Getting to Disney World: Airports & Transfers

Getting to Walt Disney World from the UK usually involves three decisions: which Florida airport to fly into, how to get from the airport to your accommodation, and whether you need a hire car once you arrive.

For most Walt Disney World holidays, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most straightforward arrival airport, but Orlando Melbourne International and Tampa can also be worth considering depending on your flights, prices, and wider Florida plans.

This guide gives you the big picture. From flight booking, individual airports and airport transfers, we've linked to our more detailed Florida travel guides so you can compare your options without having to piece the journey together yourself.

What’s The Easiest Way To Get to Walt Disney World From The UK?

For most UK visitors, the simplest journey is to fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and arrange an airport transfer, rideshare or hire car for the final journey to Walt Disney World. MCO has the advantage of being Orlando's main international airport and has a wide range of onward transport options for Walt Disney World visitors.

However, the easiest option is not always the cheapest. If you can find a cheaper flight to fly into another Florida airport it’s worth considering if the savings maths works out, and you can get the same flight experience.

If you’re planning on hiring a car or combining Disney with a longer Florida road trip, it’s worth looking beyond MCO, but MCO is the best airport for hiring a car as a tourist because you can buy Visitor Toll Pass which makes driving on Florida’s toll roads so much easier to manage.

Don’t know whether to book a package holiday or DIY your whole holiday and book flights separately?Meanwhile if you just want to research your airport options for a Disney World holiday, keeping reading.

Which Airport Is Best For Walt Disney World Holidays?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is usually the most convenient airport for a Walt Disney World holiday, but it’s not the only option. Melbourne International (MLB) and Tampa (TPA) can also be worth considering when flights or package prices are cheaper or offer better flight times. When comparing flights or packages be sure to add in everything to get like for like prices, as sometimes a cheaper price can be misleading when you add in everything you already have included in a quote or booking.

To find out more detail head to the guide on the Best Florida Airport For Disney World Holidays From The UK

Do You Book Flights Or Transfers To Walt Disney World First?

Always book your flights first, as transfers are a small cost and part of your journey in comparison to a trans-Atlantic flight. Booking flights to Orlando from the UK, separate from a package, can involve costing-up and comparing flight costs, as well as comparing airport and transfer options. While the distance to Disney World varies from Florida airports, as sadly there is no Disney World Airport, transfer times and options are just part of a decision making process when it comes to choosing flights.

When it comes to searching for flights the decision comes down to picking the Florida airport that works best for the holiday you want, often at the price you want.

• flight price

• direct versus indirect flights to get better prices

• departure airport in the UK

• baggage allowances

• arrival and departure times, especially if you have little ones,

• Florida arrival airports

• transfer costs to Disney World

• whether you intend to hire a car.

How Do You Get From Orlando International Airport To Walt Disney World?

There is no consistent free Walt Disney World transfer from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney Resort hotels for UK visitors. Most UK visitors need to pay for their transfers on top of the holiday cost, and use an airport shuttle, private transfer, Uber or Lyft, or collect a hire car at the airport to get to Disney World.

There is an instance where that isn’t the case:

• if you were one of the first 2,500 people to book the 2027 UK Disney Free Drinks and Dining Offer direct with Walt Disney Travel Company you’ll have a free Minnie Van transfer included in your booking

The best option depends on your party size, luggage, whether you need child seats and whether you'll need a car elsewhere in Florida. Compare the current available options at MCO in our guide to How Can UK Visitors Get From Orlando Airport (MCO) To Disney Resort?

Is Disney's Magical Express Still Available?

No. Disney's former complimentary Magical Express airport service is no longer available, so getting from the airport to your Disney World hotel needs to be bought on top of the cost of staying on-site at Disney World.

Should You Book An Airport Transfer To Disney Before Leaving The UK?

Yes, many UK Disney World visitors benefit from booking their airport transfers to Disney World before leaving the UK. The only occasion where this may not be the case is if you are looking to compare Uber and Lyft prices to get the best deal when landing.

Pre-booking transfers is really useful if:

• you're travelling with young children;

• you need child seats;

• you have a large amount of luggage;

• you're travelling as a larger group;

• you're arriving late;

• you've never travelled through the airport before;

• or you want the cost fixed before your holiday.

Private transfer options such as using Epic Private Hire, or going down the budget route with Mears Connect if flying into MCO gives peace of mind that you can just get to your resort once you get your bags and through immigration after landing.

Do You Need To Hire A Car For A Walt Disney World Holiday?

No, you don’t need a hire car if you plan on spending the majority of your holiday in the Disney Bubble staying in a Disney World Hotel. While a car is convenient for exploring beyond Disney World. If you only plan on taking a couple of trips to Walmart, an Uber will get you there and you can explore Disney World Resort with the free transport system.

A hire car starts to make sense when you plan on going to:

• other Orlando attractions;

• shopping centres;

• restaurants away from the resort;

• beaches;

• other parts of Central Florida

However, with Disney’s free hotel car parking and free theme park car parking for hotel guests, it’s tempting to have a car and enjoy being able to go off-site if you want to, plus use it get around the resort at your own pace. I found it a faster way to get to places, tut I do think I walked more with the hire car as you end up parking further away from places in comparison to where Disney transport and rideshare options drop you off. Weighing up the decision will depend on what you want form your holiday, and it’s explored in more detail in Hiring A Car And Staying On-Site At Disney World: Is It Worth It?

Can You Do A Walt Disney World Holiday Without Driving?

Yes. Getting around Disney World without driving is fully possible, and you’ll get to enjoy lots of different transport types. A hire car is not the only way to get around the resort. The free Disney World transport system offers convenient connections from hotels to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

The trade off of not having a car is that you will need to plan trips and leave leeway for getting to places and to do rope drop, or make a dining reservation.

Disney also have a paid rideshare option called Minnie Vans that you can use, as well as choosing to call for an Uber or Lyft to get around the resort. Walking between all locations in the resort isn’t possible as places are spread out.

While you can do Disney World without a car, I would always choose to have one if possible.

Disney World is a large resort and getting to it from Orlando airports is easy, you can find transfers at a range of price points to suit your budget.

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Disney World Planning & Booking Timeline: What To Book & When From The UKA full timeline for UK visitors planning Disney World trips with guidance for key milestones, perfect for first timers Disney World Booking Timeline: When and How To Book From The UKWalt Disney World Ticket Guide: UK Options ComparedAll the Disney World ticket options available for UK visitors to buy in the UK from special events to tickets for the whole holiday, plus a handy comparison of which is best