Transportation From the Airport
Once you land at Orlando International Airport, you're approximately 20 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. There are several options for getting there.
Magical Express: If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, by far the easiest way to get to Walt Disney World is by using Disney's Magical Express. This is a free service offered to Walt Disney World resort hotel guests that transports them to and from the airport and their hotel. The service also takes care of picking up your luggage for you at the airport and delivering it to your hotel room. When you leave your luggage is collected at your hotel's bell desk and automatically checked for you at Orlando airport so the next time you see it is when you get to your home airport. For much more on this service, click for our Disney's Magical Express section.
Driving: It's about a 25 minute drive from Orlando airport to Walt Disney World property. All major rental car companies are located either at Orlando Airport or off property with a free shuttle to and from the airport. To get to Walt Disney World you'll take 528 West (approximately 10 miles) to I-4 West (approximately 4 miles) which will take you to the Disney area. There are 4 exits to choose from depending on where your hotel is:
- Exit 68 (535) - Downtown Disney area hotels, Saratoga Springs, Old Key West
- Exit 67 (Epcot Center Drive) - Epcot area hotels
- Exit 66 (Osceola Parkway) - Animal Kingdom Lodge, Pop Century
- Exit 65 (World Drive) - Magic Kingdom hotels
If you're staying at off Disney property or are unfamiliar with the area, it's always best to get detailed printed directions from your rental car company (a free service most offer) directly from your rental location to your hotel. Happily, once you're actually on Disney property, there are lots of signs to guide you everywhere. The signs may not always send you in the most direct way possible, but they will get you where you're going in a matter of minutes. So when in doubt, follow the signs. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the roads off Disney property. Some of them can be very confusing to navigate so try to get detailed directions as often as you can.
Private Car: Because Central Florida has so many tourists, there are many, many businesses that have developed just to provide area private transportation for your family. These companies will meet you at the baggage claim with a sign with your name on it and drive you to your hotel. Many even include a free stop at a grocery store on the way. Transportation is usually provided in a large, comfortable sedan with vans and limousines available if required. They'll, of course, pick you up at your hotel and take you back to the airport at the end of your trip. You can find these companies by searching "Disney World Car Service" on Google. One that we've used and can recommend is Quicksilver-Tours.
Shuttle: While private cars cater to your family only, there are also shuttle buses that can pick you up and drop you off. These service dozens of people at once, so you may have to wait for your pick up and wait for others to be dropped off before you. The most popular shuttle service in the area is Mears Transportation.
Taxi: Orlando Airport is serviced by many taxi companies that can transport you wherever you need to go in the area.