What replaced Magical Express?

Along with Mears Connect, there is another replacement service for Magical Express — Sunshine Flyer. This shuttle is themed as an old-fashioned train locomotive. Sunshine Flyer's cost is $19.59 per adult and $11 per child for one-way service, and $39 per adult and $22 per child for round-trip service.



After Disney officially discontinued the complimentary "Disney's Magical Express" bus service in early 2022, two primary private shuttle companies stepped in to fill the gap: Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer. In 2023, these two services merged to form a single entity now known as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. This paid service operates similarly to the old Magical Express, providing motorcoach transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) directly to Disney-owned resorts. Guests must now book and pay for this service in advance, as it is no longer included in the price of a Disney hotel stay. Beyond the motorcoach, many guests have pivoted to using Uber and Lyft, or the "Minnie Van" service (powered by Lyft) for a more direct, private experience. Additionally, the Brightline high-speed rail now connects MCO to a station near the Disney area, though it requires a secondary shuttle or rideshare to reach the actual hotel gates, making the "Mears Connect" bus the most direct spiritual successor for those looking for the traditional "shuttle" experience.

People Also Ask

No, Disney's Magical Express is NOT coming back. Since the Magical Express ended, we've seen 2 major companies essentially “fill the void” of that service, transporting guests to and from the Orlando International Airport and their Disney World hotels (for a fee).

MORE DETAILS

One isn't better than the other really, but Mears is 24 hours. We were at our resort very quickly after checking in.

MORE DETAILS

Unfortunately, there isn't a free shuttle from MCO airport to Disney World. There used to be the Magical Express service, but that program was discontinued. You will have to pay for transportation between the Orlando airport and Disney World now, no matter what type you choose.

MORE DETAILS

Even though the Magical Express service has been discontinued, you're still able to take a shuttle bus or passenger van from Orlando Airport to Disney World. Shuttles and vans can be a great option and they may end up being the most economical choice depending on how large your family or group is.

MORE DETAILS

Walt Disney World no longer provides complimentary transportation from the airport to the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and back again. This service ended at the start of this year. Luckily, there are still many ways to get to Walt Disney World that Guests are finding easy and convenient to navigate.

MORE DETAILS

As we saw with many other Disney World “perks” at this time that went from free to becoming a paid experience, like the transformation of FastPass to Genie+ and Disney Resort hotel parking fees, the dissolution of the Magical Express was another way for the Disney company to save some money and buffer its revenue ...

MORE DETAILS

Local bus. : The Lynx Bus, Orlando's local bus system, makes airport pick-ups and drop-offs about every 30 minutes; and about every hour on Sundays and holidays. The buses run select routes including MCO to downtown Orlando, International Drive and the Florida Mall/SeaWorld area. The cost is $2 per passenger, per ride.

MORE DETAILS

Unfortunately, I do not see any signs that Disney's Magical Express service will return to Walt Disney World. Like you, I enjoy a Disney vacation where I never have to drive around, instead letting the monorails, buses, boats, and Disney Skyliner cars take me to my magical escapes every day.

MORE DETAILS

Mears Connect is now servicing Disney area hotels that were previously serviced by Disney's Magical Express. The shuttle service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Disney area resorts started with arrivals on January 1, 2022.

MORE DETAILS

Taking a standard Uber vehicle from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort costs around $35. The price increases to above $40 if you request a specialty vehicle. Add to that, an Uber ride between the airport and Disney World takes less than 30 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

Do you tip Mears Drivers? Yes, it's customary to tip your driver for good service. According to Mears, most people give 10% to coach bus drivers and 20% to van, drivers.

MORE DETAILS

Mears Orlando attraction transportation services include theme park transportation to all Orlando area theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, Legoland® Florida Resort as well as an exclusive Mears Shuttle to Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay.

MORE DETAILS

For most guests, a rideshare like Lyft or Uber is the best transportation from Disney to Universal and the simplest answer to how to get to Universal from Disney as well as how to get from Universal to Disney. Costs will vary depending on your departure point.

MORE DETAILS

Disney World Gets Rid of Free Airport Transportation — and Replaces It With These Paid Options. Companies like Mears Connect, Sunshine Flyer, and rideshares are available.

MORE DETAILS

An estimated taxi fare from Orlando Internation Airport to Disney World is around $70 or so.

MORE DETAILS

Standard transportation has set ride departure times with longer waits than Express, which claims limited to no wait times and guaranteed first stops.

MORE DETAILS