getting to hotel from the airport

[johnd29]

Hi,
Is it worth the extra money to take a cab from the airport to the hotel. We will be staying at the Grand Floridian but we are only there for 4 days and want to see as much as possible. We will be getting into the airport at 10:30 so we feel we can get most of our travel day at the parks.
Thanks,

 

[selina4disney]

Not to me. We have never had Magical Express take a terribly long time to get to the hotel and I want that cab money to spend in the parks!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Not to me. We have never had Magical Express take a terribly long time to get to the hotel and I want that cab money to spend in the parks!

I agree. We would never spend that money when there is a free shuttle, even if it might take an hour longer. You can research the fair on Mears website but we took a cab from POFQ to MCO back in 2005 and it cost us over $70 for 2 people.

Looks like an estimate to the MK (which is closes location to Grand Floridian) is $56.65 currently. Not including Tip and any delays for traffic

 

[selina4disney]

I agree. We would never spend that money when there is a free shuttle, even if it might take an hour longer. You can research the fair on Mears website but we took a cab from POFQ to MCO back in 2005 and it cost us over $70 for 2 people.

Looks like an estimate to the MK (which is closes location to Grand Floridian) is $56.65 currently. Not including Tip and any delays for traffic

That's a lot of coffee mugs and Mickey purses!

 

[2Tiggies]

Same reason I keep ditching the idea of a towncar! I would do so much budgeting and planning and saving for each trip - seems silly to blow it on transport I am getting for free.

However, I see the OP is only going for 4 days and it is really a question of whether your time is worth the cab fare - and on a short trip I think there is a point where it could be worth it.

 

[galnar]

We typically take a town car. It's like $100 round trip plus tip. If I were pinching pennies I would take ME but I like the convenience of having someone waiting for us when we get off the escalator. The town car is literally 10 steps away from baggage claim. I also like that they take you to a grocery store to pick up any essentials you need for your stay.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation board.

 

[clkelley]

Unless you have carryon only, I really don't think a towncar or taxi saves you any time.

I'm in Orlando on a work trip. My flight landed at 3:30 pm, the baggage carousel didn't even start running till 3:55 pm, only to discover my bag wasn't on the carousel!! Checked on it and it was on the next flight which landed at 4:15 pm. The passengers from that flight showed up about 4:20 pm and the carousel cranked up about 4:35 pm.

So it's about 25 minutes average for the baggage carousel to crank up. Then you have to get to the towncar or taxi from there. Then a minimum of a 30 minute drive to the resort.

DME average is 70 minutes, so you are really only saving 10 to 20 minutes by not taking DME!!!

Plus you don't have to deal with the hassle of claiming your luggage. Just straight to the DME welcome center, hop on the bus and let them do the driving!!

 

[dacky041208]

I think the PP is right, taking a towncar doesn't save you all the much time on arrival. Now DME will pick you up about 3 hours before your flight leaves, if you want to take a cab/towncar there it might be more worth it.

Also, for me, there is a nice feeling to not worrying about my bag, or driving. You sit on the DME bus and watch the silly movie, but there is something nice about it. Its become part of our vacation. But that's just us.

 

[lathamary]

Also, for me, there is a nice feeling to not worrying about my bag, or driving. You sit on the DME bus and watch the silly movie, but there is something nice about it. Its become part of our vacation. But that's just us.

I agree. It's not about being "free"; we love Magical Express because it's part of the vacation. It gets you in the mood for Disney World! The whole Disney thing can start at the airport; not when you get to the hotel.

Also, there are different Magical Express buses for different resorts (some are grouped together, but by proximity). You probably won't get to your resort any faster with a cab/towncar/whatever. And it will definitely take longer if you rent a car, because you have to wait for your car and sign the papers and all that jazz.