There are several options for getting to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Walt Disney World Resort.
Your options include rental cars, taking a taxi cab, taking a ride share like Lyft or Uber, or taking a shuttle service, such as Mears Connect or the Sunshine Flyer.
In this post, I’ll go over the most popular option: the Mears Connect bus.
What is Mears Connect?
Mears Connect is a shared ride shuttle service that provides door-to-door transportation to and from Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Visitors can enjoy the convenience of being dropped off at their resort and then picked up by Mears Connect without having to worry about driving or parking in busy areas.
If you’re familiar with Disney’s previous service, Mears is actually operated Magical Express for Disney!
How much does Mears Connect cost?

The cost of Mears Connect depends on what type of shuttle service you want.
Standard service is a shared ride on a motor coach with stops at multiple resorts. Express service is also shared, but goes direct to your chosen resort.
Standard round-trip fares start at $32 per adult (age 10+) and $27 per child (age 3-9). Children under three years old ride free with an adult ticket holder when traveling on standard routes.
One-way tickets are available for half the round-trip price.
Express round-trip fares start at $250 for up to four people, plus $55 per person after 4, plus tax.
For example, if you were to book express service for a family of 5, the cost would be $305 plus tax.
There is no surge pricing when using Mears Transportation Services – even during major holidays and other busy seasons.
The price will always be the same throughout the year, no matter what time of year you visit. I love that!
Eligible Hotels & Resorts near Walt Disney World

Mears Connect services a vast number of Walt Disney World resorts and other hotels in the immediate Disney area.
As of February 4, 2023, all Disney resorts are eligible:
Animal Kingdom Lodge, including the Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village
Art of Animation
All-Star Movies
All-Star Music
All-Star Sports
Beach Club Resort
BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Boulder Ridge Villas
Caribbean Beach Resort
Contemporary Resort, including Bay Lake Tower
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
Coronado Springs
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, including the villas
Old Key West
Polynesian Village
Pop Century
Port Orleans – French Quarter
Port Orleans – Riverside
Riviera Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht Club
In addition, guests staying at nearby resorts listed below are eligible:
B Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Gaylord Palms Resort
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
Orlando World Center Marriott
Shades of Green at 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
DoubleTree Suites By Hilton Orlando Disney Springs
As if that wasn’t enough, Mears is working on adding more hotels and resorts in the future!
How to book the Mears Connect bus
To book a ride, simply fill out the form on the Mears Connect website.
You can book up to 24 hours in advance and make changes up until then as well.
Be sure to check the terms and conditions for cancellations and refunds before making a reservation – some restrictions may apply if you change your plans!
Where to find the MEARS Shuttle at Orlando Airport

When you arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO), collect your luggage at baggage claim if you checked any. Then head straight to the shuttle boarding area.
Although Disney’s Magical Express bus service did not require you to collect your own luggage, Mears Connect does.
Thankfully, though, they are looking into bringing luggage service back in the future. No word on when though, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated via this post.
The Mears Connect shuttle is located in the same location as Disney World’s former Magical Express shuttle waiting area.
To find it, go to Terminal B, Level 1, where the Ground Transportation level is located. Follow signs that guide you to “MEARS Shuttle.”
Typically this will mean exiting the terminal after arriving at MCO airport, then going down 2 separate sets of escalators.
The escalators are not aligned, so it’s not immediately obvious; once you go down the first set, you’ll need to walk diagonally to the right to get to the second set escalator.
Check in and boarding

The day before service, you’ll receive an email with your “ticket,” which has a QR code on it.
You’ll also receive a text message with a link to this ticket about 15 minutes before your flight is scheduled to land.
Follow the directions listed in the section above to get to the Mears Shuttle boarding area.
Scan the QR code on your ticket at the scanner machines next to the check in host. If you have any troubles, one of the hosts will assist you.
For example, I couldn’t get my ticket to scan – but once one of the hosts helped me out, we determined that I was holding my phone too close to the scanner, so it couldn’t read the whole code.
From there, you’ll be directed to a line to wait in, based on your resort.
Another host will direct you to a bus outside the waiting area once one becomes available.
Wait time to board the bus can be anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes on average. But I think I only waited 10-15 minutes max!
NOTE: Car seats and booster seats are allowed, but not required on the bus.
All in all, it took roughly 30 minutes, give or take, to get from the airport to Pop Century. Getting to your preferred hotel might take longer or shorter, depending on where you’re staying.
What are the buses like?
The Mears Connect motor coaches are similar to any other coach bus, just like Magical Express.
The only big difference is that instead of Disney characters on the side of the bus, you’ll see a colorful mascot.
Each bus has its own mascot, modeled after an animal from Florida, such as sea turtles, dolphins and manatees.
Overall, the buses were very clean and comfortable. If you have luggage, the bus driver will assist you with storing it under the bus, as well as retrieving it once you arrive.
Return ride to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Pick up from your resort is scheduled roughly 3-4 hours before your return flight departure time; approximately 3 hours before domestic US flights and 4 hours before international flights.
If you booked standard service, your pick up time might be slightly more than 3-4 hours, depending on where your resort is on the bus’ return route.
For example, I stayed at Pop Century the first time I used Mears Connect. My resort was first on the pick up list and thus my pickup time was 3.5 hours before my flight time.
Pick up locations for return service to MCO airport is the same as the drop off location.
In my experience thus far, the pick up and drop off point was the exact same spot as it was for Disney’s Magical Express.
However, I can’t guarantee it will be that way for every resort that is eligible for this service, so if you aren’t sure where to wait, ask the front desk staff at your resort.
Mears Connect vs Sunshine Flyer
Both Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer are shared bus shuttles between the Orlando airport and Disney area hotels and resorts.
Here’s how they compare:
Mears Connect | Sunshine Flyer | |
---|---|---|
Hours of Operation | 24/7, except for select holidays | 4 AM to 11 PM |
Booking | Up to 24 hours ahead | Up to 4 days ahead |
Pricing for standard service | $32 round trip from adults 10+ $27 round trip for kids 3-9 Free for kids 3 and under | $39 round trip for adults 13+ $22 round trip for kids 3-12 Free for kids 3 and under |
Services | Standard and Express shared bus | Standard shared bus and private shuttle |
In a nutshell, if you’re traveling with kids, the Sunshine Flyer will likely be a less expensive option for you. But if you’re traveling with just adults or a solo adult, it will be a bit more expensive.
Mears Connect vs Uber or Lyft
Mears Connect is a shared bus service, which means it’s cheaper than Uber or Lyft.
In fact, on average, an Uber or Lyft ride will cost about the same one-way as it does for a round-trip ride on Mears Connect or Sunshine Flyer!
That said, it will be a flat fee for the ride versus per person. So if you’re traveling with more than 2 people, it might work out better for you.
Is Mears connect worth it?
Mears Connect is a great option for those traveling on a budget and looking for a safe, reliable ride.
It’s also perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with parking or driving themselves to or from Orlando International Airport.
Mears Connect is just one of the many transportation services available in Orlando, so be sure to look into other options as well before booking your trip!
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