Featured Story

Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

By

My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

Life & Style

Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

By

I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Strike a pose at Pose Selfie Studio

By

I recently had an opportunity to visit the NEW Pose Selfie Studio in Raleigh, NC with my daughter and it was so much fun. The great thing about this studio is that you have all the tools you need to capture your perfect photos alone or you can go … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

By

I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

More Top Stories

Tech

Travel

Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

By

I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

By

I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

Food

Rosé All Day at Seasons 52

By

I recently had the opportunity to experience the Seasons 52 Summer Menu paired perfectly with Rose cocktails. The menu changes with the season and I can really appreciate that. My reservation was for 7:00pm and it … [Read More...]

My Orlando airport rideshare experience getting to a resort

After a long flight into Orlando, I wanted the simplest possible way to reach my resort. I had luggage, a tired family, and very little interest in navigating unfamiliar roads, airport shuttles, or a rental car counter. For this trip, I decided to use a rideshare service from Orlando International Airport instead of arranging a private transfer.

The experience was smoother than I expected. Booking the trip through the app took only a few minutes, and I could follow the driver’s location while collecting my bags. The main detail that required attention was finding the correct airport pickup area, since Orlando International Airport directs rideshare passengers to designated locations rather than allowing vehicles to stop wherever travelers exit.

This was a convenient option for my resort stay, especially because I could travel directly from the terminal to the hotel entrance. The final cost depended on demand, vehicle size, and the distance to the resort, but the overall process felt familiar, flexible, and easy to manage from my phone.

Booking the ride after landing

I waited until I had landed and collected my luggage before requesting a car. That timing gave me a better idea of how long it would take to leave the terminal, and it prevented the driver from arriving while I was still walking through the airport. Orlando can be busy, so I appreciated having the freedom to request the ride when I was actually ready.

In the rideshare app, I entered the resort name rather than relying only on the street address. Several Orlando hotels share similar names, and some large properties have multiple entrances or separate buildings. Checking the displayed destination before confirming the trip helped me avoid selecting the wrong location.

The app showed an estimated fare and arrival time, along with the pickup instructions. I also entered the terminal information and checked that the passenger count matched the vehicle I needed. With several suitcases, choosing a larger ride was worthwhile because it gave everyone more room and made loading easier.

Finding the designated pickup area

The airport signs were helpful, but I still needed to pay attention. Rideshare pickup areas are clearly marked, although they may not be directly outside the baggage claim doors. I followed the signs toward the commercial vehicle and app-based ride pickup zone, then checked the instructions in the app again before requesting the car.

Once I reached the correct level, I waited in the assigned area and watched the vehicle details appear on my screen. The driver’s name, car model, license plate, and location gave me several ways to confirm that I was entering the right vehicle. I did not rely on the car color alone because many vehicles in the airport pickup area looked similar.

The driver arrived within the estimated window and pulled into the designated space. I confirmed the license plate before opening the door and briefly explained that we were headed to a resort with luggage. That small exchange made the start of the trip feel organized rather than rushed.

The ride from MCO to the resort

The journey itself was comfortable and direct. I did not have to make extra stops, transfer bags between vehicles, or wait for a shared hotel shuttle to fill. After settling in, I could relax and watch the Orlando scenery change from airport roads to busy tourist corridors lined with hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Traffic was the biggest variable. The distance to a resort near International Drive or the theme parks may be manageable in light traffic, while a busy afternoon or evening can add considerable time. The route shown in the app helped me understand the delay, and the driver adjusted the route when traffic began building ahead.

My driver was friendly and familiar with the resort area. They dropped us near the main entrance, which was especially helpful with suitcases. At a larger property, I would recommend confirming whether the driver should use the lobby entrance, a valet entrance, or a specific resort tower. A few extra seconds of communication can save a surprisingly long walk with bags.

Travel detail What I experienced What to keep in mind
Booking time Requested the ride after collecting luggage Avoid booking too early if baggage claim is delayed
Airport pickup Used the designated rideshare area Follow current terminal signs and in-app directions
Vehicle choice Selected a larger option for luggage Match the vehicle size to your group and bags
Travel time Depended on traffic and resort location Allow extra time during peak travel periods
Payment Processed through the app Review the fare and any surge pricing before confirming
Resort drop-off Arrived near the main entrance Confirm the correct entrance at large properties

Cost, timing, and convenience

The price was higher than a complimentary hotel shuttle but lower than the private car quotes I had reviewed for the same route. I liked seeing the estimated cost before confirming, although rideshare pricing can change when demand increases. Events, storms, flight delays, and busy arrival periods may all affect the fare.

The total trip cost also depends on the resort’s location. A property close to the airport will usually be less expensive than one near Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or the outer hotel districts. A larger vehicle adds to the fare, but I considered that cost worthwhile because it provided more space and avoided squeezing luggage into a smaller car.

The time savings mattered as much as the price. I did not need to wait for a scheduled airport transfer or visit a rental car desk. Once the driver arrived, we went straight to the resort. For a short vacation, that direct route helped us begin the trip with less waiting and fewer logistics to manage.

What I would do differently next time

My biggest lesson was to keep the phone charged. The app contained the pickup instructions, driver information, and trip updates, so a low battery would have created unnecessary stress. I carried a portable charger and kept it accessible rather than buried in my checked luggage.

I would also take a moment to review the resort’s exact entrance before leaving the airport. Large Orlando properties can be spread across extensive grounds, and the main lobby may not be the closest point to a particular room or vacation rental building. Having the correct address or entrance saved time when we arrived.

For the return trip, I would schedule extra time around the flight. Airport security, checked luggage, and traffic can all take longer than expected. While rideshare made the resort transfer simple, I would not treat the app’s shortest estimated travel time as a complete airport departure plan.

Practical tips for a smoother airport transfer

My experience was positive because I prepared for the few details that can make airport transportation confusing. These are the steps I would repeat on a future Orlando trip:

Using a rideshare from Orlando Airport to a resort gave me the balance I wanted between convenience and control. I could choose when to leave, monitor the driver, see the estimated price, and avoid the extra steps associated with renting a car. The process was particularly useful after a long travel day when a direct hotel transfer felt more appealing than public transportation or a shared shuttle.

For my next Orlando visit, I would consider the same option again, while comparing the fare with a hotel shuttle or private transfer before booking. When the price is reasonable and the luggage situation is manageable, rideshare remains one of the easiest ways to get from MCO to a resort and start the vacation with less hassle. Check the current airport pickup instructions, confirm the resort entrance, and book the ride when you are ready to leave the terminal.