Transportation Options to Your Disney Resort

Now that Disney’s Magical Express ceased to operate at the end of 2021, Disney Resort Guests are now looking to find new transportation options to their Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Of course, you could rent a vehicle, but it’s really not necessary. Let’s go through some of our options now.

Mears Connect

This service comes closest to replacing Disney’s Magical Express. Mears Connect is located in the exact same place that Disney’s Magical Express was at Orlando International Airport.

Mears Connect serves Orlando International Airport and the Disney Resort area with two service levels – Standard and Express. You can book your reservation at any time by visiting their website or contacting us.

• Standard is a shared service on a bus or van, making a limited number of stops on the way to your destination (just like we are used to with Disney’s Magical Express). Most often the bus ride from the airport to the hotel was approximately 90-120 minutes. 
• Express is a direct service with limited to no wait time (this is new and could be worth the splurge if you find the rates reasonable for your family).

As of right now, the standard round trip service is $32 per adult and $27 per child. Express rates are $250 for up to 4 passengers and $55 per additional passenger. That is a bit pricier, but if time is more valuable to you, it might be worth it. Mears Connect has also suggested that this is introductory pricing, so we could see an increase down the road.

We can help set up your transfers with Mears Connect. Just reach out to us!

Sunshine Flyer

This newer bus or motorcoach option just recently opened and claims to offer exceptional service from Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort (similar to Disney’s Magical Express).

These buses are themed after old-fashioned passenger cars and train locomotives and the drivers and staff are dressed as 1920’s rail conductors and engineers. Sunshine Flyer is priced at $34 roundtrip for adults and $25 for children.

We really love the theming on these buses and they offer a fun alternative to Disney’s Magical Express.

We can help set up your transfers with Sunshine Flyer. Just reach out to us!

Happy Limousine

For Walt Disney World vacations, if you have a party of 4 or more, private luxury sedan or limo service is often a better deal than taking a shuttle — and much faster and more comfortable! Generally speaking, the driver meets you at baggage claim, assists you with your luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel. It really gets your vacation off to a great start.

There are a lot of limousine companies in the Orlando area. We personally recommend Happy Limo.  Its reservations center is open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturdays and 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays, and we have found Happy Limo to be very responsive to email inquiries.

We can help set up your transfers with Happy Limo. Just reach out to us!

Ride Shares

The other option Guests have right now is to call on an Uber or Lyft driver. This form of transportation is very quickly becoming one of the easiest ways to get to your destination. Be sure to download the Uber and Lyft apps to your phone and create accounts on each so you are ready to use them if needed.

The upside to using Uber or Lyft is they provide door-to-door service without any stops, so it’s a quick ride to your Disney Resort.

The downside is Uber and Lyft vehicles are not necessarily meant for larger families and children, especially if a car seat is needed. Depending on the time of year could also depend on rates, so it could be pricey to get to your destination.

If you are ready to book your trip, contact us!