Getting around to/from the Swan/Dolphin

[poohfan]

Planning a trip with my DD and I'm terrible w/ directions and driving at night. We usually stay onsite and use ME so driving around is never an issue. But this trip I'm trying to watch the $$ and am thinking of the Swan/Dolphin. What's the best way to get to/from the airport? Do the Disney buses go to the Swan/Dolphin?

 

[goofy4tink]

You have a few options...
1. rent a car
2. book the Mears shuttle
3. hire a car service
4. take a cab

Disney doesn't run any buses between MCO and the S/D. They don't own the S/D, so it isn't up to them to get guests around. The S/D do pay Disney to provide buses to the parks for their guests though...so that isn't an issue.

I have used a car service to the S/D as well as the Mears shuttle. The shuttle is about $35 r/t pp....I think. It's $19 one way, so imagine that it is in the area of $35 r/t. You can book a car service for about $100, plus tip though. If Mears is $35 pp, that will be $70 for both of you, then add tip....it may be about $30 cheaper than a car service. I would use the car service...they will be in baggage claim, waiting for you then go directly to your resort vs having to checkin at the Mears area, possibly wait 20+ mins for your ride, then make multiple stops along the way. Don't get me wrong...it worked pretty well for me last Sept, but I was by myself, had carryon bag only and wasn't concerned about getting to the resort quickly!!

 

[aarmando20]

We usually rent a car. If you want to can rent at the airport and return at the Dolphin. The drive is very simple plus if you need to stop to pick anything up you have the option to.

 

[tjmw2727]

Once you get to the resort you "are onsite" and have all the transportation options of staying onsite. Bus to MK and AK, boat or walk to studios and Epcot and use of monorial etc. In fact the only onsite perks you don't get are DME and the ability to charge to your room from the parks/restaurants.

As pointed out above you can use mears, rental car or a towncar/taxi to & from the airport. I use a towncar if there is more than one person as its not much more than mears and you get the personalized service and a grocery stop if you desire.

If your considering a rental keep in mind that the Swan & Dolphin have a daily parking charge - somewhere between $10 & $12 per night but I can't recall the exact amount.

TJ