Brightline & Mears Transportation Announce Partnership

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Brightline has announced a partnership with Mears Transportation that will see the latter’s fleet “incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service . . . enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction.” As part of the partnership, Mears Transportation will power “Shared Connect Shuttle” and “Luxury Private Ride,” services that will offer transportation between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort.

Brightline, Mears Transportation Announce Partnership

brightline stock featured

The announcement coincides with the upcoming commencement of Brightline services between five South Florida stations and Orlando International Airport. Brightline will start to offer those services on September 22, its new partnership with Mears Transportation offering several ways for those who travel via Brightline to get to their ultimate destination.

rightline launched in 2018 as a rail service connecting Miami and West Palm Beach. The line currently services five South Florida stations and will add Orlando International Airport to its offerings this week. Service will ultimately extend (close to) the borders of Walt Disney World Resort, as the company plans to build a Brightline station near Disney Springs. Plans for a Brightline station near the site of Universal’s forthcoming Epic Universe have also been revealed.

Mears Transportation is an Orlando-based transportation service that has long provided shuttles between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. It started offering Mears Connect in 2022 after Disney ended its Disney’s Magical Express Service. Mears Connect formally merged with Sunshine Flyer, a similar service, in August of this year.

Read the full press release from Brightline announcing the partnership below.

BRIGHTLINE ANNOUNCES ORLANDO TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS

Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health and various popular destinations within the region. The Mears Transportation fleet will be incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service, Brightline+, available on its mobile app and website, enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction. Additionally, Brightline guests wishing to reserve a car may enjoy special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.

The new Brightline+ Shared Connect Shuttle and Luxury Private Ride powered by Mears allow guests to effortlessly extend their journey by reserving transportation to and from Orlando International Airport’s Brightline train station. Reservations can be made during the booking process or added by modifying a trip closer to travel dates beginning October 4. Once booked, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers. 

“Last mile connectivity is an integral piece of the travel experience for our guests, Mears is the respected transportation leader in Central Florida and will be a valuable partner delivering our  Brightline+  service  in Orlando,” said Michael Lefevre, vice president of operations for Brightline. “Mears Transportation is familiar to Orlando travelers and a brand that aligns seamlessly with the level of hospitality our guests know and love.”  

“As an Orlando based company, we are excited to welcome Brightline to Orlando and the Brightline guests traveling to and from the Orlando Station,” said Rebecca K Horton COO – Mears Transportation Group. “What a great addition to the Orlando area, connecting people between South and Central Florida! Brightline guests will have the opportunity to use Mears Luxury & Mears Connect services, pending their destination. We are grateful for the partnership with Brightline and our team is eager to get started.”

BRIGHTLINE+ IN ORLANDO

  • Shared Connect Shuttles Powered by Mears: Say hello to Orlando’s exclusive 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service. Effortlessly connect to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts. Exceptional convenience comes standard: one-way adult fares start at just $16, and child fares begin at $13. As a bonus, little adventurers aged 3 and under ride for free.
  • Luxury Private Rides Powered by Mears: For guests seeking to elevate their Orlando travels to the level of luxury they’ve come to expect from Brightline+, we introduce Luxury Private Rides powered by Mears. Arrive in style at your Orlando destination aboard our carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans. Elegance is just a booking away, with rates starting at $63 per vehicle.

BRIGHTLINE+ IN SOUTH FLORIDA 

  • Fixed Route Shuttles: offer pickup and dropoff service to and from Brightline MiamiCentral and Fort Lauderdale Stations with complimentary shuttles to and from Aventura Mall at Brightline Aventura Station. Shuttles depart 10 minutes after each train arrival.
  • Airport Shuttles: bi-directional, fixed route shuttles provide pick ups at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) at a flat rate of $10 per person and can be paid upon boarding shuttles. Live Airport Connector shuttle status can be tracked here. 
  • Neighborhood Electric Vehicles powered by Circuit: complimentary, all-electric, walk-up, first-and-last-mile shuttle with services around stations and nearby downtown areas in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. 
  • Special Event Shuttles: offer complimentary direct service to select games and events including the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Inter Miami, Miami Dolphins and events at Hard Rock Stadium.
  • Scooter rentals, BrightBike and CitiBike rentals are available at all south Florida stations.

Avis Car Rentals are now available in Orlando joining MiamiCentral, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura Mall Stations. In Orlando, guests can reserve a rental car available in Terminal C, a short walk from the Train Station. In addition to enjoying BrightLine preferred pricing, guests can manage their rental by downloading the Avis app.  

BRIGHTLINE+ UBER ORLANDO AND SOUTH FLORIDA

Riders can utilize private rides powered by Uber and its multiple mobility options in Central and South Florida, which can be reserved during the train booking process on the Brightline app or website. This Brightline+ service includes complimentary private rides available for PREMIUM ticket holders within a five-mile radius of all Brightline South Florida stations (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach). 

Brightline+ was launched in South Florida in 2021 to make it seamless for guests to connect to Brightline stations and surrounding destinations. For more information and details on Brightline+ including Orlando connectivity options visit gobrightline.com/mobility.

BRIGHTLINE ORLANDO TICKETS 

Tickets between Orlando and Miami are now on sale for travel through March 2024 with one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25 percent on SMART fares. One-way PREMIUM fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Purchase tickets now at  gobrightline.com.

Intoxicated woman leads police on chase aboard her motorized suitcase through Orlando International Airport

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

If you’re one of the millions of non-Florida residents who visit the Walt Disney World every year and you choose to do so via plane, you’ll always get to Disney by way of Orlando International Airport, also known by its IATA airport code, MCO.

Every year, Orlando International Airport serves an average of 40 million passengers across one main terminal (called the North Terminal; the South Terminal is still under construction), four concourses, and 129 gates. In 2019, a record 50.6 million passengers passed through MCO’s gates. Of those passengers, nearly 7.2 million were traveling internationally, and close to 43.5 million passengers were traveling domestically.

Passengers making their way to the Most Magical Place on Earth account for a large part of MCO’s traffic, and Disney and Orlando International seem to work well together. Recently, in honor of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, part of the airport was dressed in its Disney and 50th best, giving Guests a taste of the magic from the very moment they disembarked their planes.

orlando airport disney's 50th

But as you might expect, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows (or in this case, pixie dust and fairy tales), even at an airport that plays a role in getting Guests to the vacation of a lifetime. According to WESH Channel 2, video of an incident has just recently surfaced that shows a wild exchange between a young woman and police at the Orlando Airport.

The officer bodycam footage released by the Orlando Police Department depicts an incident that began around 6:3o p.m. local time in April 2021 at the airport. According to an affidavit, officers were called to respond when a passenger became disorderly because she was intoxicated. She had been denied boarding because of her intoxication, which was observable by those around her as she slurred her speech and then began yelling at other passengers and airline representatives around her when she was told she would have to miss her flight.

disorderly passenger

The affidavit also describes the woman’s behavior as an officer attempted to explain to her why she couldn’t board the aircraft, stating that the young woman responded to the officer by “angrily rolling away, yelling profanities while atop a motorized luggage bag.” In the officer’s bodycam video, the woman can be seen riding away on her suitcase, and the officer even mentions that the suitcase really moves. He then mounts his bicycle and must pursue her on his bike as she “rolls” away.

bodycam on bike orlando police department

When the officer caught up with the intoxicated woman, he tried again to reason with her, but she spat on him. The officer remained extremely calm and patient with the woman, as is seen in the bodycam video, but after multiple extended attempts to curb her disorderly behavior, the officer declared, “You’re under arrest.” He placed handcuffs on her, at which time she spat in his eye.

passenger under arrest orlando international airport

As officers attempted to take the woman into custody, she reportedly kicked and grabbed at them. They were eventually able to get the woman into a police cruiser, where she proceeded to spit, urinate, and defecate.

The 31-year-old woman faces multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.

Homecomin’ Creator, Chef Art Smith, Opening Another Orlando Restaurant

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining

It’s easy to say that Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ — which opened in 2016 — may be one of the most popular places to eat in Disney Springs. Guests just can’t get enough of the classic Southern dishes like Church Lady Deviled Eggs, Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Catfish, and Hummingbird Cake. The restaurant is typically always booked 60 days out, and Guests will line up before the doors open in hopes of being able to get a coveted walk-up spot. Homecomin’ was even voted Best Southern Restaurant by Orlando Magazine, so you know its food is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Now, Art Smith has revealed that he will be opening a second restaurant — this time at the Orlando International Airport. Smith shared the news of his newest establishment — which will be called Sunshine Diner — on Facebook, saying:

Very excited to announce our first airport restaurant at Orlando International Airport,it’s taken many years but finally people from all over the world will get to taste us. Opening this summer 2022. Don’t expect anything like our other restaurants it will be unique and part of my dream to revitalize the great American diner. XOArt #SunshineDiner#ChefArtSmith

According to reports, Sunshine Diner is expected to open at Orlando International Airport this summer and will be located in the airport’s brand-new Terminal C, which will not open itself until July.

If you have not yet been able to dine at Homecomin’ in Disney Springs, here is more information on the in-demand eatery from the Walt Disney World website:

Enjoy the welcoming vibe at this down-home kitchen and shine bar! From starters to main plates, the eatery’s cuisine is inspired by Florida agriculture and the recipes of Chef Art’s family table.

Guests 21 and older can sip on creative libations—including signature moonshine craft cocktails—from the adjacent Southern Shine bar.

Join us for a special Southern-style brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

Tempt taste buds of all ages with a savory selection of feel-good dishes, including fried chicken and house-made sugar doughnuts, short rib hash and an open-faced biscuit topped with Chef Art’s famous fried chicken, 2 over-easy eggs, pimento cheese and pecan-smoked bacon smothered in sawmill gravy and served with a choice of side.

And what’s brunch without cocktails? Enjoy crafty libations including white peach sangria, mimosas with fresh-squeezed juices and an over-the-top Bloody Mary with all the fixins’. Pinkies up!

Reservations for Homecomin’ can be made up to 60 days in advance for those staying on Disney World property and up to 30 days in advance for all other Guests. You can make a reservation by visiting the Disney World website or checking availability on the My Disney Experience app.

Orlando International Airport Is Ready for The 50th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

If your Disney 50th anniversary plans include flying in to Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ll get to start celebrating the moment you land in Florida!

That’s because the airport has had a magical makeover, just in time for the 50th anniversary celebration of the opening of Walt Disney World!

The passenger arrival experience will be more magical than ever! When Guests arrive at Florida’s busiest airport, they will immediately be introduced to the Magic.

What’s in store for air travelers at Orlando International?

A complete art installation featuring the Fab 50 Character Collection has taken over the terminal train stations at the airport, and just outside the Magic of Disney Store in the East Hall, there are projections of EARidescent light patterns along the walkways and thoroughfares of that part of the airport.

Also at this location, Guests will walk past a 36-foot long video screen showcasing the shimmering EARidescence of the four parks “Beacons of Magic.” It is breathtaking!

A photo opportunity will be available to arriving Guests in the form of a golden teacup, nodding to the Mad Tea Party attraction at Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

The magically fun additions at the airport will remain in place for several months, so even if you can’t make it to the parks in October, you’ll still have the chance to be immersed in the Magic when you arrive!

The celebration continues as Guests arrive at their Disney World Resort hotels, as special surprises are planned for Guests who stay on property, beginning the first week of October. There will be special character appearances, and each one will be dressed in his or her EARidescent best.

Guests of Disney World Resort hotels will also be able to take advantage of the opportunity to enter selected parks early on certain days during the celebration.

There will literally be Magic around every corner at Walt Disney World as Guests arrive and join the World’s Most Magical Celebration!

Disney To Open New Store at Orlando International Airport

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is all it seems like anyone can talk about these days! While it’s going to be a magical celebration launching on October 1 within the Walt Disney World bubble, Disney has decided to carry the excitement beyond the “bubble”. This fall, guests traveling via Orlando International Airport will have a chance to experience a new Disney shop AND special 50th Anniversary décor while at the airport!

As shared by Disney: “With so much excitement ahead, we want you to feel immersed in the magic as soon as you arrive in Central Florida, which is why a talented group of cast members is hard at work transforming the arrival experience at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). Coming just in time for the 50th anniversary celebration this fall, airport passengers will discover many exciting Disney touches, including a wide-spanning art installation in the terminal train stations featuring favorite Disney characters, new magic engaging passengers as they walk through a glistening glow of projected EARidescent light patterns, and an immersive photo opportunity with a re-creation of a Disney ride vehicle to capture special memories as they make their way through the airport. As part of this special transformation at the airport, we’re excited to also be working with GOAA on a new Magic of Disney store location opening with the South Terminal Complex in 2022.”

We are just over 70 days away from “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”. This 50th Anniversary celebration is going to be one to remember. Kicking off on October 1, and lasting a full 18-months, we simply can’t wait for all the excitement! A new nighttime spectacular is coming to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT is debuting their Harmonious nighttime spectacular, and the new Ratatouille attraction, and the list of festivities just keeps coming! Are you making plans to visit Walt Disney World’s grand 50th Anniversary celebration? If you’re planning to travel through Orlando International Airport, be sure to save time to check out the new Disney store and special décor!