MEARS Scooter Services - A Few Questions

[TiffFromTX]

Hi all! So I still have an aversion to taking the bus after hearing about wait times, etc. I contacted MEARS and they said:

"We have ADA shuttles and taxis. Our shuttles can have 1 ECV and 7 others can sit and the taxis can have 1 ECV and sit 3 others. You can book the shuttle online from resort to park or park to resort. I recommend booking the shuttle because we go by reservation unlike our taxis that are on demand. Our shuttles reservations last pickup time is 11:59PM and our taxis are 24/7. "

It's just me and my daughter going. Does anyone have a video or pics of the MEARS transportations using a scooter? Just wondering what it's like (like Minnie Vans or no?).

We are staying at Beach Club so we can access Epcot and HS easily by foot/scooter, but when we go to MK and AK, I'd be taking this. Do y'all who have used it schedule it far in advance? We leave July 31st. Wondering when to schedule and how much the cost is of their shuttles. Also, does it tell you where to go for MEARs pick ups at the parks and resorts?

Thank you so much!

 

[Selket]

I don't have the info but if you have any idea what the shuttle costs I'd be curious! I'm guessing the taxi is prices like regular taxis but the shuttle probably not?

 

[SueM in MN]

The accessible taxis are minivans with a ramp that folds out the back.
The shuttles are similar vehicles to the Minnie Vans.

 

[SueM in MN]

I also remembered reading this story recently.
Accessible transportation fail

 

[TiffFromTX]

I also remembered reading this story recently.
Accessible transportation fail

Good read! Sounds like she did the taxi cabs, which I was told were on demand. Shuttles are actual reservations, so I'm hoping that'll be better. Crossing my fingers!

 

[Dashzap]

I also remembered reading this story recently.
Accessible transportation fail

Thanks for linking the article. It almost would be worth it to book the last night at the Hyatt inside the airport terminal to minimize travel day stress.

 

[Tiggerish]

In January of 2020 (just before Covid-19) I used a Mears accessible shuttle from the airport to a convention hotel then a Mears accessible taxi from that hotel to a Disney resort when the convention was over. The shuttle I booked in advance and paid a set fee plus a tip. I was told when I booked that it would be a shared shuttle but I ended up being the only passenger but was only charged the shared shuttle fee. The taxi was arranged by bell service at the hotel I was leaving and I paid the meter fare plus a tip.

 

[TiffFromTX]

In January of 2020 (just before Covid-19) I used a Mears accessible shuttle from the airport to a convention hotel then a Mears accessible taxi from that hotel to a Disney resort when the convention was over. The shuttle I booked in advance and paid a set fee plus a tip. I was told when I booked that it would be a shared shuttle but I ended up being the only passenger but was only charged the shared shuttle fee. The taxi was arranged by bell service at the hotel I was leaving and I paid the meter fare plus a tip.

Do you know how to figure out the cost for the shuttles? I'm wanting to price from Beach Club to AK and then from AK to Contemporary. Thank you!

 

[Jane Eyre]

Hi all! So I still have an aversion to taking the bus after hearing about wait times, etc. I contacted MEARS and they said:

"We have ADA shuttles and taxis. Our shuttles can have 1 ECV and 7 others can sit and the taxis can have 1 ECV and sit 3 others. You can book the shuttle online from resort to park or park to resort. I recommend booking the shuttle because we go by reservation unlike our taxis that are on demand. Our shuttles reservations last pickup time is 11:59PM and our taxis are 24/7. "

It's just me and my daughter going. Does anyone have a video or pics of the MEARS transportations using a scooter? Just wondering what it's like (like Minnie Vans or no?).

We are staying at Beach Club so we can access Epcot and HS easily by foot/scooter, but when we go to MK and AK, I'd be taking this. Do y'all who have used it schedule it far in advance? We leave July 31st. Wondering when to schedule and how much the cost is of their shuttles. Also, does it tell you where to go for MEARs pick ups at the parks and resorts?

Thank you so much!

I used Mears taxis last December, and was not thrilled. I had a scooter and made all my Mears reservations long before my trip, and had it confirmed. However, EVERY morning the taxi was late, which made me miss rope drop. When it was 15 minutes late I would call and was told they were short on vehicles that handled scooters, and would get to me as soon as they could. And some drivers were surly, others were friendly. One day the driver had me drive my scooter up the ramp and into the back of the taxi, and had me sit in the scooter while he drove. But he did NOT secure the scooter, so when he turned a corner, my scooter (with me on it) started to tip over! I caught myself but banged up my wrist. When I arrived at Epcot I called Mears management to complain, and later that day a manager called me back to apologize. He said drivers are always supposed to secure the scooters. Bottom line, I was not impressed with Mears for scooter transportation.

 

[TiffFromTX]

Thank you for letting me know! The representative was very specific in telling me not to do the taxis but to do the shuttles instead, so I wonder if that makes a difference in timing etc? I wish they'd just bring Minnie Vans back!

 

[Tiggerish]

Do you know how to figure out the cost for the shuttles? I'm wanting to price from Beach Club to AK and then from AK to Contemporary. Thank you!

For the shuttle from the airport to the convention hotel, I used the website. I made the reservation online including the need for transportation of my power wheelchair and was quoted a price. I think I might have even prepaid or given a credit card which was billed for the indicated amount on the day I traveled. For the taxi from the convention hotel to the Disney hotel, I paid what the meter showed but there was an place on the website for estimating the cost so I had an idea of the cost.

 

[TiffFromTX]

For the shuttle from the airport to the convention hotel, I used the website. I made the reservation online including the need for transportation of my power wheelchair and was quoted a price. I think I might have even prepaid or given a credit card which was billed for the indicated amount on the day I traveled. For the taxi from the convention hotel to the Disney hotel, I paid what the meter showed but there was an place on the website for estimating the cost so I had an idea of the cost.

Thank you!! I guess I'll try it then

 

[SueM in MN]

Bumping for new readers

 

[ilgirl51]

This was the latest thread I could find on ECV's. My parents are going in December, and my dad will be in an ECV. It's my understanding that the Minnie Vans aren't up and running yet. They won't have a car, so is their best option the resort bus? They are staying at the Yacht Club, so it's just about getting to & from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and a couple of dinners at other resorts. (They can get to and from Epcot all right.)

It would be difficult for them to wait for an hour for a resort bus. It sounds like the Mears shuttle might be an option, but I can't tell if they are reliable/good. Has anyone used them recently?

We will be with them at a different resort, but our car isn't big enough to hold an ECV either. We'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

 

[bluecruiser]

On my last trip (in 2018) I mentioned at the Magical Express check-in desk at MCO that I would have problems if I had to stand for a long time in line since I have arthritis in both knees. They took me to a bench where I could sit and wait for my bus to be called.

I assume they still have the bench, but I haven't been to the airport since that trip. I'll be there later this week, so I'll try to keep an eye out for the bench and post back here what I find.

 

[lanejudy]

It would be difficult for them to wait for an hour for a resort bus. It sounds like the Mears shuttle might be an option, but I can't tell if they are reliable/good. Has anyone used them recently?

Are you asking about WDW resort to parks transportation? Or transportation from MCO to a WDW resort?

I would not plan Mears unless they want an accessible taxi somewhere. Maybe if going directly between resorts.

From YC to MK take the WDW bus. Any other transportation to MK drops at the TTC while WDW bus goes much closer to the entrance gate. I would also use the bus to AK.

 

[ilgirl51]

Ah, thanks. I will tell them to take the bus from YC to MK. They are already using ME to get from the airport to their resort. Maybe since they're leaving a bit later from YC to go to MK (around 9:30) the lines will be shorter? (Or maybe that's wishful thinking from someone who usually does rope drop.) To go from resort to resort, maybe they could get the accessible taxi through Mears.

 

[mamabunny]

Ah, thanks. I will tell them to take the bus from YC to MK. They are already using ME to get from the airport to their resort. Maybe since they're leaving a bit later from YC to go to MK (around 9:30) the lines will be shorter? (Or maybe that's wishful thinking from someone who usually does rope drop.) To go from resort to resort, maybe they could get the accessible taxi through Mears.

They can "hub" from one Resort (say, YC) to another (example: WL) by simply hopping on the first theme park bus that shows up. Every Park has transportation to every Resort on Disney property, so you have plenty of chances to grab a bus that will get you... somewhere! LOL

If you are starting at a Resort, you can also "hub" through Disney Springs; there is another bus station there for every Disney Resort as well.

From Yacht or Beach, you can also just catch the boat to HS, and then it's a fairly short walk around to the bus station there. (Which in my opinion is the very best way to go, because I loves me a Disney boat ride! LOL). From HS there are a few Resorts that are directly served by the Skyliner as well.

 

[ilgirl51]

I like those ideas! Thank you!!

 

[Goldelpack]

Resurrecting with questions! I normally visit WDW, stay on property, have my own transportable lightweight scooter & rent a heavy duty on site scooter for longer battery usage. Never any issues with transportation so far. In March I decided to take a trip to UNIVERSAL thinking I'd not be going to WDW... well that changed and I'm planning on going from the Adventura Resort at Universal to AK then returning from ST back to Adventura on 1 day and another day going to the MK from Adventura and then returning from EPCOT. I will have my heavy duty ECV with me so I will require a vehicle where I can drive it on, roll it on or whatever - I have been considering Mears shuttle for this - does any one have experience, thoughts or suggestions on it? I can't find a place to indicate the need for an accessible vehicle on Mears' website. Since my days include park hopping it's not round trip - and I wonder if there's any tips for making sure this works?