In only just over two weeks, Disney Magical Express will cease to exist and Mears Connect will launch on January 1, 2022. This news was originally announced back in January 2021 to many Disney fans dismay.
Mears Connect will essentially be the same service as Disney Magical Express but guests will have to pay for it separately if they choose it rather than it being included in their Disney package. It will inevitably also lack the Disney sparkle which made Disney Magical Express so special. There are two options currently available for people to book with the following prices;
- Standard Service – One way trip and Round trips are being offered. Prices for one way trip are $16 per adult and $13.50 per child (aged 3-9). Prices for the round trip are $32 for adults and $27 per child.
- Express Service – Round trip only are being offered at this time. Prices are $200 for up to 4 passengers. Additional passengers are $55 each. There is no reduced child price for the Express Service.
If choosing the standard service guests will travel in a bus, van or small vehicle which will make a limited number of stops. You should leave the airport within 20 minutes of your check-in to the Mears Connect reservation area which is located on level 1, ground transportation level, in terminal B, at Orlando International Airport.
Don’t get confused, the Express service is not considered to be private transport, it will still be in a bus, van or small vehicle and may be a shared service but you are guaranteed a direct service straight to your resort with limited wait time.
The Mears Connect website describes the experience as “With Mears Connect, you will board a comfortable, spacious, safe motor coach bus, van or car at Orlando International Airport and we’ll transport you and your luggage to your Walt Disney World Resort area hotel.” “When you make a Mears Connect reservation, you can begin your vacation the moment you step off the plane. Guests can avoid the inconvenience and cost of driving or finding ground transportation. No expensive car rentals, tolls, gas and parking fees. And, say goodbye to rideshare surge pricing (which is quite common in Orlando.) You’ll also enjoy a ride back to Orlando International Airport on the day you check out of your Disney Resort area hotel, just remember to make a round-trip reservation.”
Mears connect also promises Entertainment for you and your party while you ride and an arrival souvenir.
The Disney Resort Hotels which are currently available for Mears Connect are:
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- B Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
- Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs
- Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs
- JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
- Orlando World Center Marriott
- Shades of Green on Walt Disney World® Resort
- Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando
- Walt Disney World Dolphin
- Walt Disney World Swan
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs
For further details and to book, visit the Mears Connect website. If you are looking for a different way to travel from Orlando International Airport check out our feature, Bursting the “Disney Bubble”: The End of Magical Express and How You’ll Get to the Resort After It’s Gone.
Let us know what you think about Mears Connect and whether you will be using it in 2022 by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
