Yesterday marked the final day that any Magical Express busses would be seen on the roads of Orlando, as the offering officially concluded.
Credit: Inside the Magic Kelly C.
We have known for months that Disney’s Magical Express service would be coming to an end as of 2022, but Disney continued to run the service from Resorts to Orlando International Airport for Resort Guests until January 10. In replacement of Disney’s Magical Express, Mears started up Mears Connect. Considering Mears ran the Magical Express service, this seemed like a smart move for the company as they could now charge for Guests to bring them to and from their Disney Resort to MCO.
When Magical Express ended, Mears issued a statement noting:
“Walt Disney made us aware of their decision,” Mears spokesperson Roger Chapin said. “While we are disappointed Disney will no longer offer this service, we intend to continue offering transportation services between the airport and all area theme parks and hotels to meet the demand of our visitors now and in the future.”
Credit: ITM
When the offering began, round trips will cost adults $32.00 each and children $27.00. One way travel will cost adults $16.00 and kids $13.50. If you want premium direct service, you will have to pay $200.00 for four Guests and an additional $55.00 per extra Guest. Now, that premium service, called “Express Service” has jumped to $250.00!
The $50.00 increase is a large one for a family of four, but it does mean that there will be plenty of leg room for all members and that you will have a secured pick up and drop off. Plus, as we have noted, Uber and Lyft costs seem to be rising from MCO to Disney World, so this stress-free way of transporting you and your party may be worth the extra $50.00. It should be noted that each additional passenger will cost $55.00.
Credit: Screenshot via Mears Connect website
Below is a list of all participating hotels:
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Credit: Mears
Third-Party Hotels:
B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn Orlando
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
Shades of Green
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Credit: Screenshot via Mears
Off-Site Third Party Hotels:
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Orlando Marriott World Center
To make your reservation for a 2022 shuttle, click here!
What do you think of the new Mears Connect cost?
Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!
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