Got back last night... LONG :)

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

What a fabulous trip!

We stayed at SSR - 1st Grandstand building (loved the location). We had friends join us for the first 4 days of the trip - one of them had NEVER BEEN TO WDW!! So, needless to say - she had a BLAST!

Observations...

1. Rooms were perfect and spotless (2bed and 1bed).

2. We did the deluxe dining plan this trip. Wow - did we ever get our money's worth. We had two teenage boys with us. We ate at:

1. Narcoosee's (twice) - FABULOUS both times. Lobster was to die for. Dueling Tartares - YUMMY.
2. Yachtsmen's Steakhouse - undeniably delicious. Service was incredible (Ricardo was simply the best server I've ever had anywhere).
3. Flying Fish - Very disappointing - this is my (was) my favorite restaurant on property - went for my birthday. Meal was lackluster. Service was excellent
4. Primetime - while others had great "in character" servers - we had boring Cousin Alex from Uruguay. She was awful. No fun. She almost looked annoyed to have to say the rules. They should move her out and put her someplace else.
5. Jiko - fabulous, as always. This is always a favorite of ours.
6. The Turf Club - excellent tuna - great service.

And tons of other places during the 9 days we were there. If I had my boys with me, I would do the dining plan again in a heartbeat. We always eat at the better (2 credit) restaurants. If it were just my dh and me and our daughter, I would use the DDE.

Crowds were at a minimum. Weather was cool - perfect park weather - didn't get any pool time. Next year we're going to do a week at disney and head down to one of the islands for a week of sun.

My ONLY complaint - the taxi service allowed on Disney property. Every night was another issue and being these are the people that Disney CMs call when you say you need a taxi, I think Disney should set some standards for these people to follow.

These were our experiences (on separate nights):
1. Car did not have a working seatbelt for the middle seat.
2. We requested a van (there were 8 of us). They call for a van and a car pulled up and said, another car is coming - there is no van. So, half of us got in the car and as we pulled out of the GF, the van pulled in. We felt really ripped off (as we had used a van earlier).
3. We were leaving the GF a second time, there was a van, two cars and then a van. We walked up to the closest van - driver was asleep. We then walked to the first van and she said she couldn't take us because she wasn't first in line - there were 5 of us - she told us we had to go in the car behind her because he was waiting longer. We said no, there are 5 of us and we will not fit in the car. We felt like we were in the middle of a turf war.
4. Leaving SSR to go to WL - we asked for a cab. A town car had just dropped off a fare - he told the CM he'd take us - we knew it would be about $12-15. When he dropped us, told us it was $25. My husband refused, gave him $20 and walked away.
5. Cab driver was told we were going to SSR and took us to CSR "by mistake" and then charged us full fare - even though he was the one that went to the wrong resort.

In any event - we gave up on cabs. It's a gaping hole at Disney. We love to eat out at the resorts, but having to do the multi-bus trips back home is terrible. Disney should demand these taxi companies meet Disney's standards. There should be set rate charts for travel between the resorts - no meters (like they do in NYC to go to the airport). There should be working seatbelts for every passenger. NO TALKING ON THE CELL PHONE WHEN DRIVING (which is against the law where I live). In fact, Disney should just have their own internal transport system and charge for it. I would gladly pay.

In any event - we had a fabulous time. By far, one of the best trips we've taken yet (we've been 2-3 times a year for the past 15 years).

Already planning next year's trip!!!!

 

[alldiz]

thanks for the report....

I always take cabs.....never had a problem...we didn't need a van though...
except when changing resorts...luggage.

We had some very nice drivers....except for one on the phone the
whole time....they should not be allowed to do that.

the turf war is ridiculous though....you should pick the car you want....
Kerri

 

[javamom]

We got one of those "cell phone junkies" on our ride from BWI to DTD on our last trip too. It really annoyed me. It was still worth the 12.00 to get there b/c we would have missed our appointment at BBB, if we had continued to wait for a bus.

 

[MrsNick]

I agree about the cab service. Last February we also stayed in SSR and had quite the adventures.

We took a cab to the outlets, and on the cab ride home, the cabbie deliberately took us the long way . The fare ended up being almost double what it was to get there. DH and I being from NY asked the guy what he thought he was trying to pull and did he think we were stupid. DH did the same thing. Handed him the amount we had paid to get to the outlets and walked away. Also told the cabbie if he wanted to make something of it, we'd be happy to call police. Cabbie declined. I have actually never had a NYC cabbie try to pull this kind of crap.

We wanted to take a cab to BW for dinner at Flying Fish. We told them we were in Congress Park. 20 minutes went by, called dispatch. Said taxi came and we weren't there. Told dispatch we were still at building XX in Congress Park. 20 minutes later, no cab. Called dispatch again. Cab is waiting for us in the Springs. We had to explain again we were in CONGRESS PARK. Finally, 5 minutes later, we saw a cab. We waited 45 minutes for a cab that should have been there in 5-15 minutes. Could have walked to DTD and caught a bus and been to the BW by then .

Coming back to SSR from AKL dinner at Jiko, we ran into the same thing with a cabbie being asleep in the car. We assumed he was on a break. Called for a cab, took 20 minutes. Meanwhile, another family came out, got in the cab and were on their way.

Boy, I had convinced DH not to rent a car for this trip since it was just for a long weekend. Totally lost credibility on that one . In the future, we'll be renting a car.

 

[sajetto]

Geez, reading this makes me want to steer clear of cabs while at WDW. MrsNick I can't believe your cabbie tried to pull that. Guess he figured that you were just another tourist who had no idea where you were going

 

[Merylj]

Thanks for posting - I thought about contacting WDW about about our experience with the cabs - always a detour! Certainly not Disney standards!

 

[tomandrobin]

Nice trip report, glad to read you had an overall reat time!

How do you like the DDDP? We have thought about using it, but have not compared it to the DDE yet.

We have had decent taxi service in the past at WDW. But I have had the run in with the over charging drivers at other vacations. Of course, these are usually in locations like Cancun, Bahamas, and other Caribbean locations.

 

[AKLFan3]

We've never needed a cab while staying on Disney property, but one year we were staying at the Sheraton Vistana Resort to save some money and took cabs back and forth to DTD. Assuming the OP took the same yellow cab company that we took, I definitely would NEVER use Orlando cabs again. The drivers try to rip you off. Deliberately taking the freeway to burn more gas, driving in the slowest lanes and somehow managing to stop at every single red light are some of the tricks they pull. We were there for 7 nights, and had to take a cab to the park in the morning and back to the Sheraton at night. Out of all those times, I believe only twice a cab driver was really nice and got us to and from the parks efficiently...and it only happened twice because it was the same driver! We asked if we could hire him privately to pick us up and take us home, but he said he would get into trouble. And naturally it was impossible to find him since there were so many cabs. We were surprised we actually found him twice. So Orlando cab drivers are the main reason we will never stay off the property again. It was not worth the aggravation and extra money. I have no problems with Disney buses. Even if we have to wait longer than 20 minutes, (which is very rare), at least the drivers are always pleasant and try to safely get us to our destination in the quickest way possible.

One more point: I heard that the cheapest way to go exploring off Disney property is to catch the local bus at TTC. If you can manage to figure out the routes, that would be a better way to go.

 

[WDWorld2003]

We've also had bad experiences with cabs. BWV to Animal Kingdom - $18.00 plus tip. I think this qualified as an overcharge but maybe not.

Also, had to take a cab to and from Celebration Hospital. The cab driver on the way back was scary.... he was mad because my DD and friend were in the bathroom when he arrived (never mind it took over 45 minutes to get a cab once we called). He then drove with the windows all the way down flying down the freeway at 11 p.m. with three females and would not speak a word even when I asked a question. I was never so happy to arrive at our destination. I can't remember the charge because I just wanted out. I've never liked cabs anyway but this experience certainly didn't help. I didn't pursue the matter as I just wanted to take care of my sick DD.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

I'm the OP.

I live in NY. I use NYC cabs all the time. The only time I have ever felt so completely uncomfortable in a cab is when I am on Disney property.

Disney allows them to be onsite and Disney should regulate them.

I am going to send an email to Disney with the following suggestions:

1. All cabs on Disney property must be clean.
2. All cabs on Disney property must have working seatbelts for all occupants.
3. All drivers must follow the rules of the road (speed limits, stop signs, etc.).
4. Absolutely NO talking on cell phone while driving.
5. Air conditioning must be turned on at the customer's request.
6. Set rates should apply and be prominently displayed in the cab (i.e. cab fare from DD resort area to MK resort area:$15.00, cab fare from Epcot resort area to DD resort area: $12.00, etc.).
7. Cab driver's license, photo and ID# should be prominently displayed.

My biggest suggestion: Take over internal transportation themselves! I would gladly pay to be in a clean vehicle with a Disney employee driving.

We did finally throw in the towel and use the buses - which were fine. It's just, after eating a huge (and expensive) meal, sometimes you just want to go home, kwim? LOL.

Also - I forgot to add this about our Magical Express journey back to the airport...while on the subject of transportation. We were in a regular Mears bus (not a big deal - a ride is a ride). However, our bus driver had some bizarre television station playing on the monitors with Christian quotes and something about gays. No Disney video, no Disney music. Nothing. I was surprised no one complained (it was really bizarre). We were sitting pretty far back and I just couldn't be bothered. And, being we go all the time, we didn't really care. It was just completely bizarre and not "magical" at all.

Disney should really rein in all the transport companies and lay down the law with them. Because, in the end, they are a reflection of Disney.

Perhaps, all of us who have had issues with the cabs should send a quick email to Disney. Unless we say something, there is no way for them to know.

 

[3DisneyKids]

We are definitely rental car people...every trip, every time. If you use the codes on mousesavers, you will easily save money over taking cabs places.

 

[robinb]

However, our bus driver had some bizarre television station playing on the monitors with Christian quotes and something about gays.

I'm an atheist and I would have blown a gasket over something like that. I don't care what he watches on his own time, but don't subject me to his religious dogma! I would have asked him to turn it off after I had his name and number to report his butt to Mears and Disney.

As for your taxi cab problems ... were you in the "official" Disney Checker Cab run by Mears? Disney does have an agreement with the Mears to provide cab service to/from the parks. For instance, Mears cabs get to drive right through the park gates without paying. Cabs from other companies must pay on entry, which means that the guest has to pony up for parking cost! I have heard of a lot of people who have had problems with the non-Mears taxis. As a customer you can always decline a particular taxi. If the seatbelts are not working you can always get out and wait for another one.

The cab that came up and said that there was "no van" sounds like one of the "gypsy" non-Mears cabs which was monitoring the Mears frequency and stole the fare.

ETA:
Here is a link from a previous taxi cab discussion:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=21320729#post21320729

 

[todd222222]

I just returned from a trip and used a taxi twice.

The first time I walked out of AKV and told the valet I needed a taxi and he flagged the line...the first one in line was asleep so he motioned for the next one in line to come up, which he did.

The 2nd trip I took a taxi from AKV to the Walgreen's on 192....$15 round trip including waiting there.....no issues.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

Hi Robin,

All of the cabs we got were at Disney resorts and we took them from one Disney resort to another Disney resort. We never took one to a park and we never left Disney property. Some were waiting in front of the lobby, others came when called by Disney Valets. They all had to get through the Resort gate.

I honestly could not tell you what cab company they were, other than the fact they were yellow cabs and were on Disney property and we were directed to each car by a Disney CM.

I have been going to disney 2-5 times a year since 1990 and never knew there were different cab companies on site. I just figured if a Disney employee is calling one for me it's a company they approve of. Of course, with the outsourcing of the valet folks - perhaps some of these calls are going directly to their buddies. Who knows?

What I do know is that I am very well-traveled and have never felt as gross and ripped off in a cab as I did this past trip to WDW. Yuck. I would never have expected Disney to allow any outside/rogue companies to barge into and take business away from their "approved" company on resort property.

I do have to say, all our WDW bus drivers were absolutely exceptional this trip.

 

[robinb]

What I do know is that I am very well-traveled and have never felt as gross and ripped off in a cab as I did this past trip to WDW. Yuck. I would never have expected Disney to allow any outside/rogue companies to barge into and take business away from their "approved" company on resort property.

I guess all they had to do was say they were called. According to the other thread, valets are supposed to call Checker Cabs only, but that doesn't appear to happen. I only had good experiences with cabs at WDW but I have heard enough stories about bad cabs that I will be careful to make sure I get a Checker cab and look for the Mears logo behind the wheel. If I get a cab that rips me off or is dirty at least I have someone to complain to.

Back to your dinners ... I ate at Narcoossee's in early January and we both had the lobster. My DH had the surf and turf and I had the whole lobster (which they served top me whole and not in parts ). Both were great! Did you try the almond crusted cheesecake? I think that is now my official favorite dessert at WDW.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

Robin,

Thanks for that link to the other thread. That was a real eye-opener.

Here, in NY, taxis are so well-regulated. With Disney's stringent rules and I would hope with increased security - the taxis that are allowed to shuttle guests around would be of a higher standard.

It truly NEVER occurred to me that a cab would show up that was potentially illegal, unsafe, not permitted by Disney, etc. They have to get through the resort checkpoint gate, are called by a Disney employee, etc. At that point, a reasonable person should be able to assume (gosh, I hate that word, but it's true) that the cab ride will be conducted legally and responsibly.

In any event, this is great info to have for the future.

I think it's pretty awful that anyone in a yellow cab can pull up to a Disney resort and pick up Disney guests and take them on a joy ride without a problem. Scary, really.

I'll take my NYC cab drivers any day!!

 

[todd222222]

it's my understaing that "Checker Cabs" at WDW are all owned by Mears. In fact here is a photo on their website which shows a Checker Cab. http://www.mearstransportation.com/TaxicabService.htm

I guess my question is this. Does Disney only allow Checker Cabs on their property?

Pete Warner (owner of disboards.com) went on a rant about Mears in general on the DIS unplugged podcast a couple of weeks ago....he talked about their cabs as well...about them being dirty and a few other choice words.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

Oh, Narcoossee's...

It was so good we went back a second time!

First time - I had the whole lobster on the potatoes au gratin. OMG...words just can't express. My dh and ds had the surf and turf (I don't eat red meat). My dh said it was the best thing he had ever. We had the almond cheesecake and the key lime creme brulee. YUMMERS!

Second visit I had the dueling tartare - I can't remember what appetizer I had the first time - it was delicious. I had some of my daughter's crab cake - by far the best I ever had. I had the scallops over risotto and my dd (9) had the tuna entree very rare - also absolutely delicious.

Yachtsmen's was equally as good. Flying Fish really disappointed this trip. Never made it to California Grill this trip - did the Narcoossee twice. Artist Point was delicious. Jiko - was fantastic - had the Char with the okra and eggplant. I could live on veggies.

Aah, now I'm getting hungry...

The DDDP was incredible for our family. We eat out a lot and we like to try lots of things. We don't necessarily feel the need to "clean our plates". So, we liked that we could freely order apps, entrees and desserts and have a bite of this and a bite of that. We probably spent over $3000 on food and the plan cost us $2000. Our first check at Narcoossee's was close to $500 without tip and wine.

We are going to sit down and figure out if we would have been better off with our DDE (which we didn't renew last year because we wanted to try the dining plan). We were not going to do the dining plan because we prefer the signature restaruants, but were happy to see they added the deluxe - which allowed us one regular meal and one signature meal a day.

I'll let you all know how it worked out for us financially. I know my dh loved not even thinking about cost the whole week. Nothing like seeing a $480 dinner bill brought down to zero. LOL.

 

[robinb]

Flying Fish really disappointed this trip.

Flying Fish disappointed me a year ago. It used to be our favorite, but the food was lackluster and the service was BAD. We had a brand-new waitress who refused to help with the wine selection with a shrug and "Either one is good" which meant she knew NOTHING about the wine. I had her drag someone over who had half a clue who then advised me on which was the best wine for the meal and gave me two samples so I could select the correct one.