Picture it, you’ve just touched down at Orlando International Airport with your whole family in tow, and you’re ready to start your magical vacation… But then, before you can even make it to your hotel, your day is thrown into chaos when you realize your plan for getting to Disney World isn’t going to work!
Now, before you break into a cold sweat, here’s the good news — we’re here to debunk some common misconceptions about Orlando airport transportation to help make sure that doesn’t happen to you. From outdated information to well-meaning but wrong “tips,” here are 3 lies about Disney World airport transportation you shouldn’t fall for!
1. Disney Offers Free Direct Transportation
This lie falls into the “outdated information” category, as those of us who fondly remember Disney’s Magical Express may know. For the uninitiated, Magical Express used to offer free airport shuttle service, luggage delivery, and airline check-in for Disney Resort guests. The service ran from 2005 through December 31st, 2021, but as of 2022, it’s no longer offered.
Even though the free Magical Express service is gone, Disney does still offer limited airport transportation…for a fee. Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort hotels, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels, and Club Level rooms can reserve a Minnie Van — a private car for up to 6 passengers — for airport transportation.
At $199 for a one-way trip, it can definitely put a dent in your vacation budget, especially if you plan to take it both to and from your hotel to the airport. But, guests willing to make the splurge can book between 60 days and 2 days before their visit (pending availability) by calling (407) 828-3500.
2. Without Magical Express, You Have to Do a Ride Share or Car Rental
When Magical Express was retired in 2022, some people assumed that they had to use a taxi/ride share or rent a car to get to their Disney hotel. But there are other transportation options available that might be a better fit for you!
Several companies offer shuttle service between the Orlando airport and Disney World. For example, the popular Mears Connect shuttle buses offer rides to both official Disney World hotels and other non-Disney resorts. The service can be booked in advance on the Mears website, and one-way tickets cost $16 per person ages 10 and up or $13 for ages 3-9 (children under 3 are free).
And, while it’s not as convenient as getting a ride directly to your hotel, Lynx offers a shuttle service between the airport and Disney Springs for just $2 per person, one-way.
Depending on the number of people in your party, a shuttle service could be a more budget-friendly airport transportation option than a ride share.
3. Getting to Disney World from the Airport is Quick & Convenient
You might be in vacation mode as soon as your flight lands, but unfortunately, the Orlando traffic might not cooperate!
Even if you’re taking direct transportation, like a ride share or car rental, getting from the airport to Disney World can take around 30 minutes when traffic conditions are good. And, of course, it can take even longer when there is traffic, which isn’t uncommon.
If you’re taking an airport shuttle service, there are several potential delays to consider. First, you might have to wait a bit for the shuttle to arrive. For example, Mears Connect shuttle buses typically leave every 20-30 minutes, but unexpected delays could make the wait longer. Plus, shuttle services typically make multiple stops, so you may be along for the ride for several other hotel drop-offs before you make it to your own.
Take our experience, for example — a member of our team recently used Mears Connect to get from the airport to Fort Wilderness and ended up waiting three hours until she finally got to her destination.
Mears
That’s definitely higher than our typical transportation time, but the point is, be sure to leave plenty of wiggle room in any plans or reservations you make on your arrival day, because it can be unpredictable, especially if you’re using a shuttle service.
6 Lies People Still Believe About Disney World’s “Other Airport”
With all of the time and money that goes into planning a Disney World trip, don’t let the start of your vacation get derailed by these Orlando airport transportation lies! Stay tuned to AllEars for more tips for planning your dream Disney World vacation!
Do you have any tips for Disney World airport transportation? Share them in the comments!
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