Getting to the Dolphin from MCO airport

[Dr.Mickey]

I have just learned that Magical Express is not included for the Swan and Dolphin (insert sad face here). We have had a great experience with ME in the past. But unless Disney lets us stay at the Beach Club for free using my wife's Starwood points, then we will be staying at the Dolphin.

So here are my questions about alternative transportation options:
1. Has anyone used the Mears bus shuttle to get to the Swan/Dolphin? I know it will be missing the Disney "Magic", and we will have to get our bags ourselves. But does it run a fairly efficient route? The price is pretty good. Any problems with the Mears shuttle?
2. Can anyone recommend any other alternatives? I'm a bit concerned about the price of some of the town car companies. FL Tours states that round trip starts at $109 vs Mears for about $34. Ouch.
3. Any other tips?

Renting a car is not an option for this trip. Thanks for the help...

 

[Missytara]

See the sticky at the top of the page regarding alternate types of transportation.

 

[goofy4tink]

In the interest of garnering info for this board, I used the Mears shuttle when staying at the Dolphin a year or so ago. For the price, it was pretty decent. I used it only to the Dolphin since I moved over to BC midway through my stay.
If it's only two people heading to the S/D, it makes sense to use the shuttle vs a car service.
So...my experience?? I headed to baggage claim, got my bags and headed down to level 1 for ground transportation. I had made prior reservations but had trouble printing out my voucher at the airport. So, they did that at the Mears counter. No big deal..it was next to the kiosk. I then went out to the Mears area, outside. There was a van loading as I got there, but I was given a pager thingie and told to take a seat. It would be about 20 mins before I left. But about 2 mins later, the pager went off and I was put in the van. The van was full...we made about 3 stops at non-Disney resorts in Orlando, but none that took you out of your way. It was actually kind of interesting to see places I don't normally get to see. And the other riders were a lot of fun to talk to.
I would say it took about 10-15 mins longer to use Mears vs DME. I had no problem with 'lack of magic'. I don't think the DME bus is all 'that' magical..it's a bus with a cheesy promo video. But, kids love it. I doubt you'll miss it when taking the Mears shuttle. I had a good experience with it.