It Pays to Switch Sides

[inkkognito]

On our most recent Kissimmee jaunt, we ended up with Alamo via Priceline. I cringed a bit, as their lines at MCO are infamously long. Sure enough, when we arrived on the A side, we found a line that filled the queue. I waited while my husband went over to check our B. A couple of minutes later, my cell phone rang and he said, "Get over here now! There's no one in line!" Sure enough, the B side was nearly deserted.
It can be opposite, too, with B being crowded and A being deserted. The best bet is to have one person go to each and communite via cell phone. We were in and out in 15 minutes instead of what would most likely have been an hour.
Barb

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Thanks for the hint.
Who cares for the luggage when this is happening?
Also, did you notice a line for Quick Silver memebers? Did you know, if you are a QS member you can use that line even with a Priceline reservation?

 

[gritzel4]

Gail: I signed up for QS 2 weeks ago - do you know how long it takes to get the membership card? TIA

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by gritzel4
Gail: I signed up for QS 2 weeks ago - do you know how long it takes to get the membership card? TIA

About a month, but, you should have received a number and temp. card to print when you signed up. That is all you need if you are traveling soon.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Silly question but where is the B side? How do I get there?

I swore off Alamo after a painfully long wait one trip but I might give them another try.

Thanks, Beth

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by MaryKatesMom
Silly question but where is the B side? How do I get there?

I swore off Alamo after a painfully long wait one trip but I might give them another try.

Thanks, Beth

It is exactly opposite of A side. To get there from the main lobby you follow the signs.
Barb's suggestion is very good, BUT, if you don't want to haul your luggage back up two floors walk across the main terminal, back down two floors, I would avoid it.

 

[inkkognito]

Gail, I forgot to mention that we tend to travel VERY light (often carryon only).
If we had a lot, we would probably have one person go check both sides while the other was claiming the bags. Then the person tending to the luggage could load it onto a cart and go to the side with the shortest line. With the cart, one person should be able to do it unless you have an excessive amount. A porter might be another option, if it's worth it to you in a few extra $$ for tip (I would give them a bit extra for the longer walk).
Barb

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by inkkognito
Gail, I forgot to mention that we tend to travel VERY light (often carryon only).
If we had a lot, we would probably have one person go check both sides while the other was claiming the bags. Then the person tending to the luggage could load it onto a cart and go to the side with the shortest line. With the cart, one person should be able to do it unless you have an excessive amount. A porter might be another option, if it's worth it to you in a few extra $$ for tip (I would give them a bit extra for the longer walk).
Barb

We do use the carts all the time, but, I am not sure I want to fight for an elevator to get me up one floor and then fight for an elevator to get me down two floors, in that amount of time, I would hope the line would have moved.
A tunnel between the two sides on the ground floor would be GREAT!!!

 

[inkkognito]

A tunnel would be heavenly!
I suppose that one person could get the car and drive it around to the other side, if necessary, to pick up the bags and the rest of the family. I'm lucky that it's just hubby and I...makes things a lot simpler.
We noticed that the Budget line was significantly shorter on the B side, too. We got them via Priceline for an upcoming trip, so we'll see how that goes. This is the first time I've gotten them via Bill Shatner.
Barb