Dorothy,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
There are a lot of great choices for getting from the Orlando International Airport (Airport Code: MCO) to your
Disney Resort hotel. They range in cost, as well as benefits. Let me share a quick review of some of those choices with you, and you can select the right one for your group. The list includes shuttles, ride-share services, cabs, rental cars, and even car services. There are rides to meet every need and budget.
Shuttle Services: As you correctly stated, there are several shuttle companies available to get you to your home in the magic! The
Mears Connect, Driven by Sunshine service most closely matches the old Magical Express, though, of course, it is not free. I have used this service several times, and it is very similar to Disney's Magical Express. My wait times were about the same, and it is typically the most affordable of all the options listed here.
Ride-Share / Taxis: Ride-share services like Uber & Lyft and taxis are obvious choices. They
sometimes are more affordable than the shuttle services, but sometimes not. They are more direct, as you are not typically riding with other travelers. I also have found that the availability of Uber or Lyft rides from the airport can be unreliable, so if you go with this choice, you really should have a reservation.
Rental Car: You can also consider the option to rent a car. But the cost to rent can be high, and you may not find yourself using it much during your stay. Many guests, after they arrive, rely on
Disney Transportation services to get from their resort to the parks. In their case, a rental might just be sitting idle in a parking lot at the resort. Consider how often you will use it when weighing this option.
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. This stop could save you money if you stock up on sodas, snacks, and breakfast bars that you might want back in the room. But as a rule, it is the most expensive of the options I list here.
BOTTOM LINEYou should compare the prices online of all these options from home and then decide which is best for you. I guess that the shuttle service or the Uber/Lyft option is your best bet. I have found from the airport that the Uber/Lyft availability can vary, so in either case, you really must make a reservation ahead of time. If you want to plus up your trip and can afford it, a car service can make an impression. In
all cases, you really must make a reservation before you leave on your trip, to ensure you start your vacation off on the right foot!
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug