Uber and Lyft are quite possibly two of the best paid ways to get around Disney World property.
Whether if you’re looking to go from resort to resort or to and from the Orlando International Airport, Uber and Lyft are very convenient options.
And since Disney buses aren’t able to from go from a Disney resort to another Disney resort directly, using Uber and Lyft makes the process a lot simpler and more convenient. This especially comes in handy when you’re trying to make it to a dining reservation from your resort to another Disney World resort.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll provide you with information on how to use Uber and Lyft at Disney World while also saving some money in the process.
Jump to:
- How much will an Uber or Lyft ride cost?
- Is Uber or Lyft Cheaper within Disney World?
- How long are the wait times for pickup?
- Overview of Uber at Disney World
- Where are the Uber pickup and drop off locations in Disney World?
- How to Use Uber at Disney World
- Overview of Lyft at Disney World
- Where are the Lyft pickup and drop off locations in Disney World?
- How to Use Lyft at Disney World
- What are Minnie Vans?
- How to Use Minnie Vans in Disney World
- Uber and Lyft vs Mears Connect
- Where can Uber and Lyft Go in Disney World?
- Where can’t Uber and Lyft Go in Disney World?
- Should you take Uber or Lyft or just park at the theme park?
- Final Thoughts…
My Uber Referral Link
- Feel free to use my referral link or my referral code uberAdamBryan if you haven’t sign up for Uber yet.
My Lyft Referral Link
- Feel free to use my referral link if you haven’t sign up for Lyft yet to get $10 in free rides. Also be sure to download Lyft if you plan on using the Minnie Van service.
How much will an Uber or Lyft ride cost?
On average, a ride within Disney World will range from $8 to $33 each way depending on the vehicle type.
A ride to and from the airport ranges from $32 to $121 each way depending the the vehicle and ride type you choose.
Is Uber or Lyft Cheaper within Disney World?
Personally, I recommend you check both Uber and Lyft for the same route to see which one is cheaper. Generally, Lyft is cheaper when it comes to longer rides, while Uber is cheaper for shorter trips.
For example, when viewing a route from Disneys’ Yacht Club Resort to Disney’s Riviera Resort, a normal Lyft cost $11.11 while an UberX cost $8.98.
How long are the wait times for pickup?
Both Uber and Lyft drivers are prevalent at Disney World so the average wait time is around 3 minutes which is fantastic.
That said, it is recommended that you are already at the pickup location before you request a ride.
Overview of Uber at Disney World
Uber is a ride-sharing service that lets you book private drivers to take you from point A to point B via a smartphone app.
Uber operates all over Disney World property and can pick you up and drop you off at any Disney World park and resort. Plus, you can use Uber to off Disney World property to visit any neighboring tourist attractions, outlets, restaurants, hotels, etc
Where are the Uber pickup and drop off locations in Disney World?
Here are all the pickup and drop-off locations for Uber at all Disney World parks, including Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Disney Springs.
Magic Kingdom Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
You can’t get picked up or dropped off directly at Magic Kingdom. You must instead use the Ticket and Transportation Center as your transfer area. Even when you type in “Magic Kingdom” as your location or destination in the app, it will take you to the designated drop-off area at the TTC.
- Pickup: near bus terminal at the Ticket and Transportation Center
- Drop-off: near bus terminal at the Ticket and Transportation Center
EPCOT Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: Second lane of the Journey Parking lot near the electric vehicle charging stations.
- Drop-off: Second lane of the Journey Parking lot near the electric vehicle charging stations.
Animal Kingdom Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: North side of the parking lot near the guest drop-off area
- Drop-off: North side of the parking lot near the guest drop-off area
Hollywood Studios Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: last row of the bus station
- Drop-off: last row of the bus station
Disney Springs Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
There are two pick up and drop off areas on the east and west sides of Disney Springs.
East Pickup is located in the marketplace area of Disney Springs past Disneys’ Days of Christmas store. The ride-share section is called Marketplace Bus Loop.
West Pickup is located past the Cirque du Soleil theater in the Watermelon Parking Lot.
- Pickup: East Pickup or West Pickup
- Drop-off: East Pickup or West Pickup
Blizzard Beach Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup:
- Drop-off:
Typhoon Lagoon Uber Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: near front park entrance gate
- Drop-off: near front park entrance gate
Hotel Pickup and Drop Off Locations
Uber drivers will pick you up and drop you off at the front of the hotel. This also applies to any resort that have multiple wings and buildings like Disneys’ Coronado Springs Resort or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
- Pickup: hotel main building
- Drop-off: hotel main building
ESPN Wide World of Sports Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: The front of the Advent Health Arena
- Drop-off: The front of the Advent Health Arena
How to Use Uber at Disney World
Here are all the basic things you need to know about using Uber at Disney World during your next visit:
We are going to use Pop Century to Magic Kingdom as an example.
1. Launching the Uber App
The first thing you’ll want to do is open the Uber app.
Then from there you’ll enter your destination and pickup location.
2. Choosing your ride
These are all the type of vehicles and fares you have the option of selecting when requesting an Uber ride:
- Black (up to 4 riders) – luxury rides with professional drivers
- UberXL (up to 6 riders) – affordable rides
- UberX (up to 4 riders) – affordable rides for bigger groups
- Comfort (up to 4 riders) – new cars with extra legroom
- Uber Pet (up to 4 riders) – rides for you and your pet
- UberX Car Seat (up to 4 riders) – rides equipped with a car seat
- UberXL Car Seat (up to 6 riders) – rides equipped with a car seat
- MT Connect (up to 2 riders) – accessible media transportation service
Once you select your car type, you then need to confirm it.
From there, you’ll need to confirm your pickup spot which is where you’ll meet your driver.
3. Requesting Your Ride
You’ll then be connected with a driver once you confirm your pickup location.
Once you request your ride, your app will start to search for the nearest driver that can pick you up and take you to your destination.
Once a driver has been found, you’ll see their information on the app including a picture of them, the make and model of their car, and their rating.
You can also use this screen (once you tap on the driver’s picture) to cancel your trip, split your Uber fare or even share your estimated time of arrival with anyone via text message.
Plus if you have specific details about where you want to be picked up, you can contact the driver via text or a phone call.
This makes the pickup process so much easier.
4. Riding in Your Uber
Once your Uber arrives, all you need to do is sit back relax and enjoy the ride to your destination.
Then once you get there, just walk on out. No physical cash tipping or money exchange needed. (Tipping is done through the app and is highly encouraged)
It’s that simple.
Once your ride concludes, you’ll then get an email and notification telling you how much your trip was, as well as an option to rate your ride on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best.
Overview of Lyft at Disney World
Lyft is a ride-sharing service that lets you book private drivers to take you from point A to point B via a smartphone app.
Lyft operates all over Disney World property and can pick you up and drop you off at any Disney World park and resort.
Plus, you can use Lyft to off Disney World property to visit any neighboring tourist attractions, outlets, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Disney’s Minnie Van service is also connected by Lyft, meaning you can use the Lyft app to book rides on Disney’s Minnie Vans within WDW property.
Where are the Lyft pickup and drop off locations in Disney World?
Here are all the pickup and drop-off locations for Uber at all Disney World parks, including Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Disney Springs.
Magic Kingdom Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
You can’t be picked up or dropped off directly at Magic Kingdom. Instead, you must use the Ticket and Transportation Center as your transfer point which is where you can catch a monorail or ferry to the park.
- Pickup: near bus terminal at the Ticket and Transportation Center
- Drop-off: near bus terminal at the Ticket and Transportation Center
EPCOT Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: Second lane of the Journey Parking lot near the electric vehicle charging stations.
- Drop-off: Second lane of the Journey Parking lot near the electric vehicle charging stations.
Animal Kingdom Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: North side of the parking lot near the guest drop-off area
- Drop-off: North side of the parking lot near the guest drop-off area
Hollywood Studios Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: last row of the bus station
- Drop-off: last row of the bus station
Disney Springs Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
There are two pickup and drop off areas on the west and east sides of Disney Springs.
East Pickup is located in the marketplace area of Disney Springs past Disneys’ Days of Christmas store. The ride-share section is called Marketplace Bus Loop.
West Pickup is located right past the Cirque du Soleil theater near the Watermelon Parking Lot.
- Pickup: East Pickup or West Pickup
- Drop-off: East Pickup or West Pickup
Blizzard Beach Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: near front park entrance gate
- Drop-off: near front park entrance gate
Typhoon Lagoon Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: near front park entrance gate
- Drop-off: near front park entrance gate
Hotel Pickup and Drop Off Locations
Lyft drivers will generally only pick you up and drop you off at the main building of the resort.
- Pickup: hotel main building
- Drop-off: hotel main building
However, some resorts will allow pickup and drop-offs at specific buildings within the resort.
For example, you can choose your building as a pickup or drop off spot at Pop Century. The same applies for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort which lets you choose a specific pickup or drop-off within the resort.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Lyft Pickup and Drop Off Locations
- Pickup: The front of the Advent Health Arena
- Drop-off: The front of the Advent Health Arena
How to Use Lyft at Disney World
Here are all the basic things you need to know about using Uber at Disney World during your next visit:
We are going to use Disney’s Yacht Club Resort to Disneys’ Polynesian Village Resort for dinner at ‘Ohana as an example.
1. Launching the Lyft App
The first thing you’ll want to do is open the app and select your destination
This is where you’ll input your pickup and drop-off locations.
2. Selecting your car type
After you hit “search”, you’ll be show all the available car types as well as ride rates.
Here’s the type of vehicles and fares you have the option of selecting when requesting a Lyft ride:
- Lyft (up to 3 riders) – standard Lyft car
- Lyft XL (up to 5 riders) – SUV for larger groups
- Preferred (up to 3 riders) – standard Lyft ride with top rated driver and spacious car with custom preferences that riders can select like temperature, luggage, quiet ride, etc.
- Lux (up to 3 riders) – luxury car
- Lux Black (up to 3 riders) – premium black car service with leather seats
- Lux Black XL (up to 5 riders) – premium black SUV with leather seats
One thing to note is that Lux doesn’t offer a car seat option like Uber does.
3. Request Your Ride
The next step is to select your preferred car.
From this screen, you’ll also see how long until your driver arrives as well as how much your fare will be.
You’ll then be directed to confirm your specific pickup location.
You then need to confirm your specific drop-off location.
Once you request your ride, your app will start to search for the nearest driver to pick you up at the meetup spot.
Once a driver has been found, you’ll see their information on the app including a picture of them, the make and model of their car, and their rating.
5. Riding in Your Lyft
Then once your Lyft arrives, all you need to do is sit back relax and enjoy the ride to your destination.
Then once you get there, just walk on out. No physical cash tipping or money exchange needed. (Tipping is done through the app)
It’s that simple.
Once your ride concludes, you’ll then get an email and notification telling you how much your trip was, as well as an option to rate your ride on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best.
You can then repeat the process to head on back.
What are Minnie Vans?
Minnie Van Service a cute and whimsical personal ride service, that you request in the Lyft app, that will take you to and from select locations within Walt Disney World Resort including all 25 Disney Resorts.
Minnie Van drivers are Disney Cast Members who are trained to take you to anywhere within Disney World property. Plus, each vehicle is equipped with 2 child safety seat that the Cast Member an install for you.
How to Use Minnie Vans in Disney World
To get started, just open the Lyft App while in Disney World Resort.
Then confirm your pickup and drop off location and Lyft will provide you with a fare estimate.
Finally, just tap “Select Minnie Van” and proceed with payment.
That’s it!
Minnie Van service operates from 6:30 am to 12:30 am daily.
When You Should Use Uber or Lyft
Here are the best reasons to use Uber and Lyft at Walt Disney World:
- Going from Disney resort to Disney resort – If you’re staying in a Disney resort or any resort in general, it’s impossible to catch a bus from your resort to another resort. The only way you can do this is to take your resort bus to a park, then from there catch another resort bus to your desired destination.
- To and From the airport – With the termination of Disney’s Magical Express, the only options outside of rideshare are Mears Connect, a taxi, or private transportation. And from a pricing standpoint, Uber is the quickest and sometimes cheaper option.
- Going off Disney property – If you’re going to other parks like Universal Studios or Sea World, local non-Disney restaurants, or shopping malls off property, Uber is one of the best ways to get around Orlando, especially if you don’t have a rental car.
- Early morning breakfast reservations – If you have an early breakfast reservation and you need to get there in a hurry, using an Uber is one of the quickest ways to get there. Disney buses will always be running at that time, however, this is when bus queues and lines can be the longest.
- Going from Disney resort to non-Disney resort or vice versa – Since there’s no way to get to another hotel, Disney or not, using Uber is the best option.
When You Shouldn’t Use Uber or Lyft
As great as Uber and Lyft are when it comes to getting around Disney World property, there are a few times when you shouldn’t use it:
- Surge pricing – There are times of the year and day when pricing is higher due to demand such as at park closing. As a result, you should try to avoid using this app during peak times, especially during the holidays. Surge pricing also is very prevalent for airport pickups.
- Going to a park – if you’re staying at a Disney Resort, then using Uber is a waste of money because of the free transportation that Disney provides.
Uber and Lyft vs Mears Connect
Mears Connect has officially taken over for the once complimentary Disney’s Magical Express service between MCO and all Disney World Resorts.
But is Mears Connect a better option than using Uber or Lyft for your airport transfers?
Let’s look at the costs:
Mears Connect Standard Service costs $16 per adult and $13.50 per child ages (3-9), while children under 3 ride free, each way.
So a roundtrip ticket costs $32 for adults and $27 for children.
Just note that the Standard Service includes stops so there’s no telling if your resort will be the first or last drop-off.
Mears Connect Express Service, which will drop you off and pick you up directly without any stops, costs $250 for up to 4 passengers and $55 per additional passenger, roundtrip.
A trip from the airport (MCO) to Disney’s Pop Century Resort using Lyft costs $38.73 for up to 4 passengers or $49.51 for up to 6 passengers.
An identical trip at the same time using Uber costs $45.99 for up to 4 passengers and $60.69 for up to 6 passengers. And if you need a car seat, the ride would cost $55.99 for up to 4 passengers.
Total Costs for a Family of 4 (two adults, two children)
- Mears Connect: $118 for 4 roundtrip tickets
- Uber: $92 roundtrip
- Lyft: $78 roundtrip
Winner: Lyft
Please keep in mind that ride-share prices fluctuate drastically. These prices above were for 3:45 pm on a Thursday in June. If surge pricing were in effect, there’s a possibility that Mears Connect would be the cheaper alternative.
Where can Uber and Lyft Go in Disney World?
Uber and Lyft can go anywhere within Disney World property including all resorts (Disney and non-Disney), Disney Springs, both water parks, both Disney mini-golf courses, ESPN, Disneys’ Golf Courses, the Boardwalk, and all the theme parks minus Magic Kingdom.
Where can’t Uber and Lyft Go in Disney World?
The only place Uber and Lyft drivers can’t pickup and drop off directly is Magic Kingdom. Riders must be picked up and dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center which is where they’ll then need to take a monorail or ferry to the park and vice versa.
Should you take Uber or Lyft or just park at the theme park?
Parking at Disney World costs $25 per day for standard and $45-$50 for preferred parking.
From a financial standpoint only, unless your Uber ride is $25 or less roundtrip, it makes no sense to use a ride-sharing service.
Final Thoughts…
Uber and Lyft are a great way to get around Walt Disney World property if saving time is at the top of your list.
Plus it’s a super easy and sometimes affordable way to get from point A to point B during your vacation, especially if taking buses or driving your car isn’t your thing.
This is especially true for going to and from the airport (MCO).
So with that being said, thanks for reading and hopefully you consider using Uber, Lyft, or even Minnie Vans at least once during your next visit to Walt Disney World.
mmt
your lyft $50 referal terms do not show orlando as eligible market. Do you know first time credit for Orlando?
Zavior Riz
Thanks for the great tips. I used Uber care service during my recent trip to Walt Disney World. We took a Uber from I Drive to the Disney Ticket and Reservation center at Magic Kingdom and it didn’t cost us anything, Free! We used a free ride code which I listed below. Which was great! Out hotel did offer a shuttle bus to the park but we decided to use Uber cause we didn’t was to ride in a late and crowded bus as the shuttle had picked up passengers from adjacent hotels before it reached us.
The driver picked us up within 4 minutes of requesting the car and we got to the Ferry terminal at Magic Kingdom about 15 minutes late. We also took an Uber back from the park to our Hotel at 11PM and the fare was just $7.50 for 4 passengers. The Uber driver was friendly, told us where he would pick us up and we went back to the hotel in a nice, clean, AC cooled car.
Wonderful experience and we would definitely use the service again.
Use the code zakr121ue to get yourself a free Uber ride. Save money and time!
Kirsten
Disney Springs needs to be updated. It’s no longer the strawberry parking lot. It’s the turnout before by the busses. It changed last week
Jean B Pence
Can Uber pick up an Electric Cart? I realize we will need more than one as we have 3 carts. We are going to Disney World in December and really need to know.
Thanks
Sam
You should tip your driver
Adam Bryan
100% agree if your overall experience was excellent
Lawrence Reynolds
Adam, while this was an informative article, you are doing a huge dis-service to the hard working Uber and Lyft drivers by telling people to just step out, no tip required. Drivers rely heavily on tip income, and generally receive only 30-40 percent of what the customer pays. Rideshare drivers then have to pay for their vehicles, maintenance, fuel and insurance. So please, rather than say “no tip necessary”, why not say “tipping is of course optional for excellent service “?
Adam Bryan
Hey Lawrence, I have since updated the wording on this article but I think what I was saying was misinterpreted by a few people. I meant to say that there was no physical cash tipping or transactions involved since it’s all done through the app. But yes, I completely agree that tip is more than necessary if your ride was great!