Private transfer from Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is about 30 km south-west of Orlando International Airport, a straightforward drive of 30 to 40 minutes. Since Disney's Magical Express bus ended in 2022, getting there is up to you, and after a long flight with children, how you do it matters.
A private transfer is the easiest option. Your driver meets you in baggage claim, the right car seats are already installed, there's room for the stroller and the suitcases, and you go straight to your resort rather than round a loop of other hotels. The fixed price covers the whole vehicle, so it is often good value for a family.
| Pickup | Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
|---|---|
| Drop-off | Any hotel, villa or address in Walt Disney World |
| Distance | About 30 km by road |
| Journey time | 30–40 min, depending on traffic |
| Best for | Family & theme parks |
| Busiest season | Year-round, busiest in school holidays |
| Availability | 24/7, including late-night and early-morning flights |
The drive from MCO to Walt Disney World
From the airport, your driver takes State Road 528 (the Beachline) west, then State Road 417 or Interstate 4 towards Walt Disney World, depending on your resort and the traffic. Both routes use toll roads, and the tolls are included in your price. You'll know you have arrived when you pass under the Walt Disney World entrance arches.
The property is huge, roughly the size of San Francisco, and the resorts are spread across it, so the drive varies. Resorts near Disney Springs and Epcot are usually about 30 minutes from the airport; the Magic Kingdom resorts and Animal Kingdom Lodge are closer to 40.
Meeting your driver at Orlando Airport
Orlando International has a main terminal, divided into Terminals A and B, and the newer Terminal C, which opened in 2022. Airside gates connect to the terminal by automated trains. After you collect your bags, your driver meets you in baggage claim with a sign showing your name, then walks you to the vehicle.
We send your driver's name, phone number and the exact meeting point for your terminal before you fly.
Arriving here for somewhere else? See every Orlando Airport transfer we run.
Where we drop off at Walt Disney World
We drop off at every Disney resort, the Disney Springs hotels and Lake Buena Vista. Tell us your resort and we'll take you to the main entrance.
Magic Kingdom resorts
Disney's Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge, on the monorail and boat routes. About 35–40 minutes.
Epcot resorts
The BoardWalk, Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and the Riviera, a walk or boat ride from Epcot. About 30–35 minutes.
Animal Kingdom and value resorts
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, the All-Star resorts and Pop Century. About 35–40 minutes.
Disney Springs and Lake Buena Vista
The Disney Springs area hotels and the Lake Buena Vista hotels just outside the gates. About 30 minutes.
When to book your Walt Disney World transfer
Walt Disney World is busy all year, with the biggest crowds around Christmas and New Year, spring break in March and April, the summer holidays and Thanksgiving. Florida summers are hot, with afternoon thunderstorms most days from June to September, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November.
In peak weeks, flights land in waves and the airport is at its busiest, which is exactly when a driver already waiting in baggage claim helps most.
Private transfer vs other ways to reach Walt Disney World
| Option | Door to door | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 30–40 min | Straight to your door, fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting in arrivals. |
| Mears Connect shuttle | 1–1½ hours | Shared shuttle to the Disney resorts, which replaced the Magical Express. Stops at several resorts along the way. |
| Rideshare | 30–40 minutes | Prices change with demand, car seats aren't guaranteed, and you need to find the pickup zone. |
| Rental car | 30–40 minutes, plus parking | Flexible, but add the rental-desk queue and nightly parking fees at Disney resorts. |
Choose your vehicle
Standard sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Couples and solo travellers
Executive sedan
Up to 3 passengers · 2–3 suitcases
Mercedes E-Class or similar
Minivan
Up to 7 passengers · 6–7 suitcases
Families and golf or ski bags
Minibus
8–16 passengers · One suitcase each
Groups, weddings, events
Exact models vary by country. Tell us about oversized luggage, golf bags, skis or strollers and we will size the vehicle to fit.
Local tips for your Walt Disney World transfer
- Tell us each child's age and weight so we can fit the right car seat or booster before you land.
- Stocking up? A grocery stop for water, snacks and breakfast things is a popular request.
- Your room may not be ready until the afternoon, but Disney resorts will hold your bags so you can head straight to a park.
- For your flight home, leave your resort about three hours before a domestic departure and three and a half hours before an international one.