It’s hard to believe that Disney World’s Magical Express service is gone.
Mears Connect signs at Orlando Airport
And for those who never got to use the service, this was Disney World’s FREE complimentary bus transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and Disney World hotels. But as of January 1st, 2022, a new paid service replaced Magical Express, but we have to admit, we think we’ve seen the buses that service uses before.
Okay, so here’s a little background. Disney World’s Magical Express buses were actually RUN by Mears, so when Disney announced it would suspend Magical Express, Mears stepped up with its own paid bus service that would get Disney World guests to and from their hotels and the Orlando Airport.
©Mears
Today, while we watched a Mears Connect bus pick up guests at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, we thought the bus looked AWFULLY familiar. What do YOU see?
We’ve seen this bus before?
For reference, here’s what the old Magical Express buses looked like:
Magical Express Bus
Do you see what we see? The Mears Connect bus looks just like the old Magical Express bus, but with a different exterior design. And, as we mentioned, Mears DID provide the Magical Express service for Disney World, so it’s likely this is the same bus.
Mears Connect bus
Previously, we spotted Mears buses with a completely different design, so it’s nice to see a familiar design.
Mears Connect
With that being said, if you plan on using the service soon, you’ll need to know what to look for. You’ll find NEW signage at the Orlando Airport that will lead you to the Mears Connect pick-up spot on Level 1 in Terminal B at the Orlando Airport. And yes, that’s where Magical Express used to be. You’ll check in there and hop on a bus that will take you to your resort.
Mears Connect Desk at Orlando Airport
On your return day, you’ll get confirmation from Mears Connect about the time your bus will pick you up at your Disney World resort. Then you’ll just need to look for signage at the hotel for Airport Transportation — your bus will pick you up there.
Look for THIS sign at your hotel
One of our readers recently used the new Mears Connect service and told us they had a positive experience with Mears, saying, “Mears had balloon arches and balloon palm trees and free sunglasses for each of us. They were so fun and kind and we are headed to the resort immediately with 4 of us on the bus!” They also mentioned that the video inside the bus now features several Orlando attractions instead of just Disney World.
And don’t forget that a second bus option is coming with The Sunshine Flyer in February — so you’ll have several options — in addition to rideshare and car rentals — to get to your Disney World hotel. And we’ll let you know more details as we have them!
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The DME wasn’t the same once Clarissa was gone from the movie on board.
The same but different…. No so…. The Magical Express was Magical, Mears Connect is a bus ride…
Is there a charge for the Mears service buses?
Used Mears to get to the airport after our flight was cancelled and Quicksilver tours bailed on us and could not get a new time(note no refunds and would have had to pay for a new ride).
Had problems with Mears too. Could not get an email confirmation so called twice which took time to talk with someone. Both time said would request for a resend if confirmation. Asked bus time and said 8:10 bus would be it. At 10:45 pm, night before pickup received confirmation and a second email came with QR code saying pickup was at 7:35 am. Read this after waking up so had to scramble to catch r bus.
Appears they are having massive communication startup problems. Bus ride to airport was fine but drops you off at B terminal so a walk through if your plane leaves from Terminal A. Left on Sat. , Jan. 8
Before Disney had the free service Mears ran the pay per person service. They have come full circle
Hi Marina, that’s a great question! Mears Connect will not be a free service the way Magical Express has been in the past. Click here if you would like to read more about Mears Connect!
Hi DFB…are there any good/similar options available out of the Sanford Airport? Seems like our preferred airline is flying to that airport now and we were wondering if you know of any Magical Express type of service for that airport.
Hi Joe, that’s a great question! There isn’t anything comparable to Magical Express (which was a free bus ride from the airport to the resort) but Sanford International Airport does have a list of shuttles/taxis/limousine services that you can call to arrange a personal shuttle from the airport to your resort/hotel. You can find the complete list by clicking here, which will take you to their direct site. I hope this helps!