Alamo Pick Up at Dophin - Downside???

[eeyoreland]

Thanks to a tip I received on this board, I can save significant money by picking up an Alamo rental at the Dolphin instead of the airport. We're staying at the Beach Club so it's no problem to walk over to the Dolphin for the car. But ... we've never done Magical Express and I'm a little leary about it being an inconvenience compared to what we're used to. We normally pick up a car at the airport and make a lunch and grocery stop before heading to the resort. Now ... we'll be without our luggage for a period of time, have to walk over to the Dolphin and then drive somewhere to make a grocery stop before finally settling in at the BC. Is all that worth saving $150? I will add, we don't have any plans for our arrival day other than a 6 PM reservation at Boma, and it's just DH and I traveling (first time without kids). Opinions/comments?

 

[gmeh1]

Thanks to a tip I received on this board, I can save significant money by picking up an Alamo rental at the Dolphin instead of the airport. We're staying at the Beach Club so it's no problem to walk over to the Dolphin for the car. But ... we've never done Magical Express and I'm a little leary about it being an inconvenience compared to what we're used to. We normally pick up a car at the airport and make a lunch and grocery stop before heading to the resort. Now ... we'll be without our luggage for a period of time, have to walk over to the Dolphin and then drive somewhere to make a grocery stop before finally settling in at the BC. Is all that worth saving $150? I will add, we don't have any plans for our arrival day other than a 6 PM reservation at Boma, and it's just DH and I traveling (first time without kids). Opinions/comments?

IMHO, saving 150.00 is significant. The only downside to the Dolphin is the minimal selection. They will assign you the car, so, you cannot select it. However, if you don't like the car, they can give you a different one. Personally, I dislike white cars with a passion, and that is what the off airports usually have (the majority of the time). Take anything necessary to you as a carryon, or, pick up your luggage at the airport and have it stowed under the bus and unloaded when you get to the resort, then you will have your luggage without waiting. Limo services usually only give you 30mins. With a car, you can take your time, the stores are usually busy, so, 30mins is simply not enough time. You can check in at the BC early and have your luggage stored until your room is assigned, or you may get an early checkin. I think you will like ME, it is great. Sorry this is so random and I hope it makes sense.

 

[eeyoreland]

IMHO, saving 150.00 is significant. The only downside to the Dolphin is the minimal selection. They will assign you the car, so, you cannot select it. However, if you don't like the car, they can give you a different one. Personally, I dislike white cars with a passion, and that is what the off airports usually have (the majority of the time). Take anything necessary to you as a carryon, or, pick up your luggage at the airport and have it stowed under the bus and unloaded when you get to the resort, then you will have your luggage without waiting. Limo services usually only give you 30mins. With a car, you can take your time, the stores are usually busy, so, 30mins is simply not enough time. You can check in at the BC early and have your luggage stored until your room is assigned, or you may get an early checkin. I think you will like ME, it is great. Sorry this is so random and I hope it makes sense.

You made perfect sense! Thanks for taking the time to respond. We think we're going to give it a try.

 

[DVC California]

... we've never done Magical Express and I'm a little leary about it being an inconvenience compared to what we're used to. We normally pick up a car at the airport and make a lunch and grocery stop before heading to the resort. ...

Magical Express is very convenient. You will not have to claim your bags from the carousel. You don't have to find your way out of the airport and figure out if you need the North exit or the South exit. And you don't have to pay for the tolls just to get to your resort. And you get to watch cartoons on the way to start the magic!

After check-in at the Beach Club and your bags will be delivered directly to your room (after the luggage trucks delivers to BC that is).

The other downside is that the Alamo desk at the Dolphin closes at 4pm nightly. If your flight is delayed or the ME bus gets caught in traffic, you might get there after hours. If that happens, just call the Alamo at the Car Care Center (407) 824-3470 and they will should be able to transfer the reservation and provide a shuttle. Alamo/CCC closes M-F at 8pm and Sat/Sun at 6pm.

The extra $150 will pay for your groceries, gas and dinner at Boma's. Go for it!

HTH, Steve

 

[gmeh1]

You made perfect sense! Thanks for taking the time to respond. We think we're going to give it a try.

You are most welcome. I hope you have a FANTASTIC vacation.