Found Something Interesting on Mears Website

[clkelley]

Over on the disAbilities board someone was asking accessible transportation without taking Magical Express. They felt that after the hassle of flying, plus having a Service Dog, they wanted to end all their sensory issues for awhile and just have private ride to their resort.

I suggested the Mears accessible vans and told them booking online would be the least stressful.

They replied back and said the Mears website would not let them book van service online to a Disney Resort.

I double checked and it's true.

If you try to book Van Service to a Disney resort, it dumps you to a screen that recommends Disney's Magical Express, then tells you if you want private car service to continue. Of course, that is their more expensive service, with meet and greet and towncars or limos.

So, if you truly want to pay and take Mears vans to your Disney resort, then you'll have to call them to reserve it in advance, or just book it when you arrive.

I'm sure this is financially driven, but I thought it interesting that they totally discontinued folks ability to book van service to Disney resorts online.

Carol

 

[bytheblood]

Hmmm...that is interesting.

 

[Lewisc]

Mears appears to have discontinued their shuttle service to Disney resorts. Not sure what they'd do for someone who booked within the 10 day window and isn't eligible for ME. My guess is they have an arrangement with Disney to use ME buses.

My understanding is the van service was run, under ADA rules, as an accomodation to those guests who couldn't ride in the shuttle bus. They were provided for the price of the shuttle for guests that couldn't ride the shuttle. Since Mears doesn't run a shuttle bus service they're under no obligation to provide a private van service priced at shuttle pricing.

Disney's ME would have to provide suitable transportation for guests who can't be accomodated with the ME buses. The buses can handle wheel chairs so I'm not sure what conditions would require a private van. A seeing eye dog can ride in the ME bus. A guest who prefers a private ride has to pay the extra cost of a towncar or taxi.

 

[welovedis]

Here's a link to the thread so it doesn't get misinterpreted:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=811001

I don't think the OP was looking for a private ride for free, more just researching options since they will have a scooter, service dog and travelers with sensory issues.

It is interesting that they no longer offer this online, as DH has dealt with them over the phone (thru the relay) in the past and they were not very helpful.

 

[Lewisc]

Here's a link to the thread so it doesn't get misinterpreted:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=811001

I don't think the OP was looking for a private ride for free, more just researching options since they will have a scooter, service dog and travelers with sensory issues.

It is interesting that they no longer offer this online, as DH has dealt with them over the phone (thru the relay) in the past and they were not very helpful.

You're right the OP wasn't looking for anything for free BUT AS I SUSPECTED the posters answering OP were referring to Mears past practice of furnishing a private van for the same price as the Mears shuttle. Since Mears isn't running the shuttle service they have no reason to supply van service at shuttle pricing.

Sounds like OP should expect to pay towncar pricing even if Mears substitutes a van for the towncar. Reserve a towncar online and then email and ask if Mears could substitute a van.

Really makes no sense for Mears to accept shuttle reservations to WDW resorts. Unknowing guest would be furious when they found out they were eligible for superior service for free.

Several people have posted that booking Mears was a good way for passengers with wheelchairs to get towncar service (without a grocery stop) for the price of the Mears shuttle.

 

[clkelley]

If that is the case, then their online towncar pricing should have a place to indicate they need wheelchair accessibility.

Also, I bet the service will continue. I'm thinking it's just another way for Disney and Mears to promote the Magical Express service. I bet if the original poster actually calls Mears they will book them the accessible van for $29 per person.

Carol

 

[welovedis]

Since Mears isn't running the shuttle service they have no reason to supply van service at shuttle pricing.

ITA!

Like I said just wanted those who had not seen the original post to understand what the poster was asking about.

I think if someone feels that they don't want to use the free service, they should have to pay for the one that they want. Just like us getting a rental car because we don't want to use ME, or some others using a car service.

Our friends will be traveling to WDW in early July & are looking into using ME with their service dog and 2 electric wheelchairs, they are just starting to get in contact with their TA regarding the ME and what they can/cannot accomodate. I'll be curious to hear what they encounter too.