The Check-in Desk at MCO Airport for Universal's SuperStar Shuttle.

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle- Everything You Need to Know in 2023

Need more information or looking to book Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle?

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

As a Certified Universal Orlando Resort Specialist, I am happy to help you with all the questions you might have about this amazing transportation service Universal Orlando offers its guests.

And to give you a better idea of how exactly the Universal SuperStar Shuttle service works, I recently tested it out myself.

Here’s everything you need to know about Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle in 2023!

What is Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle?

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle is a convenient roundtrip or one-way transportation service that Universal Orlando Resort offers its guests traveling between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Universal Orlando hotels.

The shuttle conveniently picks you up from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and takes you to your Universal Orlando hotel. And on your departure day, the shuttle will pick you up from Universal hotel and take you back to Orlando International Airport (MCO).

NOTE: Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle is not offered at Sanford Orlando Airport.

What Are the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels?

Did you know that Universal Orlando Resort has 8 hotels? Yes, 8!!

Universal offers hotels for every budget! There are 4 categories that Universal classifies its hotels into. These include value, prime-value, preferred, and premiere!

Universal's SuperStar Shuttle takes you to and from MCO Airport to your Universal Hotel.  Sapphire Falls is one the beautiful Universal Orlando hotels.

These 8 hotels are the only hotels that the Universal SuperStar Shuttle goes to and picks up from.

Here is a list of Universal Orlando’s hotels:

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

Looking to book your Universal Hotel, send me a quick e-mail for a quote!

How Much is Universal Orlando Shuttle (Universal’s Superstar Shuttle)?

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle offers both roundtrip and one-way service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and your Universal Orlando Resort hotel.

Beauitful lanscaping outsiside Univeral Studios in Orlando. Universals SuperStar Shuttle is a convient and stress free way to get to and free your Universal hotel.

The pricing is as follows.

Roundtrip Pricing:

  • Adult: $39
  • Child (3-9): $36
  • Children 2 & Under: Free

One-Way Pricing:

  • Adult: $23
  • Child (3-9): $21
  • Children 2 & Under: Free

Booking Universal SuperStar Shuttle

Booking the Universal SuperStar Shuttle is super easy!

You can easily add it to your Universal Orlando Vacation Package. Or if you’ve already booked your Universal Orlando Vacation Package, you can still add it by giving Universal a call.

🤩I have some EXCELLENT news for you! If you booked your Universal Orlando vacation directly with Universal in the past 30 days and have not paid your vacation in full, you can transfer your booking to me and get all of my expert advice!

When you transfer your booking to me, your reservation number and package components will not change.

Where to Find Universal SuperStar Shuttle at MCO Airport

Universal SuperStar Shuttle is located in Terminals A & B at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The check-in desk is located in Terminals A & B on Level 1, right next to Hertz car rental.

Universals SuperStar Shuttle Check-In Desk is located on Level 1 of Terminals A & B.

The shuttle will pick you up directly outside the door from the check-in desk.

My Universal SuperStar Shuttle Review (Arrival Day)

Universal does a fabulous job informing their SuperStar Shuttle passengers of where to check in at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The day before my arrival at MCO Airport, I received a text message from Universal Orlando notifying me of where exactly I would find the SuperStar Shuttle Check-In Desk.

The text message read:

When you arrive in Orlando, collect your bags on Level 2 then return to level 3 and proceed to Level 1 of Terminal A to check in for your shuttle. The SuperStar Shuttle Check-In Desk is located in Terminal A next to Herzt and is open 7 am-8 pm. Before/after hours, call 407-254-0299.

I didn’t have any checked-in baggage, so I proceeded straight to Level 1 to the SuperStar Shuttle Check-In Desk.

Note, that the Check-In Desk is almost to the end. I kept walking and walking past lots of rental car desks and finally found Hertz. Right next to the Hertz desk is the Universal SuperStar Shuttle Check-In Desk.

Universals SuperStar Shuttle Check-In Desk is located next to Hertz rental car.

There was no line at the Check-In Desk, so I walked right up, and they were quickly able to find my name and get me all checked in. They also informed me of when the SuperStar Shuttle would be picking me up on my departure day.

I was advised to go straight out to the door to the left to the pick-up area.

Shuttle Ride to the Hotel

The SuperStar Shuttle was already there when I walked up. However, at first glance, I wasn’t aware it was the Universal SuperStar Shuttle because it was a Mears Coach bus.

A Mears Coach bus was used for my pick-up from MCO Airport.

The friendly driver loaded up my luggage and we were off shortly after that.

There were only 2 other couples on the Shuttle with me and they both were staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites. They were dropped off first and then I was dropped off shortly after at my hotel.

The transfer time from the airport to the hotel took about 30 minutes.

NOTE: Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle drops off at all of Universal Orlando’s hotels. So, you might be in the shuttle a little longer due to multiple stops.

My Universal SuperStar Shuttle Review (Departure Day)

The day before my departure day I received a text from Universal Orlando confirming my pick-up time.

The text read as followed:

As a reminder, your airport shuttle is confirmed for pick up for 6:45 AM tomorrow where you were dropped off. If time is incorrect, please call 407-254-0299. To reach your airline counter and gate, proceed to leave 3. Due to traffic, your shuttle may experience some delays. If the shuttle is more than 15 minutes late, please call 407-254-0299.

Note, my scheduled flight was at 10:10 AM and I was being picked up at 6:45 AM. This was 3 hrs 25 minutes before my departure time.

The Universal SuperStar Shuttle was 15 minutes late picking me up. It arrived at exactly 7:00 A.M. The text I received did say there might be a delay and to call if more than 15 minutes late. I was about to pick up my phone and call when the Mears Coach bus pulled up.

The shuttle dropped us off in exactly the same spot we were picked up; on Level 1 of Terminals A & B.

Busy Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a very busy airport and it was definitely a madhouse that day! I walked past the baggage check-in line for Frontier and the line was MASSIVE. Those people probably had to wait an hour just to check in their luggage. 😳

So, I think being picked up 3 hrs 25 minutes ahead of time is definitely necessary if you have to check in luggage. This gives you enough time to check in your luggage and go through security.

I didn’t have any luggage to check in, so I proceeded straight to security. But first, I made one final quick stop for last-minute souvenirs at the Universal Orlando Resort Store located right outside the security lines.

Stop by the Universal Orlando Resort store for any last minute souvenirs before you board your plane.

After my quick walk through the store, I entered the LONG security line. After what seemed like forever, I finally made it through security with plenty of time (an hour or so) to relax and drink a cup of coffee while I waited to board the plane.

Is Universal SuperStar Shuttle Worth It?

I think if you are looking for the most convenient and stress-free way to get to and from Orlando International Airport, the Universal SuperStar Shuttle is definitely worth it.

It’s super easy and stress-free to have your transportation taken care of before getting to the airport.

And having your transportation arranged to get back to the airport was also so super convenient and stress-free.

However, the Universal SuperStar Shuttle can be costly if you are traveling with a bigger family. In this case, if you are a family of 5 or 6 on a tight budget the most cost-effective way is to take a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft.

Other Transportation Options Between Orlando Airport to Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

So taking the Universal SuperStar Shuttle is not the only way to get to your Universal Orlando hotel from MCO Airport.

Just like previously mentioned, you can also easily request a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft once you get to MCO.

If in Terminal A and B and you want to take an Uber or Lyft, make sure to go to Level 2!

Universal's SuperStar Shuttle is not the only way to get to your Universal Orlando.  You could also consider a rideshare.

Let’s look at the average cost of an Uber from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

UberX– (up to 4 passengers)$31.96
Comfort(up to 4 passengers,newer car, extra legroom)- $38.47
UberXL-(passengers up to 6)- $44.62

So, you can see it is definitely more cost-effective to take a rideshare if you are traveling with a family.

Taxis are also easily available at MCO Airport. If you are in Terminals A and B, go to Level 1 to get a taxi.

Transportation Between Universal Orlando’s Hotels and Theme Parks

So now that you know all about Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle, you might be wondering, “How do I get around once I get to the hotel?

No worries! Universal Orlando Resort also does an amazing job getting its hotel guests to and from the parks and CityWalk.

Universal Orlando Resort offers free bus transportation to and from the parks and Universal CityWalk for its hotel guests. The buses operate frequently. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus.

And, depending on what hotel you are staying at, you just might be within walking distance of the theme parks. Also, some hotels even offer water taxis to and from the parks and Universal CityWalk.

For example, premier hotels are all within close walking distance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. And Cabana Bay Beach Resort is located directly next to Volcano Bay(Universal’s Waterpark).

FAQs

Here are the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando.
Is Universal SuperStar Shuttle free?

No, the Universal SuperStar shuttle is not free. Round-trip pricing is $39 per adult and $36 per child ages 3-9. Kids 2 and under are free. One-way pricing is $23 per adult and $21 per child ages 3-9. Kids 2 and under are free.

Does Universal Studios Offer Free Airport Shuttle?

No, Universal Studios Orlando does not offer a free airport shuttle. The only shuttle service offered is the paid Universal SuperStar Shuttle service.

How Long is the Universal SuperStar Shuttle Transfer?

The transfer to/from MCO Airport and the Universal Orlando hotels is approximately 30 minutes.

Is Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle ADA Compliant?

Yes, the Universal SuperStar Shuttle is ADA complaint. Make sure this information is provided at the time of booking, so it can be noted.

Final Thoughts: Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle

Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle is an excellent transportation service that Universal Orlando Resort offers its guest traveling between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and their Universal hotel.

It’s convenient, easy, and stress-free.

However, if you’re a bigger family on a tight budget, a rideshare like Uber or Lyft will be more cost-effective.

I hope you have found my guide, Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle- Everything You Need to Know in 2023 useful!

And if you need help planning and booking your Universal Orlando vacation please send me a message!

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Need help figuring out what to wear to Universal?! READ: What to Wear to Universal Studios Orlando & What to Pack 2023