It’s hard to believe that Disney World’s Magical Express service is gone.

And for those who never got to use the service, this was Disney World’s FREE complimentary bus transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and Disney World hotels. But as of January 1st, 2022, a new paid service replaced Magical Express, but we have to admit, we think we’ve seen the buses that service uses before.

Okay, so here’s a little background. Disney World’s Magical Express buses were actually RUN by Mears, so when Disney announced it would suspend Magical Express, Mears stepped up with its own paid bus service that would get Disney World guests to and from their hotels and the Orlando Airport.

Today, while we watched a Mears Connect bus pick up guests at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, we thought the bus looked AWFULLY familiar. What do YOU see?

For reference, here’s what the old Magical Express buses looked like:

Do you see what we see? The Mears Connect bus looks just like the old Magical Express bus, but with a different exterior design. And, as we mentioned, Mears DID provide the Magical Express service for Disney World, so it’s likely this is the same bus.

Previously, we spotted Mears busses with a completely different design, so it’s nice to see a familiar design.

With that being said, if you plan on using the service soon, you’ll need to know what to look for. You’ll find NEW signage at the Orlando Airport that will lead you to the Mears Connect pick-up spot on Level 1 in Terminal B at the Orlando Airport. And yes, that’s where Magical Express used to be. You’ll check in there and hop on a bus that will take you to your resort.

On your return day, you’ll get confirmation from Mears Connect about the time your bus will pick you up at your Disney World resort. Then you’ll just need to look for signage at the hotel for Airport Transportation — your bus will pick you up there.

One of our readers recently used the new Mears Connect service and told us they had a positive experience with Mears, saying, “Mears had balloon arches and balloon palm trees and free sunglasses for each of us. They were so fun and kind and we are headed to the resort immediately with 4 of us on the bus!” They also mentioned that the video inside the bus now features several Orlando attractions instead of just Disney World.

And don’t forget that a second bus option is coming with The Sunshine Flyer in February — so you’ll have several options — in addition to rideshare and car rentals — to get to your Disney World hotel. And we’ll let you know more details as we have them!

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Will you be taking Mears Connect during your next Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments!

The post PHOTOS: The Magical Express Replacement Buses at Disney World Look Very Familiar… first appeared on the disney food blog.