There’s a major airport-to-hotel transportation update you need to know about.
Mears Connect bus
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). Those main services are Mears Connect and The Sunshine Flyer. And these were competing comapnies…until now.
On July 13th, Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer announced that they entered into an agreement whereby the companies will MERGE their services into ONE combined service that’ll get guests from the Orlando International Airport to Disney World’s hotels.
©Mears | Sunshine Flyer
The new service has been named Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. It will keep providing guests with transportation to and from the airport and the eligible hotels “with enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, greater operational efficiencies, and a hassle-free experience.”
Mears Connect Bus
Rebecca K. Horton, Chief Operating Officer of Mears Transportation shared, “By merging operations…we believe we can provide an even better guest experience given the challenges and opportunities in today’s travel market.”
Mark Sherman, General Manager of the Sunshine Flyer said, “As partners, we will be able to bring even more features and benefits to our guests…Whether it is 24/7 service, express options, or a private trip to ease guests’ minds the minute they step off the plane, together, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is delivering more to our guests.”
Sunshine Flyer
According to the press release that was shared, “Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is the only 24-hour shuttle servicing both A/B and C Terminals for both arrivals and departures and is fully wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant for both standard and express services.”
So just when will this change take place? Well, the new service will start on August 1st, 2023. There is a dedicated hotline available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have. You can call them at (407) 423-5566.
©Mears | Sunshine Flyer
If you have an existing reservation, you can contact the customer care team listed in your confirmation email. You can also reach out via email during business hours by sending a message to [email protected]. If you have an existing Mears Connect reservation, don’t worry — your reservation won’t be impacted and will remain the same.
If you have a Sunshine Flyer reservation and were planning to travel between July 14th and July 31st, you should receive an email (using the email linked to the original reservation) to confirm your travel instructions, so be on the lookout for that.
©Mears | Sunshine Flyer
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Sunshine Flyer guests arriving and departing in July will take their trip with the Sunshine Flyer.
- If you arrive in July but depart in August, you’ll be transported through Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine (those with upcoming reservations will be automatically transitioned to the new system).
- “All ticketing information including additional tickets, updates to reservations, and cancellations will now operate out of the Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine ticketing portal which you can access here: https://sunshineflyer.com/manage-reservations/.”
- The new service — Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine — will NOT offer train-themed transportation.
©Mears | Sunshine Flyer
If you have an upcoming trip booked with either of these services, be on the lookout for any communication regarding this change, and be sure to reach out to Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine to clarify any concerns you might have.
We’ll keep an eye out for more details and let you know what we find!
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What do you think about these services? Tell us in the comments.
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They’re charging double what Sunshine (or even Mears) used to even with their “summer discount” ($63 for 2 people) AND they’re getting rid of all the cute Sunshine Flyer buses in favor of the boring Mears buses, according to the person I spoke with. I’d rather pay extra for the privacy of a lyft.
So much for competition. Wonder when prices will increase.
Yes, what used to be free is no longer. Disney is loosing its magic big time.
Yes, what used to be free is no longer. Disney is loosing its magic big time.
So now there’s no competition and they will be able to gouge the customer. Never fails corporate America wins again and the consumer goes broke!
Just another way to get rid of competition to be able to increase the price. So disappointing
I just wish they would somehow bring back the baggage handling. Even my husband who isn’t a big Disney fan was impressed with Magical Express and the convenience of not having to get your luggage at the airport or take it back to the airport on departure day.
I did not see any fee pricing within this article. Don’t you think that is something those coming to Orlando might be interested in? The Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine ticketing portal link you provided only seems to answer questions regarding management of current reservations. The Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine does mention that it is “cheaper than renting a car”… I would hope so.
If this is $63.00 per person (doubling the old fee) as one commentor posted, then this is just another reason to spent family vacation time/money some place other than Orlando theme parks.
If this new service is beginning on Aug 1st where do I call to make my reservation for our November trip? Where are these buses located at in the main terminal? Will there be signage all throughout the terminal with directions to the location of the Mears buses? I’ll be interested in seeing what they will charge since they have merged.
Nope. We’re just taking Uber. No waiting around, no making reservations in advance. My credit card gives me 10% cashback rewards on Uber rides.