Sunshine Flyer (New Magic Express)

[Bellecruiser]

We are trying the Sunshine Flyer (Mears replacement for The Magic Express) next time we go to WDW, in February. So far so good! The website was easy to use and seemed much better than the DVC website. I got a confirmation email and number right away. I went to their website and signed up for round trip tickets for my husband and myself. $34 round trip per person...less than an Uber or Lyft. They have made big promises about moving us quickly out of the airport, and bringing us back with little to no wait.

i am interested in hearing about other people’s experience. But so far so good.

 

[vicarrieous]

Sunshine Flyer and Mears Connect are two separate services just FYI

 

[Bellecruiser]

Sunshine Flyer and Mears Connect are two separate services just FYI
[/QUOTE

Interesting. I did not know that. Thanks!

 

[vicarrieous]

Yep. Mears is operating Mears Connect with both a shared bus and direct express option. There is also Sunshine Flyer which is a themed shared bus experience. I don't think Sunshine flyer starts until Feb so it may be awhile before people have reviews or can share their experience.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We are trying the Sunshine Flyer (Mears replacement for The Magic Express) next time we go to WDW, in February. So far so good! The website was easy to use and seemed much better than the DVC website. I got a confirmation email and number right away. I went to their website and signed up for round trip tickets for my husband and myself. $34 round trip per person...less than an Uber or Lyft. They have made big promises about moving us quickly out of the airport, and bringing us back with little to no wait.

i am interested in hearing about other people’s experience. But so far so good.

Have looked at booking the Mears Connect but did not since they don't guarantee a bus vs a smaller transportation option. I think the Sunshine Flyer looks like the option - at least from how thy are marketing it. I also look forward to hearing the reviews once it begins operations.

 

[corpcomp]

Sunshine flyer seems to indicate that each trip is based on the passengers and where they are going. They indicated that:

"When the guest enters the Sunshine Flyer staging area the guest will not wait more than 20 minutes to board the bus, and the ride to the resorts is scheduled so the last stop will not take more than 65 minutes."

They also stated that they hope to have some kind of luggage service by Summer. That would win me over. With Mears Connect, you have to take your luggage off the bus in Disney Springs and then load it on another bus to your resort. What a pain. Thanks Disney.

 

[RoseGold]

Mears was an absolute nightmare when I went in early December. It was over 2.5 hours wheels down to WL. It stopped at SSR, OKW, Port Orleans, French Quarter, and THEN WL, the most expensive hotel on that list.

I would take Uber/Lyft, even if it meant lugging a carseat and picking up luggage.

I need wheelchair accessibility for a trip in a few months, and I am still trying to figure out a solution that doesn't involve Mears. I might even rent a van to avoid Mears.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Mears was an absolute nightmare when I went in early December. It was over 2.5 hours wheels down to WL. It stopped at SSR, OKW, Port Orleans, French Quarter, and THEN WL, the most expensive hotel on that list.

I would take Uber/Lyft, even if it meant lugging a carseat and picking up luggage.

I need wheelchair accessibility for a trip in a few months, and I am still trying to figure out a solution that doesn't involve Mears. I might even rent a van to avoid Mears.

I believe that the Sunshine connect may offer the wheelchair accessibility.

 

[RoseGold]

I believe that the Sunshine connect may offer the wheelchair accessibility.

The website looks like coaches, but they might be the repurposed ME buses, which would be perfect. I do think one of the options will be accessible. I might have to hold my nose and book some kind of service for that reason. Without a wheelchair, I'm going Lyft.

 

[corpcomp]

Sunshine flyer seems to indicate that each trip is based on the passengers and where they are going. They indicated that:

"When the guest enters the Sunshine Flyer staging area the guest will not wait more than 20 minutes to board the bus, and the ride to the resorts is scheduled so the last stop will not take more than 65 minutes."

They also stated that they hope to have some kind of luggage service by Summer. That would win me over. With Mears Connect, you have to take your luggage off the bus in Disney Springs and then load it on another bus to your resort. What a pain. Thanks Disney.

Sorry, the Disney Springs comment was my forgetting that is the train that eventually starts in another few years, not Mears.

 

[edk35]

Sunshine flyer seems to indicate that each trip is based on the passengers and where they are going. They indicated that:

"When the guest enters the Sunshine Flyer staging area the guest will not wait more than 20 minutes to board the bus, and the ride to the resorts is scheduled so the last stop will not take more than 65 minutes."

They also stated that they hope to have some kind of luggage service by Summer. That would win me over. With Mears Connect, you have to take your luggage off the bus in Disney Springs and then load it on another bus to your resort. What a pain. Thanks Disney.

You mean to tell me that the Mears buses do not go directly to the resorts like Magical Express did? You have to switch at Disney Springs??????

 

[CarolynFH]

You mean to tell me that the Mears buses do not go directly to the resorts like Magical Express did? You have to switch at Disney Springs??????

No, not at all. Mears goes to the resorts directly. The person posted later that they were thinking of the train that might stop at DS on its way between the airport and Tampa in the future.

 

[Mrs. Potts1341]

We had a terrible experience with ME this past December, which in all honesty at that point was just Mears still using the ME name. I say this because when I called to see where the heck the bus was that is what Disney told me. The bus was 1hr and 20min late, then decided to go 2 other resorts, though the bus was full. The driver went to those 2 resorts got out, talked with the people waiting for about 10 minutes each (who I am certain missed their flights), and then left without adding anyone, as the bus was full. This was all after he promised to head straight to the airport once we loaded the bus. We had 45 minutes to get our luggage tagged and checked at a packed SWA counter and through TSA, which was also packed, with 2 small children. Just as we arrived at our gate, they announced the start of boarding. NEVER AGAIN will I use Mears! I was so stressed and it was just a terrible ending to a fabulous trip! Sadly I have read on some FB posts similar experiences now that it is Mears. We are going to try Sunshine Flyer this May! Hoping for great and TIMELY service!

 

[edk35]

No, not at all. Mears goes to the resorts directly. The person posted later that they were thinking of the train that might stop at DS on its way between the airport and Tampa in the future.

Ohhhhh ok. Thanks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We used Mears Feb 26 and March 2, and were very pleased.

We saw a Sunshine Flyer bus twice while on our trip to the airport. I am happy for options, but Mears was very good. I have difficulty walking, and when we arrived at the airport, a luggage handler and a wheelchair was available for us. The driver had called ahead. We didn’t ask, but he definitely gave him an extra tip. We just figured we would manage somehow.