Solo travelers using Mears?

[Babyfatt]

How many solo travelers out there using Mears bus tranportation to and from MCO & WDW?

Does anyone going solo use a towncar instead even though it cost a lot more?

I'm trying to decide if I want to stay with Mears or not.

[Aimeedyan]

I used Mears last July alone and it worked out great... HOnestly, I think its better used ONLY with 1 or 2 people, becuase of the layout of the van and such. It would be a pain to have a whole family, I think.

I didnt have to wait long, and we only had 2 stops before mine, so no biggie.

[TLinden16]

My last few solo trips, I've splurged on a towncar. I'm spoiled. It's nice to get into a private car rather than riding with a bus load of screaming kids. They also pick you up later for your return trip, which gives you at least an extra hour on your last day.

I always get the grocery stop. I figure that I save quite a bit of money by buying snacks and breakfast items so that pays for the bulk of the price difference between Mears and the town car.

Karen

[Simba's Mom]

I've done it both ways, and I'd just as soon use Mears. Used to use Mears, then I heard about the Town Car and decided to splurge. The first time I came down the escalators to see my name on a card was so exciting. But after a few years, last December I decided to try Mears again to save money for some "December WDW" activities. No problem! Once the novelty of the Town Car wore off, I was more than happy to use Mears again and now expect to stick with Mears. I was more than happy with the service.

[Simba's Mom]

Forgot to mention one thing I really enjoyed about Mears-talking with other passengers-"Where are you staying?" , and people who've never been to WDW before. Last trip I met a lovely couple on their honeymoon. When people find out you've been many times, they want to know about resturaunts, what's FP, etc. Love meeting the fellow passengers!

[MHopkins2]

The one time I used Mears, I had a total travel nightmare. (90-120 minute delay, involving a packed bus, screaming children, 90 degree weather, and switching busses by walking on the shoulder of the interstate.) It's highly unlikely that lightning would strike twice, but never again. :)

[dahirsh]

I've done both. I really preferred the towncar, but it's a tough decsion because of the extra cost.

Deb

[blondejerseygirl]

Last year, I went to WDW with my dad and stayed at the CBR. Anyway, it was the end of June and seemed like it took a long time for them to call our name to board a bus. Our plane landed at 3:00 and we didn't get to the CBR until almost 4:30PM. Yikes!

Our return trip to the airport was fine. There was no hassle. Even though our pick-up time wasn't until 7:00, a driver was more than willing to take us back at 5:00. We were tired.

Anyway, I think it depends on the time of year. If it's peak season, I would definately recommend the town car.

Also, you can always take the Town Car there and return back to the airport using Mears.

[yecats]

Last Nov. I used Mears transportation and found it perfectly fine. I walked up to the bus which was already mostly full and only had about a 10 minute wait at best. We were all adults in the van and I was the second to last stop (stopped at 4 different hotels before mine). The entire trip was about an hour and 15 minutes. People were excited about their trips and many conversations were going on and the time went by quickly. My return trip was easy as well and only lasted 30 minutes. The van arrived on time and my hotel was last on his list (picked up about 6 people at my hotel). I didn't have a problem with Mears.

Now if I could afford to spend the extra money to take the towncar, I probably would because of the grocery stop.

[jwill]

I have went Mears both with family and solo. As Aimeedyan said it's better solo in that you only have to worry about yourself getting a seat in the van. As it fills it is harder to get seats all together if you are not one of the first on the van. No doubt the town car is a much nicer experience, the price and service of Mears was fine for myself.

[Terk-1]

I've used Mears on solo trips and it's not too bad. I've had some good & bad experiences, but for $25 round trip, it's doable. My longest wait at the desk was 45 minutes and my longest ride was an hour & 45 minutes. A towncar is good for a group of people, but to spend like $100 or so on one for a solo, is just not worth it to me. I'd rather spend that on some nice sit down meals.

[DaveH]

I have done it both ways.Most of the time it is DW and I. If we are staying for period of time say longer than 3 days we use a towncar and do a grocery stop. Solo I have a hard time justifing a towncar unless I need to do a grocery stop. I have been the last person dropped off in Mears as a solo. I found it depends on my mood the moment I get into the van as to how well I do. If I have been overly hassled with the flight and getting luggage I have less tolerance than if everything went fine. Justifing the cost is a personal thing. It has to do with your budget overall and if you feel going from $25 with the van to $100 for the car there and gone and can sleep a little later for your flight back.

[TDC Nala]

I find the towncar cost prohibitive for one person, especially for a short trip (you can't buy enough groceries to make up for that).

[Ashes8380]

do you have to pay extra to do a grocery stop in a towncar, or is it included in the round trip cost?

[Candace]

Ashes8380 - The towncar services usually offer a complimentary grocery stop of 30 minutes - included.

[BriarRosie]

Last month, I used Mears both ways. But, there were times that I felt Mears from MCO was so slowww.

So, once, I rented a car from National for one day, and since I joined the Emerald Club, I was able to pick a car and go.

The following day, I returned the car at the Dolphin resort, very easily. At the end of the trip. I made arrangement for a Mears pickup back to the airport. I don't mind the trip back. It's the trip to WDW that I hate waiting for Mears.

I plan on doing the one day rental again in November. I stay one night at a resort, moving into DVC the next day. I also will make a trip to Publix before returning my rental, so that works out nicely.

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have used Mears for the 4 trips that DH and I had together, and for my 5 solo visits. As long as I arrive to Orlando early enough ( about 10 am ) Mears is fine for me. I would not get a Towncar unless I was rolling in money - which I'm not. LOL

[jenelope]

I've never had a problem with Mears on my solo trips. The last trip I took, they had those beeper things so I could wait in the air conditioned airport until they were ready for me. I used the time to check in at home and move some things that I wouldn't need in the parks out of my backpack and into my checked bag.

[rickc77]

I did Mears bus system once...........I will never put myself through that again. It is well worth the money to take a towncar. Within a short period of time you are at the resort and ready to go while those that took the bus are still on the bus listening to screaming kids and really starting their vacations off on a bad note.

Whatever you decide.........have a nice vacation

[Pumbaa_]

My first 2 trips to WDW with hubby we did Mears. The first trip not too bad, the 2nd trip too 2 hours and 4 or 5 resort stops. We swore never again!

Then we started doing the towncar. It is not that much more for 2 and if you count in the grocery store stop for water and breakfast items, you can save enough to make it worthwhile.

When I travel solo, it is a pure indulgence! I often travel after work and arrive into MCO 10:00 or later. I love knowing I will have a driver waiting for me and that I will get to where I need to be quickly. And the added perk of having help with my luggage.

It is an indulgence though for one. I do stop for water and soda and some basics. It is nice to have these things with me.

Good luck deciding!

[NewEnglandDisney]

Originally posted by BriarRosie
Last month, I used Mears both ways. But, there were times that I felt Mears from MCO was so slowww.

So, once, I rented a car from National for one day, and since I joined the Emerald Club, I was able to pick a car and go.

The following day, I returned the car at the Dolphin resort, very easily. At the end of the trip. I made arrangement for a Mears pickup back to the airport. I don't mind the trip back. It's the trip to WDW that I hate waiting for Mears.

I plan on doing the one day rental again in November. I stay one night at a resort, moving into DVC the next day. I also will make a trip to Publix before returning my rental, so that works out nicely.


Yes, I have often found this the way to go as well. I usually rent a car the first night, and either do Mears or Towncar return.

Having a car the first day is great - I know the area well, so I can stop where I need to, then can cruise around Disney the first night as well. Last trip I splurged and spent $40 instead of $25 and had a convertable for my first night down - I took a lot of great pictures from that car (safely, of course!).

The drop-off is very convenient at the Disney resorts as well - the Dolphin as well as the car care center. I don't know for sure, as I haven't done it, but I believe you can pick-up from those locations as well. I've been entertaining that idea for my next trip - getting a car for the last day so I can do early check-out, spend the day at IoA/USF, and then fly home late that night.

With kids, I'd say rent a car the whole stay - it's just easier and kids like familiairity when they are tired and cranky - but with audlts and solo travelers it can be worth it to selectively rent instead of/in addition to transfers.

N.E.D.

[Elysiannn]

I've done Mears van and Tiffany Towncar. Had awful experience with Tiffany Towncar. My last visit I didn't get a chance to go online and reserve Mears so I had a long wait getting it after I flew in.

I'm going in August and considering Mears Towncar only cause it will be faster I believe getting to my resort. Mears van does have to drop off at other resorts and you might have an initial wait upon getting to the airport.

Mears Towncar is cheaper than Tiffany Towncar so I think I'm going to try it out. Wish me luck! Ely

[B'rer Karen]

I haven't used Mears, and I don't ever intend to. I've used similar shuttle services in other cities that go from the airport to a group of hotels. Invariably I'm one of the first in the van and have to wait for it to fill. And then invariably my hotel is the last to drop off. Add screaming kids and it's just too much! I love the ease and speed of a towncar and so it's totally worth it to me to splurge. When I take a late flight I'm tired and I just want to get to my resort quickly and safely. When I take the early flight I'm ready to go go go! The only alternative I would consider would be a rental car, but the cost of even the two day rental (one day on either end) and the time involved in picking up and dropping off don't justify not going with the towncar for me.

[NancyIL]

I almost always visit my mom in Cocoa when I go to WDW. I rent a car from National to get to my mom's, then drop it off at the Dolphin. Then I take Mears back to the airport. No problems with Mears, and I like saving money.

[cjeong]

I'm a newbie. Who is Mears? Is there a timetable for Mears? Is this the complimentary transport company if you stay at a WDW resort?

[B'rer Karen]

There isn't any complimentary shuttle service to WDW. Mears is the recommended (by Disney) service. I don't believe they have an actual timetable. It is my understanding that they wait until the van is full and then leave, making stops at all the WDW resorts. On your return you can schedule a time.

[cjeong]

What do they charge to go from resort to theme park or park to park? Is there a fee schedule?

[Elysiannn]

I believe if you make your reservations for a shuttle or towne car online beforehand you're likely to get on faster than going to the desk once you have arrived at the airport. At least the last time when I didn't do prior reservation I had a long wait while others who had flown in with me (and going to the exact same WDW resort) got rides quicker than myself. In the past I've always prereserved and had no problem and very minor waits. Ely

[B'rer Karen]

Originally posted by cjeong
What do they charge to go from resort to theme park or park to park? Is there a fee schedule?

You would not use Mears to go from resorts to theme park (unless you were going from a WDW resort to Universal or somthing like that). Mears would be used to get from the airport to your resort. Once you are on WDW property then you would use the WDW busses to make your way around property. If you needed to go off property, that's where Mears could come into play.

[cjeong]

B'rer Karen, thank you for your help.

I haven't found any information up till now that really explains how to get around. I'm confused! Can you clear my mind? :confused:

Mears can transport you from airport to resort or WDW to Universal or outer areas (and you have to pay for this)?

And the transport in WDW (eg bus, boat, monorail) can only take you from park to park, or resort to park within WDW - is this correct? Who runs this? Is there are charge? Are there time schedules for this?

I'm trying to decide best place to stay - on-site or off - without the hassle of transport.

Would love any advice.

[Simba's Mom]

Hi! I'm not Brer Karen, but I'll try to answer your questions. I'd recommend staying onsite if you can (usually more expensive-but I think it's worth it). It's so much easier to get around. There's no schedule for transportation, unfortunately, but buses seem to come every 15 minutes or so, more often at park opening and closing. And there's no charge for any of the onsite transportation if you're staying on site.

[B'rer Karen]

I agree with Simba's mom. To break it down for you:

1) It is your responsibility to get yourself to your hotel from the airport. You can do this via shuttle, taxi, car service, your own car, or a rental car. There is no free servcie

2)To travel within the WDW Resort there are multiple free transportation methods: bus, monorail, and boat.

3)To travel outside of the WDW Resort you would again have to handle this yourselft via a shuttle, taxi, car service, your own car, or a rental car. There would again be a cost for this. Of course if you are using your own car or a rental car you have it for your whole trip so you're not paying on both ends.

4) Basically the disney busses run every 20 minutes or so. They start an hour prior to the park's opening and an hour after. For Downtown Disney I believe they run starting at 9 and end at 2 am, although the Marketplace stop is closed after midnight. For the resorts with boats (OKW, SSR, POR/PFQ) there are schedules for the times they run to DTD but I don't know those off the top of my head. The monorail runs to Epcot and MK Again I believe it runs an hour before opening and an hour after and they probably run every 10-15 minutes or so.

5) The transportation within WDW is run by Disney and yes it is free.

Hope this helps.

[cjeong]

Thanks everyone, that puts my mind at ease. Just now need to find a Disney resort!