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Credit: DisneyDisney World fans were pretty heartbroken when Disney revealed that the Magical Express airport shuttle service would be ending by 2022. Now, the alternative to Disney’s Magical Express — Mears Connect — has a new update for upcoming travelers.
Disney first announced that the Magical Express, a shuttle that has been transporting Guests to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort for years, would be stopping its services at the end of 2021.
Vacationers have more options to choose from than ever for transportation, including ride-share services that save time and offer more flexibility to go where they want, when they want. In light of this shift, when Disney Resort hotel bookings open for stays in 2022, we will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals Jan. 1, 2022. We will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021. Additionally, complimentary transportation options – such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner – will continue to be available within Walt Disney World Resort for Disney Resort hotel guests, including to and from all four theme parks.
Soon after the announcement was made, Mears, the company that operated the Magical Express shuttle service in partnership with Disney, shared that they would continue offering Guests transportation from MCO to Disney World and back again even after Disney’s Magical Express ended. Mears later announced the new service, Mears Connect, would begin in January 2022, and travelers would be able to begin making shuttle reservations in May 2021. Keep in mind, though, that this will not be a complimentary transportation service like the Magical Express.
Well, we now have another update. Mears Connect has updated the official website to say that Mears Connect shuttle bookings will open up in summer 2021, and the May 2021 date has been removed.
This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, considering it is now the end of May and we have not heard any updates regarding Mears Connect bookings, specific pricing, and other details regarding the service. Still, as fans are continuing to book 2022 vacations in advance, we wonder when they can start booking airport transportation, as well. We will update our website when more details are released. Hopefully, very soon Guests can start booking Mears Connect and plan ahead so they can guarantee shuttle service for their Disney World trips next year.
Once booking opens up, you can reserve your Mears Connect shuttle transportation here.
At this time, Disney has not announced any Disney-operated alternative for the Magical Express, although many Guests believe that without the complimentary airport transportation, there won’t be enough benefits to staying on Disney property. The announcement of the end of Disney’s Magical Express came a year after Disneyland Resort announced that they would be ending their airport shuttle service, as well.
Disney’s Magical Express will continue to offer Guests with free transportation to and from the Orlando airport and their Disney Resort hotel through the end of 2021.
Do you think you will be booking shuttle service through Mears Connect? Or would you rather rent a car or use a ride-share service to get to your Disney Resort hotel? Let us know in the comments.