family needs, and check that off your to-do list.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug