Disney Magical Express Alternatives – Getting To and From Orlando Airport to Disney World

In early January 2021, Walt Disney World shocked guests with the announcement that the very popular Disney’s Magical Express would be retired at the end of the year. Now that the program has retired for guests moving forward, guests are now looking for alternatives for transferring from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort. Learn more below.

1 – Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer Join Forces – Mears Connect Driven By Sunshine

In July 2023, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer, the two main shuttle services offered since Magical Express was discontinued, announced plans to merge two complementary services into one combined entity to provide exceptional guest transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World Resorts. The new service, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, will continue to provide guests with safe and reliable transportation services to and from the airport with enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience to and from their preferred Walt Disney World® Resort. Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is the only 24-hour shuttle servicing both A/B and C Terminals for both arrivals and departures and is fully wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant for both standard and express services.

2 – Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Options

Two options are available. The Standard Service is a shared-ride service. You’ll make a limited number of stops before your own. Once checking into Mears Connect reception area, you’ll be on your way within twenty minutes. The Express Service is a direct service to your resort and back. You will be guaranteed the first stop with a limited wait time. Note that Express is not a private service, it’s still a shared service, you’ll just be the first stop. Finally, Express shuttle guests may travel in a motorcoach bus, van, or vehicle, and it may be different for arrival and depature.

3 – Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Resorts

Here is the current list of Disney Resort Hotels Serviced by Mears Connect.

4 – Where to Find Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine

You can find Mears Connect on Level 1, ground transportation level, in terminal B at Orlando International Airport. Look for the Mears Connect reception area. On your return trip, you will board Mears Connect at your resort, just ask the front desk personnel where Mears Connect picks up at your hotel.

For return trips, For Standard Service, your scheduled return will be up to three hours in advance of your domestic flight’s departure time or up to four hours of your international flight’s departure time. Your confirmation email and 24-hour notification will supply you with the time of pick up. For Express Service, your transportation will be scheduled to meet you, at your resort, two hours before your domestic flight or three hours before your international flight.

5 – Mears Connect Reservation Information

Reservations for the new service are open and can be made by clicking here.  Pricing details are below.

6 – Rental Car from Orlando International Airport

If you’ve decided to rent a car, then you’ll find rental car companies on Level 1. You’ll want to use Google Maps to get to Walt Disney World. Depending on traffic conditions, you’ll likely take 417, a toll road, to I-4 and then there are multiple exits depending on which resort you’ll be staying at.

7 – Ride Share and Taxi Transportation from the Airport

If you don’t want to use a shared shuttle service like Mears Connect, you can always hire an Uber/Lyft driver or Cab/Taxi driver. Of course, this isn’t complimentary, but it is rather tempting from time to time to spend the money to travel without other people. Pricing varies by company, time of visit, and other factors. Visit the company’s apps for information.

8 – Minnie Van Service

Minnie Van Service is another for-hire option for guests. However, at this time, only Club Level guests are able to book this service. The cost is $199 for a one-way trip. Currently, the service is available from 6:00 a.m. through midnight. Bookings can be made 60 days before check-in by contacting Disney Signature Services, which is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You can call (407) 939-7777 or email Disney Signature Services but note that you must have a Club Level Reservation to book.

9 – Vehicles for Hire Transportation from the Airport

Finally, you might want to splurge and hire private transportation to and from the airport. The Orlando International Aiport website lists many different companies that you can use for this type of service. Learn more by clicking here.