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Cast Member Clarifies End of Select Ground Transportation Options

Since Disney’s Magical Express Service officially came to an end earlier this year, ground transportation options for those flying into the Orlando International Airport have been shaken up. New alternatives similar to Disney’s Magical Express (but at an added cost) had stepped in immediately after the end of the fan-favorite service. These ground transportation options include the Sunshine Flyer offering motorcoach rides in style in themed buses, and Mears Connect which offers a nearly identical service as Disney’s Magical Express did at a fee, as well as a more expensive private transportation option.

Credit: Mears Connect

While the motorcoach options were not bookable through Disney’s official website (or with a Disney authorized travel agent), the private van service offered by Mears had been available to book through Disney as a vacation package add-on for Guests flying into Orlando International Airport but that option has since been removed.

Since the ground transportation option is still listed on Walt Disney World’s website, the change has been causing some confusion. We reached out to Disney to confirm and were told that the add-on is definitely unavailable, so while the website seems to be glitching and letting you select private ground transportation, it will ultimately not let you check out with it in your cart. Without private ground transportation as an add-on Disney is directing Guests to taxis or rideshare services to go from the Orlando International Airport to their Disney Resort hotels.

Mears Connect, however, and the Sunshine Flyer as well as other ground transportation options remain available, Guests just need to book through those services directly rather than through Disney as a package add-on.

Mears Connect

Credit: Mears

While private ground transportation is not available through Disney’s site, we would also point out that there is an Enterprise Rent-A-Car located on Disney property that offers shuttle service from Disney resorts to the office to pick up your car. If you are unable to book car or other private ground transportation through Disney, you could always reserve a car through Enterprise at the on-property location, and drop the car at the Orlando airport’s car rental office at the end of your vacation (for an added drop fee, but if you are otherwise paying for separate transportation back to the airport the fee may work out to your favor.)

Enterprise Rental Cars

Credit: Enterprise

If you already had ground transportation booked through Disney, contact the company directly (or your travel agent) as your service may be canceled. If you were booked on Mears and need to rebook, Mears should be able to do so directly based on availability for your travel dates.

Disney has also not confirmed the possibility of whether or not the previously offered Minnie Van service will return, but it does seem like something that could happen given the opening and the need to book private ground transportation as part of a Disney vacation package.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."

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