Private Ground Transportation Now Available as Costly Add-On to Walt Disney World Vacation Packages

With Disney’s Magical Express coming to an end earlier this month, many Walt Disney World Guests have been working through the details of deciding on new ground transportation to travel between the Orlando International Airport and their Disney resorts.

Multiple alternatives to Disney’s Magical Express are already available or are coming online soon for Guests looking for a similar motorcoach experience. These new services, including the Sunshine Flyer, a themed motorcoach inspired by 1920s railroad travel, and Mears Connect, effectively the “official” replacement for Disney’s Magical Express as it uses the same buses without the Disney wrap are not complimentary like their predecessor, but they are on the more affordable side.

We previously discussed all of the possible modes of ground transportation outside of Disney’s Magical Express and included the pros and cons of each (including the Sunshine Flyer and Mears connect, but also taxis and rideshare services, rental car, and private ground transportation.) You can read this post for full details on transportation between the airport and your Walt Disney World Resort.

While private ground transportation has always been available from the airport with various transportation companies, Disney just added it as an add-on along with Alamo rental cars from their official website. The prices vary based on the car type, which includes anything from sedans to full stretch limos, but we have to note that the add-on price to book the car with your Disney hotel and ticket package is pricier than the private express service offered through Mears, and it is likely also more expensive than simply booking private transportation on your own.

In the screenshot above, prices are based on a vacation package for two adults and two children, for five nights at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with a six-day base ticket. The total cost for the package before adding transportation comes to $4,312.78. According to this pricing, the Exclusive Van Service (by Mears) comes in at $354.94, however, Express Service through Mears Connect costs $250 for up to four passengers.

There is certainly some convenience that comes with adding on transportation while you are already booking your Walt Disney World vacation package, but if you are looking to save some extra cash on your private ground transportation we recommend booking through Mears Connect directly or hiring your own private car.