Florida theme park shuttle rides

Transfers to Florida theme parks


Airport transfers to and from Florida theme parks	More travel tips: Worldwide → General

Discovering the best airport rides in Orlando and Tampa
Travelers needing airport shuttles to the ultimate vacation spots in Florida are often staying in Central Florida, where some of the best theme parks in the world are located. When you arrive in town you usually will end up at Orlando International Airport, which is near SR 528, also known as the Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway. From here you can take a shared ride shuttle, taxicab or any of the many private sedans or vans available and head toward International Drive, also known as I-Drive, which is home to both SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica (a water park owned by SeaWorld). Further down the road you will find I-4, which you can take east to head toward Daytona Beach or west to head toward Lake Buena Vista, home of Walt Disney World, and Tampa.

On the east side of town you will find popular amusement parks such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not or Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure. If you are more of a night owl, you can also enjoy a fun filled night at Universal CityWalk where you can wine and dine and even stay for the night at the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. If you are planning to stay a night at the Hard Rock Hotel you can enhance your trip with a visit to Universal Studios Florida, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.

Traveling west of Orlando on I-4 from the airport you will discover many luxury and theme hotels near Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center hold some amazing events throughout the year and are located only a few minutes from the Magic Kingdom Park. Surrounding this world famous theme park are many other popular attractions such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Epcot Center. With easy access to shuttle services you can get to and from each park and your hotel almost any time, day or night.

Ways to prepare for your next vacation near Orlando theme parks Families staying near their favorite theme park can discover many ways to make their visit as stress free as possible. Below are a just a few of our favorite ideas that we think may help you make your visit more enjoyable. Vacation ideas at theme parks that may help → Weekends tend to be the busiest days to visit theme parks, especially Saturdays, so you may want to consider visiting during the week instead. You may also find it is easier to show up early to the park and head toward the attractions at the back of the park first since the crowds may tend to be smaller earlier in the day as many people work their way from the front of the park to the back. → Annual passes are a great and economical option if you plan on visiting the park several times per year. You can also find many different all-inclusive packages at many of the Disney resorts, which can also help you save money and take some of the hassle out of planning your trip. → Most people these days have smartphones with a camera on them but many people may not realize that this can be a very useful tool during your visit to a theme park. For instance, when you park your vehicle remember to take pictures of the signs that describe the section and parking spot you are in. This makes it easier to remember where you left your car. Also it’s a good idea to take pictures of your children right before you enter the park so if you lose them you can show park staff exactly how they looked including the clothes they were wearing when they came to the park. → FASTPASS allows you to return to a ride at a later time and skip the lines. You can also download apps on your mobile phone at some parks that allows you to monitor wait times at your favorite rides. → There is nothing worse than getting your electronic key chains and cell phones wet on a water ride. A simple solution to this is to bring some extra zip lock bags with you so you can wrap them up before you board the ride. You may also want to bring a poncho so you are not walking around the park in wet clothes or shoes. → Consider buying a rechargeable smartphone case to give your cell phone some extra battery life. Like many parents with children you’ll likely to end up taking a lot of pictures and then uploading them to share right away with family and friends on social media sites such as Facebook. This may drain your battery quickly if you aren’t careful. You should also make sure to exit all unnecessary apps on your phone that may be running in the background and draining your battery. It is also a good idea to dim the backlight of your cell phone will increase the battery life.

	Read more about other theme parks »

Official Websites

Magic Kingdom

SeaWorld Orlando

Epcot

Universal Studios Hollywood

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Islands of Adventure

Central Florida Theme Parks
The theme parks of Central Florida have some of the best rides and shows worldwide ranging from shows that involve sea animals, which can range from dolphins and tropical birds to household pets at SeaWorld’s Pets Ahoy. There are also unique entertainment in the form of shows such as Cirque de la Mer, which features amazing acrobats and fantastic music. The amusement parks in the Orlando area also feature some of the fastest and most thrilling roller coaster rides you can encounter. Depending on the time of the year make sure you prepare for the heat and sun with plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if you are not used to the heat and humidity.


	Flying into Central Florida airports There are many great cities to visit in the central Florida area. From Orlando to Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista as well as Tampa which is located about 85 miles from away, there is something for everyone in this area. Among the best airport you can arrive at when traveling to Central Florida theme parks are going to Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport.

	Finding airport transportation near Orlando and Tampa theme parks Finding airport rides when you arrive in Orlando is among the easiest, and most important, things you can do on your vacation. With so many selections for vacationers to choose from such as Mears Transportation as well as the popular Zumu shuttles service from AirportShuttles.com. Rides can also be booked for private sedans services from companies such as Zumu or you can also book a private business SUV service by Blacklane.

Orlando International Airport Transportation
When your flight arrives in Orlando you can find plenty of shuttles from MCO airport to take you to your hotel or resort. Ground transportation services are available for airport transfers to areas such as Celebration, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista. If you are headed west toward the Atlantic coast then you’ll have no trouble finding airport transportation to areas such as Port Canaveral or Daytona Beach.

While we offer a large variety of transportation providers in Central Florida, below are a just few providers we’ve highlighted that offer rides throughout the Orlando area. These providers typically offer a wide coverage area for airport transportation including Kissimmee and even as far as Port Canaveral. Visitors to the Orlando area who are seeking a particular vehicle type for themselves or their group can also book all-inclusive rides with rates to fit any budget. The choice is yours, but before you choose it’s important to understand the different vehicle options and providers available to you.

Shared Ride Vans
Shared ride vans are among our most popular vehicles types, and with good reason. They are often the most economical option and vehicles are usually readily available. The reason for this, as the name implies, is that you are effectively splitting a van with other passengers, which also allows you a lower per-passenger rate. When you book a reservation for a shared ride van you will typically get professional airport transfers that are door to door service with a fixed rate for each passenger on the ride. Remember that there will most likely be multiple stops along the way because this service combines passengers who are departing at the same time as you into the same vehicle so that you can share a ride. If you need to be somewhere at a particular time you may want to take this into account.


	AirportShuttles.com When AirportShuttles.com, or the "Zumu" picks you up as they are commonly known, you and your group will find convenient and affordable shared ride van service. AirportShuttles.com’s vans can accommodate up to 15 passengers in your group to and from MCO airport. The total cost of the rate includes taxes and fees. The company also offers free cancellation, provided that you cancel your reservation at least two hours prior to your scheduled pickup time. You are allowed two checked bags and two carry-ons for each passenger. If you’ll be traveling with oversized or excessive luggage make sure to let the company know ahead of time and remember there may be an additional charge. The trip also requires passengers who are traveling with small children to bring their own child car seats or booster seats, as the state of Florida requires them for young children. If you have questions about child safety seat requirements please contact your provider once you’ve booked your reservations.

	Mears Transportation Mears Transportation started its operations in 1939 and today has become one of the leading ground transportation providers in the Orlando area. Mears Transportation has hundreds of shuttles, sedans and limos in their fleet available for travelers who are coming to the Orlando area looking for airport rides from Orlando International Airport to nearby theme parks, hotels and the many themed resorts throughout the area. Mears’ shared ride van service also includes taxes and service fees including tolls and surcharges and is an affordable option that is reliable. The company also offers free cancellation as long as you cancel at least 4 hours prior to your reservation time. Again, you will need to provide your own child safety seats in accordance with Florida state laws when you travel with Mears Transportation so be sure to find out what is required prior to your trip. Gratuity is not included in your fare so make sure to tip your driver accordingly.

Private Shuttle Vans
When you are traveling with a larger group a private van can be both more affordable and more comfortable. With a flat rate for each van, this is door-to-door service that offers pickup for you and your group and then transfers you all together to your destination without any stops. Groups needing extra space but wanting a more luxurious ride can also book a private SUV.


	AirportShuttles.com Business Express Service AirportShuttles.com offers a Business Express Service that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The Business Express service is a business style shuttle service that has non-stop routes to and from the MCO airport. This type of ride is unlike a shared ride van ride in that the ride is not shared with other passengers and it is non-stop to your destination.

	AirportShuttles.com Private Van Service This ride offers exclusive non-stop rides for travelers wanting to ride together in a private van, which can handle groups up to 15 passengers per transfer. Non-stop private van services are commonly booked for groups traveling together for an event at the Orange County Convention Center. You can schedule yours to bring you directly to the convention center or to your hotel.

	GroundLink If you are looking for chauffeured rides from a more luxurious black car type service then GroundLink can assist you with getting to your destination quickly. All drivers are checked thoroughly and trained to make your visit a memorable experience.

Private Sedans
Private sedans offer a flat rate for private transfers. A licensed chauffeur who is well trained in making your transfer comfortable drives these vehicles. Though a luxury sedan might be ideal for smaller groups needing direct transfers to their destination, you’ll want to keep in mind that the amount of baggage you are bringing will impact how many people you are able to fit in the vehicle. You’ll want to be mindful of this when you book your reservation. If you know you’ll be bringing excess luggage then you may want to consider either booking a larger vehicle to accommodate you.


	Zumu Orlando Zumu offers an upscale meet and greet service where the driver meets you in pre-designated areas such as baggage claim or curbside. The driver uses a Samsung Tablet sign to greet you and can assist you with you luggage. This is an ideal service for transfers from MCO to hotels, resorts and business meetings at the Orange County Convention Center for your group.

	Blacklane Blacklane offers you professional chauffeur service with no hidden fees since all of the rates are all-inclusive. When you arrive in town you will get an email as well as a text message keeping you up to date with the status of your driver and your pickup.

Private SUVs
With a luxurious private SUV you can typically comfortably seat up to six passengers with two pieces of standard sized luggage each. This type of airport transportation is ideal if you want the comfort and luxury of a private car but want to have more of your group traveling together with more room for your luggage.

Noble Transportation & Limousines
For luxurious airport rides to business events or if you need a stylish corporate car service, Noble Transportation & Limousines can get you to your destination in the Orlando area. From Lake Mary to the Windermere as well as Kissimmee and other destinations, Noble can take you all over. They also offer airport transfer service to Port Canaveral for those heading out on a cruise aboard cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International.

Limousines
A private limousine offers a stylish way to travel throughout the Orlando area including the many theme parks, luxury hotels and themed resorts. With airport limousines you can experience a unique and fun way to get ground transportation to your destination from well-trained drivers who know the area.


	First Choice Limo Service First Choice Limo Service is an excellent service, which specializes in rides to and from downtown Orlando, events and conferences at the Orange County Convention Center and world famous attractions such as Downtown Disney and Universal CityWalk.

	Orlando Vintage Limo You can get limousine pickup and drop off to many of the resorts throughout the area such as the Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek Resort and the well as the Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa. Some of the most popular vehicle transfers include the Cadillac Escalade Limo, the Lincoln Stretched limo and one of the most favorite vehicles, the Stretched Hummer Limousine.

Chartered Buses
Designed to carry very large groups of passengers who are traveling together, chartered buses, or private buses, are motor coaches that can usually accommodate up to 55 passengers. For groups that are slightly smaller but still too large for a private van, you can also book a minibus, which can transfer up to 36 passengers at one time.


	ICS, Book A Limo Whether you are looking for a minibus or a large motor coach ICS prides itself on years of transportation experience. The company is proud to provide on time service to its passengers. You will receive notifications when you land at Orlando International Airport regarding your driver’s status and your pickup information once you get off of the plane.

Rides and attractions at theme parks
Orlando is one of the best cities to visit for quality family entertainment. Surrounded by a large variety of different styled themes at each attraction to choose from you could literally find something new every time you visit. With plenty of rides for you to choose from below are a few that we thought you might be interested in.

Magic Kingdom
For a look into one of the most famous castles in the world, visit Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Modeled after Cinderella’s palace, the castle is inspired by the fairy tale. The overall park contains six different ‘lands’, each of which is inspired by a different aspect of Disney. Whether it be the nostalgic beauty of Main Street U.S.A. or the amazing rides at Frontierland, Magic Kingdom is filled with memories that are just waiting to be made.


	Main Street U.S.A. Main Street U.S.A. is the first area you’ll see when you enter Magic Kingdom, and because of this, the area has grown to be a staple of the entire facility. The street is home to Walt Disney World Railroad, which takes you to other parts of the park or, if you’d like, other parts of Main Street. The best attractions in this area include architectural styles from just about every state in America, not to mention fun shows in Town Square Theater as well as occasional street parties and parades outside.

	Frontierland Added to the park in the early 70’s, Frontierland is modeled after America’s wild west, featuring thrilling rides and a bit of history to boot. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes allows guests to travel via free-floating canoes across the Rivers of America, an artificial river that’s so beautiful; anyone would be fooled into thinking they were actually traveling down the Mississippi River. If you’re in the mood for something less leisurely, you can experience a fun train/roller coaster ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is a great place to experience the majesty of marine wildlife as well as jaw-dropping live entertainment. The Orlando location is particularly good at doing what they love, offering guests a variety of roller coasters, exclusive shows, and family-friendly exhibits.


	Rides & Attractions There are several thrilling rides, whether it be the state-of-the-art hyper coaster, Mako, or the floorless ride named after the mythical monster of the sea, Kraken. If you get tired of screaming, there are also calming attractions like Shamu Express, a family roller coaster with cars shaped like Shamu, not to mention Turtle Trek, an outdoor/indoor exhibit that features rare sea turtles.

	Live Entertainment Known for their explosive shows, the Orlando branch of SeaWorld offers tons of exciting shows, whether it be the 7 killer whales dancing at Shamu Stadium or the beautiful California sea lions turned comedians in their daily show at The Sea Lion and Otter Theater. For a bit of dinner theatre, you can check out Seafire Inn, a venue that offers classy shows performed by actual humans.

Epcot
For some international culture and a look into the distant future, step into the magical Epcot Center, which is home to a variety of attractions. Whether it be the dark and ominous mysteries that lie deep inside the glass pyramids of Future World or a quaint look at some authentic German or Japanese architecture at World Showcase, Epcot Center contains the cultures of just about every human civilization, all packed into one 300-acre park.


	Future World Future World offers innovative rides and follows the theme of technology and science, often straying into science fiction territory. It also serves as Epcot’s entrance, making it both eye-catching and otherworldly. Spaceship Earth, which is a ride that is structured like a geodesic sphere, is the most iconic landmark throughout Epcot and one of the most popular rides as well. Inside of the sphere are a variety of show scenes and attractions, which includes a time-machine vessel that ascends through a dark tunnel, showing you every moment of humanity, from the Neanderthals to the fall of Rome for you to enjoy.

	World Showcase If you’re a world traveler and want to see as much as possible, visit World Showcase to see a variety of cultures, which include China, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, and many others. Each themed city has its own respective landscape, restaurants, and rides that reflect each country’s particular flavor or idea of a good time, making it seem like you’re truly globe hopping. The Imagineers of Epcot went for extra authenticity by staffing each area with the citizens of each represented country on work-visa agreements. This allows each country to not only be authentic, but make the American dreams of several immigrants come true.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Orlando is host to a lot of fun things to do, and with the presence of Universal Studios, the city grew to an even larger entertainment source, especially with the always-entertaining Production Central, which is host to some of the most exciting family-friendly rides, all of which are filled with familiar faces. For a broader look at big-city culture, you can also visit New York, a fun area that offers a mock city model of the famous northeast metropolis. The area is littered with rides, shops, and restaurants that are sure to occupy your attention as much as they’ll wow you.


	Production Central Production Central is home to several rides, all of which were opened after 2009, making each one as innovative as they are sparkling brand new. For a fun family ride, look no further – this area of the park is home to many rides hosted by child favorites, including Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Shrek 4-D, and Transformers: The Ride. For a larger-than-life perspective of the park, you can also hop onto Hollywood Rockit, an exhilarating roller coaster that’s sure to leave you shaken.

	New York To get in touch with one of America’s most iconic cities, visit New York for a variety of restaurants, outlet stores, and unforgettable rides. Whether you’re with your family or are simply looking for a scare, this big apple is big enough for everyone to bite into.

	Shopping & Restaurants There are several restaurants scattered around New York, all of which were inspired by authentic New York eateries. Whether it be a cold beer at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill or a tasty dish of pasta at Louie’s Italian Restaurant, there are plenty of unique delicacies to choose from, not to mention the abundance of familiar brands like Starbucks Coffee and Ben & Jerry’s.

	Rides If you’re looking for something interesting, yet scary, you have to check out Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, a steel roller coaster that takes place completely indoors, making for one of the most unique and thrilling journeys ever constructed. New York is also home to The Blues Brother Show as well as the upcoming adventure ride, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens at Tampa is a theme park dedicated to Africa in the 19th century, showcasing the wildlife from particular environments as well as the culture of several African tribes. Whether it be one of the many themed locations that represent countries like Congo or Morocco or one of the dozen animal habitats, which include the incredible Cheetah Run and Walkabout Way, there’s something at Busch Gardens for everyone.


	Themed Areas The park’s main entrance is a themed area modeled after the country of Morocco, featuring a massive wooden roller coaster named after the African mythological creature, Gwazi as well as Gwazi Gliders, a hang glider flat ride for kids. Another great themed area is Jungala, which is composed of close animal encounters and rope bridges. There are also rides here, including Jungle Fliers, a zip line ride, and The Wild Surge, a launch tower that can fit an entire family. To get around the themed areas location with ease, hop aboard the Serengeti Railway for a complimentary train car ride, which makes stops at the Nairobi, Congo, and Stanleyville areas.

	Animal Habitats For those looking for a break from thrilling rides, Busch Gardens is also known for its many relaxing animal habitats. For an unbelievably up-close look at rare birds you’d never be able to see in Florida’s everyday climate, visit Bird Gardens, which offers a free flight aviary that holds more than 500 tropical birds of various species, including parrots, flamingos, and others. If you don’t feel like risking the cleanliness of the tops of your heads or shoulders, you can also visit Cheetah Run, which holds daily presentations by the trainers. The most famous cheetahs on the property are Kasi and Mtani, a couple who have become strange local celebrities.

Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is only one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort and is seen by many as the best park. Everyone has their favorite, of course, so saying ‘best’ is a matter of opinion but for many this park is a must see. Dedicated to the conservation of the natural environment as well as animals, the park was designed to ensure these ideals be executed to perfection. Additionally, the park is global, offering glimpses into every part of the world, from Africa to Asia.


	Discovery Island Located in the heart of the Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island, the ‘central hub’ of the park, connecting to every single other section with the exception of one area (Rafiki’s Planet Watch). Located here is the iconic Tree of Life, a man-made Baobab tree, which is covered with beautiful hand-carved animals. Inside, you’ll find several enclosures of exotic creatures, not to mention the comical 4D adventure-film “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” – a fun animation that takes place in the universe of the Pixar hit, A Bug’s Life.

	Rafiki’s Planet Watch If you’ve got children with you, prepare for a great adventure at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, a section of the park that’s made specifically for young children and families. To visit the area, families ride on the Wildlife Express Train for a fun ride through Habitat Habit, which is an educational presentation that teaches how to protect endangered primates. There is also a petting zoo that features goats, sheep, and other calm animals.

Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another park located at Walt Disney Resort in Bay Lake, making it an excellent addition to an already amazing park. Hollywood Studios is fully dedicated to the magic of show business, pulling a lot of inspiration from California’s celeb-filled city, Hollywood. The studio-themed park is home to many attractions, some replicas and some completely original. Whether you want to check out the many attractions at Echo Lake or simply want to get a taste of some of your favorite Disney films at Pixar Place, Hollywood Studios is a great park to wind down after a long day (or days) of getting on breath-taking rides.


	Echo Lake Modeled after the iconic Echo Park located in Los Angeles, Echo Lake is a custom-designed area of Hollywood Studios that offers guests a look into the ‘California Crazy’ style of architecture, which was prevalent in the Golden Age of Hollywood. There are three major attractions at Echo Lake, which include Star Tours, a ride set in the Star Wars universe, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, a reenactment of several stunts from the famous Steven Spielberg film, and a new addition to the Hyperion Theatre, which hosts For the First Time in Forever: A frozen Sing-Along Celebration, a grandiose show that celebrates the music of the 2013 Disney film, Frozen.

	Pixar Place Pixar Place is solely dedicated to films and characters that are featured in Pixar Animation Studios, whether it is from the Toy Story series or Finding Nemo. The area takes direct architectural inspiration from the actual Pixar Studios in Emeryville, California, making it as authentic as it is magical – the sole attraction at Pixar Place is Toy Story Midway Mania, an interactive 4D attraction that’s fun for the entire family.

Islands of Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a great place to have fun, whether you’re a family looking for relaxing activities or a group of thrill-seekers on the hunt for your next fix. Since 2010, the park has seen a surge of popularity due to the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which officially became the main attraction on the seventh island.


	Jurassic Park Set in the same universe, but just after the plot line of the first Jurassic Park film, Jurassic Park is just one of the Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios, offering a discovery-based exhibit hosted by John Hammond himself. The actor delivers a unique message that was actually recorded during the filming of the first movie, and takes you on adventure throughout the island. The island’s main attraction is Jurassic Park River Adventure, a water ride that’s based on one of the most exciting scenes of the film.

	Hogsmeade (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) For J.K. Rowling fans, a magical village waits that contains several attractions, shops, and restaurants that replicate some of the locations mentioned in the Harry Potter series. Whether it be the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village, or the iconic Hogwarts Castle, every Harry Potter fan can be assured that no stone is left unturned. One of the most popular roller coasters on the island is Dragon Challenge, which is essentially a pair of intertwining roller coasters.

Travel Planning in Orlando
When planning your family vacation in Orlando you can find discount tickets and prices on the most popular theme parks in the area.

Reviewing top Orlando attractions
With so many attractions in Orlando to choose from you may want to begin your trip by seeing what others have to say about their experiences.

Airport transfers to and from Florida theme parks