Any recent experiences with Mears from resort to parks?

[pangyal]

Hi all,

I did a search, but only came up with results regarding using Mears to and from MCO, so I apologize if I missed a thread somewhere!

I am trying to figure out the best way to get from AKL to DHS next week for opening. We have had really poor luck with the resort buses in all of our recent trips when it comes to getting to the parks before rope drop comfortably (I’m talking like hour-long waits at 6am, etc.) so I’d like to have something nailed down beforehand. I would be open to ride share but I know it’s luck of the draw with regards to supply and demand and I don’t want to be stuck. I saw that Mears can be reserved in advance, and the cost is about $18. I know it’s expensive but at least it would take the guesswork out.

Has anyone used them lately? Were they reliable and safe? Were car seats an option? I didn’t see that on the booking page.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[AngiTN]

You won't be stuck with Ride Share. There are more than enough there
But, you can have a car seat issue.
Only Uber can offer a single car seat and they are only on limited vehicles, which you select in advance.
You don't mention the age of the child. Is a portable booster an option for you?

 

[Ross Kratter]

What about a Minnie Van?

 

[AngiTN]

I left those out because OP was worried about being quick. Availability is a bit iffy for them. It would be my first look but if there are none, I'd have a back up plan in place.

 

[kaytieeldr]

For $18, it's either a shared shuttle, or a taxi. Just take a taxi.

 

[pangyal]

Thank you all for the replies! The kid is 10 and we do have a portable booster, but I am just thinking that it might be difficult to get a ride share to AKL at the same time as everyone else wants one to get to DHS on time. I was hoping to have something nailed down and reserved in advance to take that specific stress out. I guess nobody really books Mears for inter-park transportation, from the sounds of it!

 

[disneyseniors]

Thank you all for the replies! The kid is 10 and we do have a portable booster, but I am just thinking that it might be difficult to get a ride share to AKL at the same time as everyone else wants one to get to DHS on time. I was hoping to have something nailed down and reserved in advance to take that specific stress out. I guess nobody really books Mears for inter-park transportation, from the sounds of it!

I have never booked Mears for park to park; however, we booked them for a day trip to Universal one time. The night before we went to the concierge desk and they called Mears with our information and when we wanted to be picked up. The next morning we were at the front of the resort to be picked up at 7:00am to be there at park opening. We waited and waited. AT 7:30 we went to the valet desk and had a cab called. We arrived after park opening.
So, that was one and done for us. We could not depend on them, even with a prebooked pickup. Therefore I would not depend on them. However, a lot of people on here have had good experiences with them. Our day wasn't ruined but we never did make it to opening like we wanted.

 

[pangyal]

I have never booked Mears for park to park; however, we booked them for a day trip to Universal one time. The night before we went to the concierge desk and they called Mears with our information and when we wanted to be picked up. The next morning we were at the front of the resort to be picked up at 7:00am to be there at park opening. We waited and waited. AT 7:30 we went to the valet desk and had a cab called. We arrived after park opening.
So, that was one and done for us. We could not depend on them, even with a prebooked pickup. Therefore I would not depend on them. However, a lot of people on here have had good experiences with them. Our day wasn't ruined but we never did make it to opening like we wanted.

This is extremely helpful, thank you!

 

[Searc]

Unless they are special needs, a 10 year old does not need a car seat.

 

[pangyal]

Unless they are special needs, a 10 year old does not need a car seat.

Booster seat, sorry- not full car seat .

 

[AngiTN]

Booster seat, sorry- not full car seat .

Is it a VERY small 10 yo?
Normally that age doesn't even need a booster. Heck, most don't even fit within the weight limits of them. I know DGD did not.
But, if you do use one, use your portable one and that way, you can use any ride share.
They are PLENTIFUL! You will NOT have a problem getting one

 

[Searc]

Booster seat, sorry- not full car seat .

A 10 year old doesn't need a booster, either, unless they are tiny.

 

[pangyal]

Well, according to Ontario law, kids are legally required to be in a booster or car seat until they are 80 pounds or more, so yes, he uses a booster. I’m not sure what you all consider “tiny” but every kid his age I know has a booster seat because they have not hit that weight yet.

@AngiTN thank you for allaying my fears about the ride share being a dead zone that early! That’s a huge relief. We will just plan to do that .

 

[JimMIA]

Well, according to Ontario law, kids are legally required to be in a booster or car seat until they are 80 pounds or more, so yes, he uses a booster. I’m not sure what you all consider “tiny” but every kid his age I know has a booster seat because they have not hit that weight yet.

@AngiTN thank you for allaying my fears about the ride share being a dead zone that early! That’s a huge relief. We will just plan to do that .

FLORIDA law requires a car seat or booster only for children 5 years old and younger. Anyone under 18 must wear a seatbelt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle.

Link: https://www.fdot.gov/safety/6-resources/occupant-protection-faq.shtm

 

[pangyal]

FLORIDA law requires a car seat or booster only for children 5 years old and younger. Anyone under 18 must wear a seatbelt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle.

Link: https://www.fdot.gov/safety/6-resources/occupant-protection-faq.shtm

That’s interesting, thank you! I think that we are more comfortable following our home laws if only because that’s we are used to . I do appreciate the information!

 

[JimMIA]

That’s interesting, thank you! I think that we are more comfortable following our home laws if only because that’s we are used to . I do appreciate the information!

What is most important is the safety of the child, and you, the parent are responsible for that and none of us are going to question your judgement.

You might research BubbleBum and similar boosters. It's inflatable and can easily be carried in a backpack...weighs about 1 lb.

 

[pangyal]

What is most important is the safety of the child, and you, the parent are responsible for that and none of us are going to question your judgement.

You might research BubbleBum and similar boosters. It's inflatable and can easily be carried in a backpack...weighs about 1 lb.

That’s exactly the one we have . Thank you again for your kind help!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thank you all for the replies! The kid is 10 and we do have a portable booster, but I am just thinking that it might be difficult to get a ride share to AKL at the same time as everyone else wants one to get to DHS on time. I was hoping to have something nailed down and reserved in advance to take that specific stress out. I guess nobody really books Mears for inter-park transportation, from the sounds of it!

if I am right remember that for MK Mears will drop at either TTC or Contemporary not at the gate

 

[AngiTN]

Well, according to Ontario law, kids are legally required to be in a booster or car seat until they are 80 pounds or more, so yes, he uses a booster. I’m not sure what you all consider “tiny” but every kid his age I know has a booster seat because they have not hit that weight yet.

@AngiTN thank you for allaying my fears about the ride share being a dead zone that early! That’s a huge relief. We will just plan to do that .

That's a lot higher than even the strictest laws here, which are more a combination of height and weight.
I do think there's nothing wrong with doing what y'all are used to doing. The bubble bum is easy to travel with, I used it before DGD outgrew a booster.

Good luck with your trip. And make sure you download and try both Ride Share apps. You never know which will offer a deal or which has more cars at that moment. Most drive for both but it still seems to vary somewhat

 

[pangyal]

It turns out that Lyft does pre-scheduled rides! I had no idea. This was the only reason I was looking into Mears. If anyone is interested, I can report back on how successful it was to prebook after next Thursday.