Airport to Disney hotel

[ajmellu7]

Hi, sorry for the question, but wondering if anyone could help. Travelling from the uk to Orlando international on the 1st August with my wife and 2 daughters and my elderly and somewhat frail parents (in their 80’s and wheelchairs) We are staying at animal kingdom lodge for 3 weeks and will be using Disney transport the whole time as the price of hiring a car and then paying for parking at the resort seems incredibly high (unless you don’t pay if you are club level?) my main question is regarding getting form the airport to animal kingdom lodge. We have previously used magical express but know that is not available now. Does anybody have any experience with what would be the best way to go about getting from the airport to our hotel? Just walk into a taxi once we are through all our checks? Get something ordered and booked before we arrive? Uber etc? Many thanks in advance!

 

[wdwmagic]

Hi, sorry for the question, but wondering if anyone could help. Travelling from the uk to Orlando international on the 1st August with my wife and 2 daughters and my elderly and somewhat frail parents (in their 80’s and wheelchairs) We are staying at animal kingdom lodge for 3 weeks and will be using Disney transport the whole time as the price of hiring a car and then paying for parking at the resort seems incredibly high (unless you don’t pay if you are club level?) my main question is regarding getting form the airport to animal kingdom lodge. We have previously used magical express but know that is not available now. Does anybody have any experience with what would be the best way to go about getting from the airport to our hotel? Just walk into a taxi once we are through all our checks? Get something ordered and booked before we arrive? Uber etc? Many thanks in advance!

The two main replacements for Magical Express is Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer.

Disney Magical Express alternative Mears Connect is now accepting bookings for Walt Disney World airport transfers

The new service from Mears begins as Magical Express ends December 31 2021.

www.wdwmagic.com

Orlando MCO Airport to Disney Hotels Shuttle | Mears Connect

Mears Connect is a 24/7, affordable Orlando airport shuttle transportation service to Disney World, Disney Springs and area resorts. Book now!

sunshineflyer.com

Then of course you have rental car, Uber, Lyft. I would not rely on a taxi, and would want something lined up ready for your arrival.

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

I'm going to suggest MEARS private car?

See.... https://reserve.mearstransportation.com/#/select-service/0

We have used this. About $250 round trip, party of 4. DIRECT to your Hotel. They will meet you at the MCO baggage area with a TABLET with your name on it, THEY will transfer luggage, you will be at WDW Hotel FAST. Pickup? JUST as good,,, No late busses.

 

[Monty]

If your wheelchair users (or anyone in your group) have an accessible/handicap parking permit, the resort won’t charge for parking. Being a resort guest gets you free parking at the parks. If that makes a rental more appealing.

 

[harryk]

Used Boston Coach (tele: 800-664-4480) last year from Orlando Int'nl Airport to Wilderness Lodge. Very accommodating and has a large fleet of vehicles of all types. They are very competitive in pricing and were waiting for us as we were leaving baggage pick-up. When departing they were at the Lodge 2 minutes after we got to the lobby door.

​

 

[KTK]

We have used Tiffany Towncar past two years and have been very happy. They text you when your flight has landed and they meet you at baggage claim. They put all the bags in the car and take them out when you arrive. Cost us $180 round trip (Dec 2021) for an SUV for 2 adults and 3 teens, two checked bags and 5 carry-ons. Cost also included trip to grocery store (Publix) which is 10 minutes away from WDW if you want. They message you the name and picture of your driver before they pick you up. We plan on using them again. Highly recommend!

 

[Raxel7851]

@KTK, do you recall the Publix you stopped at? We’re staying at FW next month and want to grab some food. I think there used to be one out in the Lake Buena Vista area. Sorry if I took the thread off topic.

 

[KTK]

@KTK, do you recall the Publix you stopped at? We’re staying at FW next month and want to grab some food. I think there used to be one out in the Lake Buena Vista area. Sorry if I took the thread off topic.

Unfortunately, I don't recall. It is in a shopping center with other smaller stores. I do recall it was before entering Disney property though.

 

[yensid1967]

If your wheelchair users (or anyone in your group) have an accessible/handicap parking permit, the resort won’t charge for parking. Being a resort guest gets you free parking at the parks. If that makes a rental more appealing.

BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY PER NIGHT AT THE RESORTS...SO ADD AT LEAST $200 ON TO YOUR TRIP TOTAL FOR THAT ADDED EXPENSE!
(not shouting, just emphasizing)

 

[Monty]

BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY PER NIGHT AT THE RESORTS...SO ADD AT LEAST $200 ON TO YOUR TRIP TOTAL FOR THAT ADDED EXPENSE!
(not shouting, just emphasizing)

If you have an accessible parking permit (handicap parking), the resorts will waive their parking fees. Disney doesn’t advertise this, but I asked and this was their response:

“
Dear Monty,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort!


I've partnered with our Resorts department to confirm that overnight parking is complimentary at Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels (standard or valet) for vehicles displaying an Access Parking Permit.”

 

[NelleBelle]

I think I read (maybe on another forum) that you should definitely make sure guest services knows that you have a handicap placard and not to charge you the daily parking fee.