There are plenty of ways to get to Disney World from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) — but only one is our favorite.

Choosing the wrong form of transportation can be a waste of time and money, and can be stressful if you’re not careful. We’ve tried them all, and one tends to come out on top time after time. Let’s face it — there’s a reason this Disney World airport hack with Mears Connect is so popular.

Look, when it comes to getting to Disney World from the Orlando Airport, we’ve done it all — and not all options are created equally. Mears Connect is the most stress-free option, and it’s usually the most cost-effective way to get from the airport to your Disney World hotel. Essentially, Mears Connect is the replacement for Disney’s Magical Express, which was discontinued in 2022.

It’s a shared shuttle service that runs from MCO to Disney World resorts and back, and though it’s not free, it’s still a great value when you compare it to other options.

Mears Connect features two different service levels: Standard and Express. Standard Service includes a shared ride that may stop at multiple hotels, while Express Service offers a more direct route to your resort. Prices can vary, but it’s often cheaper than taking an Uber or Lyft when flying solo or in small groups!

Not only that, but Mears shuttles leave the Orlando Airport every 20 to 30 minutes to head to Disney World, meaning you’ll typically wait less than 20 minutes to depart. The price also includes all tolls and surcharges — which isn’t the case with other services out there.

Prices are based on how many people are in your travel party, but a Standard, one-way fee for adults starts at $16. Children are $13, and kids under three are FREE!

Booking Express Mears Connect is a bit pricier, but it guarantees your hotel will be the first stop after leaving the airport and the last stop before heading to the airport. It’s also a round-trip only service — and must be pre-booked, meaning, you cannot walk up at the airport and reserve express service. For four people, Express Mears Connect is $250, and each additional passenger is $55.

Both Mears Connect options include:

• Onboard entertainment
• Comfortable seating
• Clean vehicles (Mears follows federal, state, county, local, and CDC health and safety recommendations)
• Friendly drivers (Mears routinely screens and trains its drivers)
• Wheelchair accessibility
• No surge pricing
• Real-time updates using enhanced technology

If you book with Mears, once your flight lands and you’ve grabbed your luggage, make your way to the Mears Connect reception area. Head to the B Side terminal, or, if your flight arrives into Terminal C, stay in Terminal C. Mears Connect is located on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) of both Terminals B and C; just follow signs for Mears Connect. 

Mears has also been recently enhancing their services, with some exciting updates you can check out below:

• Mears Connect now services most Disney Springs resorts and other Disney area resorts. (Full list here!)
• Mears Connect now operates a second location in Terminal C.
• Delivery of confirmation and boarding pass documents by email.
• Electronic check-in and communications on the day of your travel.
• New in-ride entertainment featuring VeeFriends() cartoons, a creation by Gary Vaynerchuk.
• Vehicle tracking on hotel departure day.

We’ll be on the lookout for more updates and tips you need to know about Mears Connect. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more.

I’ve Used Every Airport Transportation Service to Disney World — This One Wins Every Time

Have you used Mears Connect to get from the airport to Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

The post There’s a Reason This Disney World Airport Hack Is So Popular first appeared on the disney food blog.