I paid $81 for a Taxi to All Star Movies (or whatever All-Star resort was open) on April 1 of this year (2021). The ME line was crazy long and we didn’t feel like waiting 2 hours after the flight. Just me and my daughter, two carry-ons. We did take ME back from the resort though.
Returning to the airport is almost half the cost of taking a ride share from the airport. I paid 60 for a SUV and a stop at Walmart. Saratoga springs to the airport was like 30 and we had an extra hour to hang out by the pool.
Another option not mentioned here is a car rental. As for cost, there are multiple factors here that would probably make this the most expensive option however. First, the cost of the actual rental car – which is historically high at the moment should normalize by 2022. Second, the daily overnight parking fee at Disney resorts. And, third, the vehicle would need to be refilled with gas before return or the fuel package purchased at the time of rental. While this most likely would be more expensive, the car rental also gives you the most freedom to get to local stores, alternative dining and other attractions as desired.
You must also account for the hassle of driving in an area you aren’t accustomed to. Orlando area traffic is outrageous and you will have to pay for parking at most places you will visit.
Another option would be to stay at an off site resort that provides transportation services to and from the airport. Most also provide free transportation to and from WDW.
Exactly. With the cost of our stays in their resorts. This should be a included transportation benefit just like the park busses, sky liner, or monorail. I love arriving in Orlando and not worrying about any transportation issues.
Disney should keep Magical Express. It was a great benefit to staying on property.
But since they aren’t including it, we are willing to pay for our family to use it. The convenience is worth the extra $$
We’ve used Mears and it was the most awful service we’ve had in Disney. On one occasion the driver got lost on Disney park land, there are signs all over and they went to the wrong park making us miss a hard to get breakfast reservation and on the second (and last) occasion, the driver who just left the bus stop refused to pick up our family of 3 after we walked to the furthest gates after being given the wrong bus stop info.
Magical Express was Mears buses with Mears driver’s. Disney contracted with Mears for the service. The only change will be the discontinuation of the Disney licensed decor and videos on the busses and of course, the fact that it won’t be free.
This will never happen, but it’s time for everyone just to boycott Disney even if it’s for one month and let them know as customers they are taking so many perks away while raising the cost of everything. And before anyone says those perks were free, we know we were paying for it in our package. And the package prices haven’t went down considering how much they’ve taken away.
I will never understand why more people don’t talk about the city Lynx bus system. No, it isn’t the fanciest idea in the world but if you’re traveling relatively light (able to carry your bags) it is dirt cheap and the buses are clean. Plus you aren’t stuck during peak vacation times waiting 1.5+ hours for a much more expensive taxi or Uber. I did it when I went to WDW this spring break and loved it. I chose a hotel near a stop and used it to go to the parks and also to different restaurants and stores I’d wanted to visit during my stay.
I appears as though Disney is focused on the “spend per person” but will eventually hit the wall with diminished returns as people fo elsewhere to spend less money. Disney was one of my favorite places to visit every couple of years but the cost does not justify the experience.
Comments for Cheapest Way From MCO to Disney World Once Magical Express Ends
JasonH
I paid $81 for a Taxi to All Star Movies (or whatever All-Star resort was open) on April 1 of this year (2021). The ME line was crazy long and we didn’t feel like waiting 2 hours after the flight. Just me and my daughter, two carry-ons. We did take ME back from the resort though.
R. Collins
We used Mears back in 2004 before the Magical Express existed. Mears sucked then and they will probably suck again.
Deb
FYI
ME is run by Mears.
mark buesing
Returning to the airport is almost half the cost of taking a ride share from the airport. I paid 60 for a SUV and a stop at Walmart. Saratoga springs to the airport was like 30 and we had an extra hour to hang out by the pool.
Eileen
What works is for Disney to keep Magical Express. That’s it!
Smith Dawson
Why is Disney destroying and eliminating all great things and first class services?
Roz
I agree completely! What a shame
Lynn
No magical express, no dining plan and no magic hours mean I stay off property!
Charlie G.
Another option not mentioned here is a car rental. As for cost, there are multiple factors here that would probably make this the most expensive option however. First, the cost of the actual rental car – which is historically high at the moment should normalize by 2022. Second, the daily overnight parking fee at Disney resorts. And, third, the vehicle would need to be refilled with gas before return or the fuel package purchased at the time of rental. While this most likely would be more expensive, the car rental also gives you the most freedom to get to local stores, alternative dining and other attractions as desired.
Sue
There used to be a time when Disney included the parking fee at the parks if you stayed on property.
Disney is going further down the toilet.
Kat
You must also account for the hassle of driving in an area you aren’t accustomed to. Orlando area traffic is outrageous and you will have to pay for parking at most places you will visit.
Bob
Another option would be to stay at an off site resort that provides transportation services to and from the airport. Most also provide free transportation to and from WDW.
Option two would be to vacation somewhere else.
Anonymous
Exactly. With the cost of our stays in their resorts. This should be a included transportation benefit just like the park busses, sky liner, or monorail. I love arriving in Orlando and not worrying about any transportation issues.
No name
Disney should keep Magical Express. It was a great benefit to staying on property.
But since they aren’t including it, we are willing to pay for our family to use it. The convenience is worth the extra $$
LF
We’ve used Mears and it was the most awful service we’ve had in Disney. On one occasion the driver got lost on Disney park land, there are signs all over and they went to the wrong park making us miss a hard to get breakfast reservation and on the second (and last) occasion, the driver who just left the bus stop refused to pick up our family of 3 after we walked to the furthest gates after being given the wrong bus stop info.
mhornNJ
Magical Express was Mears buses with Mears driver’s. Disney contracted with Mears for the service. The only change will be the discontinuation of the Disney licensed decor and videos on the busses and of course, the fact that it won’t be free.
CBP
This will never happen, but it’s time for everyone just to boycott Disney even if it’s for one month and let them know as customers they are taking so many perks away while raising the cost of everything. And before anyone says those perks were free, we know we were paying for it in our package. And the package prices haven’t went down considering how much they’ve taken away.
Emma
I will never understand why more people don’t talk about the city Lynx bus system. No, it isn’t the fanciest idea in the world but if you’re traveling relatively light (able to carry your bags) it is dirt cheap and the buses are clean. Plus you aren’t stuck during peak vacation times waiting 1.5+ hours for a much more expensive taxi or Uber. I did it when I went to WDW this spring break and loved it. I chose a hotel near a stop and used it to go to the parks and also to different restaurants and stores I’d wanted to visit during my stay.
Kat
You hit the nail on the head with this one. Basic public transportation is efficient and inexpensive.
Tom
I appears as though Disney is focused on the “spend per person” but will eventually hit the wall with diminished returns as people fo elsewhere to spend less money. Disney was one of my favorite places to visit every couple of years but the cost does not justify the experience.
Jodi
I just visited 3 weeks ago and did the same. Lynx was easy, fast and cheap!
Teresa
Very sad to see this service go. Disney should keep it to reward loyal DVC and Disney loyal guests
Comments are closed.