Uber from Orlando MCO Airport to Disney or Use Mears Connect Shuttle?

Many people ask: what is the best transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World® Resort? The answer depends on several things so we try to break it down here.

Rideshare, like Uber and Lyft, are convenient and very popular, especially for city dwellers, who are accustomed to using these services and have an account and payment method set up with one or both apps.

However, rideshare services may not be as convenient for those who have not used these services, and international travelers who have not turned on their mobile data while traveling to the U.S.

Also, many people, especially women, and women traveling with children, express that they don’t feel as comfortable with using these services. They feel more comfortable with professional drivers, such as our Mears Connect drivers, who are not only trained but are also specifically licensed to transport passengers in our large vehicles. Mears Connect drivers are background checked and abide by DOT regulations, which is required of the company in order to operate. Further, Mears Connect vehicles are tracked and have video monitoring.

Luggage Considerations for Uber and Mears Connect

Travelers with more than minimal luggage, think strollers, and multiple suitcases, often have a hard time fitting all their belongings into a standard rideshare, like Uber X. Travelers in larger parties also have a challenge with not all fitting into one rideshare vehicle and needing to order multiple vehicles.

When traveling with young children, requesting a vehicle with a car seat comes with a longer wait time, often more than 30 minutes of wait.

Pricing Considerations for Uber and Mears Connect

Rideshare users already know that in big cities and at busy airports, such as Orlando International Airport, prices will often surge for these services, especially at really busy times, or at early morning and late evening hours when there are less drivers on the roads to meet the demand. A rideshare will generally cost $50 to $90 for 4-6 people one-way, but if you are traveling solo, or as a couple, it will also cost the same each way.

Mears Connect shuttles are free for children under the age of three years old, and cost $13/child age 3-9, and $16/adult each way. So, if you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with a family small or large, Mears Connect is not only affordable but also a convenient, reliable, safe, and easy way to get from Orlando International Airport to your Disney hotel.

Mears Connect Offers Diverse Benefits for Travelers

Mears Connect shuttles really come to the rescue for all travelers looking for reliable, 24/7 transportation service between Orlando International Airport and their Disney resort. Guests who are more comfortable with professional drivers, larger vehicles, international guests, or those traveling with children or as larger parties, often rely on Mears Connect.

Further, Mears Connect shuttle to Disney resorts can be booked in advance, so you don’t have to figure out your ground transportation after your flight lands, and you will never have to deal with surge pricing as you often do with Uber and Lyft. If your flight is delayed or early, Mears Connect shuttles will be waiting for you, you don’t need to contact us as we monitor arriving flights.

For travelers who have stroller(s) or multiple luggage, Mears Connect motor coach buses or shuttle vans offer plenty of room to accommodate all their belongings. Our drivers will load and unload your luggage for you.

Additionally, car seats are not required on Mears Connect, however, if you are bringing one, we can stow it for you in the luggage compartment at the bottom of the motor coach, or, if you are in a van, you can install it or stow it in the back with your luggage.

In-ride Video Entertainment on Mears Connect  

Another benefit of Mears Connect shuttle service is the in-ride video entertainment offered to guests traveling on the motor coach buses, which is most of the guests. Videos feature some helpful information for travelers, as well as cartoons for children to keep them entertained.

To learn more about our in-ride entertainment, check out this blog post: VeeFriends Cartoons Are Now Playing on Mears Connect Buses to Disney World.

Mears Connect Standard Shuttle Service versus Express Shuttle Service

Mears Connect offers two service levels, one is the Standard Shuttle service we have been referring to all along up to this part of the article. Standard shuttle service is very affordable, convenient and accommodating for most travelers. Our standard Mears Connect shuttles will get you to your resort relatively quickly with usually no more than a few stops along your route, dropping off guests at just three to five resorts at any given time.

Mears Connect also offers an Express Shuttle service option, which is again very convenient and accommodating for many traveler types, but here are some key differences. Express shuttle service is only available round-trip, so one-way trips cannot be booked for the Express shuttle service. Further, express shuttles service all hotels that are part of Walt Disney World® Resort, but they do not service the Disney Springs hotels and other Disney area hotels, that the Standard shuttle services.

In addition to being round-trip, Express shuttle service is a direct service from the airport to your Walt Disney World® Resort, and a direct service back to the airport upon your departure. This means that guests traveling with an express shuttle reservation will be the first to be dropped off at their resort, and the last ones to be picked up on the way back to the airport. Express shuttle may still make a quick stop at Terminal C of Orlando Airport to pick up additional passengers, but express ticket holders will be the first resort stop on the way to the resorts.

Express shuttle service must be booked in advance, ahead of your travel, and cannot be booked at the Mears Connect airport kiosks, unlike Standard shuttle service, which can be booked at the airport kiosks. Reserving in advance is always best, as it gives peace of mind for travelers, and allows Mears Connect to plan its shuttle services based on reservations.

Since Express service is round-trip only, direct to your resort and back to the airport, and is sold for four people, it costs $250 round-trip, including fees. If a party has more than four people, they can be added at $55 each. Express service makes sense for people who want the fastest shuttle service and are not price-sensitive. Express shuttle does not have a child rate like the standard service does. Children of all ages should be included in the total guest count.   

In summary, Mears Connect is typically more affordable than rideshare, with similar wait times for your vehicle to arrive and be ready to go to your resort. While you wait outside with rideshare, when using Mears Connect, you wait indoors, in our air-conditioned reception and dispatch area. Terminal C even offers limited seating while you wait. Mears Connect is a great option for both small and large groups and comes with plenty of luggage space.

We hope you find this article detailing rideshare services like Uber and Lyft and Mears Connect shuttle service helpful when it comes to planning your next ground transfer between Orlando International Airport and your resort in the Disney Resort area.