Walt Disney World is about 20 miles (32 km) from Orlando International Airport (MCO), 25 to 40 minutes by car. Since Disney's Magical Express ended in 2022, the main options are a private car (SPL: $139 flat per SUV, tolls and child seats included), the Mears Connect shared shuttle (priced per person), Uber or Lyft (price varies with demand), a taxi, or a rental car plus resort parking.
Private SUV, up to 6 passengers. Tolls, meet & greet and child seats included.
- Tolls included, gratuity optional
- Flight tracking, free wait for delays
- Free child seats
- Free cancellation up to 24h
For decades Disney’s Magical Express made this decision for you. Since it ended in January 2022, every family arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) has to pick a way to reach their resort. We drive this route every day, so here is a straight comparison, including the options that compete with us.
How far is Disney from the airport?
Walt Disney World is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of MCO. The drive takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and your resort; Animal Kingdom-area resorts are at the far end, Disney Springs-area hotels at the near end. The fastest routes use toll roads (SR 417 or SR 528).
The 5 options compared
| Option | Cost for a family of 4 | Wait | Car seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private SUV (SPL) | $139 flat, tolls included | None: chauffeur at baggage claim | Free, installed |
| Mears Connect standard (shared) | Per person: adults from $16, kids 3–9 from $13, plus surcharge | Waits to fill, stops at several resorts | Not provided |
| Uber / Lyft | Varies with demand; XL costs more | Depends on availability | Usually not available |
| Taxi | Metered | Taxi line | Not guaranteed |
| Rental car | Daily rate + tolls + resort parking | Rental counter | Extra daily fee |
Mears Connect fares as published on mearsconnect.com in 2026; a fuel surcharge applies. Third-party prices change; confirm before booking.
1. Private car service
Your chauffeur tracks your flight, meets you at baggage claim with a name sign, helps with the luggage and drives you directly to your resort. You pay one price for the vehicle, not per person: $139 per SUV for up to 6 passengers, tolls included. Child seats are free and installed before you land. This is the most comfortable option after a long flight with kids, and for families of four or more it is often competitive on price.
2. Mears Connect shuttle
Mears Connect replaced Magical Express. The standard service is shared: it waits for passengers, then stops at several resorts. It is the cheapest choice for solo travelers and couples. Families should do the math: two adults and three kids pay per head, and the total can approach a private car. Mears also sells an Express round trip for up to four people. We compare both in shuttle vs private car.
3. Uber or Lyft
Fine for two people with carry-ons. For families the issues are car seats (most drivers don’t carry them) and space (a standard car won’t fit four people and four suitcases). Prices also jump when several flights land at once.
4. Taxi
Available at the taxi stand outside baggage claim. Metered, so the total depends on traffic and your resort.
5. Rental car
Makes sense if you plan to leave Disney property often. Otherwise you pay for the car, the rental company’s toll program and nightly resort parking, and Disney’s own transportation already connects the resorts to the parks.
Private SUV, up to 6 passengers. Tolls, meet & greet and child seats included.
- Tolls included, gratuity optional
- Flight tracking, free wait for delays
- Free child seats
- Free cancellation up to 24h
Which one should you choose?
- Solo or couple, light luggage, flexible: Mears Connect or rideshare.
- Family with young children: private car, because of the car seats and the door-to-door ride.
- Group of 5–6 or a lot of luggage: private SUV; above 6, a van.
- Late-night arrival: private car; you don’t want to wait for a shuttle to fill at midnight.
“Luis runs the best car service in Orlando, we have used him many times. His cars are immaculate and the service is outstanding.”— Sandra R., Google review · Repeat client
Tips for a smooth arrival
- Add your flight number when you book so we can track it.
- Tell us your children’s ages for the right car seats.
- Have your resort name and confirmation handy.
- Book the return at the same time: round trips save 10% with code ORLANDO10.
New to MCO? Our step-by-step arrival guide walks you from the gate to the car.
