How do you get from airport to hotel?

[MulanMom]

There will be four of us arriving at MCO and needing to get to RPH without renting a car. In checking different options, taking a cab seems the best way to go pricewise. Those of you who have done this, what form of transportation did you use?

TIA!

 

[gschmerl]

WE use Mears, but there are only two of us. With four people you might be better off with the taxi or hiring a towncar.

 

[robvia]

Basically 3 options. Mears, Cab, or Towncar.
Each is different depending on the number of people going, and returning at the end of the trip. You'll have to search web sites for each and get prices.

Here's a little tip. When you arrive the hotel, only tip the person who unloads the car a couple bucks. Why? Because they take the bags in and then another person takes them up to your room. This frustrates many who tip the first person a lot of money, only to find another person is involved.

Same thing with the driver. Many people get all happy, and double tip the driver thinking he will take them back to the airport. When in fact, another driver shows up for the return trip.

 

[AlexandNessa]

You might get some more opinions on the Transportation board, but I would recommend Sunray, and tell them you need an SUV for 4 people with luggage. It's the same price as a towncar ($90 + tip for a round trip) , and you'll have more room. Plus, they will throw in a free grocery stop if you want to pick up some "supplies."

We are not fans of Mears -- waiting for the van or bus to fill up, making several drop offs before your destination, getting picked up to go to the airport ridiculously early (while making other pick ups on the way). We did Mears once. Once.

Have a great trip!

 

[micksterlee]

almost seems like it would be a good move for the hotels to offer a shuttle service, seems like it would encourage more people to stay on site.

 

[KEW80]

Hi all. I have been to Universal 7 times and have used Florida Tours. They are dependable, friendly, reasonable and professional. They will also throw in a free 30 minute grocery stop. This stop is well worth it. Especially for water.

 

[MulanMom]

almost seems like it would be a good move for the hotels to offer a shuttle service, seems like it would encourage more people to stay on site.

Yes, it would seem a good way to compete with Disney's Magical Express.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I did check out the shuttle service, towncar, and cab, and the cab is coming up as the cheapest....at least, online. I was curious to learn about others' experiences. We've pretty much done each of those modes of transport going to WDW over the years. Just wondering if I'm missing anything intrinsic to Universal resorts.

 

[Kimberle]

Private towncar.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Yes, it would seem a good way to compete with Disney's Magical Express.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I did check out the shuttle service, towncar, and cab, and the cab is coming up as the cheapest....at least, online. I was curious to learn about others' experiences. We've pretty much done each of those modes of transport going to WDW over the years. Just wondering if I'm missing anything intrinsic to Universal resorts.

We were just there and for the first time decided to just grab a cab. The Town Car is the same exact $ and they stop for a grocery run. More comfortable and in many cases you wont have to deal with the vile air freshener in the cabs that made me gag. It cost us $47 each way before tip, no stop.

 

[MulanMom]

Thanks, Fan2CSkr. That's exactly the info I needed to know. I used an estimator on a website and it estimated a one-way fare of around $32.00. $47.00 without tip is a big difference! Seems like the towncar is the way to go!

 

[patster734]

We were very satisfied with Happy Limousine.

 

[Eclpz314]

Thanks, Fan2CSkr. That's exactly the info I needed to know. I used an estimator on a website and it estimated a one-way fare of around $32.00. $47.00 without tip is a big difference! Seems like the towncar is the way to go!

We always liked using a town car (limo one year as surprise for kids) because the driver will meet you right at the escalator and be holding a big sign with your name on it. We had them put ds's name on it one year....he was thrilled!! I saw the Mears buses, but it's really a first-come, first-served kinda set up. We didn't want the hassle of trying to re-find our luggage from a shuttle bus. Have fun!

 

[Eclpz314]

We were very satisfied with Happy Limousine.

That's who we got the limo from 2 yrs in a row! When our plane was late leaving Philadelphia one year, I was afraid the limo would be gone when we finally got to Orlando. I called while Phila. was trying to find us another plane to board and Happy Limo people said they were already aware of the almost 2 hr. delay and not to worry....that they monitor the flights and would be there whenever we arrived! They even offered to have a special drink I requested waiting IN the limo when it picked us up!

 

[MulanMom]

They even offered to have a special drink I requested waiting IN the limo when it picked us up!

That part I like!!!!!

 

[Cinderella822]

We've always used Tiffany Town Car and have been very happy with them. I believe round trip to Universal is $95 but they always have a $5 off coupon you can print from their website. They also track the flights and will accommodate late arrivals. They help you with your luggage and will make a stop if you need to pick up groceries or something.