Hotel Shuttle to Universal

[sharonmickey]

Has anyone stayed at the Country Inn and Suites (on Universal Blvd) and taken the shuttle to Universal Studios? How often does the shuttle run? Were the times convenient?

I have reservations for the beginning of August but am re-thinking my plans.
I'm not sure how often the shuttle runs or how convenient it will be. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sharonmickey]

Does anyone know how the hotel shuttles to Universal work? Please?

 

[Metro West]

I can't help too much but since the hotel is so close to Universal, you might be able to walk it. The website says it's only 1 mile from Universal but in the summer heat that might not be something you'd want to do. I would imagine the shuttles run a couple times an hour but not sure. This is what the website says:

In addition to offering comfortable and cozy guest rooms, the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Orlando Universal, Florida hotel offers a variety of amenities to make you feel right at home.

Free High-Speed Internet Access in all rooms, suites, and public areas
Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast featuring hot and cold items; make your own Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, French toast and hard boiled eggs
Complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Universal, Sea World and Walt Disney World Theme parks
Located on the I-Trolley Route which offers service to various attractions
On site destination expert, helping our guests with local knowledge on all of the areas best attractions
Coin operated guest laundry on site
Free parking
Free USA Today Monday through Friday
Outdoor swimming pool
Exercise room
FEMA approved
Onsite game room
Gift Shop for all the necessities
For additional information about the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Orlando Universal, Florida hotel please contact the hotel directly at (407) 313-4200 or via e-mail at cx_oids@countryinns.com.


Have you thought about staying onsite? I know the rates are a lot higher but your whole party would get FOTL access which you'll love.

 

[macraven]

many of the hotels offer shuttle service.
you need to call the hotel to get the times of their runs and stops.

some hotels share the shuttles and some have a charge.

one i used many many many years ago went to 2 different hotels and there was a charge per person. also, i had to reserve my seat in advance. they only did 2 shuttles to the park and 2 back each day. i did not stay at the hotel you are going to.

 

[sharonmickey]

Thanks for your help.

I'm trying to decide if I want to keep my reservations at Country Inn and Suites or switch to Pop Century for the whole trip but still go to Universal the first two days. I called the hotel as the previous poster stated. The hotel shuttle only runs 3 times in the morning and evening. Since we won't get into Orlando until afternoon we will have to drive ourselves to Universal the first day.

Would we be better off staying at Pop the whole trip since we will have to drive (and pay for parking) the first day anyway? Then we would not have to switch hotels.

 

[macraven]

country inn and suites are nice places.
they have the free continental breakfast for all guests.


you can take a cab for about
$5 or less from the hotel to UO.

then the next day, sign up for the shuttle.

 

[sharonmickey]

ok, that sounds good. Thanks!

 

[macraven]

i think since you get in after the shuttle runs, a cab would be worth it for you.

if you stayed at pop century, you would have to leave early to get to universal without the traffic. then you would have to pay for the parking.


be at the park and by the ticket turnstyle by 8:30. you will beat the crowds and see more in the morning without crowds..

the first day, go once you check in to your hotel which is about one mile from UO.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Country Inns is w-a-a-y too far to walk.

Generally speaking, hotel shuttles have a few runs in the morning going from hotel to park, then another few runs in the afternoon and early evening going the opposite direction.

Since you'll be on International Dr, the I-Ride Trolley is a possibility.

http://www.iridetrolley.com/index.html

 

[sharonmickey]

Thanks for all your help. My daughter runs distance so she might be willing to walk but it's WAY to far for me, especially considering how far I plan on walking inside the parks. I like the idea of a taxi if it only costs $5. I have to admit the idea of driving in the traffic terrifies me since I'm not familiar with the area.