Hi there Shirley, and welcome to planDisney!
For many folks making their way down for their Walt Disney World Resort vacations, just flying into Orlando is half the battle. When
Disney's Magical Express service ceased operations at the start of 2022, it made many of us look to alternative options for family and friends coming in to visit.
You'll be happy to hear that there are currently a variety of options at varying price points, but what can truly be considered the "best way" to get to Walt Disney World Resort just depends on each travel party and your needs versus what you're willing to pay for:
- A friendly Cast Member pointed me to a useful Transportation Help resource that currently has a link to Additional Airport Transport Options available at Orlando International Airport along with a general estimate of pricing and where you'll be able to locate them. (Here you can see that the least expensive option by far is local transit, which is a very lengthy and indirect journey to take!)
- There are companies offering bus service similar to what Disney's Magical Express was like in the past, at competitively-priced rates that seem to fluctuate over the course of the year. It is important to note that this pricing is definitely subject to change and I have personally seen it raise and lower over the past year; currently each passenger can expect to spent between 20 - 30 dollars each for a round-trip, with pricing that may vary based on age depending on the current promotions. This may be a great option for families, smaller groups or those with several pieces of luggage but may take some time waiting for a bus and riding around as they deliver guests across several Disney Resort Hotel locations.
- A rental car may afford you a bit more freedom during your stay, as long as you keep in mind that the amount of days you're spending along with your fuel consumption could cost you hundreds. What may be useful is that parking is currently complimentary at the Resorts and Theme Parks if you're staying as a Disney Resort Hotel guest. If you're staying at an alternate location off-property, the daily parking fees may quickly add up!
- The most direct and cost-effective option in my experience by far has been taking advantage of scheduling rides using a mobile app. These have become so ubiquitous and handy that folks have become accustomed to using Minnie Van Connected by Lyft service across Walt Disney World Resort. Again, pricing is subject to change and can be affected by the time of day on especially busier vacation holidays and we've seen rides from the airport surge upwards as a result; split across several passengers this could still save a considerable amount of money while knowing exactly when it's due to arrive and setting where it will drop you off directly.
Once you've made it, you can rest assured that
complimentary Walt Disney World Resort Transportation is available to you until you're ready to head back to the airport once more. I hope you find the option that makes the most sense for you, and don't hesitate to come back to planDisney for any other questions you might have ahead of your next adventure.
All the best on your quest to get from the airport to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Prince