NOW OPEN AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS...celebrating beloved Disney Characters, influenced by master artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera. The ambiance will extend

Fall 2019 Volume 23 Issue 4

NOW OPEN AT DISNEY ’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

The story of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge takes place directly after the events of “Star Wars: Episode VIII.”

Guests will explore the Black Spire Outpost which is the largest settlement on the planet Batuu.

In Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Guests will square off against mafia pilots and the First Order in a real smuggling run. Guests will be at the controls of the Millennium Falcon in a collaborative, interactive space simulator. Minimum Height Requirement: 38 inches

At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, Guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their very own lightsabers.

The Droid Depot will invite Guests to construct their own astromech droids by picking parts off of a conveyor belt to build 1 of 2 different core models (R-series or BB-series). Lightsabers and Droids are an additional cost.

Additional themed Merchandise and Food & Beverage locations are available throughout the land.

2 MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • Fall 2019

EMPLOYEE NEWS

Joy Fleming Talent Acquisition

Manager

David Crawford Motor Coach

Operator

Krista Estepa Senior Account

Executive

Bill MacLeod Motor Coach

Operator/Ghost Run Field Trainer

Trudy Malcolm Special Accounts

Coordinator

Joseph Lenart Vice President and Chief Information

Officer

25 YEARS 20 YEARS

Froilan Castaneda RuizShuttle Van Driver

Ricky Cupidan Shuttle Van Driver

Pedro Gil Motor Coach Operator

Tasheima Goins Motor Coach Operator

Patricia Hoover Motor Coach Parts

Counterperson

5 YEARS

10 YEARS 5 YEARS

Daniel Baran Motor Coach Operator

Christopher Luckie Motor Coach Operator

Erin LeonhardtSales Coordinator

Ralph Randall Software Development Manager IBM iSystems

Randal Browning Shuttle Van Driver

15 YEARS

Blanca Irizarry Disney’s Magical Express Boarding Representative

Elymar LozadaShuttle Van Driver

Laarni Mallo Disney’s Magical Express Boarding Representative

Charles Miles Shuttle Van Driver

Michael Murray Shuttle Van Driver

5 YEARS

3MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • Fall 2019

EMPLOYEE NEWS

1 YEAR

Ana AlbertyIvan AriasKaysha ArochoDavid BakerJohana BoteroMiracle BradleyRonney BurgosTammy ClaypoolSteven CookMartha Duran-AvilaTina Figueroa-Badillo

Lester GainesChris GambleRony Grullon RodriguezAndrew GuarraciJennifer GuerraJulio Guerra-BastidasAlvin Hernandez AuletSade HillCaleb JohnsonAly KassemSamantha Lester

Mita MarcRoland MarshAlan MaysJim McKennaAnthony MillerKevin NunleyAna OrtizTyshanna PhillipsRoderick PledgeNatacha PompilusCharles Raney

Jose Rivera-CedenoVladimir SantanaKimberly SantiagoJavier SantosChristopher ShackelfordPercy Stribling IIITerry SturdivantMariangelick Velez RodriguezHannah WhiteShelia Williams-Turner

Maurice Perdomo Shuttle Van Driver

Marc PizzellaStretch Limousine Chauffeur

Alex Ramos Motor Coach Mechanic

PM Lead

Tanaysha Thompson Sales Manager

5 YEARS

SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY 2019

Back-to-School in StyleEach year, July signals the start of back-to-school shopping, and this year was no exception. Once again our employees and independent contractors received assistance with this annual expense. A total of 238 children received bags of school supplies this year, which were distributed to department managers to hand out on August 9. All told, a whopping 14,032 items were purchased to fill these bags! Special thanks to the donors and volunteers who helped make this year’s school supply giveaway possible.

VOLUNTEERS

David BarkerAriel ChristensonLydia CortezDon EdwardsEmily EnixJoy FlemingKialah GuerrieroJulie James

DONORS

Ackerman LLP - Russ HaleAdvent Health - Debbie Swartwood America’s Office SourceCIGNA - Cory Norbutus Crimeline - Barb BerginHumana - Erica TewariMarsh - Jay SimioneWalter KetchumW.B. Mason

Marcy LapetinaJoanna MatiasRene MosqueraPamela OcanaKathy OrtizAngelic QuinonesAlyssa RobinsonZoie Young


COMPANY NEWS

Mears Motor Coach Operators serve thousands of Disney guests every day. Recently, our “Mystery Shopper” observed the following drivers aboard Disney’s Magical Express (DME). Congratulations to each of these for earning a DME Perfect Shopper Report and courtesy award!

EXAMPLES OF EXCELLENCE

Horace Boreland Edwin Diaz (2 perfect reports)

Waheed El Wakeal Carmelo Garcia Pablo A. Garcia (3 perfect reports)

Vicente Garcia Pedro Gil Gaston Glasgow Waldemar Guzman Rivera

Jean Hector

Syed Jaffar Henry Jimenez Jones Joachim (2 perfect reports)

Thomas Kirtley (2 perfect reports)

Rafael Malave

Harold Martin Santiago Mendez Nelson Monsanto Benjamin Ortega(4 perfect reports)

Gus Pimentel

Henderson Ribeiro Lucner Richard Herney Rojas Mickey Simic Daniel Tawdross Craig Thompson


COMPANY NEWS

VISION STATEMENTMears Transportation Group’s

commitment is to be the best

service-oriented company in the

hospitality industry by exceeding our

customers’ expectations in all aspects

of our business. By continuing to

improve our services, our rewards

will be job satisfaction, security and

profit. We will continue to grow and

expand our existing business and

embrace the latest technology, for

the betterment of our clients.

Motor Coach Operator Steven Cook sends KUDOS to Motor Coach Operator Jason Sparkman:

“Just a shout-out to let you know that I have observed a good positive attitude towards other drivers and guests by Jason Sparkman on several occasions.”

Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm

Manager On Duty Ron Doucet sends KUDOS to Motor Coach Operator Mark Laffien:

“Mark has been an outstanding backup driver for Mears. He does everything we ask of him without complaint. On several occasions he has gone above and beyond the call of duty in assisting us. I’m hoping he can be recognized for his outstanding service.” Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect

Senior Operations Manager/Disney’s Magical Express (DME) Nelson Pimentel sends KUDOS to Motor Coach Operator Leverenzel “Popeye” Booth:

“A much-deserved thank you to Popeye for helping us out at the Coronado Springs resort. We needed a coach at the last minute and he volunteered to do a special trip for DME. Without his assistance, we would have had a service failure.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency

Rebecca K. Horton, VP of Operations, shares the following announcement:

Please join in congratulating Alex Colon on his promotion to Mears - KPMG Lakehouse Operations Manager. Alex started his career with Mears as a Contract Service Manager in 2013, supporting the Luxury Vehicle Operation in the field and becoming familiar

with multiple facets of our business. Alex left Mears to pursue other interests for a few years, and when he returned to us in 2017 as a Meetings Manager in the Sales Division, he brought new skills and experience in logistics, scheduling, negotiating and client relations. As a Meetings Manager Alex has been responsible for operating multiple large per-person programs for Mears utilizing motor coaches and luxury vehicles. He has demonstrated his ability to be detail-oriented, a creative problem solver and a positive liaison with clients. Alex’s skillset, professionalism and enthusiasm will continue his success with Mears. I am excited to see him develop and advance with this new and exhilarating opportunity. In the Mears - KPMG Lakehouse Operations Manager role Alex will be reporting to Arlyn Moore. Located in Lake Nona, the property is expected to be fully operational in January.

Lee Bradley, Director of Motor Coach Operations writes:

“Motor Coach Operator Luis Castro was awarded

a certificate of achievement by the Florida Highway Patrol

for providing extraordinary service while working with them on a recent trip to Miami. Congratulations to Luis for a job well done!”

KUDOS ON THE MOVE


LOCAL NEWS

Sources: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disney-skyliner, https://dis-neyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/07/grand-destino-tower-opens-at-disneys-corona-do-springs-resort/, https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_GB/resorts/riviera-resort/

DISNEY SKYLINER SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS

Now Guests can take to the skies—travel by aerial gondola for a bird’s-eye

view of Walt Disney World Resort. Aboard this innovative twist

on flight, Guests discover a new way to travel. The state-of-the-art gondola system conveniently connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and International Gateway at Epcot

to the following hotels: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Art of

Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort and Riviera Resort.

Some of the gondolas are adorned with iconic Disney Characters, figures from Disney attractions and

film favorites, which makes getting around even more magical as Guests travel above the treetops between each of these locations.

Now Open!GRAN DESTINO TOWER AT CORONADO SPRINGS

The new Gran Destino Tower officially opened to guests on July 9 with a festive celebration, completing a multiyear re-imagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort that also includes new restaurants, a new arrival experience and more.

The new tower rises dramatically on the southeastern shores of Lago Dorado (“Golden Lake”). It offers 545 modern guest rooms (including 50 suites and club-level services), a grand two-story lobby, new meeting venues, new lounges and a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views. The distinctive tower is the new gateway to the 2,385-room resort.

The Disney Download: NEW EXPERIENCES ALL AROUND

Coming Soon! DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT

Projected to open in December 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort will celebrate the grandeur of Europe—which has long inspired some of the greatest Disney stories with its castles and fairy-tale villages. Here, you can create your own great Disney story in the middle of the magic. At the end of each day, warm and stylish accommodations will welcome you, with a full range of options from cozy Tower Studios to spacious 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.

WHAT MAKES THIS RESORT HOTEL UNIQUE?

• The driveway leading to the striking façade of Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Style, artistry and Disney Touches• A restaurant with panoramic views and

modern furniture • Rooftop dining experience inspired by Europe’s cliffside restaurants• A full range of room options with stylish accommodations that

invite guests to channel the relaxation of life along the Riviera. • NEW! Tower Studios – these accommodate up to 2 Guests• Designed to capture the magic of Europe that Walt Disney fell in

love with once upon a time.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed home by a palm tree-lined boulevard and the striking façade of this Resort hotel. From the grand archways and porticos to the tower and terraces, Disney’s

Riviera Resort will be a modern masterpiece of imagination, with each detail drawing upon the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean.

In the main lobby, you’ll find yourself in an elegant setting appointed with a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century

furnishings. You’ll also discover a unique art collection celebrating beloved Disney Characters, influenced by master

artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera.

The ambiance will extend outdoors—where beautiful gardens, bubbling fountains, lush landscaping and a serene waterfront will beckon you to enjoy scenic strolls.


CUSTOMER COMMENTS“I’d like to send a compliment to Disney’s Magical Express Lead Traci Kuen at the airport. She helped me navigate the maze of velvet ropes and made it easier for my bum knee. Thank you, Traci!”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Safety

“The Best Man arrived at the Wedding Pavilion early and told us he forgot his dress shoes. He was wearing old running shoes and didn’t want to wear them during the ceremony. We tried to brainstorm places nearby for him to go and buy dress shoes, but since it was early it was difficult. HUGE thank you to Stretch Limousine Chauffeur Rob White for letting us borrow his shoes for the ceremony.”

Senior Sales Manager, Disney Sales Team Nick Stein adds: “Kudos to Rob. He went way above and beyond for this guest. I am sure this couple will remember his kind gesture for years to come.”

Core Value: Enthusiasm

Disney Sales Coordinator Sue Leinberger and Motor Coach Operator Chuck Dolan:

“A big thank you for an excellent driver, Chuck Dolan, for the Out & Equal VVIP high profile event. We received a big compliment from the Disney Senior Service Manager for Charles. We were told he did the ‘extra little things’ that were so important and made a big difference to the guests!

“Thank you so much and please pass the compliment along, with much appreciation, to Charles for a job very, very well done!”


Motor Coach Operator Exie Stevenson:

“What an amazing motor coach operator I had on Disney’s Magical Express! Exie, you truly know how to welcome visitors with the Disney magic!”


“Motor Coach Operator Emmanuel Oroye has awesome guest service skills. It was like watching a highlight reel at his stop at Royal Pacific. Welcomed his passengers, especially little kids, and assisted guests with carry-on items.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect

“Motor Coach Operator William Reardon is very friendly and a joy to work with!”


“Special thanks to Motor Coach Operator Wesley Victor for helping to reunite a missing child with their mother. Job well done.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Safety

“We had a wonderful experience on Disney’s Magical Express from Bay Lake Tower to the airport with Motor Coach Operator Gregory Moore. He made the ride not only safe and efficient, but also enjoyable and humorous for kids and a family bummed to leave their Disney vacation to head home.

“Please pass along my praise and feedback to Gregory and we’ll see him next time on our way to ‘The Third Floor’ at Orlando airport.”

Core Values: Respect, Safety & Enthusiasm

Sales Manager Ortancis Gaines and Motor Coach Operator Merry Meyer:

“Thank you for the excellent service provided by your company for the Martin, Williams, Reese family. Your company will be highly recommended by the family for any groups needing transfer in the Orlando area.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect

Sales Manager Ortancis Gaines and Motor Coach Operators Dan Lawler, Jean Pierre and Monta Williams:

“Thank you for your great partnership with the Terez Group. They were all over the place but the transportation was flawless!”


“I would like to highly praise the service of Shuttle Van Driver Todd Affricano.

“He went out of his way to greet us at the airport at 6 a.m. and offer us a ride on his shuttle. He was extremely helpful in giving us information about the area, where to find good inexpensive meals near our hotels and other info we needed.

“One would think he owned the company – he had such good rapport and wanted to please in every way. If you can promote him, I highly recommend it!” Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm

Park Inn by Radisson (computer code #1244)

is nowDays Hotel by Wyndham Celebration

3011 Maingate LaneKissimmee, FL 34747

407-396-1400Shuttle Zone 4

Luxury Vehicle Zone 162Taxi Zone 354


CUSTOMER COMMENTSTravel Industry Sales Coordinator José Ulmos and Motor Coach Operators Ricardo Jean and Michael Siplin:

“Thank you for recently working with Gerber Tours to provide trip services for our customers. All our clients are sent surveys to complete after they return home. In our continuing efforts to provide the best possible service to our clients we recognize how important it is to let you know how they perceived their experience with you. “Comments: - The bus transportation provided was clean

and well maintained: Strongly Agree - The bus was relatively new: Strongly Agree - The driver was friendly and courteous: Strongly Agree - The driver was safe: Strongly Agree - The driver was always punctual: Strongly Agree - I would request this driver again: Strongly Agree”

Core Values: Respect, Safety, Efficiency & Enthusiasm

“Motor Coach Operator Eric Hummel did an awesome job assisting a fellow driver. He maneuvered his motor coach in such a fashion that allowed [the other driver] to move under cover safely in the rain. Thank you, Eric!”

Core Values: Safety & Enthusiasm

“Chrissie from Universal Security had high praise for Motor Coach Operator Marco Moreno. There was an emergency situation on the bus and Marco was very helpful with the passengers. He conducted himself in a very professional manner and was helpful with security.”

Core Values: Safety, Respect & Enthusiasm

“#CastCompliment Motor Coach Operator Gregory Moore from Disney’s Magical Express. The dude loves his job and it shows.”


Senior Sales Coordinator Rachel Bustamante and Motor Coach Operators Luis Castro and Edward Porter:

“Thank you for your help organizing the coaches for our event and your patience in the lead-up. The guests had a great time and the evening went very smoothly.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Efficiency

“I wanted to pass along my thanks to Customer Service Supervisor June Johannessen. We had an odd situation. There was a possibility that Pop Century needed to move Guests in 262 rooms due to an electrical issue in one of their buildings. The duty manager from Pop Century called and asked if Disney’s Magical Express could supply a motor coach to assist with moving Guests. We spoke with Brian at the airport who directed us to Special Accounts. I called and got June just to give them a heads-up, as I wasn’t sure how billing would work.

“June was AWESOME! So polite and professional. She understood the situation and while we didn’t have a 100% answer for where to charge it, she found an option that would work to assist the resort and allow us to resolve the billing. I greatly appreciated her quick thinking and willingness to be a helpful partner. It was such an odd request (not one that I’ve gotten in my 4.5 years here), but she was willing to find a solution.

“Thankfully the resort did not need to move those Guests. The engineering team was able to correct the issue and keep everyone at the resort. So, it all ended well and we didn’t need the motor coach. However, what an awesome feeling to know that June had our back so that we could assist the resort.”

Vice President of Operations Rebecca Horton adds:

“This is awesome! I, too, have a kudos to submit for June. I was approached by Bret Voisin, Vice President of Marketing, to advise he had a last-minute change for a VIP client. He called Special Accounts and talked to June. He said June was just great to work with. She was not completely in the know of what he was asking for, but took her time and professionally took care of it. Bret was impressed. Thank you, June! Super kudos.”

Core Values: Respect, Efficiency & Enthusiasm

NOW OPEN AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS...celebrating beloved Disney Characters, influenced by master artists who found inspiration along the European Riviera. The ambiance will extend

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