things to do in orlando florida with kids: How to Get There Most Conveniently — A Comparison of 4 Mainstream Transport Options and a Ticket-Buying Guide

Self-Drive to Orlando: When It's Cheapest and the Easiest Way to Go

After flying in from China and landing in the U.S., self-drive is often the first choice for families heading to Orlando. With four pieces of luggage and two child safety seats for a family trip, renting a car is far less hassle at pickup and drop-off than a bus or train. Take Orlando International Airport (MCO) as an example — the rental car center is connected to the terminals by a free shuttle, reachable in 5 minutes (according to the passenger guide published on the MCO official website in 2025). At both MCO and Sanford (SFB) airports, major rental car company counters offer child seat rentals for $8–13 per day. Booking a mid-size SUV online 30 days in advance averages$45–65 per day, roughly 20% lower than the walk-in rate. If you plan to stay in Orlando for 5 days or more, prioritize companies like Hertz and Enterprise that support "zero-fee one-way drop-off," making it easy to continue an in-depth tour from Orlando to Tampa or Miami.

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Greyhound Long-Distance Bus: A Budget Backup for Families

For budget-conscious families, Greyhound is the cheapest option in Orlando transport. One-way fares run $25–60 (based on Greyhound's official 2025 pricing), covering surrounding cities like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville. The Orlando Greyhound terminal is located at 555 N John Young Pkwy, about a 25-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort and about a 20-minute drive from Universal Studios, accessible via Lynx bus routes 37 and 42. Taking Greyhound with kids requires attention to three points: first, each checked bag costs$15; second, child seats are not provided on board; and third, many long-distance routes depart at night, so it's better to choose daytime departures and pack snacks and toys. Overall, Greyhound is suited to "point-to-point within Orlando" or "short side trips," not long-distance moves with the whole family in tow.

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Amtrak Train: An Alternative for Scenery Lovers and Slow Travelers

Both the Amtrak Silver Star and Silver Meteor stop at the Orlando Amtrak station (located at 1400 Sligh Blvd). From New York, the one-way journey is roughly 24 hours; from Miami, about 5–6 hours. Coach fares run $60–120 (based on Amtrak's official Spring 2025 pricing). The train's biggest advantage is spacious seating and the freedom to walk around the cars — great for kids who get carsick on long bus rides. The downsides: few departures, only 1–2 per day; and an on-time rate of about 65% (2025 Amtrak quarterly data), meaning delays require built-in buffer time. When traveling with kids on Amtrak, it's recommended to book a Family Bedroom in advance, which fits 2 adults and 2 children — slightly more expensive than four coach seats but a much better experience. Overall, trains are better suited to families who treat "the journey itself" as part of the trip, rather than efficiency-driven itinerary planners.

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Direct Flights: The Fastest Way for Cross-State or International Arrivals

If you're coming from the U.S. West Coast, Canada, or Europe, flying remains the main way to reach Orlando. MCO is one of the largest aviation hubs in the southeastern United States, handling about 54 million passengers in 2025 (according to data released by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority), with 36 airlines operating there. Southwest, JetBlue, Delta, and several other carriers offer a "family free checked baggage" policy: infants under 2 may travel as lap infants, and children aged 2–12 get one free checked bag on domestic routes. On international routes, note that a bassinet must be requested at least 72 hours before check-in. Families are advised to use Google Flights for price comparison when booking, and combine it with the rule of thumb that "Orlando flights booked 6–8 weeks in advance" tend to yield better fares. After arrival, transferring to a rental car, Uber, or hotel shuttle to reach Disney, SeaWorld, and other parks is far smoother than connecting through other cities.

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Transfers to Each Theme Park Area: The Last-Mile Choice

The essence of an Orlando family trip lies in transfers between the major theme parks. From MCO airport, Disney Resort has the paid bus "Mears Connect" since Disney's Magical Express was discontinued, at about $16–19 one way; Universal Studios area is served by third-party shuttles at about$22–25 one way (according to Mears' official 2025 website). Lynx bus routes 50 and 111 cover Disney and SeaWorld at $2 one way — a favorite for budget travelers. If you've booked accommodation along I-Drive, you can use the I-RIDE Trolley to shuttle between SeaWorld and ICON Park, with even cheaper fares. For rideshares with kids, it's recommended to use Uber XL or Lyft XL — a five-seat vehicle can fit two safety seats, and a one-way from I-Drive to Disney runs about$20–30. Considering transfer time, fare, and luggage convenience, the recommended main approach is "self-drive + park shuttle," with public transit and rideshare as backup.

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Family Travel Pitfall Checklist: Don't Do These Things

The most common pitfalls when planning with kids — here's the rundown:

• Don't wait until you're at the airport to book a rental car: During holidays and spring break, car classes at MCO often sell out, and walk-in rates run 50%+ higher. Book more than 45 days in advance.
• Don't ignore child seat laws: Florida requires children under 5 or under 4'9" in height to use a compliant seat. Tick the "add seat" option when renting, or buy one on the spot at Walmart or Target (about $50–80).
• Don't cram everything into one day: Orlando parks are 10–25 miles apart. Plan only 1–2 parks per day to avoid excessive time in the car.
• Don't overlook the weather: Summer afternoon thunderstorms are frequent (June–September), and some outdoor Disney and Universal attractions close temporarily; the occasional cold snap in winter means packing a light jacket.
• Don't pay for the bus in cash: Lynx buses now support app ticketing (LYNX PawPass); trying to pay on board often causes delays due to signal issues. Download the app in advance for a smoother ride.

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FAQ

What's the most recommended way to travel to Orlando with kids? Under 5 days, self-drive is the most flexible; under 3 days, flying direct saves the most effort; on a tight budget, Greyhound is an option.

How far is the Orlando Greyhound terminal from Disney? About 13 miles, a 20–25 minute drive, directly accessible via Lynx bus routes 37/42.

Is there a free shuttle from MCO airport to Disney? Disney's Magical Express was discontinued in 2023; the current main option is the paid Mears Connect.

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Further Reading & References

• Orlando, Florida — Wikipedia
• Walt Disney World Visitor Guide — Tripadvisor
• Visit Florida Official Travel Portal
• Orlando Travel In-Depth Guide — Lonely Planet

Before setting off with the kids, run through this checklist of 4 transport options, 5 pitfall tips, and 3 FAQs from this article, and once you're in Orlando you'll spend less time dodging hassles and more time laughing with your kids in the parks.