How do I get to Shades of Green?

Here’s all the info that you’ll need if you are bound for Shades of Green, the U.S. Military-owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World, from Orlando International Airport!

My family has lots of experience flying into Orlando International Airport. I was stationed in Ohio for many years, and we flew into Orlando several times back then. We then transferred to the Florida Panhandle and drove to Disney World for 9 years. But we’ve been back in Ohio for quite a few years now, and we fly into Orlando multiple times a year.

When not staying at a Disney Resort, we’ve rented cars at the airport and used airport limos.

Transportation Options for Shades of Green

Here are the various options for your transportation from Orlando International Airport to Shades of Green:

• Mears Connect Powered by Sunshine – Bus Service to multiple resorts after up to a 20-minute wait, with up to 6 stops before your resort
• Mears Express – Shared van service, with a short to zero wait time and fewer stops prior to arriving at your resort
• Limo Service – Private car/SUV/van service, from baggage claim, zero wait (my preferred option)
• Taxi
• Bus Service
• Rental Car
• Uber or Lyft

Update 14 July 2023 – Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer have merged. They are now operating as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. The Sunshine Flyer website is still active, but the content has switched over to match the Mears site

Mears Connect is the successor to Disney’s Magical Express, which ended service at the end of 2021. They offer a bus service identical to the Magical Express, as they were the actual company running the Magical Express for Disney, and a shared van service that goes directly to your resort. See my full Mears Connect Post.

The Sunshine Flyer was the second replacement service for Disney’s Magical Express.

Limo Service – There are numerous limo services available to take you to Walt Disney World. I like Happy Limo.

Taxi – Taxis at the airport are about $75 each way to Disney World.

Car Rental – You might be able to find a good military rate. I’m a USAA member, and they have discounts negotiated with all the major car rental companies.

Uber and Lyft – are great alternatives to traditional transportation companies. Uber and Lyft fares are currently starting at around $30 one way to WDW.

Disney World’s Minnie Van Service used to provide airport service prior to the 2020 shutdown. Currently, this service is offered only to Disney Concierge-level guests.

My Transportation Recommendations

Economic – Slower/Less Service

Use the Magical Express Replacement

The Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine bus service is a great budget option to get you to your Disney vacation, but there is waiting involved! As of 2024-2025 this service has degraded, with long waits for your bus reported and up to 6 stops at various resorts on Disney property (you might be the last stop), causing very long travel times.

You’ll need to pick up your bags at Baggage Claim and drag them to the Mears Connect location on the transportation level of Terminal B.

See my Orlando International Airport Overview.

Use Uber or Lyft

Uber and Lyft are great alternatives to traditional transportation services. Fares to and around Walt Disney World can be much lower than other commercial options.

Here is a link to Uber’s Orlando International page for pickup instructions and price estimates.

See our Using Uber, Lyft, and Minnie Vans at Disney World post

More Costly – Faster/Better Service

If you’d prefer to get going right away to your Disney vacation, would appreciate a higher level of service (and don’t mind paying for it), the following are your options.

Limo Service – There are numerous limo services available to take you to Walt Disney World. Your driver will meet you at Baggage Claim and assist you with your luggage to your car, SUV, or van, depending on the size of your party and the vehicle you picked. You’ll then head directly to your Disney Resort or Shades of Green. I like to use Happy Limo. Prices vary between companies but are in the $225 to $300 price range round-trip (plus tips).

Mears Connect – You’ll still need to pick up your bags at Baggage Claim and drag them to the Mears Connect location on the transportation level of Terminal B. After checking in at the Mears counter, you might be directed right to a van to get aboard, or you might have to wait a short while. Your driver will load your bags into the van. At this time, one of 5 things will occur,

1. You might be joining 1 or several other parties already in the van, and then depart
2. You might be joining 1 or several other parties already in the van, wait for more parties to join you, and then depart
3. You might be the first party in the van, then wait for more parties, and then depart
4. You might be the first party in the van, then wait for more parties to join you, wait a while longer,  and then depart because the expected parties are late
5. Best case scenario, you’ll get in the van by yourselves and depart

Mears Connect costs $250 round trip for up to 4 people, extra passengers are $55 each.

Use Disney World’s Minnie Vans – If they ever come back. Minnie Vans started service for concierge guests in 2023, but service for the remaining guests has not restarted.

The Minnie Van airport shuttle used to provide service between the Orlando International Airport and any Walt Disney World Resort hotel including Shades of Green!

The Minnie Van pick-up location was near the baggage claim escalators.

Each vehicle accommodates up to 6 Guests, 8 medium-sized suitcases, and can be equipped with up to 3 complimentary car seats.

The cost of the Minnie Van airport shuttle was $155 each way; gratuity not included.

The Minnie Van airport shuttle operates from 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily.

Service could also have been arranged for other local airports for other rates by calling (407) 828-3500.

How can I get to Other Destinations like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or Legoland?

As far as getting to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, other destinations like Legoland Florida, and Kennedy Space Center from Shades of Green you have a few options.

Getting around WDW

Once you are at Shades, there are lots of transportation options.

Shades has its own small fleet of buses to take you around Disney World, and you can use Disney’s free transportation options (Buses, Monorail, Boats, and Skyliner) without staying at a Disney Resort. They also offer a fleet of Minnie Vans, a paid Disney-run Uber-like service.

See these other posts which you might find helpful:

Your Guide to Disney World Transportation

Transportation options at WDW for Shades of Green Guests

Using Uber, Lyft, and Minnie Vans at Disney World

WDW’s Minnie Van Service

Shades of Green’s Bus Stops

Magic Kingdom Parking for Shades of Green’s Guests

Epcot Parking for Shades of Green’s Guests

See All My Posts About Walking at Disney World:

• Walking at Walt Disney World Overview
• Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Walk between Disney's Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower and the Magic Kingdom
• Walk between Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Magic Kingdom
• Walk Between Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center
• Walk Between Disney's Hollywood Studios and the EPCOT Resort Area
• Walk to Disney World’s Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf

Have you flown into Orlando and stayed at Shades of Green? How did you get there?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Information on Shades of Green the Military Hotel on Disney World property

See all the current Shades of Green Discounts and Packages

A Special Note on Shades of Green Discounts: Something to be aware of is that Shades constantly changes the dates and discounts offered of their specials and packages. Shades of Green Links

• Shades of Green
• Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
• Why Stay at Shades of Green?
• Shades of Green Rooms
• Shades of Green Room Rates
• How to make reservations at Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Resort Activities and Amenities
• Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
• Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests
• Shades of Green Fact Sheet and FAQ