Welcome to planDisney, Sharon.
You're traveling to Walt Disney World Resort at the perfect time! The
50th Anniversary Celebration is well and truly underway and there's so much to see and experience. I bet you're counting down the days!
As a planDisney panelist, I'm a firm believer that planning ahead is necessary in order to maximize the Disney magic. This includes planning how to get from the airport to your Resort. So well done in thinking ahead!
With the beloved Magical Express service now retired, Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels have to decide how they're going to get from the airport to Walt Disney World. As you mentioned, there are a couple of shuttle services to choose from, namely, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer. In a recent
planDisney Instagram story, I explained that the cheapest option, if you're traveling as one or two adults, is going to be the Mears Connect service. They also do slightly cheaper tickets for children. The main issue with taking a shuttle service is going to be the time issue. If you're looking for the quickest way to get to your hotel, then a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is going to be a much better option. Depending on the size of your family, this will cost a bit more, however, you won't have to wait around for other Guests. I think either option is convenient, Sharon. It all depends on what is more important to you: cost or time? It sounds like you share the sentiments of the Chesire Cat from Alice in Wonderland: "Some go this way. Some go that way. But as for me, myself, personally, I prefer the shortcut."
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Did you know that Walt Disney World provides many
accommodations for neuro-diverse Guests, such as
Rider Switch (which I've used when traveling with my kids and it's a game-changer), Disability Access Service, and break areas for those who become over-stimulated? It sounds like you're already on top of everything, Sharon (or should I call you, Mrs. Incredibile?). But I hope those suggestions are helpful.
As Genie once said, "Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories." I hope you create lots of special moments on your trip that turn into many magical memories that last a lifetime.
Mike