Is there transportation from POP to Universal?

[maslex]

During our week long stay in July we are planning on one day at Universal. We won't have a car so I'm just trying to figure out a plan to get there from our hotel (POP Century).
Any suggestions?

 

[salmoneous]

During our week long stay in July we are planning on one day at Universal. We won't have a car so I'm just trying to figure out a plan to get there from our hotel (POP Century).
Any suggestions?

There really isn't a good way to get to Universal from POP. The various shuttle services get expensive for a family of people. Cabs (or car service) are also kinda expensive.

If you are able to drive, you best bet is to rent a car for the day. There are several car-rental places on WDW property - most of which will even pick you up and drop off.

 

[jenseib]

Disney won't provide transportation. You will need to make your own arrangements. I have heard taxi's can be very expensive. So it might be worth it to do a one day rental.

 

[clkelley]

Options:

1 day rental from from Alamo or National. Anywhere from 30 to 70 dollars.
To book, go to alamo.com or national.com or call them. Can pick up from the Dolphin Hotel, or Car Care Center

Prearranged town car - Usually about 65 - 70 + tip
To book, call or email any of the towncar companies people have used. (Tiffany, Florida Tours, etc.)

Taxi - about $30 each way + tip.
To arrange, go to the bell stand at your PoP, and they will get a taxi for you.
For the trip back, go to the taxi stand at Universal's drop off/pickup area.

Mears - $15.00 pp roundtrip.
To book, dial "0" from your room phone the night before you wish to go to Universal.

When the Disney operator answers, ask to be transferred to Mears.

When Mears gets on the line, tell them you want to go to Universal in the morning, tell them where you are staying, about what time you wish to leave, and how many in your group. They will give you a pickup time.

Be out front at Pop about 15 minutes before the pickup time and when the Mears driver arrives give them $15 PP CASH. They will then transport you to Universal. This is a shared ride, so you may make other stops.

When you arrive at Universal, the driver will give you a voucher for the return trip. Arrange a pickup time with the driver at that time OR call the number on the return voucher two hours before you wish to leave and get a pickup time.

Return to the location where you were dropped off about 15 minutes before the arranged pickup time and then you will be transported back to your resort.

If you know you want to use Mears when you arrive at MCO, you can drop by the Mears desk before getting on Magical Express and purchase your RT transportation tickets with a credit card, but you still have to call the night before to make the time arrangements.

 

[Bob P]

This thread may help you:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1236975

 

[maslex]

Now, I just spoke to SIL who went to Universal back on our 2005 trip. We were staying at ASMovies at time. She said that the transportation was included in her Universal ticket. Has anyone ever heard of this?

She said that when she ordered her ticket she asked about transportation and they told her that all she needed to do was tell them where she was staying and what time she would like them to pick her up. And they came and got her.

I don't remember at all, but just wondering if you've heard of this? It would be so much better if we could do it this way then paying an arm & a leg for a shuttle bus.

 

[Edd]

No, you are probably just better off biting the bullet and taking a cab or car service to Universal. Actually a cab from the resort is a lot better because you walk out at a convenient time and board the taxi to Universal. Mears transportation taxis hold up to 7 persons at the metered price. It is metered so make sure the driver uses it. When you get tired at Universal you head back to where you were dropped off and there are cabs waiting to take you back to your hotel. You won't be able to schedule your first driver to come back and pick you up.

A car service works the same way except you have to set up times to meet the car service. Suppose you get tired earlier or want to stay later. You have to call the car service and adjust the time. A shuttle service gets more expensive as you add more riders to your group and you are also on a time constraint.

 

[tennvalgirl]

If you share a cab, then is approx. $15 per person $30 total?
Never rode in a cab before.

Proper tip for a $30 ride?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hercamore]

maslex,

I have heard of the "movie star" universal tickets where Mears transpo was included in the ticket price. You woould need to call Universal about those tickets. However, those tickets will be higher than the regular Univ tickets, as they're adding a transpo fee onto the ticket price..

herc.

 

[jenseib]

I know nothing about cabs ,but if you are spending 30 dollars each way for a cab, it might be better just to rent a car for the day.

 

[december]

I think you can do it through the Lynx bus system from TTC near the Polynesian. I know I can go straight from there to SeaWorld for minimal $. I think there are transfers involved to get to Universal. Try the Universal board.