I ALWAYS Get Lost Trying to Do This at Orlando Airport. Don’t Make My Mistake.

I’ve always been a directionally challenged person just about everywhere EXCEPT the Disney parks.

That’s why they feel even more like home! I know all of the best shortcuts and routes to escape the crowds. If only I could transfer that to other aspects of life, then maybe I wouldn’t have had this problem at Orlando International Airport (MCO) several times in a row. So take this as a word of warning and don’t make the same mistake I did!

Before we get into it, be sure to download our ultimate packing list for Disney World!

Chances are if you’re flying to Disney World, you’ll probably arrive at Orlando International Airport. It’s about a 30-minute drive to Disney World and since Magical Express was removed in January of 2022, parkgoers have had to switch up how they get to the resort.

Although there is Mears Connect, basically a paid option for Magical Express, I prefer having the freedom without a reservation. So I, like many Disney fans, choose to take a rideshare from the airport to Disney World. The problem? I almost ALWAYS get lost trying to find the rideshare pickup area at MCO.

I don’t know about you, but it seems at most airports, the rideshare pickup is located with the rest of the ground transportation. But that is NOT the case at MCO. It’s actually easier than you think if you know ahead of time!

Let’s take a look at the Orlando Airport map, shall we? There are three levels if you’re coming in through Terminal A or B. You will arrive and take the Gate Link which drops you off on the third level. Then, if you checked bags, you’ll head down to the second floor to retrieve them. Still following?

Then, if you’re just reading some signs around the airport, you may be tempted to head down to the first floor where there is “Ground Transportation”. Don’t fall for the trap! You’ll actually find rideshare pickup right there on the second level. After you’ve grabbed your luggage from baggage claim, just head out the doors. Yes, it’s that simple!

Also, something I learned the hard way — do NOT call for an Uber or Lyft until you are settled at the pickup area. You never know how quick they will be! The first time I got lost like this I thought I was close so I called the rideshare. In my head I knew I could make it before the car was ready…and then I got the notification that the rideshare was approaching. Let’s just say by the time I figured out to go back to the second level, I had to get a new driver. Highly recommend checking that you’re in the right spot and THEN proceeding — it really won’t impact your time that much. Getting lost will take longer, trust me!

I think the reason I made this mistake several times is that I knew something was different about the rideshare location, but I couldn’t remember exactly what was different about it. A quick refresher of the airport’s map would have helped a TON and now I know better!

Another hot tip I wish I used sooner is to download the Orlando MCO app. You can get directions or check the map right from your phone!

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Stay tuned for extra tips for traveling to Disney World — you know we’ll be back with more!

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Do you ever get lost on vacation? Let me know so we can support each other in the comments!