If you are a fan of staying at Disney Resorts when you visit Walt Disney World, you surely miss Disney’s Magical Express. The Magical Express concluded its complimentary service, shuttling Disney Resort Guests to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) this year, leaving Guests wondering how they will arrive at their Resort without the service.
Credit: Mears
Mears Connect was announced shortly after Disney noted that they would be ending the Magical Express transportation. Since Disney’s Magical Express was run by Mears anyway, the idea to run this service at a paid premium was a good idea for Mears. Now, Mears Connect can bring you to your Disney Resort and back; however, you must pay per person, and of course, forfeit the fun theming that you were used to on the Magical Express.
Credit: Inside the Magic
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.”
When the offering begins, 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 legroom 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.
Due to the high price of the Express Service, many have been paying for the regular cost of Mears Connect. When the service launched, it was noted that Guests would be on their way to their Disney Resort within 20 minutes of their check-in. Although they may stop at a few Resorts along the way, at least they would be waiting no longer than 20 minutes to leave MCO, which is on par with Disney’s Magical Express. Now, the FAQ section of the site no longer states 20 minutes, and we know why.
Credit: Mears
One Inside the Magic reader noted that on their way to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, they were held at MCO for over 45 minutes after check-in. Then, as they knew, the bus made multiple stops which were anticipated, but in addition to the 45-minute hold time, their trip to their Resort was approaching two hours, which is something that a ride-share service could have avoided.
The Standard service is a shared ride service on our Mears Connect vehicle that is economical as the fare includes all tolls and other surcharges. The Connection will make a limited number of stops.
The Express service is direct service to your resort and back to the airport (guaranteed first stop), with limited to no wait time. This service includes all tolls and other surcharges. NOTE: Express service is not considered private service, it may be shared service.
Both standard and express services incorporate all current city, county, state, federal and CDC health and safety measures and both services will provide your party with continuously clean, sanitized vehicles.
Credit: Mears
Considering Guests who arrive into Orlando may have plans and reservations set for the first day, it would be good to note that if you are using Mears Connect as your transport, adding in a little extra time to your schedule could help curb any disappointment.
Below is a list of the hotels that Mears Connect will travel to:
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: Disney
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
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 a 45 minute wait time for this new paid service?
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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