Hiya Pals!
Flying to Orlando can be such an exciting part of your trip to Disney! It’s the kickoff to an amazing time in Florida. If you are like me, flying isn’t something you do often or maybe you do, either way you want the experience to go as smoothly as possible. Once you arrive to Orlando International Airport, it may seem a little overwhelming on what to do next because it is such a large place. Have no fear, there are a few different options to help you get to your Disney destination! Perhaps consider using MEARS Connect.
Disney recently removed their free bussing service for Disney guests staying on property. However, a new company has taken over and we decided to give MEARS Connect a try! So, let’s talk about how it went and what we think of it!
How it started
Like I stated previously Disney recently removed their free bussing service for guests arriving and departing from the airport. And in its place, a new company basically does the same thing, but for a price. This company is called MEARS Connect.
While we were planning our trip, we needed to figure out arrival and departure for our stay. Now let me say, when Disney had their bus service it was wonderful. Even the name of the service got you excited about riding a bus, its name was the Magical Express. Nothing sounds like it’s going to get to you to your magical vacation more! We know there are a lot of people out there who miss this service. But MEARS is what we chose to use!
In order to secure a ride from the airport all you have to do is go onto the MEARS website. Here you will choose if you want a standard bus service, if you want to use a personal vehicle, or even pick a smaller van. I did appreciate the options they provided. Next you will plug in where on Disney property you are staying and where they need to pick you up from on your return back. You will also add your flight information. This allows them to make sure you have a bus at your disposal. Once all of this information is added in you will provide a phone number so they can communicate with you.
MEARS communication was wonderful. Not only do they send you an email with all of your conformation information, but they also do it via text message. It was all one-way communication from them. It was a simple process and I liked it.
Arriving in Orlando
Before we even left for the day, I received an email with instructions for when we landed in Orlando. Once we landed, I immediately received a text from MEARS with our bus number and bar code to get on the bus.
So, once we landed finding MEARS was a bit of a challenge. I’m not sure who has been to the Orlando Airport, but it is huge. Let’s just say we had to track back and forth a couple times. Once to find our luggage and once to get to the other terminal where MEARS was located. None the less, we finally figured it out and all was fine.
Once you get to the bus area you scan your code, and you are directed to your specific bus. It was a smooth process and relatively quick. We then handed our luggage to our driver; he placed it in the storage area, and we found a seat on the bus.
We waited maybe another 10-15 minutes to make sure other people arriving made it on. Then off we went to Caribbean Beach Resort! Check out our review here! It was pretty great!
Heading Home
No one ever wants to head home after a wonderful vacation! But MEARS made the process of travel to the airport a great one.
A few days into vacation I received an email with pick up time and where our bus would be located. Morning of departer I received another email and a text saying the bus will be on property in 30 minutes and to please be ready with the scan code they send. It was wonderful. We knew what to do and when do it. It can ease a worried mind. They then drop you off at the airport.
Pros and Cons
First up Cons. Honestly there were not too many cons in my opinion. I have heard mixed reviews from others out there, but our experience was pretty good.
One con I can say is I wish the Orlando Airport was better labeled and marked to guide you to MEARS. Thankfully in the emails and text messages from MEARS, they tell you where to go. However, the airport itself is sparsely marked. If you have used the Magical Express in the past, this is the same location for using MEARS Connect.
Another con is MEARS comes at a cost. It is not horrible but if you have a large family or group, it can get a bit pricey. You do have the option of deciding if you want one way or round trip. You can use it one way to drop you off on arrival or you can choose to only have it pick you up from you resort to bring you to the airport. It’s always nice to have options.
Price for one way is $16 per adult, and $13.50 per child. If you want round trip, it is $32 per adult and $27 per child. There are other prices for different options as well, so that may be something to consider. We used the round-trip option. It’s just a bummer you have another cost-on top of everything else, when Magical express use to be free.
Be prepared to tip. It is obviously not mandatory, but it is very much appreciated. The Bus drivers work hard and are so happy to get you to your destination. But you should tip at pick up of arrival and drop off at the airport. This isn’t really a con, but I just want you prepared for that additional cost.
Not all the buses are marked with the MEARS Logo on the side of the bus. The busses that don’t have the logo on the side should have a sign in the windows. So, it may be a bit of a challenge at first to identify the bus.
Pros! Using MEARS Connect was simple. It was fast. They were efficient. It was comfortable. Overall, I would recommend using MEARS for your transportation. They made it very easy.
Let us know if you are planning on using them or if you have used them in the past! Did you have a good experience? We want to hear from you!
If you are looking for some help planning your trip, we recommend using our friend Erica! She is a wonderful Disney travel agent and her service to you is free! Check her out!
