Sunshine Flyer Announces Merger with Mears Connect

Earlier today Sunshine Flyer, a provider of transportation between the Orlando airport and Disney World hotels, announced that it would merge with Mears Connect which provides the same service. The two companies have been the best-known providers of motorcoach transportation between Disney World and MCO since the demise of Disney’s free Magical Express in January 2022. Mears Connect began operations the day after the last Magical Express pulled away from the terminal, and Sunshine Flyer opened its doors just a month later on February 1.

The merger will be complete on August 1, 2023. Guests arriving and departing in July will travel on Sunshine Flyer; all other guests will travel on the new service: Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. Guests with currently booked reservations should have automatically received an email with reservation numbers for the new system; if additional tickets are needed, they can be obtained by calling (407) 423-5566. All other reservation management can be done through the reservation portal using the reservation number in the email. For other questions, see Sunshine Flyer’s FAQ page.

Sunshine Flyer has been known for its transportation-themed motorcoaches and costumed conductors, offering a touch of theming before you even arrived at Disney World. The themed transportation will not continue with Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. Here’s the company’s response to questions about this decision:

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine provides 24/7 service, express options, or a private trip to ease guests’ minds the minute they step off the plane, together, Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is delivering more to our guests. We are confident that our collaborative efforts will promote a creative atmosphere and will allow us to focus on the customer experience and kick off the magic of a Walt Disney World® vacation the moment they touch down in Orlando.

Does that seem like it doesn’t say much to answer the question? I thought so too. Then again, as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine will now be the only game in town for motorcoach transportation between MCO and WDW, it seems like guests don’t have much of a say, either.

Did you use the Sunshine Flyer? How do you feel about this news? Let us know in the comments!