Complete Guide to the Universal Superstar Shuttle 2023

Complete Guide to the Universal Superstar Shuttle 2023

Complete Guide to the Universal Superstar Shuttle 2023

In this article we are going to cover everything you need to know about the Universal SuperStar Shuttle 2023! Many people may not know that Universal Orlando offers a shuttle from the Orlando International airport. Similar to the extinct Magic Express, the Universal SuperStar Shuttle takes Universal Orlando guests to their vacation destination. This popular Universal Orlando airport shuttle takes guests on a one way or round trip journey from MCO to their pre-booked Universal Orlando resort hotel.

We’ve been going to Universal theme parks for over 20 years and have used the Universal airport shuttle many times! One of the top reasons we love using the SuperStar Shuttle Orlando is because it’s generally unknown. The last time we used this service, we were some of the only guests on the shuttle back to MCO! Although you do have to plan around the continuous stops the SuperStar Shuttle makes. But more on that later.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Studios Crowd Calendar

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle Overview 2023

Over 59 billion people visit sunny Orlando every year. Many coming from all over the world!  But one thing all theme park vacationers have in common is the commute from the Orlando International airport. That’s why in 2016, Universal Orlando started offering the Universal Studios Orlando airport shuttle. This Universal shuttle runs from Orlando International (MCO) to all 8 of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels and back! We love the new Universal Super Star Shuttle route and take it almost every time we visit Orlando. It’s a great way to ensure your departure and arrival is smooth and reliable.

Is There a Universal Studios Airport Shuttle?

• Yes! The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is Universal Orlando’s official transportation from Orlando International airport (MCO). This shuttle will take you on a one way or round trip ride to and from your Universal Hotel and MCO.

This guide is geared to help you plan your trip to and from Universal Orlando Resort. We fully understand that the trip from the airport can be a pain! Whether you’re planning on a Disney or Universal Vacation, we have everything you need to know here at The Park Prodigy! So let’s get going on our Complete Guide to the Universal SuperStar Shuttle!

Related Post: How to Add Your SuperStar Shuttle to a Discount Universal Vacation Package

Universal Orlando SuperStar Shuttle Basics

So what exactly are the basics of the Universal Orlando SuperStar Shuttle? Starting now, we are going to cover price, location, booking, and so much more! But let’s start out with the route. There are two different Super Star Shuttle Orlando routes taking visitors all over the Universal area. The Original route is used to take guests to and from theme parks. These are the larger busses you may see while on your Universal Orlando vacation. The second route, which is the one we will focus on in this guide, takes guests to and from the Orlando airport.

Round Trip & One-Way Ground Transportation from Orlando International Airport

Round Trip:

• This is the best option for guests using Universal Orlando as their “home base” for their vacation. Booking a round trip option on the Super Star Shuttle will provide you transportation from MCO to Universal at the start of your vacation. As well as transportation from Universal back to MCO at the end of your trip.

One-Way:

• We think the Universal SuperStar Shuttle one-way fare is the best option for guests starting or ending their vacation at Universal Orlando. This will provide a stress free way to get you to your  Universal hotel from the airport. Or, you could book your trip from Universal to MCO. Whichever works best for your vacation plans.

Having the option to choose your destination is a great feature of the SuperStar Shuttle Universal Orlando. It provides a great way to customize your Orlando vacation. Now that we have what types of trips you can have, lets get into how to book a trip on Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle.

Related Post: Best Transportation to Universal from MCO

Booking the Universal Orlando SuperStar Shuttle

Booking your universal superstar shuttle is a quick and easy process. There are two main ways to make your Universal SuperStar Shuttle reservations. The first and easiest way is to book as part of your Universal Orlando Vacation package online. If you don’t plan on visiting the parks but you are staying at a Universal hotel, you can still book a ride! Simply call Universal Guest Services and add it as a separate service to your room only reservation. If you choose to book your Orlando SuperStar Shuttle online, you will receive a separate email from Universal requesting your flight information. This information is used to match a bus to your Universal SuperStar Shuttle 2023.

How to Book Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle 2023

Vacation Packages:

• Book a vacation package to Universal Orlando Resort
• Add the Universal SuperStar Shuttle service to your vacation package
• Provide your flight information through the followup email from Universal

Room Only Reservations:

• Book your Universal Orlando Resort hotel
• Call Universal Guest Services to add the SuperStar Shuttle Universal to your reservation (407) 224 – 4233

Related Post: Learn how to Plan a Crowd Free Universal Orlando Vacation!

How Much is Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle 2023?

The Universal SuperStar Shuttle price thankfully is pretty affordable! Coming in at $39 per adult, it doesn’t break the bank. It is a little more expensive than taking a ride share service. But we think the reliability security of taking official Universal Orlando transportation is worth the couple extra dollars. The overall Universal airport shuttle cost changes by the number and age of the people in your party. It also depends on if you’re booking a one way or round trip ticket! We have a full break down of the pricing below.

How Much Does the Universal SuperStar Shuttle Cost?

Round Trip:

• $39 per adult
• $29 per child (ages 3-9)
• Children under 2 and under ride free

One Way:

• $23 per adult
• $18 per child (ages 3-9)
• Children under 2 and under ride free

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal’s NEW Theme Park! 

SuperStar Shuttle — MCO Check In

Now that your Universal shuttle from airport is booked, let’s go over how to find your shuttle once you’ve landed at MCO. One of the many amazing things we love about the Universal SuperStar Shuttle is how easy Universal makes finding your ride. A day or two before your trip, you will receive a text message from Universal Orlando. This text will not only confirm your trip, but also give you detailed directions to find the shuttle once you land. They will also include a digital map of Orlando’s MCO airport to help you find your way.

Where is the SuperStar Shuttle Located at MCO 2023?

• Terminal A & B Ground Transportation

If you are traveling on the Universal Studios shuttle from airport between 7am and 4pm, head to your designated baggage claim. Once you gather your belongings, head to the Ground Transportation section of Terminal A or B. If your baggage claim is at Terminal C, you’ll still have to make your way to Terminal A or B for the SuperStar Shuttle. For guests arriving before 7am or after 4pm, you will receive advance instructions from Universal on how to get on a shuttle.

Related Post: Find Cheap Hotels Near Universal Orlando

How is the SuperStar Shuttle Ride from MCO to Universal Orlando?

Our latest experience on the Universal SuperStar Shuttle has been one unlike any other. After we checked in with a Team Member, we only waited about 10-15 min for our shuttle! One thing that took us by surprise was Universal has started using full size charter busses. In the past, we have seen and been on the smaller busses like photographed above. The airport shuttle to Universal Orlando is contracted through Mears Transportation Services. Each charter bus can accommodate about 25 – 54 passengers and will usually have a Universal movie playing for your 30 min journey.

How Long is the Universal Studios Shuttle from Airport?

• The ride from MCO to Universal Orlando is about 30 minutes. This is the same for the ride from Universal Orlando to MCO.

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SuperStar Shuttle from Universal to MCO

The ride back to MCO is always a depressing one no matter where you’re coming from. Sadly it means the end of a vacation and a time well spent in the parks. The last thing anyone wants to worry about is how you’re going to get there or missing your flight. Or maybe that’s exactly what you want to do! In any case, the Universal shuttle to airport is the most reliable way to get to MCO from Universal. A word of warning, your shuttle pick up time maybe earlier than you think! Depending on which Universal Orlando Resort Hotel you’re vacationing at will depend on your Universal Super Shuttle pick up time.

Where Does Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle Drop You Off at MCO?

• SuperStar Shuttle will drop you off at MCO in the same location you got on the Universal Orlando shuttle from airport.

On our last Universal Orlando vacation, we enjoyed staying at the Hard Rock Hotel. When it came time for the dreaded flight home, we were the first pick up! The Universal Orlando shuttle to airport is about an addition 25 min with all of the pick up  stops if you’re the first on the bus.

Related Post: Hotels Near Universal Orlando with FREE Shuttles

Where Does Universal Shuttle Drop Off?

Depending on which hotel you decide to spend your Universal Orlando vacation at, will determine your drop off schedule. With our most recent experience on the Universal SuperStar Shuttle 2023, we stayed at the Universal Orlando Royal Pacific. The SuperStar Shuttle Orlando picks up and drops off in order of the type of hotel. This means that if you’re staying at a less expensive resort, you will be dropped off and picked up last. On the flip side, resorts like Hard Rock and Portofino Bay will be dropped off and picked up first. So make sure to plan a head if you’re staying at the Hard Rock!  You will have to be one of the first people on the SuperStar Shuttle Universal therefor the earliest pick up time.

Universal SuperStar Shuttle Drop Off Locations

• Universal’ Aventura Hotel
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
• Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Related Post: Guide to Universal Orlando’s Transportation

Is Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle worth it?

So the main question remains, is the Universal SuperStar Shuttle worth it? Our honest opinion is YES! We firmly believe that the SuperStar Shuttle is worth it for many reasons. But we think it’s the best option to get to and from Universal Orlando if you’re traveling with kids. If you have a large family or are traveling in a large group, this is the most convenient way to get to and from the airport. There are no if’s and’s or but’s about the pick up and drop off times. It’s a reliable source of transportation you can count on rain or shine.

However, we also think that if you’re traveling solo or just a smaller group of 2 – 3 adults, it may not be for you. While it is reliable and you’re able to secure transportation ahead of time, an Uber or Lyft is less expensive and could be more convenient for you.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios for Adults 

Universal SuperStar Shuttle FAQ

Q: Is Universal Super Star Shuttle Free 2023?

A: No, the Universal SuperStar Shuttle has two fares you can choose from. Round trip and one way fares. For round trip rides, guests can expect to pay $39 per adult & $29 per child. One way journeys, you can look at a cost of $23 per adult and $18 per child. Children 2 and under ride free for both round trip and one way rides.

Q: Is There Airport Shuttle to Universal Hotels?

A: Yes! The Universal SuperStar Shuttle is Universal Orlando’s official transportation from Orlando International airport (MCO). This shuttle will take you on a one way or round trip ride to and from your Universal Hotel and MCO.

Q: Are There Group Rates for Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle?

A: Unfortunately no. The SuperStar Shuttle is owned and operated by MEARS Transportation and they do not offer any group rates. This includes trips to and from Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. 

Q: Can Universal Partner Hotels Use the SuperStar Shuttle Service?

A: No, only official Universal Orlando Resort Hotel guests are able to take advantage of this service. 

Q: Is Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle ADA Compliant?

A: Yes! When booking your SuperStar Shuttle reservation, make sure to make a note that you will need to use ADA accommodations. This can be done when providing your flight information. 

Q: How Long is the Wait for Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle?

A: We have never waited more than 20 minutes. But it is important to note that Universal states it can take up to 30 minutes for a shuttle to arrive. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out our Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks! 

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!