How long after flight arrival to book transport for?

[klangkat]

Hello everyone
We visit WDW from Scotland and so, normally, on arrival at MCO we have to do customs and immigration. This trip however, for the first time, we're doing an indirect flight via PHL (and so will clear immigration/customs there).
So, seeing as I have no experience of arriving at MCO on a domestic flight, how long should I expect it to take from plane to ground transport?
Also, I'd like to err on the side of caution with the estimation - it's a long travel day for us and we may need some water or to restroom, I don't want to be rushing tired people through the airport because we're running late.
Also, I was planning on booking a car through Mears but have no experience of using any cabs/car companies, we've always driven or used ME. It's three adults and 3 big suitcases and we're headed to RPR over at Universal. Is Mears a good company to use? Am I right in thinking we'd struggle to fit in a cab and so booking a car is better?
Thanks in advance for any help

 

[mischief32]

I have under MEARS in the past and the experience has been fine. The counter is located on the 1st floor like ME. I would book online and pay for the trnasporation 2 and from. When you are ready to get the shuttle just go dow to the counter and scan your receipt and it will print out tickets for each person. You then go outside to a person at the MEARS stand and they radio for a van. It can take 20-30 minutes for a van to arrive depending how busy they are.

 

[Lewisc]

Give the car service your flight information. edited to say I don't think you even have to mention a bathroom stop on the way to baggage claim. Kind of normal and you'll still probably get to luggage claim before your bags. Tell the car service the number of bags and they will make sure you get the correct sized vehicle. A pre-arranged car service will give you a set price, a taxi will charge by the meter.

FLTOURS is a board sponsor. Tiffany and happylimo also get good reviews.

 

[klangkat]

Thanks for the help guys, but on the Mears website, even with the flight information entered, it still insists on entering a "Pick up time"....
Any thoughts? Our flight lands at 18:32, so would 19:30 be about right?

 

[mischief32]

It really does not take that long to get off the plane and over to baggage claim so I would only think about 30-45 minutes if that long.

 

[klangkat]

It really does not take that long to get off the plane and over to baggage claim so I would only think about 30-45 minutes if that long.

That's great, thanks
Think I'll go for 45 minutes, just for peace of mind.
It's hard to know how long it'll take as when clearing immigration and customs it often takes more than two hours to exit the airport!

 

[Best Aunt]

Are you looking for a shuttle (you share a ride with other people, who may be going to other hotels), or a private car service?

If I wanted a shuttle, I might book with Mears.

But when I want a private car service, I use Tiffany Towncar. I have used them to get to RPR, PBH, HRH and some Disney hotels. Other people here have used other companies.

When I book with Tiffany Towncar, I tell them when my flight is supposed to arrive. They're always there waiting for me. I don't have to try to figure out exactly when I'll be ready to get in the car.

Tiffany Towncar will do a 30 minute grocery stop on the way to the hotel if you like. Sometimes I have them go to a drug store.

The Universal hotel gift shops do not have as big a selection of items as the Disney gift shops. You might want to stop to get snacks or other items.

 

[klangkat]

Are you looking for a shuttle (you share a ride with other people, who may be going to other hotels), or a private car service?

If I wanted a shuttle, I might book with Mears.

But when I want a private car service, I use Tiffany Towncar. I have used them to get to RPR, PBH, HRH and some Disney hotels. Other people here have used other companies.

When I book with Tiffany Towncar, I tell them when my flight is supposed to arrive. They're always there waiting for me. I don't have to try to figure out exactly when I'll be ready to get in the car.

Tiffany Towncar will do a 30 minute grocery stop on the way to the hotel if you like. Sometimes I have them go to a drug store.

The Universal hotel gift shops do not have as big a selection of items as the Disney gift shops. You might want to stop to get snacks or other items.

Thanks for your advice
We're looking for a private car - none of us are great travellers so it'll be nice to have somewhat quiet journey to the resort after 10 hours on planes!
I hadn't heard of that company - to be honest, as I said, I'm a newbie at it, Mears was just the one name I knew! I'll look into Tiffany Town Car
Thanks for the heads up about the smaller resort store selection, but we're actually just staying at RPR for one night before moving over to OKW (where our Garden Grocer order will be delivered) for 18 nights.

EDIT: Just looked at the Tiffany website, looks great but they require payment over the phone - a bit hassly and costly from the UK so I might just stick with Mears.

 

[bkb91]

I would just make sure that you're booking a personal vehicle over and not the shuttle. The shuttle, you will be required to share with other people, and be making stops to the other peoples hotels.



Good luck!

 

[bleeps]

EDIT: Just looked at the Tiffany website, looks great but they require payment over the phone - a bit hassly and costly from the UK so I might just stick with Mears.

I'd recommend using the online form at Tiffany Town car (a service we've used at least 8 times and love) and using the open comment section to explain that you are booking from overseas and that the phone call and credit card piece are difficult for you. They must get other international customers, and may make an exception to the credit card hold piece -- just ask them how they can accommodate you.

 

[Li Li]

Actually, if I remember correctly, we didn't pay Tiffany Towncar ahead of time. We paid via a credit card reader with the driver when he dropped us off at the Dolphin. This was Sept. 2012. I think my DH and I both spaced on calling in with a credit card, and they never said anything.