Hey Howdy Hey, Michelle!
Welcome to planDisney. Thank you so much for moseying by with your question. Yeehaw! How exciting that you are planning ahead for your Disney vacation.
While I wish there was a complimentary way to gallop over to Disney from Orlando International Airport, unfortunately, there is no complimentary transportation to and from the airport at this time.
You do have a few options, however, and I recommend pricing out which is most cost-effective for your family. One option is to take an Uber or Lyft to and from the airport to your
Disney Resort Hotel. Then, you can use complimentary Disney transportation to get to and from the theme parks and Disney Springs once you are on-site. You can rent a car; however, there are parking fees if you park at the theme parks, and the cost of a car rental for the length of your vacation may be more expensive than a ride share. But our family likes the flexibility of having a car.
Alternatively, you can book Mears Connect transportation. While it does cost money, it may be cheaper than a ride-share to and from your Resort or a rental car, and these shuttles run 24 hours a day. Another benefit of using Mears Connect is that you have a guaranteed pickup time when you are returning to the airport, so you don't have to worry if it is very early or very late and trying to find a ride. You can look at the Mears Connect website for more information.
While this service regularly travels to and from Walt Disney World, it is independent of Disney. So you do have to make the arrangements on your own. If you have any questions or are concerned about your pick up, drop off, or ride, or if you have to make any changes, you do need to contact them directly. However, in our experience, it has been a very smooth ride.
You do have to make your reservations for Mears Connect in advance. But when you arrive at Orlando Airport and after you get your bags, you can go down to the transportation pick up area and go to the Mears Connect bus pick up. When you are returning to the airport, the Mears Connect bus will pick you up in front of your Resort. They do pick you up early - usually three hours before your check-in time - so just be aware that if you have an early return flight, your pick up time will be very early. However, this will allow you plenty of time to check in and get through Orlando Airport TSA, which can be very busy.
In terms of the best hotel to stay in for one night for a little shut-eye, I recommend looking at
Disney's Value Resorts. These are both reasonably priced, a great place to kick up your boots, and give you all the benefits of being a Disney Resort Hotel Guest. I have stayed at
Disney's All Star Music Resort and loved it. You are immersed in the magical Disney theming, with all of the magic on a Disney stay can provide. Alternatively, Disney also offers
Moderate Resorts, and two I love are
Disney's Coronado Springs and
Disney's Port Orleans Resort. Both of these offer a moderate price range with great amenities, complimentary Disney Resort transportation while on property, and the magic of Disney.
I hope this helps you, Michelle! If you have any further questions, giddy-up back here to see me, and I'll be so happy to round up an answer. After all, you've got a friend in me.
Happy Trails,
Keri