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Earlier this year, Disney World announced it would discontinue its free airport transportation, the Magical Express. As of January 1, 2022, on-site resort guests must find and pay for their own transportation to Disney resorts.
Mears announced it would offer a paid service to replace the Magical Express. Mears has been running the Magical Express for years. Now, the new service, called Mears Connect, is officially open for reservations.
Details and Pricing of Mears Connect
Mears Connect offers two levels of service: standard and premium. Standard service is shared transportation with multiple resort stops. Mears guarantees you will leave the airport within 20 minutes of arriving to the area. Premium service is direct transportation with minimal to no waiting at the airport. Standard service picks you up three hours before your domestic flight for the return, while premium picks you up two hours prior.
Introductory pricing for standard service:
Adults: $16 one-way/$32 round-trip
Children: $13.50 one-way/$27 round-trip
Introductory pricing for premium service:
$200 round-trip (up to 4 people) + $55 for each additional guest
Mears Connect advertises on-board entertainment and an arrival souvenir. I assume the entertainment will be the Mickey cartoons that currently play on the Magical Express.
The pick-up spot at MCO will be the same spot as the current Magical Express, B side Level 1.
Other Transportation Options
If you’re staying at an on-site Disney property, renting a car can be costly. Parking at Disney hotel resorts runs $15-$25 a day, depending on the resort. But, some guests like having a car for increased flexibility.
It’s easy to catch a ride with Uber or Lyft. For a family of 3+, the cost is likely cheaper than paying for Mears Connect. The downside is you never know what driver or vehicle you will get.
Plans are in the works for Brightline train to have a line from the airport to Downtown Disney. Unfortunately, it appears this won’t be fully up and running until 2025.
What do you think about Mears Connect? Will you pay for it, or use another transportation option?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
looks like there is no option than Uber and Lyft for a while. There are no budget options to book
Biggest issue for me is car seats. I’m a little iffy if I want to put my kids in an Uber with who-knows-what-type of car seat.
@DiscoPapa I understand. Car seats add another layer of complexity to consider.