Flying into Orlando International Airport for a Disney World vacation is one of the most exciting moments of your trip, and it’s just the beginning!

You just landed, and you’re ready to get to Disney World, but there’s one decision that can seriously impact your budget: how to get there. Between Uber surge pricing, rideshare add-ons, and Disney-area shuttle services, the cost of simply getting to your hotel can be surprisingly high. Here’s what I wish I had known before paying $54 for Disney World airport transportation, and how you can choose the option that makes the most sense for your trip.

While Disney fans try as hard as they can to bring Disney’s free airport shuttle, Magical Express, back from its death in 2021, there is no longer a free option to get from Orlando International to your Disney hotel. Now, you can choose from renting a car, using a ride share like Uber or Lyft, or taking Mears Connect transportation. Let’s break the latter two down to see which is best for you!

Uber

Uber and other rideshare services are often the first option people consider when landing at MCO. They’re easy, fast, and feel familiar, but the cost can climb quickly, especially for families.

At 8:30 AM on a Sunday, here’s what Uber pricing looked like for a trip from MCO to Disney World:

• Uber (up to 4 people): $36.96

• UberXL (up to 6 people): $52.98

• Black Uber (up to 4 people): $116.98

• Uber with Car Seat (up to 4 people): $53.93

And remember, that’s only one way. Double that for a round trip, and you could easily be paying over $100 just to get to and from the airport.

Pros of Uber

• Door-to-door service directly to your Disney hotel

• Typically faster than shared transportation

• Flexible pickup times

• No waiting for other passengers

Cons of Uber

• Prices fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and traffic

• Larger families may need UberXL or multiple vehicles

• You’ll need to provide your own car seat or request a special vehicle

• Surge pricing can make costs skyrocket unexpectedly

Mears Connect

Mears Connect is one of the most popular alternatives to rideshare for Disney travelers, especially since Disney’s Magical Express was discontinued. The biggest advantage? Predictable pricing.

Standard Mears Connect Round Trip Pricing

• Adults: $33.60

• Children (ages 3–9): $27.30

• Children under 3: Free

For families with young kids, that child pricing can make a huge difference compared to Uber, especially when you factor in round-trip costs. You also do not need car seats for Mears Connect.

Mears Connect Express Pricing

• $250 round trip for up to 4 people

• $55 per person for groups of 5+

• No child rate — all guests count, regardless of age

The Express option is essentially a private transfer, but the price jump is significant compared to the standard shared service. There is no need to wait for others to join the bus, and there are no extra stops. It will take you directly to your resort.

Pros of Mears Connect

• Fixed pricing with no surge surprises

• Budget-friendly for families with kids

• No need to install apps or request cars

• Luggage handled for you

Cons of Mears Connect

• Shared service can mean waiting for other passengers

• Longer travel times with multiple hotel stops

• Less flexibility if your flight is delayed

• Express service is costly for smaller groups

The Real Cost Comparison

This is where things really clicked for me. A family of four using a standard Uber both ways could easily spend anywhere between $75 to 110 round trip, depending on timing and car type. Meanwhile, the same family using Standard Mears Connect could pay $67 to 122 total round trip, depending on kid’s ages. That predictability matters when you’re already spending thousands on a Disney vacation.

Which Option Is “Worth It”?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If speed and convenience matter most, Uber may be worth the extra cost. But if you’re traveling with kids, want to avoid surge pricing, or just like knowing exactly what you’ll pay upfront, Mears Connect can be the smarter choice. If you’re just traveling solo or with another adult, Uber might actually be cheaper.

Disney World transportation costs can sneak up on you, but a little bit of planning can save you. For more Disney planning advice, money-saving tips, and travel information, be sure to check out DFB.

Why Flying to Disney World Will Be Easier in 2026

Which transportation would you likely choose? Tell us in the comments.