limo/van pick-up at Hyatt

[84disney]

I have been researching this for a while and a question just came to me that I don't think I have seen here on the boards. If you arrive the night before your cruise and stay at the Hyatt....where does the limo/van pick you up the next morning to go to the port? I guess I am wondering if there is a front door to the Hyatt, or can you only get to it through the airport? Is it hard? It just seems like you can save money using a limo/van service over DCL transfers, but I wonder about the luggage and such. Also, there have been reports on here about getting completely checked in somewhere in the Hyatt or MCO if you are using DCL transfers. But we could save about 300.00 using a van instead of the DCL transfers......I would love to hear stories and advice from people who have done it either way. Thanks so much .

[kcashner]

There is a "front door" to the Hyatt; the limo driver will know where to park and will meet you either in the main lobby or right out front (the limo company will tell you). Frankly the Hyatt is a pain with a rental car, but you won't have that issue with a limo.

As to checking in at MCO is you stay at the Hyatt and have transfers--it is a pilot program with seems to be "sometimes" available as one means of spreading out the check ins in preparation for the larger crowds on the Dream. Checking in at the port is no big deal, and if you're looking at a $300 cost difference, I wouldn't think twice about it.

Your limo driver will help with your luggage...you can get it to the lobby yourself or call the hotel bellman. YOU don't have to handle it at all if you choose not to; the bellman and the limo driver can do it all. At the terminal, the porters will meet the limo and take it from there. You will want to tip them, of course; an expense you wouldn't have with transfers.

Another advantage of a limo is that it will run on YOUR schedule; you will leave when you want to and arrive at the terminal at the time you choose. Most limo services allow a 15 minute Walmart or grocery store stop--another advantage if you need to pick up something.

[84disney]

Thanks so much. You have answered all my ponderings . And actually it is more like 400.00, now that I calculate better. So I could, as you say, use lots of help with our luggage and add in some generous tips to bellmen, drivers, and porters, and still come out way ahead. Plus, I will be on our own schedule. Thanks for your comments .

[ruadisneyfan2]

We just did this a few weeks ago and was very easy. Our porter the night before offered to have someone automatically come to our rooms with a cart at 9:30 (at our choosing) so we wouldn't have to call in the morning.

There's a button on the elevator called 'motor court' or something like that, that's lower than the terminal level. It was all very easy, elevator buttons well-marked, and we didn't lift a finger. Of course tipping everyone along the way but it's still a savings over DCL bus.

My concern for you is, with a group as large as yours, to make sure the vehicle can hold that much luggage.

[kcashner]

When you book your transportation, most companies list the number of people and the number of suitcases it will hold (some list "large" and "small." Above poster is right; make sure you have both enough seating and enough luggage space in your vehicles (s).

If numbers demand it, some limo services will send a separate luggage vehicle.

[84disney]

I have been noting the luggage count on the limo sites I have been perusing. I even emailed a few to ask specifically.....I have not heard back yet from them. Even with what is called a limo bus on one site....a huge vehichle....there is about 200.00 savings. It is nice to know we can get help with the luggage if we want, and if we get tough and do it ourselves, we can save a little tip money. Hey...the kids are grown now, so it is easier to deal with luggage . Thanks so much for all the help.

[ruadisneyfan2]

I think with any limo service, a gratuity is expected so you may as well them handle your bags. You could avoid extra tips by having your older kids bring the luggage down to the pick up area at the Hyatt.

[84disney]

Oh....of course we would tip the limo driver. I meant not using the luggage help getting it down to the limo. And of course we need to tip the handlers at the port. So really, it would not add that much to be rid of the chore and use/tip bellmen to get it downstairs . It's sounding better all the time.