Another ground transportation question: SHUTTLE VS. TOWNCAR?

[CaseyJr]

We've never tried anyone but Mears in the years we've flown into MCO. The first few times we got a TOWNCAR, but the past 2 trips, we took the shuttle/motorcoach route (some trips have been with the 3 of us and some with just 2 of us). We've had mostly good experiences with Mears -- nothing to really complain about......

If we go to WDW in the spring (another Mom & DS trip), we'll probably be on a flight arriving at MCO late, around 11:00pm (a switch, as we usually arrive around noon-ish). I was wondering how Mears and the other transportation services compare for the later-at-night airport pickups?

Do all of the companies have van/motorcoach service, or just Mears? That late at night, which would be a more prudent choice for a Mom and a 9 y/o DS: a van-shuttle or a towncar?

I'm open to going with a different company other than Mears, so this isn't really a note about comparing the companies (I've read some recent posts about that), but more about safe (if that's the right word) choices.

Car rental isn't an option for me -- I want someone else to do the driving!

 

[CaseyJr]

Comments?

 

[Kala]

We have never chosen to go the Mears route. We have always felt that having our own private car pick us and our luggage up and take us directly to our resort, or stop by the grocery store and wait for us if we wanted to, was well worth the (very few) extra dollars it cost. It saved us time and trouble. There is not that much difference in price for 2 or 3, and if we have more than 4 even the van is more efficient and cost effective and time saving in our view. As to safety, I would think that the quicker and more direct the trip, the safer it would be. Not to mention that at that time of night you will both be tired and going straight to your resort would be worth the money. Hope that helps.

 

[inmyis]

We have chosen Mears in the past and would not use them again. Even if things went well, which they did not, we still would prefer a towncar service. We do not like having to stop at other resorts on the way to our own. We have used Tiffany Towncar and LOVE them. For $82 (w/coupon from PassPorter) plus tip. This includes both to and from our resort. It is an excellent values. We love seeing our driver at luggage pickup with a sign with our name. It is very convenient and a great way to start your magical vacation!!

 

[CaseyJr]

Thanks! Kinda what I was thinking, anyway, but for some reason I've never felt the need to actually make choices. But, yes, late at night, as a Mom with a 9 y/o DS, a TC does make more sense. When DH flies in to join us, HE can take the van/shuttle .

Do all of the TC companies stop for groceries and is there an extra fee for this?

 

[henstajay]

Our very first trip to DW was using the mears shuttle. We hated it, simply because they crammed tons of you on and we were of course the last stop. So what would have been a 35-40 minute trip ended up being a 2 hour trip. I got really car sick too.

Then next 4 times we've used Fl. Tours and Tiffany Towncar. We love both of them. They are only about $5-10 more than your shuttle round trip and they will throw in a complimentary grocery stop if you need it. Besides it's just YOU and your family. And it's almost like riding in a Limo! If you use them, go to their website and print off a coupon for $5-10 off. It's WELL WORTH IT!!!! CURBSIDE SERVICE WITH A SMILE! Good luck! Have a blast!

Stacy, Jason and Caleb (and soon to be baby Cole)