For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
Heading to Disney World soon? Two major transportation companies have now merged! Find out if this will affect your travel plans.
Sunshine Flyer
Disney’s announcement that they were discontinuing free Magical Express transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport left many Guests stressed about how to get to and from their Disney Resort. Many companies rose to the challenge, Sunshine Flyer was one of them.
With an incredible 1920’s locomotive theme on its buses, Sunshine Flyer creates a magical experience for Guests. Just as Disney World considers even the tiniest details, Sunshine Flyer does the same.
Sunshine Flyer even offered a private transportation offer. Read about that HERE.
Mears Connect
One of the most well-known and popular option is MEARS. If you don’t recall, MEARS was the third-party vendor hired by Disney to run the Magical Express. It seems logical that MEARS would naturally take over as the main option for Guests looking to get to their Disney Resort.
Read HERE to see how we felt the two companies compare.
New Merger
Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer just announced that they will be merging. This will be effective August 1, 2023. This service will be called Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine.
Effective August 1, 2023 Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer will merge and will be known as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine.
On Sunshine Flyer’s website they have listed some important information for their travelers. It reads:
- The new service will begin August 1, 2023.
- A dedicated hotline is available 24/7 to answer questions and assist guests regarding new reservations: (407) 423-5566
- For all existing reservations, unless otherwise provided, please contact the customer care team on your confirmation email.
- Guests may also email during business hours: mearsconnect@mears.com.
- Mears Connect guests will not be impacted and reservations will remain the same.
- Sunshine Flyer guests traveling between July 14 and July 31 will receive an email using the email linked to the original reservation to confirm all travel instructions.
In the press release, Mark Sherman, General Manager of the Sunshine Flyer stated, “As partners, we will be able to bring even more features and benefits to our guests. Whether it is 24/7 service, express options, or a private trip to ease guests’ minds the minute they step off the plane, together, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is delivering more to our guests. We are confident that our collaborative efforts will promote a creative atmosphere and will allow us to focus on the customer experience and kick off the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation the moment they touch down in Orlando.”
What do you think of this merger? Will you be riding on the newly named Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine on your next trip? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with a friend who plans to use this service as well!
Share the love!
Katie
Saturday 22nd of July 2023
We stopped using the bus service once it was no longer free. Now we just book with The Genie Transportation and transportation to/from MCO and WDW is a breeze. no more waiting for a bus, no multiple stops etc. We just grab our bags and 25 minutes later we're at our resort.
Rose
Saturday 15th of July 2023
I figured this was bound to happen. TragicExpress was powered by mears in the first place.
D
Saturday 15th of July 2023
There is a reason Disney dropped Mears. I really liked the sunshine flyer. I don't think this will be for the better as I don't belive mergers in today's dai in age benefit customers at all. Just CEOs and the like.
Ray Sharpton
Friday 14th of July 2023
Ablists do not think about handicap wheelchair users in their daily lives. Mears Connect has always offered me a save, reliable, affordable transportation from MCO to WDW resort. Mears Connect was very quick to help me get to the airport when one of their motorcoaches wheelchair lifts that arrived to my WDW resort failed to function. A Mears Connect staff member quickly sent a Mears Connect wheelchair-accessible minivan to pick me up and get me to the airport in plenty of time. As a retired solo traveler using an electric wheelchair I believe Mears Connect offers excellent service.
Rita
Friday 14th of July 2023
I hope the prices don't go up due to lack of competition