Magical Express Question?

[knovak]

Does anyone know if Magical Express is run by Disney itself or is Mears involved? I thought Disney was operating it, but my AAA Trave Agent has my transportation listed as Mears although she tells me it's Magical Express and free. (This is the same agent who tells me she doesn't need my flight information for the Magical Express which is WRONG!)

Help!

 

[NJDisneymom]

yes, Disney is contracted with Mears for the service. I believe it is an entirely new fleet of shuttle buses specifically for this service. Someone more in the know can probably tell you more.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Does anyone know if Magical Express is run by Disney itself or is Mears involved? I thought Disney was operating it, but my AAA Trave Agent has my transportation listed as Mears although she tells me it's Magical Express and free. (This is the same agent who tells me she doesn't need my flight information for the Magical Express which is WRONG!)

Help!

Mears is one of several subcontractors involved with Disney's Magical Express.

However, Magical Express will not use the current Mears coaches and vans. Mears will continue to operate the current MCO-to-hotel service for passengers staying at off-site hotels and non-Disney on-site hotels (and presumably also for passengers staying at Disney hotels who did not book advance reservations for Magical Express). This service is not free.

Disney's Magical Express is not called Mears, and your travel agent should make the reservations through Disney, not through Mears. I would be very concerned if your travel agent lists Mears on your itinerary and says it's the same thing.

 

[Lewisc]

I wouldn't trust your TA but it's possible their computer system has one entry for transfers. They may keep the name Mears, may still be using them for offiste properties, in their computer but just change the price to zero for WDW resorts.

 

[seashoreCM]

I wouldn't trust your TA but it's possible their computer system has one entry for transfers. They may keep the name Mears, may still be using them for offiste properties, in their computer but just change the price to zero for WDW resorts.

Your confirmation documents should not list the airport to Disney transportation as "Mears". There is too much ambiguity that can result in last minute problems and disputes. If there is no other way to describe the transportation, your travel agent should use hand written addendums.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Does anyone know if Magical Express is run by Disney itself or is Mears involved?

It is a Disney run operation. However, Mears is the subcontractor that is doing the actual physical driving of the coaches. That is all they will be doing however.

The service itself is VASTLY different than the Mears Shuttle.

 

[OKSTATE99]

It is a Disney run operation. However, Mears is the subcontractor that is doing the actual physical driving of the coaches. That is all they will be doing however.

The service itself is VASTLY different than the Mears Shuttle.

I am sure there is a good reason. But why is mears doing the driving? Did they have a contract already or did Disney not want to buy new buses and train new drivers? Or would the insurance of driving off property be just too much? Like I said i am sure there is a good reason.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

A few reasons... the first being that it's actually cheaper to outsource. The second is that Mears has infrastructure already set up. They have the experience and the drivers who know the airport and Disney. They have the maintenance facilities, and the licensing along with insurance, and all that. They also have a fleet of other coaches that can be used for backup on extremely jam packed days, when all the other DME coaches are already in service.

 

[Lewisc]

Tyler--I'm sure during the day the buses will fill up quickly. Is there a time standard for off-peak travelers, particularly a late flight? I'm wondering if there is a policy to get you out of MCO in 30 minutes even if they have to run a half empty bus or use some type of van.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I don't know what the standard will be, but they'll have one. Remember, they'll know when folks will be arriving, so if they see that there won't be another family for that route for another hour, they'll just send the coach off to Disney.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

we usually come down to disney by amtrak. im hoping they might also have the service at the train stations. if not, we usually get mears or a cab to our disney hotel.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

IRemember, they'll know when folks will be arriving...

My trip isn't until October, so maybe I should wait until Magic Express is settled in before asking again but...

I will be attiving from UK by Virgin. I assume I can use the check in at MCO option of Magic Express. I can see a potential problem regarding my arrival.

I use a wheelchair. I notify Disney so they have a wheelchair bus available.

But it's a nine hour flight with potential for delay. Because I am in a wheelchair, I need assistance getting off the aircraft and am usually the very last person off. I then have to wait for my chair to be brought to the gate. I never know how long it will take to clear imigration and customs.

How does the bus dispatcher work out when I will get to the pick up point?

Andrew

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

It's hard to say at this point, but I wouldn't worry about it at all.