There used to be a time when traveling from Orlando’s airport to Disney World was as simple as hopping on the included Magical Express. However, since that service was discontinued several years ago, things have gotten more complicated.
Southwest at MCO
On top of that, Disney trips are expensive, and every dollar saved on something like transportation can mean the loss of an extra snack, souvenir, or ride photo. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your budget and travel style.
Mears Connect Isn’t Always the Cheapest Option
Mears Connect is probably Disney World’s most well-known airport transportation service, and for solo travelers or couples, it can be a pretty affordable and stress-free way to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your Disney World hotel.
Mears Connect
The cost is $17.60 per adult and $14.30 per child one way. That means a family of four (two adults and two kids) would pay $63.80 total for the ride.
©Mears
That sounds reasonable, right? Well, here’s the thing: While it’s budget-friendly for smaller groups, the price gap disappears when you’re traveling as a family.
Uber and Lyft Might Cost About the Same (Or Even Less)
Let’s compare the price of rideshare options like Uber and Lyft for the same trip from MCO to Coronado Springs Resort:
- UberX for four people = $52.97
©Uber
- Lyft Standard-Priority for four people = $47.99–$52.71
©Lyft
So, if you’re a solo traveler or a couple, Mears Connect could save you a few bucks. But for a family of four, rideshares might actually be the same price or cheaper than Mears, AND that’s without the extra stops to other resorts.
With Mears Connect, You’re Sharing a Ride AND Your Time
If you choose Mears Connect, you’re not getting a private ride straight to your resort. Instead, you’ll be on a shared bus that could make multiple stops before reaching your destination.
Mears Connect at Orlando International Airport
This means you might have to wait longer at the airport for the bus to fill up, and your travel time could be extended depending on how many other stops are on your route.
Mears Connect Bus
On the other hand, Uber and Lyft take you directly to your resort, usually in 30–35 minutes. If you’re exhausted from a long flight and just want to get to Disney as fast as possible, a rideshare might be the better option.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the takeaway:
- If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, Mears Connect is usually the cheaper option.
- For a family of four the prices even out, so consider whether you prefer a direct ride with Uber/Lyft or don’t mind extra stops with Mears.
- If you want to save time, rideshare will almost always get you to your hotel faster.
Inside a Mears Connect Bus
Ultimately, your best choice depends on your budget and priorities. Just make sure to check real-time Uber and Lyft prices before booking, because rates can fluctuate based on demand. Happy traveling! Until then, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.
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What are the options for a group of 8 adults with luggage from MCO to a Disney resort?
Lynx, Orlando public transit, is way cheaper and, really, no less direct, to Disney Springs (transfer to Ticket and Transportation Center). From there, it is on property Disney Transportation to anywhere in the ” World”.
Someone mentioned Lynx, but remember they don’t allow luggage on the Disney bus from Disney Springs to your resort.
I 2nd the lynx express bus. Used it mid January to get to Disney spring hotel. Cost $2 a person. Our bus only stopped twice I think before Disney spring stop near West end Disney spring
Per lynx bus, we brought our carry on spinner luggage on the bus and a few other people did too. Bus was pretty sparse not sure if allow a full size luggage onto the bus even if it was not full. I think it’s your mileage. May vary for sure if you have anything bigger, but I think carry-ons didn’t seem to be a problem at all
I was meaning once you get to Disney Springs, you aren’t supposed to be able to get the luggage on the Disney bus if you then go to a resort hotel outside of Disney Springs.
We did the lynx bus to try it’ll saving some cash on our last trip.
Well, it basically reminded me of Public transportation in NYC.
Even had a fight on the bus when a passenger at the last minute rang the bell to get off. The bus driver didn’t make an approved stop to let her off and I don’t blame the driver.
The biggest issue is not only you can’t take your luggage on a Disney bus. You can’t really take your luggage to springs if you are aiming for after plane dinner there. I totally forgot about the metal detectors and security would go through all your bags. Personally I would just uber not to loose out on valuable Disney time.
I have said this before but feel it is important to note… Unless things have changed the only way for someone who needs transportation in a wheelchair is by the meats bus. Last I checked there are no Uber, lift etc that are wheelchair accessible. Please if anyone knows different comment as we are a family of 4 that needs that type of transportation.
Sorry. Wife and I use a popular town car service. It’s a few bucks more but well worth it. Try it some time
I also use a town car service – Florida Town Car. If Mears Connect costs $63.80 one-way, that means it’s 127.60 for round trip, which is comparable to what I pay for a town car. They meet me at baggage claim, drive me straight to my resort (though they will make a stop at a grocery store or Walmart for a small extra charge) and I generally get an extra hour at the park on my last day because they don’t need to pick up as early as Mears does, since there won’t be any stops at other hotels. They’re always professional, always on time, and they have never disappointed me in the 20+ years I’ve been using them.
We used the old Magical Express once because it was included in the package, but it was just not what we wanted. Too many people, too many stops. For most of our other visits we’ve opted for town cars. Did do a supply stop once – before grocery delivery became available – and always had great luck with drivers and the professionalism. Also have recently used ride share (Lyft).
Yes, it does cost more, but we are more comfortable with it being just us; feels more personalized to our needs, & timelines, and is more direct.
Of course we are older Disney Adults with no kids and fewer budget issues AND we’ve traveled enough to feel our shuttle bus years are behind us. . . 😉
If you can afford it. It’s a no brainer. Town car service. Been using them for years. Don’t even think about that anymore. Tiffany Towncar!!!!