Mears Connect service between Orlando Airport and Disney World begins Jan. 1

Disney’s Magical Express complimentary transportation service will no longer be offered as of Jan. 1, 2022, but theme park guests will have other options, including Mears Connect that will begin service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and more than 40 Disney World area hotels on New Years Day.

Mears Connect
Photo courtesy of Mears Connect

What is Mears Connect?

Mears has been offering safe and reliable transportation services in Orlando for over 80 years, so Disney World guests can book the company’s new 24-hour shuttle services with confidence.

Mears Connect offers two levels of shuttle service between MCO and Walt Disney World area hotels: Standard and Express. Both include quick access to sanitized vehicles upon arrival, a limited wait time to board, and limited stops to your hotel/resort. Standard service offers both round trip and one-way reservations. At this time, Express service is only offered as a round-trip.

  • Standard service is a shared ride on a Mears Connect bus, van, or small vehicle with limited stops. Return transportation from hotel/resort will be scheduled up to three hours before a domestic flight or up to four hours for international flights.
  • Express service is direct service in a bus, van, or small vehicle to the resort and back to the airport (guaranteed first stop), with limited to no wait time; however, Express service is not considered private service and may be shared. Return transportation from hotel/resort will be scheduled two hours before domestic flights or three hours before international flights.

Introductory rates for Standard service are $16 per adult and $13.50 per child ages 3-9 (one way) or $32 per adult and $27 per child ages 3-9 (round-trip). Children under three ride free. For Express service, the rate is $250.00 for up to four passengers and $55 for each additional passenger. Express service does not have a kid’s rate, and children of all ages should be included in the total guest count.

Click here for more information.

Additional Transportation Options:

The Sunshine Flyer

Sunshine Flyer
Photo courtesy of Sunshine Flyer

Beginning on Feb. 1, 2022, The Sunshine Flyer will offer transportation between MCO to Walt Disney World Resort on premium motorcoaches themed around old-fashioned 1920’s-era locomotive or passenger train cars.

Tickets are $17 per adult and $12.50 per child ages 3-8 (one way) and $34 per adult, and $25 per child ages 3-8 (round-trip). Kids under two can ride on an adult’s lap for free.

Click here for more information.

Ride Sharing

In addition to shuttle services, many travelers rely of Uber and Lyft for transportation to and from the Walt Disney World Resort. While rates vary (and surge pricing is certainly a consideration), we checked rideshare rates at 2 p.m. ET on Dec. 27, 2021 (not including gratuity) for a general cost comparison.

  • From MCO to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Uber was $43 for up to three passengers and $65 for up to five passengers; Lyft was $40 for up to three passengers and $56 for up to five passengers.  
  • From MCO to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Uber was $50 for up to three passengers and $70 for up to five passengers; Lyft was $37 for up to three passengers and $46 for up to five passengers.
  • From MCO to Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Uber was $50 for up to three passengers and $72 for up to five passengers; Lyft was $38 for up to three passengers and $46 for up to five passengers.
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