Mears-dependable and other questions

[trampslady]

Hi! We have been very spoiled to use a towncar for all of our past visits. However, our AP's are burning a hole in our pockets and we are trying to get back just as often as possible. Of course, that means I need to find ways to cut the budget. We have been staying at All Stars instead of Animal Kingdom Lodge and eating some counter service instead of all sit down. So far that has allowed us two visits since the beginning of the year! We are hoping for another the first week in March.

Can anyone share their experience with Mears? I know that using them means possibly several stops between the airport and our resort. We will arrive around 11:00 pm and will be heading home in the wee hours of 7:00 am. I am hoping that means very few passengers....less stops. Or does that mean we have to hang around the airport waiting for more folks to fill the seats on the shuttle before we can leave?

 

[DebbieB]

How many people do you have? For 3 or more, a town car maybe close to the same price as Mears.

I used Mears last Sunday for a return trip to the airport, I shared a rental car on the way in, so it was one way for $16. I called the day before and said our flight was at 5:00. They recommended the 1:25 pickup at PO-FQ. 3 1/2 hours, I don't think so! I asked what the next one was and they said 1:55. I said we'll take that one. The bus showed up about 2:00. There were several people waiting and lots of luggage, we didn't pull out until 2:15. Then we stopped at OKW, more people & luggage. A little boy about 3 behind us said he had to go to the bathroom. His mom whipped out a cup and had him go in it and gave it to the Dad (don't know what he did with it!). We were finally on our way about 2:30. The boys sister, about 2, screamed most of the way. Got to the airport a little after 3:00. They drop you off on level 1, so you have to take the elevator up to level 3 to check-in. We made it, but a town car would have been more comfortable.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Unless the difference in cost is astronomical I would stick with the towncar. Mears is a very uncomfortable ride with too many people and too many stops. At the off hours that you are talking about this may not be an issue, but I would not be surprised if you had to wait for a bus. Unlike towncars, Mears is not waiting for you. You are at their mercy and you have absolutely no control over anything.
Get your trip off on the right foot.....stick with a towncar.

 

[trampslady]

Thanks guys for the input. The difference is $75. I'm an airline employee so Mears give us a 50% discount. $28 roundtrip for both of us instead of about $90-$100 for towncar after tipping.

We are definitely used to the towncar style, but I was hoping that the off hours would make the Mears trip worth the hassle. (less stops) $75 pays for our dinner at O'hana!!!!!