Anyone stay in Orlando before Cruise and go back to airport to pick up DCL Bus?

[eeyorekjs7]

We are going to be on the Magic in October. The cruise is the focus of our vacation, so we are putting maximum funds towards the cruise. However, we can't stand to fly into Orlando and not make a stop at WDW! So, we're doing the "economical" WDW trip for 2 days prior by staying at an All-Star Resort. We're taking a towncar there and were thinking that instead of taking a taxi to one of the DCL resorts and picking up the bus, that we might get a round trip for the town car and go back to the airport to pick up the DCL bus. (We're taking my parents, and we want them to have the full DCL experience-including the bus ride!) Has anyone done this? We thought this way we wouldn't have to wait until so late for the resort buses.

What time do the buses start running from the airport to the port? Is there a best time to arrive?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Oh, I almost forgot. We're thinking of using Happy Limo for the towncar. Anyone have any horror stories?

 

[bettemom]

We did that exact thing last October. We took a taxi from ASM to the airport and then boarded the 1st. DCL bus to the port. We did not want to wait for the hotel shuttles to the port, they then were leaving around noon and we wanted to be at the port earlier.

 

[thedisneymom]

We rented a car and returned it at the airport. We then took the DCL bus to and from the port. It was very nice and we got there much earlier than if we had waited for hotel shuttle.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by bettemom
We took a taxi from ASM to the airport and then boarded the 1st.

Do you remember the cost of the taxi ride?

 

[mkauffman]

We were considering this same thing. My question is...if we do this, are we repsonsible for our own luggage? We currently have transfers purchased, but I'm thinking they won't do us any good if we stay at one of the AS hotels before the cruise.

Michelle

 

[bettemom]

Re: Cost,

I believe that a taxi from ASM to the airport is about $ 50.00 plus tip.

A private Taxi / car for hires run about $ 40.00 +/- a few dollars and you can have them meet you at a specific time, no waiting like you would for a regular taxi.

The DCL shuttle from the airport I believe was $ 45.00 Per Person to the port.

Hope this helps, Bye, Kim

 

[bettemom]

You would be responsible to get your luggage to the airport and then you hand it over to DCL at the terminal right where you get on the bus and then that is the last you see of it until it arrives in your stateroom.

 

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

Another option that we are looking into is 3 way towncar ride. In your case it would be from the airport to WDW to the port and then back to the airport when the cruise is over. Our cruise is still 10 mos away so we haven't looked that carefully yet and don't have prices, but I like the idea that I can control what time we leave for the port. Just an idea.

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by eeyorekjs7
We are going to be on the Magic in October.

When in October?

We have the Halloween cruise (October 25 - November 1) thread, if you are interested!

Rae

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Last August we used Tiffany Towncar. MCO to port/port to WDW/WDW to MCO. Entire cost was $205 + tips. Instead of a towncar, however, the driver always arrived with a new, comfortable van. My adrenaline was running rampant on our first ride to Port Canaveral and I can't say as I noticed anything save for the road ahead. For all the new van comforts, I could have just as easily been riding a tractor...

 

[Moosysmom]

In March we stayed at my parents house, and then they dropped us back at the airport at 8:30 and we went down to the buses and they took our luggage and we were on the first bus to Port. Since your folks have never been on DCL before, they will enjoy the bus ride out with the movie, well at least I did, and my friends thought it was interesting. 2 of our group stayed off WDW and took the hotel shuttle back to the airport and were able to get there at 8:30.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Good morning Moosysmom.

In March we stayed at my parents house, and then they dropped us back at the airport

What is your parents' address and phone number so we can make similar arrangements?...

 

[rae519]

Moosysmom is moving - be nice to her, BD - be very nice to her!!

Rae

 

[eeyorekjs7]

Hi Rae,

Thanks for the thread offer, but we're going to be on the Magic October 11-18.

Kate

 

[rae519]

I think that's when the Octoberfest cruisers are going - they are a wonderful group if you are interested in teaming up with them - they also have a thread!

Enjoy!

Rae

 

[bettemom]

Kate,

Sent you a pm...

Bette

 

[Moosysmom]

I feel like I belong, I've been BD'd.
Be truly nice BD, I am relocating to Florida and hoping to open a hotel for my friends. LOL.

 

[rae519]

No one quite belongs til BD "gets them".....

Rae

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Yo Rae!

No one quite belongs til BD "gets them".....

That is only the beginning. Don't forget the mandatory "shrimp ceremony" held under the auspices of Verandah Man. It is your job, my dear Rae (if you recall), to read a passage from the OTHER Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Shrimp And The Sea." Andy will then drop his auspices - quite proudly, I might add - and lead the audience in several psalms from "The Shrimp Also Rises." As always, you will conclude the ceremony with a heartfelt rendition of the old classic "A Farewell To Shrimp"...

 

[rae519]

WE've got to find you a wife, BD!!!!!!! There is a woman out there who needs to have a good laugh and your humor!!!

Rae