Attraction transportation strategy

[billybaruch1]

Here's the situation: arriving next Saturday at 3 pm at MCO. AK closes at 5 pm and the last show of the day for FotLK is at 4:30 pm. Would you 1) take the Mears shuttle, hoping to check-in quickly at ASMo and catch a bus to AK in time for that show, or 2) take a cab, check-in, and catch a bus to AK in time for that show?

This is my dilemma: pay less (Mears) and hope for the best, or pay more (taxi cab) and hope for the best?

Any opinions? Would a cab ride of $40 mean I'd definitely see the 4:30 pm show, or would it still depend on how quickly the check-in lines moved at the resort motel?

Or, 3) would you avoid such problems by forgetting about the AK show and just jumping in the pool and relaxing before going out that evening to Fantasmic! and MK (for Wishes), and then Pleasure Island?

I know it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!

 

[Lucky4me]

I'd relax first, why spread yourself so thin? MGM, MK and PI all in one evening sounds like plenty to me.

 

[jdads2]

We were lucky the only time we took Mears. We were the last that they picked up from the airport and one of the first to drop of at ASMu. Took 45 minutes or an hour to get to ASMu anyway. Check in took another 45 as there were another 3 or 4 families in line in front of us. The return trip to MCO was much longer. We wanted to try Mears and since it was just myself and my DW it was also cost effective. We have taken Tiffany Towncar every other time and have been extremely happy. They charge $85 round trip and are at MCO strictly for you and you're out of there and to your resort quickly! It is also cheaper than taking the shuttle for our family of 5.

Even if you decide to get a dedicated transport, taxi, limo or Towncar you'd probably end up missing the show that day. If you figure You have to allow travel time between MCO, the resort, entrance to AKL and then walking to the show I don't think you'd make it and certainly not in a comfortable frame of mind. I'd relax and plan on something different that first evening.

 

[helenabear]

I have to agree with the others. I think you might be spreading yourself too thin. If your plane arrives at 3 PM, even with a towncar (which I have used several times and love) I would expect to get to the hotel until almost 4 PM. With that I doubt you'd have enough time to travel to AK and get to the show. But if you want to try, I'd skip the cab and go for a towncar. Enjoy the trip!

 

[billybaruch1]

Thank you all for your replies. I thought it would be cutting it close and the big unknown of how long to check-in could make it impossible to see the show, no matter how quick the transport from the airport to ASMo.

 

[sters]

How many people are in your party? I'm not sure Mears is cheaper or faster.

There is no quick check in at ASMo, in my experience at any of the All Stars it's been around 45 minutes.

Your schedule sounds tight, but if you want to do it, I'd taxi directly to the Animal Kingdom and put your stuff in the lockers if they fit. Sounds like it might be more stressful trying to get there on time. The plane could be late, it could take awhile to get your luggage, and it takes I think about 30-40 minutes to drive there. Am I right on the travel time? It's been awhile.

 

[billybaruch1]

Thanks, that is a great idea I had not even considered. It'll be just myself, so Mears is much cheaper but most likely not as fast. It'd be practically a sure thing to make the show if I just taxi to the AK and put my luggage in a locker, since I think you're right about the 30-40 minutes to drive.

Anyone know how big the AK lockers are?

No, scratch that question. I'm just going to take it nice and easy and go with the flow. I don't need to see that show that day. But thank you kindly for the suggestion.