When planning a trip to Disney World, the biggest thing people focus on is the flight to Orlando. But… what comes after? With the removal of Magical Express, a Disney shuttle that took you from the Orlando Airport (MCO) to Disney World for free — if you were staying at a Disney hotel, visitors can sometimes be iffy on the best way to get to Disney World once they’ve arrived in Orlando.

There are several options you can use to get to Disney World from the airport, but not all of them are the most cost-efficient. This post will cover all the transportation options you have, as well as our recommendations if you’re traveling on a budget.

Each of these travel options have proven to be pretty reliable, but the difference is definitely in price and how soon in advance you can book them. Each of the prices listed below are accurate as of March 30th, 2023, with the destination set to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn — a central location on Disney World property. Let’s get to planning!

Uber

The first option is probably the most popular — a standard Uber. This is a great option if you’re looking to travel privately and have 1-4 people in your travel party.

At the time we checked, a standard Uber cost $36.93 to travel from MCO to Disney World — a fairly average cost compared to the alternatives. You can book this in advance or when you arrive at the airport. Keep in mind that Uber uses surge pricing, meaning the cost can vary some depending on demand — during busier times of day, Uber charges more.

Lyft

Similar to Uber, a standard Lyft is a great option if you’re wanting to travel privately and your party is between 1-4 people.

When we checked, a standard Lyft was $40, slightly more expensive than the Uber option. You can book this in advance or upon arrival to the airport. It’s always a good idea to check both the Uber and Lyft apps because the prices can vary.

Mears Connect Standard Service

Mears is a private shuttle service that requires prior booking based on your flight information and time of arrival. While it is possible to book this service last-minute if there is availability, it’s recommended that you book at least a few days in advance.

The one-way fare is $19.50 for adults and $13.50 for children (ages 3-9). Keep in mind that this is a shared transportation service, so there will be more than just you and your party on the bus, and it will probably stop at multiple resorts on Disney property.

Mears Connect also offers an Express Service that takes you directly from the airport to your hotel. It starts at $250 for up to 4 people.

Rental Car

While there are numerous options for rentals, a popular option is to rent directly at the airport. This can be done in advance or when you get to the airport, but know that there could be limited availability if you wait.

For a standard sedan, the average cost was $481 for a week when we checked. Again, rental cars do not have a set price, and will vary with demand. If you plan on driving yourself around Disney with a rental, be sure to budget for parking fees. While parking at theme parks is free if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you will be charged $25 per day to if you are staying “off-property.”

Taxi

Of course, there’s always the taxi option! A taxi to Disney from the airport typically costs anywhere from $35 to $45, plus a tip.

You can head to the taxi stand when you are ready to leave the airport. There are usually plenty of drivers available.

Sunshine Flyer

Sunshine Flyer is another private transportation company that takes visitors from MCO to Disney for a relatively low cost. You need to book your ride at least 4 days in advance.

Right now, Sunshine Flyer is having a spring sale and one-way fares are $12 per person. This deal must be redeemed before May 31st before the cost goes back up to regular fares of $19.50 for adults and $12 for children ages 3-12. Keep in mind that just like the Mears Connect Standard Service, the bus you take will likely stop at multiple hotels to drop off passengers.

Well, what do you think? Which one will you be choosing? If you are truly looking for the cheapest option, it really depends on how many people are in your party.

Taxis and standard ride shares (like Uber and Lyft) can carry up to four people, and — unless you hit them at a busy time — would usually be the cheapest option per person if your party is more than 1 or 2. But if you have multiple pieces of luggage and four people, you may need to go with a larger Uber or Lyft, which will up the price.

If you have 1 or 2 people, the two shuttle companies — Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer are usually the cheapest option — just keep in mind you are probably going to wait through multiple stops to get to your hotel (unless you get LUCKY and your hotel is the first stop!).

These are all great and reliable options, it just truly depends on what you and your travel party prefer! Here at DFB, we’re always on the lookout for the most trusted and cost-efficient travel tips for our readers. Follow along for more Disney planning tips! Speaking of which, you can click the link below to check out a full guide to planning a Disney trip in 2023.

Planning a Disney trip? Click here!

Have you used any of these options before? Let us know in the comments!