First: [COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]MEARS[/COLOR]
I arrived at MCO at 11:15 a.m. via Northwest Airlines. I proceeded to baggage claim to get my luggage and immediately took the escalator down to the Mears check-in. I had already booked my one-way trip via internet and pre-paid so all I had to do was scan my print out "bar code" in the machine available to those who booked via the internet and my tickets popped out of the machine. (Note: For those who didn't pre-pay via the internet there was a line but I noticed it moved quickly).
Next, I proceed outside to the Mears pick-up area. I checked-in at the stand and was given a pager similar to the ones they give out in restaurants and told it would be a 5 - 10 minute wait. Well, in about 3 minutes the pagers started buzzing and lighting up. I turned in my pager and was directed to a Mears shuttle. The driver was friendly and assisted with my heavy bags.
From getting to the Mears counter to outside Mears check-in to departure to Pop century was a total of 7-9 minutes. We stopped the Gaylord Hotel (very nice) and the Pop Century. The Gaylord is on the way to Pop so we didn't go way out of our way. Total time from airport to hotel about 40 - 45 minutes.
BOTTOM LINE: If Disney continues Magical Express, I will use it. However, if Disney discontinues Magical Express. I will use Mears. It was cheap, efficient, and very fast if you are pre-paid via the internet. The driver was courteous, uniformed, and very professional. I have nothing but praise for Mears and will use again.
NEXT: MAGICAL EXPRESS (RETURN TRIP ONLY)
I received a Magical Express letter hanging on my room door the last night of my stay. The letter indicated they didn't have my flight information. Hmmmm....I know that can't be correct. How many times have I given them this information. Anyway! Called the front desk and was connect to the ME Department to reconfirm. I was given a pick-up time of 2:10 p.m. and a confirmation number.
I checked my bags with Luggage Assistance at the front of Pop Century and went to MGM for one last ride on Tower of Terror. I was given a claim ticket for my items and told to return at least 15 minutes priort to departure just in case a line developed.
I return to Pop Century at 1:10 p.m. for one last walk around the resort. We then proceeded to Luggage Assistant to retrieve our bags. The young lady took my ticket and asked me to wait in the center island where the ME bus will stop and pick up luggage. She brought my luggage out on a cart and place the bags near the bench we were sitting on.
Clock strikes 2:10 p.m. and what turns into the parking lot.....a nice ME bus. Right on time! The driver opens the door and the masses rush. The driver was very effecient in asking us for letters and confirmations. He loaded my luggage first and we boarded the bus. We found the bus very comfortable. We enjoyed the film that was showed.
BOTTOM LINE: It was efficient fast and included in the price of the room so I will use again. We are planning a return trip for Christmas so I will booked ME as soon as I have my flights worked out.
This is my experience and I am sure others will vary! Overall - I loved Mears and Magical Express!
A good start and end to a wonderful, magical trip! 
I arrived at MCO at 11:15 a.m. via Northwest Airlines. I proceeded to baggage claim to get my luggage and immediately took the escalator down to the Mears check-in. I had already booked my one-way trip via internet and pre-paid so all I had to do was scan my print out "bar code" in the machine available to those who booked via the internet and my tickets popped out of the machine. (Note: For those who didn't pre-pay via the internet there was a line but I noticed it moved quickly).
Next, I proceed outside to the Mears pick-up area. I checked-in at the stand and was given a pager similar to the ones they give out in restaurants and told it would be a 5 - 10 minute wait. Well, in about 3 minutes the pagers started buzzing and lighting up. I turned in my pager and was directed to a Mears shuttle. The driver was friendly and assisted with my heavy bags.
From getting to the Mears counter to outside Mears check-in to departure to Pop century was a total of 7-9 minutes. We stopped the Gaylord Hotel (very nice) and the Pop Century. The Gaylord is on the way to Pop so we didn't go way out of our way. Total time from airport to hotel about 40 - 45 minutes.
BOTTOM LINE: If Disney continues Magical Express, I will use it. However, if Disney discontinues Magical Express. I will use Mears. It was cheap, efficient, and very fast if you are pre-paid via the internet. The driver was courteous, uniformed, and very professional. I have nothing but praise for Mears and will use again.
NEXT: MAGICAL EXPRESS (RETURN TRIP ONLY)
I received a Magical Express letter hanging on my room door the last night of my stay. The letter indicated they didn't have my flight information. Hmmmm....I know that can't be correct. How many times have I given them this information. Anyway! Called the front desk and was connect to the ME Department to reconfirm. I was given a pick-up time of 2:10 p.m. and a confirmation number.
I checked my bags with Luggage Assistance at the front of Pop Century and went to MGM for one last ride on Tower of Terror. I was given a claim ticket for my items and told to return at least 15 minutes priort to departure just in case a line developed.
I return to Pop Century at 1:10 p.m. for one last walk around the resort. We then proceeded to Luggage Assistant to retrieve our bags. The young lady took my ticket and asked me to wait in the center island where the ME bus will stop and pick up luggage. She brought my luggage out on a cart and place the bags near the bench we were sitting on.
Clock strikes 2:10 p.m. and what turns into the parking lot.....a nice ME bus. Right on time! The driver opens the door and the masses rush. The driver was very effecient in asking us for letters and confirmations. He loaded my luggage first and we boarded the bus. We found the bus very comfortable. We enjoyed the film that was showed.
BOTTOM LINE: It was efficient fast and included in the price of the room so I will use again. We are planning a return trip for Christmas so I will booked ME as soon as I have my flights worked out.
This is my experience and I am sure others will vary! Overall - I loved Mears and Magical Express!
A good start and end to a wonderful, magical trip! 
Good to read! 
