Richard,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
Disney no longer offers transportation from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to their resort hotels, like
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but there are many options to meet any party size and budget. My family uses the shuttle services on almost every trip. We find them to be convenient and affordable. But with a party of 5, I do still recommend you research all the options I outline here and make reservations in advance of your trip so that everything goes smoothly. Let me review some alternatives, and you can pick which is right for you.
Shuttle Services: These are typically the most affordable choices available. There are several shuttle companies, and you can find them online. I have used Mears Connect several times now, and it has always been very efficient. It is the most comparable to the Magical Express service from years ago.
Ride-Share Services and Taxis: Ride-share services like Uber & Lyft, as well as taxis are obvious choices. They can be more expensive than the larger shuttle services but are more direct, and you are not typically riding with other travelers. If you use Uber or Lyft, definitely make a reservation ahead of time, as the supply of drivers can vary at different times of the day.
Rental Car: Of course, there is the option to rent a car. But do you need it once you get to your resort? With
Disney Resort Transportation services to get you to and from the parks, you may just be paying for a car that sits in a parking lot all vacation long.
Car Service: Another option that is a definite upgrade on your trip is to reserve a car service. When you book a 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. A good friend of mine recently had a great experience with Black Diamond Luxury Transportation as well. At first, these can seem notably more expensive than a shuttle, but with a party of 5 or larger, it can start to work out better on your budget.
BOTTOM LINEBecause it is so easy to price out different options online based on your party size and destination, I recommend that at a minimum you get a quote for a shuttle service, as well as a car service. Usually, the standard shuttle services are your most affordable option, but the others could be equal or better, so check them out as well.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug