now open at universal orlando: hagrid’s …...monta williams cfo john castle makes the following...

Summer 2019 Volume 23 Issue 3

Hagrid’s

Magical Creatures

Motorbike Adventure

N O W O P E N A T U N I V E R S A L O R L A N D O :

Immersive Environments, Unparalleled Thrills and Beloved Harry

Potter Characters Come to Life on the Epic New “Story Coaster” –

in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

From rich sets and an actual forest with 1,200 trees, to ground-breaking coaster technology and a captivating storyline, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will be Universal Orlando’s most highly-themed, immersive coaster experience yet.

EPIC THRILLS AWAIT WITHIN

THE FORBIDDEN FOREST…

Get ready to soar into one of the most mysterious places in the Wizarding World – the Forbidden Forest. Aboard magical motorbikes, guests actually feel the freedom of flight as they journey to the edge of the forest. They’ll ascend above the trees, rapidly accelerate through mysterious ruins, speed forward – and backward – as they search for the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.

YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS WHEN

YOU ENTER THE RUINS…

Before taking off on a journey through the Forbidden Forest, visitors enter ruins which appear to have been abandoned for centuries behind Hagrid’s hut. (These ruins were imagined and brought to life by Universal’s award-winning Creative team in collaboration with the Harry Potter films’ Production Designer and Art Director.) Hagrid now uses the ruins for groundskeeping at Hogwarts, and this is where guests’ Care of Magical Creatures class begins.

The new “story coaster” features innovative technology integrated seamlessly into the surrounding environments. Along the way, riders experience thrills never felt on a coaster before, including:

• The most launches of any roller coaster in the world – with 7 total launches

• Unexpectedly dropping nearly 17 feet on the first coaster in

the U.S. to feature a free-fall vertical drop

• Being catapulted 65 feet in the air at a more than

70-degree angle – and then immediately dropping backward in one movement

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will also be the longest roller coaster in Florida, measuring nearly a mile in length (5,053 feet).

Source: https://media.universalorlando.com/press-releases/hmcma-thrills-immersion/

As they make their way to the enchanted motorbikes, guests see materials from Hagrid’s class, including dragon eggs on the verge of hatching and a makeshift nursery where Hagrid kept his Blast-Ended Skrewts – the creatures that are being brought to life for this new adventure. Guests also encounter beloved characters from the Harry Potter films including Arthur Weasley, Hagrid, and his loyal dog, Fang, through a pre-show experience brought to life with digital projection and special effects. During this interaction, guests learn about their impending trip to the Forbidden Forest.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

2 MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • Summer 2019

EMPLOYEE NEWS

Tony Huffman Taxi Mechanic

Ruben Jean-Louis Shuttle Van Driver

Mario Pierre Motor Coach

Operator

David Pimentel Motor Coach

Operator

Tom Blihar Safety Compliance

Specialist

Ron Jones Director of

Luxury & Taxi Field Operations

30 YEARS 20 YEARS

Ernst NoelMotor Coach Cleaner

Md Abdul Baten Shuttle Van Driver

Robert B. Cole Motor Coach Operator

Ramon Mendez Motor Coach Operator/

Field Trainer

Nelson Martinez, Jr. Motor Coach Operator

5 YEARS10 YEARS

Jenny Bourguignon Airport Starter

Jack Henkle Motor Coach Operator

Leslie LewisShuttle Van Driver

Merry Meyer Motor Coach Operator/

Field Trainer

Samantha Steff Disney Sales Coordinator/

Account Sales

15 YEARS

Maggie McKenna Accounting Clerk

Thomas Proctor, Jr.Shuttle Van Driver

Alexander Ratajczak Software Developer

Robert Roulhac Motor Coach Operator

Mark Symmonds Application

Development Manager

5 YEARS

3MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • Summer 2019

EMPLOYEE NEWS

1 YEAR

Alexandra Alexis David AndersonLeandro AndradeBruce BabbittGlen BedoreRoberto Bernard Noel BorgesSimon BoydPhilip Capps, Jr.Anthony Carter Jackson Celauro Gerald Deshield

Giancarlo Diaz Carlos GarciaBhagyashree GawadeTara GibsonAlexandra GonzalezMylianne Gonzalez Paul HahnTrina Harris-BurnsJacquelynn HylickErick IglesiasCesar InfanteCharles Jones

Leroy JonesJean JosephRodney LaplanteGregory LochardSidney LouissaintRobert Mansfield Alan MatthewsSpencer MickensChristian MirelesJonathan MooreIvan Ortiz Luis Ortiz

James PalomarDean ParsonsJean PierreRichard PrudeChristy QuirindongoNohemi RamosJose Rivera, Jr.Pedro RiveraDe-Andra Roldan Edgardo RosarioChiquita SmithJason Sparkman

Diana Sprague Musa St. VilElizabeth SuckowJoseph ThuruthumalilYolanda TorresChristine VanKarla VelezWesley VictorTesfay WeldemichaelMonta Williams

CFO John Castle makes the following personnel announcement:

We are very pleased to announce John Wilenski has joined the Mears family as Chief Financial Officer as of April 30th, 2019.

John will be responsible for the management and direction of the company’s finance and accounting organization. He will work with me and the Board of Directors on the execution of company strategy, business development, and competitive growth initiatives in an effort to position Mears into a long-term industry leading advantage.

John brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership through successful career growth with start-up, middle market, and multinational organizations. John developed the infrastructure required for operational success within the autonomous vehicle industry and Nissan Motors. He was the Chief Accounting Officer at Gibson Guitar Corporation and earlier in his career worked at Dun and Bradstreet.

Currently, John volunteers as a board member for multiple non-profits in the Orlando area including the Chartered Financial Analyst Society Orlando, the Institute of Management Accountants mid-Florida chapter, and Orlando’s Financial Executive Networking Group. John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Andrews University. He has achieved multiple certifications including the CPA, CFA, CMA, and PFS.

Please welcome John to the Mears family.

Client Service Manager Janis Rubinstein and Jason Diehl were married on April 30, 2019. Congratulations, Janis and Jason.

Condolences to friends and family of Human Resources Manager Jim Ungvary who passed away on June 1, 2019. Jim began his career with Mears as a Shuttle Van Driver in 2001 and quickly moved into leadership roles as a Field Trainer and Classroom Instructor for new drivers. He was

promoted to Customer Service Supervisor in 2003 before joining the HR team as Assistant Manager in 2004. Jim’s expertise landed him the position of HR Compliance Manager in 2016, and he transitioned to his most recent role of HR Manager in 2018. We will miss Jim’s integrity, warm wit and tales of his world travels.

Motor Coach Operator Richard Jadin passed away on April 27, 2019. Rick joined the company in April, 2008. We extend our sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers.

WELCOME ABOARD WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

CONDOLENCES


COMPANY NEWS

It’s logical to think that you SEE whenever your eyes are open. Yet, research shows that we can miss even the most conspicuous things unless we direct our attention to them. When this occurs while behind the wheel, drivers fail to process everything in the roadway environment that they must to effectively monitor their surroundings, seek and identify potential hazards, and respond to unexpected situations.

What can cause drivers to miss important details?

DISTRACTIONS We all love to belt out our favorite tunes while driving. When we do, however, things that need to be seen are often not registering because our brains are focused elsewhere. Truth be told, people are not as good at multi-tasking as they think. Whether it’s using a cell phone, daydreaming, being preoccupied with personal issues, or conversing with a passenger, distractions increase the likelihood that a driver will miss seeing something important.

FATIGUE Fatigue is a normal physiologic reaction caused by insufficient sleep or by recurrent disruption of sleep. In addition to slowing reaction time and affecting a driver’s ability to make good decisions, fatigue makes drivers less able to pay attention to the road.

POOR HAZARD DETECTION The ability to detect driving hazards depends on perceptual and information-gathering skills and involves properly identifying hazards as potential threats. Inexperienced drivers and elderly drivers may have difficulties with this.

Fortunately, there are things you can do so you’re less likely to be caught off guard by the inattentiveness of others:

Keep your eyes moving, check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions at least 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you.

Add extra space around your vehicle and drive at slower (safe) speeds to allow more time to avoid the mistakes of others.

Be mindful of teen and elderly drivers. Allow yourself extra room and be prepared to respond with defensive actions and maneuvers to counteract or avoid problems they may cause.

Keep your guard up when near obviously distracted drivers. Give them a wide berth to help avoid their driving errors.

Be on the lookout for those who are driving too fast or slow, as well as those who brake suddenly, stop or sit at a green light, or forget to turn off their turn signals. Those may be indicators that the driver’s attention is elsewhere. Keep a safe distance.

Prevent your own driving from becoming inattentive by focusing on driving – and only driving. While 100% attention is hard to maintain, professional drivers have a responsibility to make the effort.

Source: Lancer Safety Bulletin, March 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY

PAY ATTENTION, AVOID INATTENTION


LOCAL NEWS

After nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will be ending soon. The Disney team is already busy creating a new experience to debut immediately following the conclusion of IllumiNations, continuing the tradition of nightly entertainment on the World Showcase Lagoon.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which is currently planned to run to the end of summer 2019, has entertained millions of guests gathered around World Showcase Lagoon sharing the light and a story since it debuted in October 1999 as part of the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration.

There are big plans for a multi-year transformation of Epcot, with new features that will “Wow!” guests while keeping true to the original vision of the park. The all-new nighttime fireworks spectacular coming to Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon later this year will be part of the park’s evolution.

The new show joins several previously announced experiences coming to Epcot, including the highly-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy” roller coaster attraction, a “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction in World Showcase, and a new table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE.

Stay tuned for updates on the new nighttime spectacular and everything else coming to Epcot.

All-New Fireworks

Spectacular to Replace

IllumiNations:

Reflections of Earth

Source: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/09/all-new-nighttime-fireworks-spectacular-to-replace-illuminations-reflections-of-earth-as-part-of-the-transformation-of-epcot/

Allure Resort

(computer code #819)

is now

Rodeway Inn

8444 International Drive

Orlando, FL 32819

407-581-2000

Shuttle Zone 3

Luxury Vehicle Zone 131

Taxi Zone 800

Ramada Inn

Convention Center

(computer code #818) is now

Red Roof Inn Orlando

8432 Jamaican Court

Orlando, FL 32819

407-574-7271

Shuttle Zone 3


Taxi Zone 800

The following resorts

have been added to the

reservation system:

Springhill Suites LBV


8040 Palm Parkway

Orlando, FL 32836

407-635-8500

Shuttle Zone 4


Taxi Zone 404

Surfside Inn & Suites

at Universal


7000 Universal Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32819

407-503-7000

Shuttle Zone 3


Taxi Zone 130


LOCAL NEWS

All-new land will invite guests to live their own Star Wars adventures, with an epic opening for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance later this year.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products has announced it will open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ahead of schedule at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on August 29.

On opening day for Phase One, guests will be transported to the remote planet of Batuu, full of unique sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Guests can become part of the story as they sample galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Phase Two, opening later this year, will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the

most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined, which will place guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality. In anticipation of unprecedented demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular.

Once guests set foot on Batuu, they’ll be part of the action as it unfolds around them, and their interactions with the Play Disney Parks mobile app will deepen their engagement with the land. They may choose to aid a smuggler, join the Resistance or pledge their loyalty to the First Order. In this all-new environment, guests can make choices about their experience that could impact their adventures as they travel throughout the land by using the

Play Disney Parks mobile app in a whole new way. This depth of storytelling is part of the total immersion that will distinguish Galaxy’s Edge – the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park – from any other themed land in history.

The new area is the product of extensive collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd. The work on Star Wars between these two creative powerhouses dates back to 1987, when the groundbreaking Star Tours attraction opened at Disneyland Park in California.

WELCOME TO THE EDGE OF WILD SPACE: BLACK SPIRE OUTPOST ON BATUU

Batuu is a far-flung destination along the galaxy’s Outer Rim, on the frontier of Wild Space – the uncharted region beyond all known star systems. Batuu is home to Black Spire Outpost, an infamous port for smugglers, traders and adventurers wishing to avoid any unnecessary … entanglements with the First Order. Along the way, guests may encounter some familiar faces, from Rey, Finn, and Poe to BB-8 and Chewie.

SET TO OPEN AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS IN AUGUST

Source: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog


LOCAL NEWSSTAR WARS ADVENTURES COME TO LIFE IN TWO THRILLING ATTRACTIONS

For more than four decades, Star Wars fans have imagined what it would be like to blast across the stars inside the Millennium Falcon or race through the halls of a Star Destroyer. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature two signature attractions that turn those dreams into reality.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, will take guests into the cockpit of “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” They will take the controls of the Falcon in one of three unique and critical roles as the ship hurtles through space. Some will be pilots, some gunners and some flight engineers, creating multiple ways for guests to experience the attraction.

Set to open later this year, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance places guests right in the middle of the Rebellion and gives them an active role in the fight against the First Order, including a faceoff with Kylo Ren. Their journey takes them inside a full-size starship and aboard a nearby Star Destroyer.

ICONIC MUSICAL SCORE FOR STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE

Music has been an integral part of Star Wars from the moment the iconic themes of Academy Award-winning® composer John Williams first introduced us to this galaxy. The music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge continues that tradition with a suite of all-new Williams-composed themes

written especially for the land and its attractions. Along with a collection of original cantina songs created by composers and songwriters from around the globe, this new music will deepen guests’ connection to the land as Williams complements and builds upon the iconic fanfares he created for the Star Wars films.

A DIVERSE MENU OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES AWAITS

What does Blue Milk actually taste like? That question will be answered when guests visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and experience the new land’s array of food and beverages. Guests will walk through a bustling street market, where vendors offer various local delicacies, including an Outpost Mix of uniquely flavored popped grains from Kat Saka’s Kettle, a unique popcorn snack with a combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavors.

At Oga’s Cantina, even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. Here, guests will gather to share their tales from around the galaxy as they enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment

provided by DJ R-3X, otherwise known as Rex, the former Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid from the original Star Tours. Rex re-invents himself as the cantina’s DJ, and he’s as quirky and talkative as ever.

In the Black Spire Outpost market, Ronto Roasters will draw attention from passersby with

its large podracing engine firing up a barbecue pit for mouth-watering Ronto Wraps. When hungry customers queue up to order, they will encounter a former smelter droid, carefully turning the spit of meats. Guests will also be able to choose from a variety of exotic non-alcoholic

drinks like the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset.

Elsewhere in the market, the Milk Stand will offer two local favorites – Blue Milk and Green Milk. Blue Milk was first seen in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” when Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal. Green Milk was introduced in “Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi.”

PLAY DISNEY PARKS MOBILE APP DEEPENS GUEST ENGAGEMENT WITH THE LAND

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the first land within a Disney park designed to integrate with the Play Disney Parks mobile app, which debuted last year. When guests use the app, it will provide new opportunities for them to engage with the land, such as translating a galactic language, learning what’s hidden inside crates and containers, or accomplishing certain tasks by participating in missions

Guests also can use the Play Disney Parks app to interact with a variety of elements in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, such as droids, ships, media screens, door panels and antenna arrays.

NOTE: Capacity is limited. Access to the theme park, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences may be restricted or unavailable depending on guest demand and other factors. Visit WDWNews.com, DisneyParksBlog.com and StarWars.com for the most up-to-date information.


CUSTOMER COMMENTSAirport Taxi Boarding Coordinator Marcia Giampoli and Airport Taxi Operations Manager Mike Mears:

“Last night I had the pleasure of working with Marcia and Mike on your team at the Orlando airport. I wanted to share with you how amazingly helpful they were in fixing an issue with another cab company.

“My wife got in [another transportation company’s] cab at the airport and ended up leaving her phone in the cab. She was able to use the hotel phone and call the other cab company and they were absolutely no help and just told us to call the airport. The cab company’s staff were of no help and we knew our only hope in getting the phone back was if someone at the airport would help us. Since I was at home and was able to easily make the call, I called the airport and reached Marcia and Mike.

“Even though they were extremely busy and had been dealing with storms earlier, they still were willing to help me. With what little information I was able to give them, they were able to not only figure out what cab my wife had been in, but also got in touch with the driver and asked him to turn around.

“My wife left on a cruise the next morning so it was urgent that she get her phone back that night. She never would have if it weren’t for Marcia and Mike going above and beyond to help us out. Please share my gratitude; I hope they can be an example to their peers for above-and-beyond customer service.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect

Director of Business Development Karen Pitcherello, Senior Sales Coordinator Rachel Bustamante and Motor Coach Operator/Trainer Frank Loveira:

“Thank you both for arranging the transportation for the Morgan & Morgan Spouses Retreat. Your driver, Frank Loveira, was extremely professional and everyone commented how wonderful he was as well as the comfort of the amazing coach. We appreciate your taking care of the group.”

Joe Downey, Assistant Director of Motor Coach Scheduling, adds:

“This is great to hear. Frank has a track record of exceeding our guests’ high expectations. He came in on his day off and worked late into the night without hesitation, upon my request. Frank is a team player, and I am grateful for it.” Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm

Motor Coach Operator Natasha Spencer:

“Best driver we have had! She was professional and amazing.”

Core Values: Enthusiasm & Respect

Senior Sales Coordinator Rachel Bustamante:

“Thank you again for your awesome service. Mears was on time and the rides were great. The students felt like VIPs.”

Core Values: Respect & Efficiency

Sales Manager Ortancis Gaines and Motor Coach Operator Reynaldo Gonzalez:

“Everything went so well for the congregation! It was a very easy process and I really appreciated being able to work with you.”

Core Values: Efficiency & Enthusiasm

“Now that Cheer is done and we have had a chance to catch our breath, we wanted to send you a list of Motor Coach Operators that we think went above and beyond during the last couple of sessions of Cheer. These drivers did multiple runs each day and never complained or hesitated once. For that we are very thankful and grateful. They are Jimmy Avila, Chuck Dolan, Allan Dorn, Alton Robinson, Ljubisa Sehovac and Sarah Wendelin.”

Core Values: Respect & Enthusiasm

“Our Motor Coach Operator Luis Castro was outstanding!”

Sales Coordinator Erin Leonhardt adds:

“Great job, Luis!”

Core Value: Enthusiasm

now open at universal orlando: hagrid’s …...monta williams cfo john castle makes the following...

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