Mears Connect is now servicing Disney area hotels that were previously serviced by Disney's Magical Express. The shuttle service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Disney area resorts started with arrivals on January 1, 2022.
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No, Disney's Magical Express is NOT coming back. Since the Magical Express ended, we've seen 2 major companies essentially “fill the void” of that service, transporting guests to and from the Orlando International Airport and their Disney World hotels (for a fee).
Along with Mears Connect, there is another replacement service for Magical Express — Sunshine Flyer. This shuttle is themed as an old-fashioned train locomotive. Sunshine Flyer's cost is $19.59 per adult and $11 per child for one-way service, and $39 per adult and $22 per child for round-trip service.
Mears Connect is one of the options, and it's actually a shuttle service by the same company that operated Disney's Magical Express. In fact, Mears Connect literally uses the exact same drivers and buses, just minus the Disney-branded wraps.
Booking Mears to Walt Disney WorldYou will choose between Standard or Express. Standard transportation has set ride departure times with longer waits than Express, which claims limited to no wait times and guaranteed first stops. In each situation, you are sharing the bus with other guests traveling to Disney World.
Shuttle Bus Services.Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer have merged into “Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine.” This option can be cheaper than Uber and you might be more comfortable with it. But it's less convenient, and once you get to three or more riders, the price will start to be comparable to Uber.
Taking a standard Uber vehicle from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort costs around $35. The price increases to above $40 if you request a specialty vehicle. Add to that, an Uber ride between the airport and Disney World takes less than 30 minutes.
Mears is separate from the Disney company and will offer their own transportation to and from the Disney World property. Guests will still have access to theme park transportation like buses, boats, monorails, and the Skyliner. We'll continue to update you on all information regarding vacations at Disney World.
BREAKING: A new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT called “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will debut on Dec.5, 2023! Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World, is with Josh on stage to announce the brand-new show that'll feature fireworks, fountains, lasers, lighting effects and music.
Hotel ShuttlesOther Local Hotels also provide complimentary transportation to/from Orlando International Airport. These are on the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1) of Terminals A, B & C and the Train Station.
Magical Express, the free bus transportation between Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Orlando International Airport (MCO), was discontinued at the end of 2021 after more than 15 years in operation. Here's a roundup of your new, for-pay options when planning to get between the airport and Disney World.
One area that is important here is considering how fast the bus can get you from MCO to your resort. It seems that Mears comes out on top here. Some report that Sunshine Flyer takes a bit longer to get you to your resort. Some say they don't quite understand their routes that sometimes feel longer.
Do you tip Mears Drivers? Yes, it's customary to tip your driver for good service. According to Mears, most people give 10% to coach bus drivers and 20% to van, drivers.
Local bus. : The Lynx Bus, Orlando's local bus system, makes airport pick-ups and drop-offs about every 30 minutes; and about every hour on Sundays and holidays. The buses run select routes including MCO to downtown Orlando, International Drive and the Florida Mall/SeaWorld area. The cost is $2 per passenger, per ride.
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