Disney announced yesterday that their Magical Express bus service from the Orlando International Airport to the Disney World Resort hotels will be discontinued in 2022.
Disney World
If you’ve relied on Disney’s Magical Express for all of your transportation needs between the airport and Disney World, you might already be thinking about what other transportation options you’ll be able to use once Magical Express is discontinued. 2022 might be a while away, but it’s never too early to start planning! So, today we’re breaking down some of the BEST ways to get to Disney World once Magical Express is discontinued.
Now, the value of some of these and how effective or efficient they might be for your traveling crew can depend on how many are in your party, so that’s something to keep in mind. Let’s dive in!
1. Use a Rideshare Service
Whether you turn to Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, using typically an app on your phone to arrange for someone to pick you up from Orlando International Airport and take you directly to your Disney World hotel can be fairly simple and quick. You’ll want to keep in mind the price of this option to determine if it’s best for your group.
Partners Statue
Pricing
We recently looked at what a ride from Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Contemporary Resort would cost. The Uber app showed that an UberXL for that trip would cost $51.77 with a car that fit up to 5. An Uber Comfort cost $41.31 and an UberX cost $35.10 — both of which fit up to 3 passengers.
Want to go for something a bit more luxurious? The Uber Black was priced at $90.27. There are also separate costs for cars with car seats. At the time we checked, the prices were UberX Car Seat $45.10, Black Car Seat $100.27, and Black SUV Car Seat (with seating for up to 6) $115.95. These rates can all vary, however, depending on the date and time when you request your ride.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Car Seat Info
If you need a car seat, you’ll want to look into what options the rideshare service offers. Uber, for example, offers a Car Seat Service in select cities, including Orlando. With this service, the car that will come to pick you up will be equipped with a car seat. When selecting your car in the app, you’ll want to scroll down to see the cars with that particular option. When we checked on rides from the airport to the Contemporary one day, there was an UberX Car Seat option available for $45.01, a Black Car Seat option available for $99.70, and a Black SUV Car Seat option for $115.30. Prices will vary.
Overall
A rideshare option be somewhat limiting depending on the number of people in your party and the amount of luggage you have. If you’re traveling with a large group or simply have a large family, you may not all fit in a single vehicle, even a larger one. One big benefit to this mode of transportation though is that you can be dropped off directly at your hotel, without the need to stop at other hotels to let out other guests. So, if you’re in a rush or trying to drop off your bags quickly so you can then run right into the parks, this can be a good option.
2. Rent a Car
Another thing you might want to consider is renting a car. Orlando International Airport has lots of major rental car companies located right on the airport, meaning (for many of the companies) you won’t need to take a shuttle bus to pick up your rental car.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Pricing
We looked at Alamo and priced out what a rental car would cost if it was picked up at the airport on January 17th and returned to the airport on January 23rd. An economy car that fits 4 passengers was priced at $365.75 total. A compact car that fits 5 was priced at $376.54 total. A mid-size car that fits 5 was priced at $391.72. A 7-passenger minivan that fits 7 was pried at $428.42 total. There were lots of other choices too. Again, keep in mind that these prices are all subject to change.
EPCOT
Car Seat Info/Parking Fees
Alamo, and, we expect many, if not all, of the other car rental companies, also offer child safety seats for an additional per day charge. But, if you rent a car for the entire length of your trip you’ll also need to factor in Disney’s daily hotel parking charges. Currently, Disney charges $15 per night for parking at Value Resorts, $20 per night at Moderate Resorts, and $25 per night at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts.
Disney’s POP Century Resort!
To avoid some of these parking charges, you could rent a car just for the day of your arrival, pick it up at the airport, drop your family and bags off at the hotel, and then designate one person to go return it that very same day to Disney’s Car Care Center, and take advantage of the Complimentary Shuttle Service to get back to your hotel. And then you could do it all again in reverse for your return to the airport. When we looked, a single day rental for a 7 passenger minivan (picked up at noon from Orlando International Airport and returned to Disney’s Car Car Center by 4:30 PM) was $87.71 total for January 17th. That price, again, is subject to change.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
It may seem like a lot of work and effort to rent a car, but you’d have to crunch the numbers to see if it’s worth it. And keep it mind, that having a car to use throughout the trip will give you a bit more flexibility and you won’t have to wait around for Disney transportation.
3. Get a Taxi
Another option is to simply hop in a taxi at the airport. You can actually book a local taxi cab through some rideshare services, like Uber, directly on the app, or you can call or hail a cab while at the airport. According to one website, the estimated taxi fare can be around $71.72 for a trip from Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Orlando International Airport
Some taxis can carry up to 9 passengers. That can be good if you’ve got a large party. If you need a car seat, you may need to call the taxi company to request it and some may charge a fee, so keep that in mind.
4. Use a Shuttle Bus & Shuttle Van
Although the Magical Express will be discontinued in 2022, there are other shared ride shuttle busses and vans available from the airport that can take you to your hotel. For example, there are some vans and busses operated by Mears separate from the Magical Express. These shuttles or vans can be quite economical.
Orlando International Airport
You’ll just need to keep in mind that depending on the time of transfer and your destination, the shuttle may make more than one stop. So, if you’re in a hurry to get to your hotel or want the transportation vehicle all to yourself, then a shared service like this might not be ideal for you.
5. Other Private Car Services
As another alternative, you could book a car, van, or other vehicle from a private car service company. Some of these can seat a large number of passengers, can be pet-friendly, have child seats available, or have other amenities that might be important to you. If you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to add some extra style to your trip, you could also opt for something extravagant like a limo!
Disney’s Yacht Club
Ultimately, getting a van or other car from one of these private services can be a good financial decision depending on how many people you’re sharing the cost with.
In the Past: Minnie Vans
In the past, guests could also use Disney’s Minnie Van Airport Service to set up a ride to or from the airport and their Disney World Resort hotel. The Minnie Van airport service was previously priced at $155each way, gratuity not included.
Here’s the Minnie Van we spotted driving around Disney World today!
Disney’s Minnie Van service, however, is temporarily unavailable at the moment. You can read more about this and the latest update on the service from Disney — here. We’ll be on the lookout for any updates about that in the future.
In the Future: Brightline
The Brightline train’s connection from Orlando International Airport to Disney World is not something you can take advantage of yet, but we couldn’t make this list without at least mentioning it. In the fall of 2020, Disney and Brightline shared that a near-high-speed rail station will be built at Disney Springs.
©Brightline
The proposed station’s design is currently set to include a lobby on the ground level, passenger facilities, and an upper-level train platform. With this train service, guests would be able to hop on a ride from the airport to Disney Springs, and then take Disney’s bus (or other) transportation from Disney Springs to their hotel.
©Brightline
Curious what this train could look like, where else it will go, and what services will be on board? Check out our full post for more info! Currently, the train is targeting a 2023 Disney Springs opening.
Click here to see more about the Brightline train!
And that’s our break-down of some of the best ways you’ll be able to get from the airport to Disney World once Magical Express is gone. Keep in mind, for many of the services discussed, you may need to factor in a tip for your driver. Overall, what mode of transportation is best for you will depend on how many guests you have in your party, any special things you may need, and what you’re willing to spend in terms of cost. We’ll continue to keep you updated if we hear more about the discontinuation of Magical Express and other Disney news.
Click here to get ALL the details on the Disney’s Magical Express service being discontinued here!
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The build up and excitement was a plus to begin your trip. The convenience with your luggage was a bonus as well. Doesn’t seem like a smart move to discontinue. I wonder what the reasoning is
DME was a fairly recent addition to the Disney experience and before that all these things were what you always did. I really was surprised when it was a complementary service to begin with. There were far more years that they didn’t have this kind of service. I am kind of surprised they are ending it without offering it at an up charge though. it is just going back to the way it always was.
Disney is being Penny wise and Dollar foolish. Making certain guests are easily able to leave WDW property For restaurants. Shopping. Other “parks” Etc is certain to cost them a lot
Better option would be to limit bus times and add in a service charge. But ABSOLUTELY keep the Magical Express going
After all its a high part of The Disney Magic which is Disney’s brand!
Please reconsider!!!!!!!
This is absolutely one of the most ridiculous changes Disney has made. It really makes you rethink the “magical” part of a Disney trip. Next, I suppose, we will have to find our own transportation from Disney resorts to Disney Springs and the parks.
I always use an Uber or for larger groups, a Mears shuttle.
What I don’t understand is a train to Disney Springs?? Then get off and then reboard a bus or taxi to the resort? Real convenient, especially for a family dragging kids and bags.
Perhaps Disney will have resort shuttles ready when the train arrives.
Keep Magical Express, but add a fair charge. This is a win/win!
Do Disney really think people are get off a flight into Orlando
Some of which last over 9 hrs
To then drag heavy luggage and children on to a train to Disney springs & the do the same on to a Disney transport bus with zero room for luggage
Just not an option the train is just an excuse to ditch the magic bus service part of the magic of old Disney which seems to be lacking of late.
Absolutely saddened that the Magical Express is to be discontinued.
This will cause extra expense for guests that really don’t need it!
This train from MCO to Disney Springs, maybe a great idea, but to say you can then get transportation to your hotel is not acceptable, due to the fact your not allowed to take suit cases on transportation!
So with that in mind are Disney going to supply extra buses to and from Disney Springs Train Station and Hotels?
If so they may as well keep the Magical Express! As surely to put on extra buses at this point would counter extra costs?
Quite simply, if we need to hire a car, it makes reserving off-site much more attractive for us. Part of the reason for booking a Disney resort hotel is that they take care of you from the moment you arrive at the airport and that you don’t need to bother with car hire/ other reservations.
was planning a trip for 12 in 2022 staying at the caribbean tickets to parks and meal plan not now .spend app. 15000-20000 per trip 10years x 200000 take that for a magical amount lost!!!
Approx. $100 for round trip from and to the airport is $100 less spent in the parks. If the buses are cut off before the train is ready its not worth going to Disney. This is not the way to entice more people to the parks. Very disappointed in Disney for this decision. #savethebus for sure.
Kirsty, Disney hasn’t said anything (as far as I know) about transportation between the potential train station in Disney Springs and resorts, but we will update when Disney addresses these issues.
Lucille, you can actually search Mears for exact quotes.
I thought Uber and Lyft were not allowed to pick up at MCO? Has this changed?
Mkristen, I checked online, and it looks like they do pick up there.
Arrogant, foolish, and dismissive. Disney may be saving a few bucks now, but trust me, once people are on their own with a rental car or even getting an Uber, they will start to research other accommodation options and will see just how very affordable it is to stay offsite in and around Disney World. Not to mention the trust has now been broken. When will the transportation from resort to parks stop? Seems it is just a matter of time. Maybe they will announce that too in the next six months.
No Fastpasses, no DME, no Extra Magic Hours. Remind me again why I am paying that money to stay onsite??
I get it’s a business and they are taking a hit, but perhaps they could keep the transport, say, if we were to stay onsite for four nights or more or some incentive to make you stay longer that makes it cost effective for them. Let’s come up with something a bit more creative that can benefit both parties. Just this slap in the face? It does hurt.
I’m sorry Disney has decided to stop the Magical Express buses. I understand, I think–it’s the bottom dollar for Disney. A lot of things have gone on this past year of 2020–covid had affected everyone. We loved this service because it was like you were starting your Disney vacation right then, love the characters on the screens and everyone was happy. We will truly miss this wonderful service Disney provided for it’s guests!
As a person that looked forward to taking my family to Disneyworld every other year since 1986, I just cant bring myself to book another trip there. With the changes they have made by removing the following: Luggage tags, Magic bands, Magical express, extra magic hours for resort guests (where we stay), parades, fireworks, meet and greets, fast passes, shortened park hours, etc., the price increase does not justify going any longer. Disney’s marketing trend is to raise the prices high enough to control the parks attendances but this is a slippery slope. Eventually people will forget about their childhood memories of Disney and spend their vacation and entertainment dollar elsewhere. Like Me.
Talking with family and decided for what Disney is costing and cutting, it’s just not worth it. Looking into going to Europe (real World showcase) and it’s going to be cheaper! It’s sad, we were excited about taking our grandkids but not anymore and if we do, it’s going to be off site. Sorry DIsney.
Why is everyone getting crazy about this. The Magical Express Bus service is ending because the new train service from the airport to Disney Springs is starting. It’s better. It works well in Hong Kong and Paris.
Grasshopper…………..the train does not take you to your hotel………The buses won’t take luggage on them…………..so much to figure out………
When Magical Express is done, so are we. We used to check our bags in Chicago and not have to deal with them again until we got back to Chicago. First they do away with the luggage service (bad enough) but we still have AP’s until the end of the year, so we will do a couple trips to get our moneys worth, but then there is no reason to renew.
Could you possibly cut back on anymore Disney? What next, bring your own toilet paper?! This has definitely taken what little magic remains. We already sold one of our DVC contacts last year and we are for sure being encouraged to sell the last one with moves like this. My son who is a Disney addict did not enjoy all the new Covid stuff on our last trip so we did more off property activities. He is already requesting less Disney time for our Spring trip. Never thought I’d see the day my family would no longer enjoy the parks 😢
This was pretty clear in pointing out that the exchange, to guests, is paying several hundred more for transportation and parking, as well as confusing complexity, in exchange for the seamlessness of the Magical Express. Not a winning choice.
What is the cost of the train from the airport to Disney Springs ??
So I’m looking for hotel close to wdw with shuttle service. Sorry Disney u lost my 1st and last night.. stupid
There are a few points I would like to make. First…for everyone talking about taking the train once it’s available…it will NOT be free. There will be a charge per person…so for a big group, it will still be a potentially large added expense. Would it surprise anyone if it were $15-$20 one way? I wouldn’t be. In addition to being required to take your luggage with you on to the train… and then off the train… and then again on to a bus to your resort from Downtown Disney with your family in tow, I would assume it will be at least 2 hours of travel time (or more). So…good luck with that. I can only imagine for the family with 2 strollers and 3 or 4 pieces of luggage what a disaster that will be…as well as the train service who now needs to multiply that by hundreds of similar families trying to board or get off the train.
Second, some commenters have said DME didn’t exist before 2005. Why do you think they started it in the first place? It wasn’t because they were trying to be nice and offer a great new free service. I’m sure there was plenty of analysis that determined they could get more people to stay on property, which in turn meant more time in the parks to spend more money. You need to remember…Disney’s mission statement is…”we will do everything in our power to separate you from your wallet”. People seem to always forget that.
My guess is that Disney is factoring in more guests will rent cars which in turn will generate for money from parking…at the resort and the parks….and the cost of the Mears contract doesn’t justify keeping it anymore. They may say “…as consumer needs and preferences change”….but clearly that isn’t the reason.
The reality is they won’t know if their decision was correct until at least next year (for my family…it was not)…when bookings plummet or stay the same. My guess is this will impact their bottom line…because if I’m staying offsite, I’m spending less time (and money) in the parks eating food and shopping. I believe this will be a BIG mistake!!!
Unless things have changed SUPER recently (within the last month) you CANNOT order anything except UberBlack to the Orlando International Airport MCO! Why? It keeps rates competitive with Mears taxi company. It is an absolute ripoff to consumers. It’s totally shameful but its so that the Uber doesn’t kill the taxi’s business. It will for sure cost $90-100 to get to Disney property from the airport. The local hack? Take the dollar bus that goes to a nearby shopping center and get an Uber from there. The bus will cost you a dollar and the ride to Disney will cost about $30. You’re welcome.
Uber and Lyft have their basic services available from the airport, as well as their premium services.
This has been the case for the past 3 years…
The magic is gone. We have gone every year to Disney, sometimes twice a year. With all the many changes, and not any good ones, we will not be returning. The Magical Express was the last straw.