✈️ How to Get to Orlando Theme Parks from the Airport (UK Traveller Guide)
- Nikki Taylor
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 10
✨How to Get to Orlando Theme Parks from the Airport (UK Traveller Guide)
After a long flight from the UK, the last thing you want to do is stand in the airport trying to figure out how to get to your hotel. Thankfully, getting from Orlando International Airport to the theme parks is actually very straightforward once you know your options.
Whether you’re heading to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, there are several transport choices available, including options you can pre-book before you even leave the UK. Choosing the right one can make a big difference to how smoothly your holiday starts.
✨Pre-Bookable Transport Options (Best for a Stress-Free Arrival)
For many UK travellers, especially families, pre-booking transport is the easiest way to start your trip. Knowing that someone will be waiting for you after a long-haul flight can take a lot of stress out of the arrival process.
One of the most popular options is a shared shuttle service. These can be booked in advance and will take you from the airport to your hotel. They are usually one of the cheaper options, which makes them appealing for families or those trying to keep costs down. However, they do involve multiple stops along the way, so your journey time may be longer than expected, especially if you’re one of the last drop-offs.
If your not sure what happens when you touch down at MCO, check my full guide here
One of the most well-known transport options from Orlando International Airport is Mears Transportation, which operates shared shuttle services between the airport and many hotels across Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
For UK travellers, Mears is often one of the easiest options to understand and book in advance. After Disney’s Magical Express ended, Mears became one of the main shuttle providers serving Disney-area hotels, making it a popular choice for families and first-time visitors.
The service works by transporting multiple groups in the same vehicle, which helps keep the cost down. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll check in with Mears and wait for your shuttle to be assigned. From there, you’ll be taken to your hotel—but it’s worth knowing that the shuttle may stop at several hotels along the way.
In terms of pricing, Mears is generally more affordable than private transfers, especially for smaller groups. However, the trade-off is time. Because it’s a shared service, your journey can take longer than a direct Uber or private car, particularly if your hotel is one of the last stops. On our return journey from Disneys Contemporary resort we only stopped at one other hotel before we reached the hotel.
That said, many travellers like Mears because it’s pre-bookable, reliable, and removes the need to organise transport after a long flight. If you’re travelling with children or arriving late in the evening, having everything arranged in advance can make a big difference. You also don’t have to worry about fitting your luggage in as you would do when requesting which size uber etc.
Overall, Mears Transportation is a solid middle-ground option—cheaper than private transfers, but more organised than booking transport on arrival.
If you’re looking for something more direct and comfortable, private transfers are a great choice. These are also booked in advance and typically involve a driver meeting you at arrivals and taking you straight to your hotel. After a 9–10 hour flight, this can feel like a luxury, especially if you’re travelling with tired children. While this option is more expensive, many travellers feel it’s worth it for the convenience and ease. Welcome pickups allow you to pre book your ride and they provide a meet and greet service upon arrival.
Another pre-bookable option is car hire. Many UK visitors choose to book a rental car in advance and collect it directly from Orlando International Airport. This gives you complete flexibility throughout your trip, allowing you to visit supermarkets, outlets, and attractions beyond the theme parks. However, it’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable driving in the US and factoring in parking costs at hotels and parks.
✨On-the-Day Transport Options
If you prefer not to book in advance, there are still plenty of easy options available once you arrive.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are incredibly popular in Orlando and are often the go-to choice for many travellers. They are easy to use, relatively affordable, and provide a direct journey to your hotel. After collecting your luggage, you simply request a ride through the app and follow signs to the designated pickup area. Prices can vary depending on demand, but for most is a great balance between cost and convenience. HOWEVER….. Some Uber Drivers Won’t Take Children
If you’re planning to use Uber from Orlando International Airport, it’s important to know that not all drivers will accept trips with young children—and this can catch UK families off guard. This happened to us and we weren’t expecting it. Most drivers took us but two of them wouldn’t accept the baby being on my lap.
The main reason comes down to car seat laws in Florida. Unlike in the UK, children are required to be in appropriate car seats depending on their age and size. Most Uber drivers do not provide car seats, and they can be fined (or refuse the trip) if a child is not properly secured.
Because of this, many drivers will decline a ride if:
You have a baby or toddler without a car seat
Your child needs a booster seat and you don’t have one
They simply don’t want the liability or risk
This isn’t the driver being difficult—it’s about legal requirements and safety.
✨What You Can Do Instead
Bring your own car seat
Book a private transfer with car seats included
Check for Uber Car seat options
Use a pre-booked shuttle (like Mears Transportation)
✨Why This Matters for UK Travellers
In the UK, rules around taxis and car seats can be more flexible, so many families assume the same applies in the US—but it doesn’t.
Planning ahead means:
No delays at the airport
No refused rides
A much smoother start to your holiday
Taxis are also readily available outside the terminal and offer a similar door-to-door service without needing to download an app. While they are slightly more expensive than rideshare options in many cases, they can be a good backup if you’re having trouble with mobile data or simply want the simplest option available.
Before you read on, click our comparison post of each transfer option. https://www.orlandofromuk.co.uk/post/orlando-airport-transfers-from-mco-uk-guide-to-prices-options-tips
✨Getting to the Theme Parks
The good news is that both major theme park areas are located fairly close to the airport. Walt Disney World is typically around a 20 to 30-minute drive, while Universal Orlando Resort is slightly closer at around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, it’s worth noting that once you arrive, Disney provides free transport around the resort, including buses, boats, and the Skyliner. Universal hotels also offer transport options to their parks, making it easy to get around once you’re settled.
✨Choosing the Best Option for You
The best transport option really depends on your priorities. If you want the easiest possible arrival, a private transfer or Uber is usually the best choice. If you’re travelling on a budget, a shared shuttle can save money, although it may take longer. For those planning to explore beyond the parks or stay off-site, car hire offers the most flexibility.
Many UK families find that a pre-booked transfer for arrival, followed by using Uber during the trip, offers the perfect balance.
✨Tips for UK Travellers
It’s a good idea to download Uber before you travel so you’re ready to go when you land. Using the airport WiFi can help you book transport if your mobile data isn’t working straight away. If you’re arriving late at night, pre-booking your transfer can make things much easier, as you won’t need to worry about availability.
✨Final Thoughts
Getting from Orlando International Airport to the theme parks is one of the easiest parts of your Orlando trip once you’ve planned ahead.
Whether you choose a budget-friendly shuttle, a convenient Uber, or a pre-booked private transfer, having a plan in place will help your holiday start smoothly—and get you to the magic that little bit quicker
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