Mears vs Uber/Lyft to/from MCO

[Bostonjetset]

I have a trip coming up mid-May, 2 adults staying at POP. I’ve looked into Mears and it seems the price for 2 people is similar to what an Uber would cost. Is there a reason to consider the Mears bus? Generally I prefer private transport because I can go when I want rather than waiting for a bus to fill or being required to get to the airport 3 hours early for a domestic flight. If there was a considerably savings (like the free ME that used to exist) it would be one thing but for a similar cost to Uber why do so many people use Mears?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I have a trip coming up mid-May, 2 adults staying at POP. I’ve looked into Mears and it seems the price for 2 people is similar to what an Uber would cost. Is there a reason to consider the Mears bus? Generally I prefer private transport because I can go when I want rather than waiting for a bus to fill or being required to get to the airport 3 hours early for a domestic flight. If there was a considerably savings (like the free ME that used to exist) it would be one thing but for a similar cost to Uber why do so many people use Mears?

If you need a car seat, Uber gets much more expensive and more difficult to book.

If you need two car seats, Uber is pretty much impossible.

 

[Bostonjetset]

If you need a car seat, Uber gets much more expensive and more difficult to book.

If you need two car seats, Uber is pretty much impossible.

Ah that makes sense. But for those without children Uber is the better bet?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Ah that makes sense. But for those without children Uber is the better bet?

I prefer to drive myself but if I wasn't going to rent a car and I didn't have some crazy amount of luggage, yeah that's what I'd do.

 

[Tink415]

I think Uber or taxi could cost twice as much as current Mears Connect price.
taxi estimate about $60 one way + tip
Mears Connect $64 round trip for 2 people

 

[JimMIA]

I think Uber or taxi could cost twice as much as current Mears Connect price.
taxi estimate about $60 one way + tip
Mears Connect $64 round trip for 2 people

UberX (up to 3 people) would be about $35 each way + tip...much less than taxi.

 

[Tink415]

Admittedly I haven’t used Uber in Orlando since the pandemic. But I’m very familiar with using it in my area and I’m sick of Uber surge pricing.

 

[Bostonjetset]

UberX (up to 3 people) would be about $35 each way + tip...much less than taxi.

Those are the rates I’ve seen as well (give or take a few dollars) when I looked. Which is basically the same price per person as taking Mears. Unless one is traveling alone (or with the need for a car seat as previously mentioned) it seems a much better option as it’s private, on demand, and doesn’t make other stops along the way.

 

[JimMIA]

Those are the rates I’ve seen as well (give or take a few dollars) when I looked. Which is basically the same price per person as taking Mears. Unless one is traveling alone (or with the need for a car seat as previously mentioned) it seems a much better option as it’s private, on demand, and doesn’t make other stops along the way.

@Tink415 was correct on the taxi pricing, however. Taxi would run about double the cost of Mears Connect.

 

[JimMIA]

Admittedly I haven’t used Uber in Orlando since the pandemic. But I’m very familiar with using it in my area and I’m sick of Uber surge pricing.

Right, the price could change somewhat even without a surge. Uber/Lyft prices are "dynamic" meaning they fluctuate depending on demand. You can often get a somewhat higher price and the driver is not getting one penny extra.

Also, several years ago, Uber/Lyft stopped using multipliers for the driver's part of surge. So you may pay some multiple of the normal price and the driver might only get a "surge" of $1-$2.

Maybe one of the current drivers in the Orlando area can give some idea of how often the airport surges.

 

[Lewisc]

Maybe one of the current drivers in the Orlando area can give some idea of how often the airport surges.

I'm not a driver and I'm not a local.The times I check rates multiple times a day at least once or twice prices are high. Current X pricing is almost $60.

I've seen Uber X prices over $100. Uncertainty about ride share pricing is reason why some guests want price certainly of Mears Connect or a pre-booked car service.

 

[JimMIA]

I'm not a driver and I'm not a local.The times I check rates multiple times a day at least once or twice prices are high. Current X pricing is almost $60.

Yeah, that gives you an idea of how much it can vary. When I checked it at 2:30 PM today, it was $34.50 from MCO to Disney Springs. $60 would really be a lot for that ride, IMO. I wouldn't pay that.

 

[Ensusieasm]

I have a trip coming up mid-May, 2 adults staying at POP. I’ve looked into Mears and it seems the price for 2 people is similar to what an Uber would cost. Is there a reason to consider the Mears bus? Generally I prefer private transport because I can go when I want rather than waiting for a bus to fill or being required to get to the airport 3 hours early for a domestic flight. If there was a considerably savings (like the free ME that used to exist) it would be one thing but for a similar cost to Uber why do so many people use Mears?

I use Mears because I don’t use Uber Or Lyft.

 

[MAFreeze]

I have an upcoming trip and only recently learned that ME was gone. So I'm having a similar debate with myself as the OP. For what it's worth, I just checked Uber fares from the Polynesian to MCO. I checked at 9:50a Orlando time, today (a Sunday morning). UberX was $38, XL was $53. Lyft was at $38, Lyft XL $42. I have a family of four so require XL service and, at least at the moment, XL is cheaper than Mears for my one-way needs. For me, I use Uber/Lyft a lot and much prefer having a little more control over my agenda rather than being at the mercy of a bus that might drop me off at the airport several hours before I otherwise wish to be there. I typically monitor available cars, traffic, and understand my back-up options should cars suddenly and unexpectedly become unavailable. But that's me and other people, understandably, place greater value in a set schedule/price. While there's a good chance I won't, I'd be OK paying more in transportation costs if that means I can sleep in a little longer, not rush that final breakfast at the Poly, let the kids get in one last swim, etc. Considering the amount of money I will have just handed Disney for a Cruise/Park/Resort vacation for a family of four, even the worst surge pricing would hardly give me pause.

 

[Bostonjetset]

I have an upcoming trip and only recently learned that ME was gone. So I'm having a similar debate with myself as the OP. For what it's worth, I just checked Uber fares from the Polynesian to MCO. I checked at 9:50a Orlando time, today (a Sunday morning). UberX was $38, XL was $53. Lyft was at $38, Lyft XL $42. I have a family of four so require XL service and, at least at the moment, XL is cheaper than Mears for my one-way needs. For me, I use Uber/Lyft a lot and much prefer having a little more control over my agenda rather than being at the mercy of a bus that might drop me off at the airport several hours before I otherwise wish to be there. I typically monitor available cars, traffic, and understand my back-up options should cars suddenly and unexpectedly become unavailable. But that's me and other people, understandably, place greater value in a set schedule/price. While there's a good chance I won't, I'd be OK paying more in transportation costs if that means I can sleep in a little longer, not rush that final breakfast at the Poly, let the kids get in one last swim, etc. Considering the amount of money I will have just handed Disney for a Cruise/Park/Resort vacation for a family of four, even the worst surge pricing would hardly give me pause.

Pretty much my thoughts. Mears seems to be best for those needing special accommodations (car seats, handicapped capabilities, etc) or solo travelers that will save a decent amount as they’ve no one to split costs with.
Enjoy your trip! Jealous you are staying at the Poly. It’s my fave but those prices! Lol. Well trek over from Coronado Springs for an ‘Ohana dinner at least.

 

[Tink415]

This was for yesterday, Saturday
About 1pm Bonnet Creek area to MCO:
least expensive option for all - tip not included
Mears taxi $53
Uber $48
Lyft $28

 

[Nana2Callie]

I'm really leaning toward Mears for the price and safety; but at the same time don't want to return to the airport hours before necessary on our departure day.

 

[Bostonjetset]

I'm really leaning toward Mears for the price and safety; but at the same time don't want to return to the airport hours before necessary on our departure day.

What are your concerns with safety? I’ve used both Uber and Lyft for years in various cities around the country (as well as in Mexico City in fact where it’s amazing) and never felt concerned with safety. I suppose if you are a solo, female traveler waiting for an Uber at 2am from a dive bar there may be a reason for concern based on some very occasional new stories one hears. But from a huge international airport?

 

[lurkernj]

DH and I were just at the Dolphin 3/31-4/4 and used Lyft. I just checked my records and our trip from MCO to the Dolphin with 20% tip was $50 even (this was 12:05p on a Thursday). Our trip from Dolphin to MCO was $40.80 including 20% tip at 4:22pm on a Monday. Well worth the extra $20ish roundtrip to not have to wait for bus to fill, stop at multiple resorts, and leave 3 hrs before flight. Lyft is often a few $$ less than Uber, but that's not always the case. We check both aps before booking one.

 

[Nana2Callie]

Single woman traveling with granddaughter.