How to get from WDW to Universal Orlando, without a car?

[Hank_Scorpio]

Hi,

Arriving in Orlando in September, and we are staying at the All Star Movies resort for 14 nights. However, we still want to visit other Orlando attractions and a must is Universal Orlando.

We are not having a hire car, and I understand that because WDW and Universal are such big competitors, there won't be a free bus from the hotel to Universal like there would be if we were staying off property i.e. on I-Drive.

So any ideas how we can get there?

I've looked into using public transportation, but this could mean a 4 bus journey which is out of the question for anyone visiting Orlando. We would have to take two Disney Buses to get to the Ticket and Transportation Centre, followed by 2 Lynx Buses just to get to Orlando - the combined journeys could take up to 3 hours each way!!

If need be we will have to get a taxi, but from what i've heard these will be mega expensive ($30+ each way for universal) so any ideas or sugestions would be much appreciated.

Or perhaps the holiday company throw on a free bus that's for UK visitors only???

Thanks!

 

[BevS97]

You can book a mears shuttle, but if there are a few of you then a taxi might work out just as cheap, it looks like $13 per adult.

http://www.mearstransportation.com/

I'm not sure about the public transport option, I think it would be 1 bus to the TTC, then a Lynx bus to Seaworld, and another one up to Universal - I have to say I wouldn't fancy it myself.

Have you looked into renting a car for just a few days, and doing all your offsite attractions at that time?

Bev

 

[signtalker]

personally, it might work out cheaper to hire a car for these days that you want to do universal/IOA etc, I certainly would rather this idea than jumping on buses.
You can hire a car in the UK to pickup on whatever dates you require in florida,you will have abit more flexibility on what times you arrive and leave the parks also!.
Personally Ive done florida without a car and with a car,And we definately would pick a car option everytime.

Jules

 

[Bekki]

We stayed at All Stars Movies last July and wasn't planning on hiring a car, but we were so glad we did. Even just to get out and have a different meal rather than burger & chips, Hot Dogs. We only hired ours for 4 days to do IOA/US/SW&DC and wished we had hired it longer. We collected it from Downtown Disney. Looking back now all the money we spent in the food hall at the hotel we could have booked the car for a month!!!

There are plenty of taxis around the hotel but like you said, they will be expensive and I don't fancy all them bus transfers.

 

[Hank_Scorpio]

Hi, thanks for your sugestions...

Maybe it would be a good idea to book a car for the days we're not doing Disney, would you suggest it's easier to book from the UK or do it when we are in Florida?

Also any ideas on cost????

When I booked the holiday (with thomas cook select, they price matched the virgin quote) they did offer me a car, but we opted for transfers instead. Should I see if I can change the booking back to the car? Will there be any extra cost?

 

[floridalol]

Hi Hank

There may be a small charge to change to car hire but it will be well worth it, I cannot imagine not having a car in Florida there is just so much more than WDW and we like the freedom of being able to go where we like when we like without waiting for buses etc.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Another vote for having a cat when in Orlando. Although it is possible to get around without one, the flexibility and convenience will mean you get more out of your holiday. Would you rather spend your time on public transport, or in the parks...?

It probably does cost more to have a car, but I'd rather forego another part of my holiday than be without my own transport.

Regards

Rob

 

[UKDEB]

Originally posted by rob@rar.org.uk
Another vote for having a cat when in Orlando

Does it need to be black, Rob, or do you go for one of the more exotic species?

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Mmm, a bit of a Freudian slip there methinks! The question is, can you upgrade your basic moggy to something with a bit more class. And will I be able to decline the inclusive insurance to use my Amex policy

Regards

Rob