Mears Drivers

[disneyokw]

On the Mouseplanet website I found the following about the Mears drivers in an article that was about the new Magical (not too many) Service. It states:

" drivers of the Mears coaches that shuttle the travelers between the airport and the resort. Reports of surly drivers are many. These are the first and last "Disney" representatives that guests see. (Regardless of the fact that these are not Disney employees, that distinction is rarely made by guests.) This must be putting as sour a taste in Disney's mouth as it does for the guests"

Do they mean that Disney is using Mears company for transportation or due to less people using Mears that other travelers are finding Mears drivers to be "surly". I am going down in 3 weeks and again in October. I will be using Mears and wanted to hear if any one not using the Disney Magical Service find any difference in attitude of the Mears drivers.

 

[paulmc80]

I would think there will be issues like this with anything new. There will be enormous frustration on everyone's part. ME is only a month in actual service right now. I consider these kinds of complaints to actually be on the more mild side. The nature of people and business realations will definitely result in these types of problems.
I love things Disney. But, that doesn't mean I take Disney's side in any business dispute. I'm sure all side has issues and concerns that are valid and need to work them out together.

When you go on your trip be happy! Keep a smile on your face and I think it can only be contagious. I'm sure it will be a fun experience.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Do they mean that Disney is using Mears company for transportation or due to less people using Mears that other travelers are finding Mears drivers to be "surly". I am going down in 3 weeks and again in October. I will be using Mears and wanted to hear if any one not using the Disney Magical Service find any difference in attitude of the Mears drivers.

The DME coaches are operated and maintained by Mears, just like the Disney Cruise Line coaches. (It's a contracted operation)

From what I am to understand, the Mears drivers are frustrated because they are getting the same amount of hourly pay for DME that they got when they drove the Mears Shuttle. (the difference being, they got tips driving the "Mears Shuttle", and Disney is telling guests not to tip for the inbound service, causing a loss of income.)

 

[cruise-o-matic]

OT - Tyler:

I see you no longer carry the Disney Employee disclaimer. What are you doing now?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

OT - Tyler:

I see you no longer carry the Disney Employee disclaimer. What are you doing now?

I am still employed by the Walt Disney Company. However, because of my new role, I'd rather not disclose it on a public board.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

We've used Mears twice and had no issues either time. We prefer to have a rental b/c it adds more flexibility and on your last day, you can get more park time instead of having to leave the park, get back to the resort to wait for the bus.

IMHO, the drivers, whether inbound or outbound, perform a service just like mousekeeping, bell services, wait staff, etc. and they should not have the tipping option revoked. It seems like Disney is saying "don't spend anything until you get here, but if you have any $ left over once you leave, then you may tip the driver..."

The DME coaches are operated and maintained by Mears, just like the Disney Cruise Line coaches. (It's a contracted operation)

From what I am to understand, the Mears drivers are frustrated because they are getting the same amount of hourly pay for DME that they got when they drove the Mears Shuttle. (the difference being, they got tips driving the "Mears Shuttle", and Disney is telling guests not to tip for the inbound service, causing a loss of income.)

 

[localdriver]

The DME coaches are operated and maintained by Mears, just like the Disney Cruise Line coaches. (It's a contracted operation)

From what I am to understand, the Mears drivers are frustrated because they are getting the same amount of hourly pay for DME that they got when they drove the Mears Shuttle. (the difference being, they got tips driving the "Mears Shuttle", and Disney is telling guests not to tip for the inbound service, causing a loss of income.)

This is exactly the case. But, MEARS Drivers should act professional and not take their frustations out on the guest.

The Guest is being lied to by Disney, on the phone, and at the Airport.

I will continue to fuss about this in the right way until something improves. I will not expose my passengers to my frustrations.

Even though I am quite angry with both Disney and Mears, I personnally, take great care and pride for every guest I transport.

Yes it frustrates me that Disney LIES to you about GRATUITIES for their own benefit.(I've called, yes they lie)

A family goes on vacation with a budget. The budget will be spent or extended. A buck or two saved in tips to the driver is spent where??...DISNEY. So, you all do what you think is right.

A BUCK PER PER PERSON PER DAY IS MILLIONS PER YEAR FOR DISNEY!!

You do the math, NOT COMPLICATED.

 

[hookedonthemagic]

Okay, we just went to WDW 3 weeks ago and used the ME or the not-so ME as I like to call it. The whole thing was a disaster but we had decided to use it since it was "free". We were the first ones on our bus and the last ones off, but that was okay. I had figured it would be like Mears - I just wasn't aware (in advance) that it WAS Mears. Our luggage took 5 hours to arrive from the airport (finally came at midnight and after 3 calls to the front desk). Although our bus on the way to the hotel was an official "ME" bus, on the way back it was a straight-up MEARS bus. I guess they figured that the Magic was over - time to get back to reality. I personally, have always used a car service rather than rent or Mears mostly because of the waiting and rest assured that my family will not be using the ME again - free or not!


Going back in October '05
And again in March '06