Ambiance Transportation

[Quagmire]

Good morning.

Has anyone ever used Ambaince Transportation service? I was not impressed with the customer service I received when I called FL tours. I happended to come across Ambiance and wondered if anyone had any reports on them.

Thanks.

 

[NewLifeNKiss]

Good morning.

Has anyone ever used Ambaince Transportation service? I was not impressed with the customer service I received when I called FL tours. I happended to come across Ambiance and wondered if anyone had any reports on them.

Thanks.

I've used them and was very impressed last month form Orlando to Port of Miami and I'm using them again next week from Orlando to Port Canaveral. =) Two thumbs up!

 

[Edd]

First off, they are not permitted at MCO. I would think they are picking you up at a hotel. Are they meeting you at the airport?

 

[NewLifeNKiss]

I'm sure they pick up at hotels as well, but I have seen them at the airport - I think they're a part of another company but I know for a fact that I've seen them at the airport. They offer a deal to my airline's passengers which is where I found them in the first place to go down to Port of Miami.

 

[yayagoofy]

I've never heard of them.

 

[Edd]

More than likely it is a gypsy outfit which can't afford to permit at the airport and therefor use devious means to have you picked up. I would suggest you use transportation that the airport has put their stamp of approval on (permit). Those companies have shown the airport they have the required insurance to protect their passengers and the vehicles are well maintained.

A permit at the airport, including written history of the company, allows the airport to check out the company should you have a problem with that company. If they are not permitted than you would have no recourse back to the airport should there be an incident.

Utulizing commercial transportation that is not permitted from the facility you depart from is not a good practice. Airlines using or calling unpermitted vehicles is a violation of airport policy. That transportation company would face suspension or trespass violations from the airport should they be caught.

If you would give me the name of the airline I will find out why they are violating this policy and subjecting their passengers to unseen dangers.

 

[mgilmer]

More than likely it is a gypsy outfit which can't afford to permit at the airport and therefor use devious means to have you picked up. I would suggest you use transportation that the airport has put their stamp of approval on (permit). Those companies have shown the airport they have the required insurance to protect their passengers and the vehicles are well maintained.

A permit at the airport, including written history of the company, allows the airport to check out the company should you have a problem with that company. If they are not permitted than you would have no recourse back to the airport should there be an incident.

Utulizing commercial transportation that is not permitted from the facility you depart from is not a good practice. Airlines using or calling unpermitted vehicles is a violation of airport policy. That transportation company would face suspension or trespass violations from the airport should they be caught.

If you would give me the name of the airline I will find out why they are violating this policy and subjecting their passengers to unseen dangers.

Whats the matter, Edd? Don't like competition? You should check your facts before posting FUD. I googled them and contacted them directly. They told me they are Licensed under the company name "SUNSHINE STATE TOURS" and that Ambiance is the the booking agent (The on-line presence) for SUNSHINE STATE TOURS.

 

[mgilmer]

FWIW, here is the site with all the authorized vendors at MCO:

http://www.orlandoairports.net/ops/vfh.htm

You will note that Sunshine State Transportation is listed there. I asked Ambiance on their online chat and they said that is them.

 

[Lewisc]

Whats the matter, Edd? Don't like competition? You should check your facts before posting FUD. I googled them and contacted them directly. They told me they are Licensed under the company name "SUNSHINE STATE TOURS" and that Ambiance is the the booking agent (The on-line presence) for SUNSHINE STATE TOURS.

I'm with Ed on this one. There is absolutely nothing on Ambiance website that discloses the fact that they are merely booking for other companies. The vehicles pictured on Ambiance's website all have the Ambiance name.

Why wouldn't I book directly with whatever company was going to be transporting me? I'd rather my $$$ going to the driver, and the company actually performing the service. Makes no sense to have up to 20% of my fee going to a "booking agent". That's the reason the website is pushing a minimum gratuity of 20% to the driver.

 

[mgilmer]

I'm with Ed on this one. There is absolutely nothing on Ambiance website that discloses the fact that they are merely booking for other companies. The vehicles pictured on Ambiance's website all have the Ambiance name.

Why wouldn't I book directly with whatever company was going to be transporting me? I'd rather my $$$ going to the driver, and the company actually performing the service. Makes no sense to have up to 20% of my fee going to a "booking agent". That's the reason the website is pushing a minimum gratuity of 20% to the driver.

But that is different than what Edd said. He said they were a gypsy outfit when they are not. I always drive to WDW and never use any car service (but my own Honda), so I have no real dog in the fight you mention (and I might even agree with your point, btw). I am just sticking up for the truth. It took me about 45 seconds to google them and find their website, another 2 min in online chat to ask them if they were licensed and under what name, and then another 45 seconds to check the MCO website and then another 1 min to chat with them again to verify the MCO website. Edd could have done the same instead of posting FUD. Just because he is a sponsor does not mean he should not also be truthful.

 

[NewLifeNKiss]

Just to clarify, I have used them once before and am using them again next week to Port Canaveral. They were very very good. The gratuity is suggested at 20% unlike a lot of other transportation companies who CHARGE 20% among other service fees that are well "hidden" within their rules policy.

I stand by my recommendation - they're very very good. Evidently there's someone who's posting in here with anger issues or something...sheesh! lol

 

[goofy4tink]

I don't think Edd is concerned about the competition. He merely stated what he believed to be true. To tell you the truth, I can't find much on-line for Sunshine State Tours...but I do find Ambiance. I, also, would want to book a company that others had heard good things about. That does not seem to be the case here. No one has come along with any first hand experience.

Oops...sorry. Looks like there is a first hand experience whilst I was posting. Watch the snarkiness people!!

 

[Lewisc]

He said they don't have a permit at MCO and he's correct. Their website gives the impression they're a car service, with their own cars. If that was the case Ed would be correct, they'd be operating as a gypsy company.

In this case Ed is half right, Ambiance isn't a gypsy company but rather they're not a transportation company at all but a "marketing company" that subs out their work.

Booking directly with a company on the approved list ensures that you won't be using a gypsy company or booking with a company that just takes a large commission off the top and sells your reservation.

I suggest avoiding the company but not for the exact reason given by Ed.

But that is different than what Edd said. He said they were a gypsy outfit when they are not. I always drive to WDW and never use any car service (but my own Honda), so I have no real dog in the fight you mention (and I might even agree with your point, btw). I am just sticking up for the truth. It took me about 45 seconds to google them and find their website, another 2 min in online chat to ask them if they were licensed and under what name, and then another 45 seconds to check the MCO website and then another 1 min to chat with them again to verify the MCO website. Edd could have done the same instead of posting FUD. Just because he is a sponsor does not mean he should not also be truthful.

 

[NewLifeNKiss]

I went back to Ambiance's website because I wanted to see if what he was saying is true because it got me thinking. On their "about us" section it says:

"We utilize resources that are both owned and operated by Ambiance Transportation as well as third-party vendors that have partnered with Ambiance Transportation"

The airline I work for uses them and has for the past year without any complaints. I think what it is, they're not a "gypsy company", rather, they are the front line agents for Sunshine State - the prices are the exact same on both.

 

[mgilmer]

Watch the snarkiness people!!

Now Diane, You know there is no pixie-dust on the Transportation board!!

 

[Lewisc]

Just to clarify, I have used them once before and am using them again next week to Port Canaveral. They were very very good. The gratuity is suggested at 20% unlike a lot of other transportation companies who CHARGE 20% among other service fees that are well "hidden" within their rules policy.

I stand by my recommendation - they're very very good. Evidently there's someone who's posting in here with anger issues or something...sheesh! lol

No issues. I just don't see any reason why you wouldn't book directly with whatever company is actually transporting you. I'd book directly with Sunshine if you thought the service was good. Adding a "booking company" to the mix just means less of your $$$ is actually going to the people responsible for transporting you.

 

[Edd]

Sunshine State Transportation is listed, but not Ambience transportation. I was mislead with your company name. I agree Sunshine State Transportation is listed but not as you stated Sunshine State Tours. There are many companies listed at MCO with similiar names and it is always possible that Sunshine State Tours and Sunshine State Transportation are two different companies. I don't question that, but I will find out if Ambience is listed on the Sunshine State permits. If this company is licensed under Sunshine State Tours than why does the airport carry Sunshine State Transportation and there is no ficticious name filing for Sunshine State Tours. I am not sure but the airport carries the ficticious name filing of the company and you said the company said they are licensed under Sunshine State Tours. There are actually two companies listed with the state. One is Sunshine State Transport and the other is Sunshine State Transportation. One is licated in Orlando and one is located in Kissimmee.

I have no problems with competition, legal competition. It all gets down to if you are permitted at OIA you can operate out of OIA. If you are not permitted than you cannot pick up there, although anyone can drop off there. About 400 other companies and myself feel strongly about that, along with the airport officials.

 

[goofy4tink]

Now Diane, You know there is no pixie-dust on the Transportation board!!

You're right...no pixie-dust. But no snarkiness either!!!

 

[seashoreCM]

But who makes good if something goes wrong?

If something goes wrong with Magical Express which runs under the Disney name, then Disney helps out.

If this Ambience Transportation is just a booking service and a gypsy company is subbed to do your ride and you run into problems then what?

If they are primarily a transportation company and sub out just a few rides, then at least they have their own name to tarnish.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

That is not true. No one, other than a particular poster and the moderators, know what happens here. You have no idea whatsoever what goes on, privately between a poster and a mod. Infractions and comments are usually handled via PM....the general board has no idea what transpires.
lewis, as well as others here, understand and know, how DME runs. We know who they are. It's only when we see one company, that no one seems to know anything about, and find they are the 'marketing' company, that we get a bit skeptical. It's unfamiliarity with a company. We know Disney, and we know Mears, and we know how DME runs...nothing more than that!
I resent the fact that anyone would say that I, or any other moderator allows partiality here. I think that Edd may have a different opinion also...we have had our 'arguments' in the past. But I will not allow anyone to say that I, in particular, am partial to any poster. If someone has an issue with a particular post and thinks that a particular poster is allowed to post inaccurate info, then please report that post. As a 'new' poster, you may not be aware of our board guidelines...you may want to check them out. You are treading on thin ice here.

I agree with Goofy4Tink. What happens behind the scenes as far as warning or infractions are concerned is between the moderator and the involved poster. We are not going to brand a scarlet letter on the person that received an infraction so that the rest of the board can point and whisper at them. No special treatment is given to any posters on this board. Everyone follows the board guidelines or they find themselves not welcome to participate here.