How to get from Tampa to Orlando

[catdoc]

This is a little confusing, but I am trying to figure out how to get from Tampa to Orlando without renting a car. My husband has a business meeting in Tampa and my two boys and I get to come along to make it a short vacation. We are going to Busch Gardens for his last day in Tampa and will be checking in at Disney that night. We are flying out of Orlando and will take ME to the airport to go home. I can't seem to find a regular shuttle service or anything. If we rent a car it will have to be for 2 days and even for a very cheap one it will be at least 100.00. Do you have any ideas? I think there is a shuttle from Busch gardens back to Orlando, but we will have all of our luggage with us and I'm not sure if we can do that. Thanks for any help.

 

[kaytieeldr]

A car rental day is 24 hours, not calendar days - so you should be able to rent a car for just one day. Renting from Alamo/National should be easiest because the car can be returned onsite at Disney World - but you really need to compare prices and locations.

 

[goofy4tink]

THe shuttle you are talking about doesn't even go to WDW. It runs from BG to someplace on International Drive if I remember correctly. But wherever it drops you, you have to get a cab to your resort...which will run you probably about $30-40.
Your only alternative is to rent a car. It is a fairly easy drive. We've done it several times. And even if you were to find some kind of transport to WDW, from Tampa/BG, it would be at least $100 for your family. You really are better off renting a car. Alamo/National have counters at the Dolphin and the Car Care Center. The CCC will give you a ride back to your resort, the Dolphin does not offer this service. But you could take the boat to DHS from the Dolphin and then hop on the bus to your resort.
There are many options in DTD...for instance...Budget has an office at the Doubletree. And they will take you back to your resort if you wish.
I would rent the car, drop everyone off at the resort, with the luggage, and then return the car yourself. No need to drag everyone with you.

 

[TheWog]

You could get a car service or taxi, but I doubt that would be less than $100. I agree with the others that renting a car makes the most sense. As mentioned use an onsite agency and have them bring you back to the resort after dropping the car off.

 

[catdoc]

Thanks for the information. We are just going to rent a car and return it at one of the Disney locations. It does make the most sense. A town car service from Tampa to Orlando was going to run 140.00! I was hoping there was some other option since we don't actually need a car at all at Disney, but there just isn't one yet.