Disney transfers vs. other

[zeke11]

The Disney transfers are quite a bit more expensive than other companies -- can anyone tell me the advantage to using Disney transfers for land/sea package?

Or do they all basically do the same thing?

Thanks for any info!

Kris

 

[Rence]

There is a big disadvantage to using DCL transfers on the Land/Sea package.

The DCL busses will get you to the ship later than most any other method. Less time to get settled in and enjoy the ship before sailing.

Most importantly, there is a mad dash for reservations (Palo, Spa etc). These are first come first serve. Taking DCL transport will put you at the end of the line and you will find that you have little to no selection when it comes to reservations.

Took DCL busses in December -- No Palo Brunch, No Tea with Wendy, No High Tea, and I got the last Palo dinner reservation, others on the bus who got in line to make reservations right behind me got nothing.

Save Money, Get their earlier and enjoy the trip more. Use other transport

 

[jeanneg]

Would the same be true if you took it directly from the airport? We'll be staying overnight in the MCO vicinity so we could catch the very first one. Does anyone know what time the earliest bus departs from MCO? I was thinking of doing the DCL transfer for sheer convenience, but not if it's going to get us there late.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CAMICKEY]

I believe the first DCL bus leaves MCO at approximately 10:30 (give or take 15 minutes). - Mike

 

[mickeyboat]

The price for transfers is $50 per person each way. If you have more than three people, it is probably cheaper to do it on your own. The private service often will make a grocery stop if you want one.

We used DCL transfers and really liked them for the trip back to the airport. We checked our bags at the terminal and did not have a care in the world until we boarded.

They sell one-way transfers too.

Denae

 

[zeke11]

I am green at this....

if we used a transfer other than DCL, wouldn't we still check our bags at the terminal and then DCL would load them on the ship for us -- to our stateroom?

KrisM

 

[makaylee]

Originally posted by mickeyboat
The price for transfers is $50 per person each way.


Denae

It's actually $49 per person for both ways.

 

[Hygiene99]

ZEKE11

yes !!!!! just check at the curb at terminal and the Porter will get it from there to your room...

Peter

 

[kcashner]

The "break even" point on DCL transfers is 3 people. If you are 3, cost will be about the same whether private or DCL...however, a private service will transport you on YOUR time schedule and will allow a 15 minute grocery or Wal-mart stop if you want it.

DCL transfers are convenient. However, that's the only good thing about them. If you are at WDW before the cruise, the bus doesn't leave WDW till after noon, which means you get to the terminal after 1. That's later than I like to arrive. We always plan to be at the terminal by noon (that beats the DCL busses). Doing that, I've never had any problem getting the tickets/ressies I wanted.

If you use a private service, they drive you up to the terminal where the porter unloads your luggage. The next time you see it is in your cabin. It doesn't matter whether you are coming from MCO or WDW.

If you go private from MCO to Port Caneveral, the driver will meet you in baggage claim and take your bags to the limo...then to the porter at the terminal...so luggage handling really isn't a hassle.

If you want, you can go private on the way to the terminal and DCL on the way back. That way, you can check in your luggage for the plane at the Port (on most airlines). You still claim your bags in the customs area, where a porter takes you thru customs then to your transportation (whether DCL or private.)

 

[tvguy]

DCL buses were great. Got there before they were letting folks on the ship.
Can't speak to the impact on reservations for Spas and Palo, we had not desire to do those, too much other free stuff to do on the ship.