Desperate help needed regarding transportation to port

[roliepolieoliefan]

Help! We cruise in less than 2 weeks.

I originally made a reservation with Thrifty for a mini-van , MCO-Port canaveral and back for a great rate, months ago.

I was doing a little searching( which I should have done better homework) and found out Thrifty is not at the airport but a shuttle ride away. We are on a time limit since we arrive at 9:30 am and would like to get to Port Canaveral ASAP, plus returning our plane leaves at 12:30pm. I'm afraid with lines and all we many be wasting too much time.

When I researched other rental companies they were high. Wondering if we should just take a limo. Some of the other companies were $160-180.00 for the 2 day rental plus gate fees and gas. Our 2 day rate with Thrifty was only $136.00.

Should we suck it up and just pay the limo $200.00? There are 4 of us. DH, myself and 2 kids.

THX!

 

[goofy4tink]

The shuttle rides aren't all that long. If you arrive at MCO at 9:30, you should be on your way, out of the airport by 10:15ish, 10:30 latest. You will be at the ship by 11:30. Are you planning on leaving the car parked at the ship while you are cruising? Be sure to add that $12 a day. Then, you can be off the ship by 8:00...we were actually pulling out of the parking lot by 7:30 in August. You will be back at MCO by 9:30 or so. It only takes an hour to get from the airport to port. So, if you are back at MCO by 10:30 you'll be good to go.
But, if you have to return the car at the port, and then shuttle to the ship, and then shuttle back to the car rental office at the end of the trip, then rerent the car and then drive to MCO, it may just be faster to have a towncar service. Add up what it will cost for the rental car (adding parking if you do that). Only you can decide which is worth it. Are you sure you need a minivan? We did three of us in a Ford Focus, with a ton of luggage since we were on a two week trip.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

The shuttle rides aren't all that long. If you arrive at MCO at 9:30, you should be on your way, out of the airport by 10:15ish, 10:30 latest. You will be at the ship by 11:30. Are you planning on leaving the car parked at the ship while you are cruising? Be sure to add that $12 a day. Then, you can be off the ship by 8:00...we were actually pulling out of the parking lot by 7:30 in August. You will be back at MCO by 9:30 or so. It only takes an hour to get from the airport to port. So, if you are back at MCO by 10:30 you'll be good to go.
But, if you have to return the car at the port, and then shuttle to the ship, and then shuttle back to the car rental office at the end of the trip, then rerent the car and then drive to MCO, it may just be faster to have a towncar service. Add up what it will cost for the rental car (adding parking if you do that). Only you can decide which is worth it. Are you sure you need a minivan? We did three of us in a Ford Focus, with a ton of luggage since we were on a two week trip.

No we aren't keeping the rental vehicle. We were going to return and re-rent it.

We don't need a mini-van, but got a good rate thats why I took it. I was pricing out Monte Carlos and Implalas for the $160-180.00. I think we'll need at least that kind of car, since the 4 of us and 4 suitcases.

 

[goofy4tink]

If time is important to you, then go with a towncar service, as long as you're okay with the cost. You are going to waste time returning the car at the port, and then taking their shuttle to the ship. Then, again, when you have to shuttle back from the ship to the rental office to rerent.
Compare the costs, keeping in mind, that for some..time is money. What is your time worth to you? Only you can say. If I were going to spend $150 for a rental car, I might well consider spending $200 for towncar service...much more direct, both ways.

 

[Edd]

For roughly $180.00, depending on who you find, a car service will get you to the port the fastest. The driver will pick you up at the carousels, take everyone to a loading space, get his vehicle and you will be on the way to the port, getting there before 1100. Returning it is possible to get off the ship before 0830 and head back to MCO, If you are on a Disney cruise, with the right instructions, you can get off the ship between 0730 - 0800 and be back at MCO by 0900.

IMHO you would be served best by finding a car service that will be able to fulfill those requirements for you.