If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, first and foremost among your considerations (depending on where you live) might be HOW to get there.
Orlando International Airport
If you plan to fly, we’ve gathered some information and resources for you on this page about Orlando International Airport (MCO), as well as how to get to and from your ultimate destination: Disney World!
Orlando International Airport — The Basics
Airport Code
The Orlando International Airport code is MCO. According to the Orlando International Airport website, the designation officially “comes from the former McCoy Air Force Base, on which site… Orlando International Airport now stands.” However…
Orlando Map in Terminal C at the Orlando International Airport
… the home page of the website will tell visitors that it also means “Much Closer to Orlando.” 😉
Terminals
Orlando International Airport is divided into three terminals: Terminal A (which hosts airlines including — but not limited to — Frontier Airlines, Southwest, Spirit Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic), Terminal B (which hosts airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Sun Country Airlines, and United), and Terminal C (which hosts airlines including British Airways, jetBlue, and Lynx).
Orlando International Airport Terminal C
Terminal C just opened in the fall of 2022, and we have a complete Photo Tour of this new Terminal to help you learn your way around here.
Address
Orlando International Airport
One Jeff Fuqua Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32827
Recommended Arrival Time
According to the Orlando International Airport website, “The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recommends arriving three hours before your scheduled departure time, but please check directly with your airline for specific recommendations for your flight.”
Getting To and From Orlando International Airport
Guests flying into Orlando International Airport must arrange their own transportation to and from Walt Disney World Resort.
The Walt Disney World Main Gate
Here are several options you might consider:
Ride Share
A Ride Share (such as Uber or Lyft) is a good option if you’re looking to travel privately and have 1-4 people in your travel party. You can book a rideshare in advance or when you arrive at the airport via the Uber or Lyft app.
Lyft sign
Please be aware, though, that the rideshare pickup is NOT on the same level as the pickup for taxis and other ground transportation. Terminals A & B Ride Share pickups are on Level 2. Terminal C Ride Share pickups are on Level 6.
Shuttle Services
Previously, Disney provided a shuttle service called Magical Express for guests staying in the Disney World Resort hotels. Magical Express was discontinued in 2022; however, guests looking for a similar service still have options, including the one we are highlighting below:
Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine provides guests with transportation to and from the airport and eligible hotels “with enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience.” Service is available for both A/B and C Terminals for arrivals and departures.
Mears Connect bus
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.
Mears Connect service is fully wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant for both standard and express services.
Mears Connect 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 $20.90 for adults and $14.85 for children (ages 3-9). Round Trip fare is $39.90 for adults and $28.35 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 very likely stop at multiple resorts on Disney property.
Guests may learn more or book by visiting www.mearsconnect.com.
Renting a Car
Renting a car can, of course, give you a lot of freedom during your trip, but can also be expensive. 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 be aware that there could be limited availability if you wait.
How will you get to Disney World?
Rental cars do not have a set price, and 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 (where parking is free as well), you will be charged $25 per day for parking at the theme parks if you are staying “off-property.”
Taxi Service
A classic taxi is a fast and easy option, but can be expensive and you’ll want to consider needs such as car seats.
Taxi Sign
You can simply head to the taxi stand when you are ready to leave the airport. There are usually plenty of drivers available.
CLICK HERE if you’re looking to save MONEY on your transportation to Disney World, and CLICK HERE if you’re looking to save TIME.
Brightline Train — A Future Option
In the future, the Brightline train might be an option you can consider looking into. Brightline (which is being renamed Virgin Trains USA) is now provides near-high-speed rail service from Orlando International Airport (MCO) all the way down to Miami, Florida.
Brightline Orlando Train Station
Previously, a station was planned to carry guests to Disney World at a stop on the Resort’s property, connecting Disney Springs directly to Orlando International Airport.
Brightline train
However, in June 2022 it was revealed that the plan for the Disney Springs station has been canceled. That said, Brightline has confirmed that they will still build a train stop near Disney Springs, although it will not actually be located on Disney World property. So, guests will be able to get close to Disney World by using the Brightline train once construction is complete.
We Rode the NEW Brightline Train at the Orlando Airport, and It’s a Gamechanger
Airline Sales
Looking for the latest flight deals? Click any of the links below, and note that the most recent post is on the top.
Orlando International Airport NEWS
Walt Disney World is located, of course, in Orlando, Florida, which makes Orlando International Airport one busy location! Busy seasons for the theme parks such as Spring Break, summer, and the holiday season likewise affect crowd levels at MCO. Additionally, even the Sunshine State can be affected by inclement weather, which may result in flight delays. And finally, new non-stop routes to MCO are being added quite frequently, so we like to keep you in the loop on those, too!
Orlando International Airport crowds
Basically, there is a LOT of news surrounding this hopping airport, and we do our best to keep you posted when unanticipated issues arise. Click any of the links below for the latest MCO news, and note that the most recent post is on the top.
Additional Airport Option
While this specific page discusses Orlando International Aiport, there are actually two commercial airports located in Orlando, Florida. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the larger one, and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a smaller airport. Both have pros and cons, and one might be better than the other for your particular Disney World trip. If you’d like to learn more about your options and which factors to consider, you can click here.
More Air Travel Resources
Click any of the links below for more helpful air travel information and tips!
- Click HERE to find out How to Book the CHEAPEST Flights to Disney World Through Google
- How To Make Your Next Orlando Airport Experience LESS Stressful
- Here is Our Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World
Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks
Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World
Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
