Best way to get groups to two different hotels

[famy27]

We are travelling to WDW in October and will be staying at AKL. Last night, we decided to bring my SIL and her family on the trip. We did a timeshare exchange, but there are no more units available for AKL for our week. We ended up booking them at the Swan. So, now we are trying to work out the logistics for getting everyone to their proper places. We have a few options we're considering. I'd love to hear opinions about these, as well as any other ideas that might work.

We are all flying in together. We currently have four spots reserved on DME for my immediate family. Here are our options:

1) Keep our current arrangement. We ride DME and SIL and her family take a shuttle from the airport to Swan.

2) We stay on DME, and SIL and her family rent a car at MCO and drop it off at the Swan.

3) My DH and his BIL take the two small kids with them on DME. I take SIL and the two big kids in rental car to Swan. We all meet up later at MK.

Right now, I am sort of leaning toward option 3. SIL and her family have never traveled before, and I think they might be overwhelmed trying to drive themselves and find their way to the parks. I think they might feel more comfortable if someone walked them through the process.

My second choice would be for them to take the shuttle. That shouldn't be too stressful for them. The downside is that it would be much pricier than the rental car.

If there are other options that I haven't listed, I love to hear any ideas.

 

[seashoreCM]

Only those of you registered to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge (or other Disney's resort) may ride Magical Express.

For four or more needing alternative transportation, a towncar or taxi costs the least. Three or fewer, use Mears' shuttle; one of their counters is near the Magical Express counter.

You could see them onto their transportation first and then go to the DME counter. DME does not require that you be punctual going to Disney.

 

[RobbW]

From previous experience using DME, I don't recall them checking IDs to make sure the four people riding DME are the four people named on the tickets. I recall them only being concerned that you HAD tickets to ride. I assume that as long as only four people are using the four DME tickets, they wouldn't care which four guests they are. Of course, I'm only assuming, and you know what that means! It's not like Disney or Mears is making any more or any less profit from the transportation of four paid guests.

 

[sam_gordon]

I agree with RobbW. I don't think DME tries to match ID with tickets, so I assume (you know what happens when you do that) any four of you can ride DME.

Now, IMO, you have another issue... your SiL's luggage. Here are the options I would consider...

1) Towncar service (I think about $120 round trip... how are they getting back to MCO?) for part of the group
2) Rental car for one day, one way.

 

[Lewisc]

There aren't any more units at AKV available for trade through your exchange. There might be availability to DVC members. Why don't you see if you can "rent" points?
http://www.dvcrequest.com/
David's Vacation Club Point Rentals is a board sponsor and has a good reputation. Easiest solution is to have them stay at your resort. I'd have them check availability. I don't know if they can either wait list you or keep looking or if you have to make a separate request.

S/D charges for guest parking. Include that in your budget if you plan on them keeping the car at their hotel.

I think you're complicating the situation. Assuming the kids are older then 11 the cost for Mears shared shuttle service would be $136 +tip. A car service will charge around $115 to $130 +tip. For a little more money (with tip) they'll have a driver waiting for them. That would be my first choice.

Rent a car one way for a day. I don't think you'll save enough money to be worth the hassle. Two famlies in 2 different resorts. Having a car might make sense. They might want to drive over the AKL and have a meal with you. Look around. Have breakfast with you then take a Disney bus to a theme park. I'd price renting a car for the entire trip, including the cost to park.

 

[RobbW]

I would try Lewisc's suggestion of trying to rent points at AKL first. My next preference would be sam_gordon's first suggestion of towncar service for part of the family. Of course, it would make it a lot easier if Swalphin guests were allowed to simply buy a ride on DME, but that's a different topic on a different thread! I would go with whichever option is easiest and most convenient for your SIL. Sounds like she could use all the help she could get!

 

[gigi1313]

Any chance you can switch your reservation to YC/BC or B'Walk? Then you would be walking distance from one another.

 

[goofy4tink]

If they can't rent points at AKL or Kidani (and I also highly recommend David's company and it could very well be cheaper than staying at the Swan!), I would just have them book a car service. That way there is no need for stress. They will be met right at baggage claim and be on their way.