Landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with a Disney reservation is easy to plan and easy to get wrong. There are five realistic ways to reach Walt Disney World, and the best one depends on how many of you there are, how much luggage you carry, whether children travel with you and how much waiting you can stand after a flight. This guide compares them plainly. We run a private SUV service, so we say where we are the right choice and where we are not.
The short answer
- Two adults, light luggage, no rush: a shared shuttle or rideshare is usually the cheapest.
- A family with kids, car seats or a lot of bags: a pre-booked private car saves the most time and hassle.
- Staying several days and going beyond Disney: a rental car, but add resort parking and tolls.
How far is it from MCO to Disney World?
Most Disney resorts are roughly 20 to 25 miles from MCO, and the drive usually takes about 25 to 35 minutes without heavy traffic. The exact time depends on your resort and on traffic. Afternoon arrivals are the busiest, and Interstate 4 and the toll roads slow down at rush hour, so leave room.
Does Disney still run a free airport shuttle?
No. Disney's Magical Express, the free resort shuttle from the airport, ended at the start of 2022. Disney resort guests now choose from the options below.
Your five options
1. Shared shuttle (Mears Connect)
Mears Connect is the main shuttle company at MCO. The airport lists every ground option on its ground transportation page. Standard service is a shared ride that can make several resort stops, so the trip takes longer than a car. An express option goes straight to Disney resorts, and Mears says it may still be shared depending on demand. Book ahead online. Mears also has a reception area on level 1 of Terminals B and C for same-day bookings.
This suits couples and solo travellers on a budget who are not in a hurry. Before you book, ask about the wait before departure, stops for other passengers, luggage rules and car seat arrangements.
2. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft)
Fast to book and usually direct. Prices move with demand and airport fees, so check the app when you land instead of relying on a number from a blog.
Small groups with light bags who want to leave right away do well here. Expect surge pricing at peak arrival times, and allow a few minutes to find the right pickup spot. Car seats are the bigger question. Florida's child restraint law has an exemption for chauffeur-driven vehicles hired for compensation (section 316.613(6), Florida Statutes), so a driver may not have a seat for your child unless you arranged one. Bringing your own is the safest plan.
3. Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport and work when you have booked nothing. Ask the driver how the fare is set before you leave.
A taxi is the fallback for a last-minute ride with no app. The fare depends on traffic and any stops you add, and seats for children are your responsibility.
4. Rental car
A rental car gives you freedom to visit parks, outlets and restaurants on your own schedule.
It works best for longer trips that go beyond Disney, and for travellers who like driving. Add up resort parking fees, tolls on Central Florida's toll roads, fuel and the rental counter line, and think about driving after a long flight with tired children.
5. Private car or SUV (what we do)
A pre-booked driver and a vehicle just for your group. At SUV Orlando the price is a flat rate for the whole vehicle: from $139 in the Full-size SUV, one way. Your driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign with your name, helps with your luggage and walks you to your private SUV in a reserved pickup area. There are no other stops.
| Route (same rate both ways) | Full-Size Black SUV, one way | Full-Size Black SUV, round trip |
|---|---|---|
| MCO ↔ Walt Disney World (All Resorts) | $139 | $275 |
| Walt Disney World (All Resorts) ↔ SeaWorld | $95 | $185 |
| Walt Disney World (All Resorts) ↔ Universal Orlando | $120 | $235 |
| Walt Disney World (All Resorts) ↔ Winter Garden | $130 | $255 |
| Sanford (SFB) ↔ Walt Disney World (All Resorts) | $199 | $395 |
| Port Canaveral (Cruise Port) ↔ Walt Disney World (All Resorts) | $239 | $475 |
| Walt Disney World (All Resorts) ↔ Port Canaveral | $239 | $475 |
Rates are for the whole vehicle. Tolls and airport parking included. Another address? Send it and we quote it.
- Infant, convertible and booster seats are free when you book at least 24 hours ahead. We cannot guarantee seats on same-day bookings. Tell us the children's ages when you book. See car service with car seats.
- One grocery stop of up to 20 minutes is free if you ask when you book, handy for water, snacks and diapers before the resort.
- It suits families, groups with a lot of luggage, late arrivals, and anyone who wants a certain pickup.
- It costs more than a shared shuttle for one or two people with light bags, so count your group before you decide.
See the full details on our MCO to Walt Disney World private car page, or compare all flat rates.
Quick comparison
| Shared shuttle | Rideshare | Taxi | Rental car | Private SUV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest per person | Varies with demand | Varies with traffic | Rental plus parking and tolls | Flat rate for the vehicle |
| Booked ahead | Yes, or at the desk | In the app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Other stops | Likely | No | No | You decide | None |
| Waiting | Often | Usually short | At the curb | Counter line | Driver meets you at baggage claim |
| Car seats | Ask | Ask | Ask | Rent or bring | Free with 24 hours notice |
| Best for | Budget, light bags | Quick small groups | Last minute | Longer, wider trips | Families, big groups |
Tips whichever option you choose
- Book your ride before you fly. Same-day is the most expensive and least predictable.
- Share your flight number so pickups can be timed to your landing.
- Count your bags and car seats and match them to the vehicle's stated capacity.
- Decide your resort and its transport plan before you land. If your room is not ready, ask your resort about holding bags.
- Allow extra time for traffic and airport security on the way out.