Happy Limo "Beware Of Imposters"

[Grammamouse]

Going to the World with my 2 DGD's (11) & (13). Just us girls. (Kind of a practice run before my DH and I go a month later)

I received our confirmation and authorization form back from Happy Limo for our trip at the end of August. However, the policy/instruction sheet states (in very large and bold letters) BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS, which is very good advice. It then goes on to state that if we mistakenly get into a vehicle of their competition, we will be charged the full fare. They also give instructions on how we are to go about reporting these counterfeit cars "ASAP".

Now, I don't plan to get nto a "counterfeit" vehicle and Happy Limo apparently says that on the front plate, but I find it a little odd that the responsibility is ours not to get hoodwinked.

Also, we have to get ourselves and luggage to the main floor parking area.

They also include a 23.5% tip on the bill automatically. I don't mind tipping, even that much, for good service but it looks like we are doing all of the work except driving.

Should I try a different company? Or is this pretty much the norm?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by Grammamouse


They also include a 23.5% tip on the bill automatically. I don't mind tipping, even that much, for good service but it looks like we are doing all of the work except driving.

Should I try a different company? Or is this pretty much the norm?

Thanks for any advice.

That's a LOT of tip IMHO. I'd look elsewhere. I agree, I do'nt mind tipping that much if the service warrants it. but that would mean the driver meets me at the luggage area and takes care of my luggage. If I have to haul it myself, there's NO WAY I'm tipping that much.

Anne

 

[seashoreCM]

Getting in the right car is always the rider's responsibility.

One way to go about it is to have in mind some questions to ask the driver that take more than a yes/no answer. Ask to see the driver's copy of the schedule or route to see that your name, destination, etc matches, if you have any doubts.

Not recommended for any single person or any typical family, but one way of dealing with a really lookalike counterfeit company is to refuse to pay any money at the time of the ride and to coerce the driver if he refuses to either proceed directly to the destination or return immediately to the origin.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[mom_rules]

This must be a new thing? My confirmations from Happy don't have anything about that on them and it states that "your party will be greeted by our driver in the baggage claim at the foot of the escalators next to the information booth. Our driver will be displaying a professionally made sign with your party's name on it" etc. The gratuity on our confirmation works out to 16%-
Basic rate 85.00 tolls 2.00 airp surch 10.00 gratuity 17.00 disc 5.00 total due 109.00.

I will have them charge my credit card so no $ should exchange hands at the time of the service-suits us fine that way!

 

[dizcrazy]

We used Happy Limo last May and were very happy. I remember comparing all the prices and Happy Limo was cheapest, tip included. They charged the tip automatically which DH liked but I thought was a little strange - what if I had bad service???

We got off the plane, got our luggage, and called Happy. They asked us if we had/needed help with luggage, and if so, the driver woould park, come in, then bring our bags to the front of the airport, where we would wait while he got the car and brought it around to pick us up.

Since we already had out luggage, we were told where exactly to stand and then we picked up about 15 mins. later.

 

[Grammamouse]

Thanks all for your info. and help. I called Happy Limo back and requested that someone meet us at the baggage claim with a sign, so we don't have to find them. They agreed to do that and will fax me a new confirmation.

I also asked about the gratuity. Our reservation is for a sedan for pick up at the airport at arrival and return trip pickup at the Poly. They split it into 2 reservations; $42.50 each and apparently a $10 tip each way is automatic for a sedan. Must be a minimum and it comes out to 23.5%. She told me that the gratuity for a Limo, one way is $17.00. On an $85.00 base fare, this is 20%. Not sure why the tip is higher % for a sedan, but I would have tipped that much anyway.

Our trip 1 from the airport to Poly is $42.50 base + $2.00 tolls + $10.00 gratuity - $2.50 discount.
Trip 2 from the Poly to Airport is $42.50 base + $5.00 Airport surcharge + $2.00 tolls + $10.00 gratuity - $2.50 discount.
Total both trips $109.00

I am happy now that I don't have to worry about getting kidnapped by a crazy "imposter" , although my granddaughters probably would have kept us on track. I do like that I can put the trip on charge card and everything is covered. Although, I agree that it is odd to tip before the service is performed.

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[bytheblood]

Originally posted by Grammamouse



They also include a 23.5% tip on the bill automatically. I don't mind tipping, even that much, for good service but it looks like we are doing all of the work except driving.

Should I try a different company? Or is this pretty much the norm?

I think I might look at another company. That tip seems awfully high. Especially if you do not have a good driver. But, that is jmho!

 

[Ms. WDW]

Personally, if a car service told me what to tip I would look for another service.

I tip based on the driver's service. That's it!

We've used Fl. Tours several times and have nothing bad to say about them. Actually I think they're great all around with their services. But it's up to you and that's my opinion.

Good luck!

 

[denman007]

Well, if your getting a limo from FL Tours, they will tell you what to tip.

I have sent 2 emails to Andy and left him voice mail yesterday trying to make a ressie. If I don't hear from anyone today - screw it. I'll call happy limo.

 

[Ms. WDW]

No one from Fl Tours has ever told, suggested or even mentioned a tip when I made arrangements. Nor is it mentioned in the confirmations. Who told you what to tip from Fl Tours?

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time making your reservations. I know they'er very busy now.

But I still stand by Fl Tours until I think I've been treated in a way less than what I expect.

 

[denman007]

Right from FL Tours online ressie page...

Please Note: A 20% drivers gratuity will be added to the above total for all limos.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by denman007
Right from FL Tours online ressie page...

Please Note: A 20% drivers gratuity will be added to the above total for all limos.

Adding a 20% gratuity for LIMOS is an industry standard (although many don't do it). Adding a gratuity for TOWNCAR service is not as common (particularly in Orlando).

 

[mom_rules]

Exactly what happened to us. We used FLTours lux. van service in April-wanted quotes on a stretch for October-I emailed twice and called twice but did not receive a response or quotes-nothing!
I emailed Happy-within a couple of hours received a response/quote. I called to reserve (got a person right away) and within a day I got an emailed reservation-one for each direction at the exact price I had been quoted.

Would have liked to use FLTours again but couldn't get any answers.

 

[msr709]

I made reservations with www.transportation2disney.com they are Murray Hill Transportation, I've seen very good reports and they seem to be the most reasonable and never mentioned a mandatory tip either. HTH

 

[Familyof14]

It took me a couple of days...after all, he is a busy man.

My confirmation does include the 20% gratuity.

 

[Ms. WDW]

That explains it. I am not getting a Limo. I'm getting a towncar. There is no tip added to towncars. And I double checked; there is no gratutity added to my confirmation.

So apparently tips are automatically added to Limo reservations.

Live and learn!!

 

[Familyof14]

That's it!

 

[suzyqpeach]

I am not aware of the "imposters" but we always use Southern Elegance Limousines when we are in Orlando. The drivers meet us in the baggage claim area, waiting on us and they DO NOT mandate a tip. That is left up to us. They won't let us lift a finger with any of our bags, never have. You need to be leary of Happy Limo.. We have used them before in the past...

Several other Disboard people have used Southern Elegance too, so ask them about their experience. That company is great. Can't say enough good about them. You need to check them out. I feel you'll be happy with them. I'll give you their web link.

Good Luck gramma! Hope you have fun... Can't wait coming in September.

QPeach


www.southernelegancelimousines,com

 

[Prince Eric1]

Some companies such as Happylimo add the gratuity to the towncars also. Make sure you check.

 

[suzyqpeach]

Originally posted by dizcrazy
We used Happy Limo last May and were very happy. I remember comparing all the prices and Happy Limo was cheapest, tip included. They charged the tip automatically which DH liked but I thought was a little strange - what if I had bad service???

We got off the plane, got our luggage, and called Happy. They asked us if we had/needed help with luggage, and if so, the driver woould park, come in, then bring our bags to the front of the airport, where we would wait while he got the car and brought it around to pick us up.

Since we already had out luggage, we were told where exactly to stand and then we picked up about 15 mins. later.

This is for Gramma,

I see all your charges for Happy, however in the future here is some information that you may be interested in. "Southern Elegance Limousine's" L-series Sedan (which is an extended back seat), round trip to the Polynesian (because we use them all the time), is $90.00. flat! That's it. No extra charges, no tolls, no $10.00. entrance fees or whatever and you can charge the $90.00 on your credit card also. And you can tip as you please. They don't tell you what to tip. I like that alot. Anyway, just thought I'd let you in on that. Good luck.

Qpeach