Honestly, how's FL Tours? We want to try.

[ValerieK]

We used TTC for our 3 previous trips and had great service the first time, but the last 2 were not that great, nothing bad, but not great either. I did have them booked for our May trip, but just canceled today because of bad things I have read and the past experince. I booked through FL. Tours. I hope I am not disaapointed.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Parrothd
I guess I was kinda put-off by their website. After reading everything, I saw where the tip is added to the limo service......Also, after reading their site, it appears that they're trying to rush you out of the airport so they don't have to pay an extra $5 in the parking garage. Now maybe this doesn't actually happen, but it's listed on their website.......so..........with everything else being equal, I'll happily chose another limo company -- one

I normally rent a car so I haven't had any personal experience with FL tours (or any other service). but I don't think you're being fair.

Most companies add a 20% gratuity (service fee) for limo service. This is really an industry standard. FL tours isn't asking you to run to baggage claim. They know when you plane arrives and about how long it'll take you to get to baggage claim. They are asking you to give them a call if you're planning to stop for a meal or have some other extra delay. Really just asking for customers to be courteous.

 

[QJ411]

The first time we used TTC, we asked for a limo (it was our honeymoon so we had to "splurge")...but I don't remember if they added the gratuity or extra service charge onto it. But I know we tip the driver when we got to WL. (I should have read the fine print to see if it was added already, but DH did the transportation planning...so go fig. ). The driver who picked us up to go back to MCO was different and he wasn't as friendly, nor courteous, but we tipped him also anyway. I mean, the overall service was ok.

The second time, we just had a reg. town car (honeymoon is over, reality hits and times are tough...no more limo service...j/k ) and the driver was nice. And we had the same driver back.

Like I said, I do want to give FL Tours a try cuz of the raves I hear about them. TTC's answering service/receiptionist wasn't too friendly though.

I know it's not really a big deal, I mean it's just a 20 - 25 min ride both ways, but I think friendly service goes a long way especially it's the start of your trip.

 

[wld]

We used FL Tours on our last trip and were very pleased. I booked online with no problems, got a confirmation almost right away and another note a couple of days before we left. I don't remember the part on the website about hurrying, but we were not rushed at all and it was no different than any other towncar we used. It does make sense they would need to know if you were coming to baggage right from the plane or not in terms of timing for them, but I wasn't asked at any point.
What was different was both our drivers were very good. Friendly and informative and acted like the tip was just a nice bonus and not expected.
We also received a call the night before they picked us up.
I would not hesitate to use them.

My friend did note that she booked online and was dropped off at pop and picked up at WL. She was charged an extra $10 because of the Magic Kingdom resort she thinks although it was a suprise to her when they mentioned it when they dropped her off at POP.

 

[Parrothd]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Most companies add a 20% gratuity (service fee) for limo service. This is really an industry standard......

While a 20% gratuity for a limo driver IS industry standard, automatically adding it to the bill IS NOT an industry standard. That simply is not true. This is the only company I've seen that does this.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Parrothd
While a 20% gratuity for a limo driver IS industry standard, automatically adding it to the bill IS NOT an industry standard. That simply is not true. This is the only company I've seen that does this.

Actually several of the orlando companies either add on the gratuity for limos or specify a minimum 20% gratuity. In NY many companies add on the gratuity.

 

[Parrothd]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Actually several of the orlando companies either add on the gratuity for limos or specify a minimum 20% gratuity. In NY many companies add on the gratuity.

But, there are many more that don't. I'll choose one that doesn't.

And, Orlando isn't New York. Sorry.

 

[quicksilver]

I've been in this industry for several years and all companies, at least the ones I know, do charge 20% for Limousines. Some add gratuity for all vehicles, which is not standard here.
I can not discuss about NY or any other major city, but here, it's standard.

Companies that choose not to include the 20% are in general new, desperate to have more business their way, or have unhappy drivers (unhappy drivers = poor service). Remember, most companies in Orlando subcontract thei Limo drivers...

Everyone is free to choose who they want to use. My opinion is, go with the reputable ones and do not worry about the 20%. If you do not like the service, most companies will refund your money, again, the reputable ones...

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Parrothd
While a 20% gratuity for a limo driver IS industry standard, automatically adding it to the bill IS NOT an industry standard. That simply is not true. This is the only company I've seen that does this.

You're mistaken, most of the Orlando companies add on a 20% gratuity for limos (not towncars). Some bury in the fine print but it's there.

 

[bwbuddy]

We have a party of 6, and plan to use their Luxury Van, which they've told me has a TV and DVD player. I considering spending some extra bucks and going with the stretch limo.

What would you recommend?

 

[Parrothd]

Originally posted by bwbuddy
We have a party of 6, and plan to use their Luxury Van, which they've told me has a TV and DVD player. I considering spending some extra bucks and going with the stretch limo.

What would you recommend?

Personally, I recommend that you shop around for a limo. There are plenty of good limo services out there who won't try to take advantage of you. Just keep your guard up and shop around.

Here are the results of some quick, personal research. I just now got off of the phone with 4 different, reputable, Orlando limo services -- all of which have been in business for over 10 years (not start-up companies that are looking for business as one poster suggested). Of those 4, only 1 one of them (when asked) stated that they add the gratuity to their prices. And that company was $65 more (round-trip) than the others. Keep in mind that 20% of a $180 r/t is only $36 - if service is good, I'd have no qualms about giving the driver a $40 tip.....but, $65 is getting ridiculous. That's over a 35% tip......sorry, "surcharge". It's NOT a tip if it's automatically added to your bill.
And no, I don't feel that I should have to complain to the company just to get a portion of my "tip" back if I'm not completely satisfied with my service. If you let me calculate the tip in the first place, it removes all of that hassle of calling, writing letters, waiting for checks, etc. When I'm on vacation, I don't need that kind of hassle.

Anyway, beware of the fine print and ask all of these questions when you call for your reservations. By doing this, I chose a limo service that:
- has been in business for 10 years,
- only has stretch-limos (10 passenger limos as opposed to the smaller 6-8 passenger limos),
- operates newer (2003) limos,
- charges $180 round-trip from MCO to Magic Kingdom resorts ($95 one-way),
- all fees & tolls are included, no hidden charges what-so-ever,
- tipping is at the discretion of the client (20% is a suggested industry standard for limo drivers but, the ACTUAL amount should be based on level of satisfaction......just like anywhere else you would tip a service employee),
- has free beverages in the limo,
- has moon roofs, tvs, video players, fiber-optic lighting, etc.
- has over 20, Five-Star, positive reviews on limos.com.....where the other Orlando limo companies listed on that site have less than 10 positive reviews.

The bottom line is Caveat Emptor -- in this case "renter-beware". On my trip, I may find that I'm not satisfied with the choice I made however, all I can do right now is base my decision on educated, deductive reasoning.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Parrothd

And no, I don't feel that I should have to complain to the company just to get a portion of my "tip" back. If you let me calculate the tip in the first place, it removes all of that hassle of calling, writing letters, waiting for checks, etc. When I'm on vacation, I don't need that kind of hassle.

Actually I think your post makes sense. It pays to do research first. At least 3 of the major limo companies list a 20% gratuity in their website. Someone who is in the business posted that 20% is standard in Orlando. Prehaps when you called and sounded reasonable the companies were flexible on their tip position.

If the service is decent I'd tip the 20%. If the service was so bad that I didn't feel a tip was warranted I'd probably be complaining to get most of the charge refunded, not just the tip.

 

[mom_rules]

20% before or after disc and coupons?

 

[Familyof14]

I realize that this is an old post, but thought it might be helpful to others.

As for the automatic 20% charge...I sent off for 8 quotes from various limo companies recommended here. All 8 told me about the added 20%!

 

[tjmw2727]

For a LIMO or van most of the companies add the tip -even for trips here in boston so its not just Orlando. If you keep your receipt you should not have to "explain" to the subsequent drivers - I have in the past given them copies to they can get a fair share. Although that should not be necesscary.

I have not yet used a LIMO from TTC but 2-3x a year we use the towncar service and it has been exceptional. I tip 20% of the total, 1/2 on the way and 1/2 on the return as about 1/4 of the time we have a different driver.
TJ

 

[mom_rules]

Can anyone quote absolute "total" stretch limo prices? MCO to WDW. I emailed for quotes and got one response $208 RT including taxes, gratuities, tolls, airport fee. but I have nothing to compare it too!

 

[Perlla55]

Why don't you take a yellow cab van taxi ! they are good and cheaper and the drivers are nice and helpful, it cost 25 dollars for a one way from east kissimmee to the airport.

 

[Familyof14]

Most all of the Limo companies have their rates listed on the web site. It is easy to get a round trip rate.

 

[tjmw2727]

Originally posted by Perlla55
Why don't you take a yellow cab van taxi ! they are good and cheaper and the drivers are nice and helpful, it cost 25 dollars for a one way from east kissimmee to the airport.

I had a different experience, a cab from the Dolphin to MCO, just one way cost me $57.00 before tip.

TJ

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Parrothd
I guess I was kinda put-off by their website. After reading everything, I saw where the tip is added to the limo service. I try not to use ANY company that automatically adds in a tip (I even hate it when restaurants do that with large parties). To me, that says that their limo service isn't up to par, and they wouldn't ever get tips if they didn't add it in.
Now, that might NOT be the case, but let ME decide who gets a tip......and how much. When it's automatically added to the price, it's no longer a "tip", it's then a "surcharge". Maybe that's just me, but they lost my business because of that. AND, it's not the money issue (because if service is good, I'd likely tip more than their surcharge anyway), it's just a matter of principle.

Also, after reading their site, it appears that they're trying to rush you out of the airport so they don't have to pay an extra $5 in the parking garage. Now maybe this doesn't actually happen, but it's listed on their website.......so..........with everything else being equal, I'll happily chose another limo company -- one who treats their clients like adults and doesn't tell them how fast to walk or how much to tip their driver, etc.

It sounds like, if all you want is a towncar or van, they might be OK........but, given the above facts, I just have to wonder about the company overall. Maybe they're great (?).

Are you renting a limo or a town car. If it is just a normal towncar or van, you tip what you want.
The limo is where the 20% is added.
Read the FAQs.