Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer merge shuttle services
Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer have officially announced their merger, combining their services to create a unified transportation entity that will offer 24-hour guest transportation from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resorts.
The newly formed service, known as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, will introduce enhanced booking capabilities, guaranteed 24/7 service, improved operational efficiencies, and a seamless experience to and from their preferred Walt Disney World Resort.
Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine distinguishes itself as the only 24-hour shuttle service catering to both A/B and C Terminals for both arrivals and departures.
With the merger, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine said in a news release that it aims to deliver superior guest service by leveraging the combined operational capabilities, sharing best practices, aligning marketing efforts, and providing the best possible experience that guests have come to expect from both Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer.
For Those With Reservations
The new service will begin Aug. 1, 2023 and dedicated hotline is available 24/7 to answer questions and assist guests regarding new reservations: (407) 423-5566.
For all existing reservations, unless otherwise provided, you can contact the customer care team on your confirmation email. Guests may also email during business hours: mearsconnect@mears.com.
Mears Connect guests will not be impacted and reservations will remain the same.
Sunshine Flyer guests traveling between July 14 and July 31 will receive an email using the email linked to the original reservation to confirm all travel instructions
Sunshine Flyer, a new themed motorcoach bus experience around old-fashioned passenger cars and train engines started running February 2022. The motorcoaches effectively served as time machines, offering a glimpse into 1920s rail travel with the staff dressed as 1920s rail conductors. The company started was created in response to Disney World closing the free Disney Magical Express shuttle service from Orlando International Airport to the Disney resorts. While the Magical Express was themed as Disney it was run by Mears Transportation.
“Through merging our operations, exchanging ideas, expanding services, and collaborating on what’s best for the guest, we firmly believe that we can deliver an even more exceptional guest experience, especially considering the challenges and opportunities in today’s travel market,” Rebecca K. Horton, Chief Operating Officer of Mears Transportation, said.
Mark Sherman, General Manager of the Sunshine Flyer, emphasized the benefits that the partnership will bring to guests, saying, “As partners, we will be able to provide our guests with even more features and advantages. Whether it’s round-the-clock service, express options, or private trips to put guests’ minds at ease the moment they arrive, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is going above and beyond for our guests. We are confident that our collaborative efforts will foster a creative environment, allowing us to focus on the customer experience and create magical moments for guests as soon as they touch down in Orlando.”
