3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Paying $63 for Disney World Airport Transportation

[Disney4me]

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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The post 3 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Paying for Disney World Airport Transportation first appeared on the disney food blog.

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