Without Magical Express, what will your airport transfer options be?
Disney made a surprise announcement earlier this week that their Disney’s Magical Express transportation service will be discontinued as of Jan. 1, 2022. The service offers complimentary transportation from Orlando International Airport to guests staying on property at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney representatives confirmed that the information was being leaked, forcing them to release a statement before they were ready and their plans for a replacement service. With this service coming to an end, many guests are wondering what other options are out there and how much they cost. Let’s take a look!
Mears Transportation
While not a complimentary service like Disney’s Magical Express, Mears operates a transportation shuttle to Disney World, as well as other area resorts, for a fee. Rates from Orlando International Airport (MCO) start at $39 per adult round trip and $30 per child round trip. In addition to their shuttle service, they also offer transfers via private luxury vehicles, private chartered motor coaches and vans. A private luxury sedan from MCO costs between $85 and $111. Mears can also arrange transportation to and from Port Canaveral for all the cruise lovers out there.
Rideshare
One of the most popular ways of getting to and from the airport is using a ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Pricing can vary but tend to average around the $30 to $40 range. Need car seats? Make sure you reserve an UberX or UberXL. “Minnie Vans” operated in a partnership with Lyft were a great way for families to get to, from, and around Disney World, but this service is currently on hold (and I hope it gets to make a comeback soon).
Rental Car
Exploring Orlando, nearby beaches or attractions like the Kennedy Space Center? A rental car may be your best bet. There are ten rental car companies located inside Orlando International Airport: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. If you don’t plan on keeping the rental the entire length of your stay, there are even a few car rental locations on Disney World property. One is the National Car Rental desk located at the Swan and Dolphin resort. The other is Enterprise, Alamo, and National located at the Car Care Center near Disney’s Polynesian resort. The Car Care Center also offers roadside assistance and repair services.
Brightline (coming soon!)
We don’t know all of the details yet, but the Brightline train will be coming to Orlando in 2022. (Could this have something to do with the end of Disney’s Magical Express? Only time will tell.) Brightline will have a station at Terminal C of Orlando International Airport and will run to Disney Springs. Fares haven’t been announced for the MCO to Disney Springs route, but other locations have fares starting at $10. I personally think it would be awesome for Disney to have an arrangement worked out that this would be the new Magical Express 2.0, but that is purely hopeful speculation on my part. Updates coming soon as details become available.
Florida Tours Transportation Service
Florida Tours offers private sedan, van or limousine transfers from MCO to Disney World and other select area attractions. The advantages of using Florida Tours are huge: free car seats and booster seats, no port or fuel surcharges, free meet & greet service at the airport, and a 15 minute grocery store stop upon request. A round-trip transfer in a sedan from Orlando International Airport to any Disney World resort hotel starts at $140 for up to 4 passengers.
Hopefully Disney will unveil their replacement plans for Disney’s Magical Express soon! We’ll keep you updated as details emerge.
The Disney Digital Nomad Blog 