Looking for Uber/Lyft experiences and tips

[Mr. X]

Hi, we're heading down on 8/29 and do not want to use the ME and get an Uber or Lyft from MCO to our resort.

What have people's experiences been with this and when did you make the request for the ride (at the baggage claim or later?

Also considering using rideshare in WDW instead of buses. Does it work well?

 

[SteveH]

Basically follow the directions you'll see all over MCO. Don't call for the rideshare until you're 100% ready. From Lyft "You should wait until you are ready to go to make your request (bags in hand). Drivers are not allowed to wait or circle the terminal if you’re delayed." Here is some info from MCO; All Transportation Network Companies (ride sharing providers such as Uber, Lyft and Wingz) may pick-up passengers at the ends of the Arrivals curb (Level 2).

 

[JimMIA]

Wherever you use Uber or Lyft, you should be "toes to the curb" at your exact pickup location before ordering. To do otherwise risks getting a cancellation charge (usually $5) and having to wait longer. Ordering early at MCO is almost a guaranteed cancellation fee.

I recommend having both apps on your phone. Both companies use "dynamic pricing," so their fares fluctuate and they do NOT fluctuate together. Having both apps allows you to price shop and will save you a little money.

I haven't used Uber/Lyft at WDW recently, but there should be sufficient availability except at park closings.

 

[bumbershoot]

A general tip is to take the time to walk to the back of the vehicle and make sure the license plate is the license plate shown in your app. Florida doesn't have front license plates, so you can't see if it's the right car as they pull up. It's awkward, but just do it, and then talk to the driver. The times I've done this the drivers have thanked me. They don't want the wrong fare in their car almost as much as you don't want to be in the wrong car.

 

[HMcH]

Wherever you use Uber or Lyft, you should be "toes to the curb" at your exact pickup location before ordering. To do otherwise risks getting a cancellation charge (usually $5) and having to wait longer. Ordering early at MCO is almost a guaranteed cancellation fee.

I recommend having both apps on your phone. Both companies use "dynamic pricing," so their fares fluctuate and they do NOT fluctuate together. Having both apps allows you to price shop and will save you a little money.

I haven't used Uber/Lyft at WDW recently, but there should be sufficient availability except at park closings.

I agree with basically everything in this post. I've used Lyft/Uber from MCO to resort and resort to MCO a number of times, usually because we have a late flight and I don't want to wait on ME. I always bring both up and compare the prices. I've never had any problems outside one driver who got lost trying to get to Pop Century b/c of construction.

 

[easyas123]

We use Uber with some frequency at WDW instead of the buses, as well as to/from the airport and to/from Universal if need be. The convenience is worth every penny - at least to us.

 

[puffkin]

If it is very busy or late at night, or there was a weather situation that causes a bunch of flights to come in at once, it could be very difficult to get an Uber/Lyft, especially if you need an XL. The wait could be well over an hour. We had two cancel on us before giving up and heading to the taxi line (this was after a car rental debacle where there were NO CARS available at any of the counters). The couple nearby taking a regular Uber waited about 45 minutes, but it was just the two of them. Needless to say a stressful night. There were many people stranded. Luckily we got to the taxi line faster than others as there was quite a long line then.

 

[JimMIA]

One other thing to know is that both Uber and Lyft capacities are still limited due to covid.

• Maximum of 3 passengers for X, all in the back seat
• Maximum of 5 passengers for XL
• No passengers permitted in the front passenger seat

 

[LadybugsMum]

We had two cancel on us before giving up and heading to the taxi line (this was after a car rental debacle where there were NO CARS available at any of the counters).

Do you remember how much the taxi cost?

 

[NYCgrrl]

Something people should remember about the Uber/Lyft business model is the role your” reputation” plays in the willingness drivers have in accepting a call. First time users are more apt to have drive requests vetted by individual drivers. If possible use the service before an important trip to the airport or similar so you are known.

The only time I waited for an Uber was a return home from Disney Springs on New Year’s Eve when supply exceeded demand and there was a serious bottleneck entering the area caused by both private and public transport.

 

[puffkin]

Do you remember how much the taxi cost?

It was about $80-$85 plus tip to SSR.

 

[Simba's Mom]

However,I'd recommend that you call for an Uber BEFORE you head outside at MCO. When I was there a few weeks ago, I got outside and sat on a bench to call an Uber, but my phone wouldn't work outside. I had to go back inside to get cell service.

 

[CarolynFH]

I’ll be most likely using rideshare between MCO and Universal in November. I just opened my own accounts - but would it make any difference if I used my husband’s accounts instead, since he has history (with Lyft)? He won’t be with me.

 

[JimMIA]

Something people should remember about the Uber/Lyft business model is the role your” reputation” plays in the willingness drivers have in accepting a call. First time users are more apt to have drive requests vetted by individual drivers. If possible use the service before an important trip to the airport or similar so you are known.

The only time I waited for an Uber was a return home from Disney Springs on New Year’s Eve when supply exceeded demand and there was a serious bottleneck entering the area caused by both private and public transport.

Unless there has been a change recently, drivers don't know how many rides you've taken. Drivers DO get your rating with the ride request, and whenever they see 5.0 out of 5.0, they may assume you are new, but I don't think they know for sure unless something has changed.

The other thing that's a little different about Disney is that a lot of pickup venues have waiting queues for drivers. With a queue, if you decline a ride, you go back to the end of the queue again -- so drivers would be much more reluctant to decline a ride.

I think the most common reason for declining rides (especially with Lyft) is the length of the drive to pickup. No driver wants to drive 10-15 minutes to a pickup for which the actual ride may be a minimal fare ride. Low rider ratings and sketchy pickup areas are other common reasons for declining rides.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Unless there has been a change recently, drivers don't know how many rides you've taken. Drivers DO get your rating with the ride request, and whenever they see 5.0 out of 5.0, they may assume you are new, but I don't think they know for sure unless something has changed.

The other thing that's a little different about Disney is that a lot of pickup venues have waiting queues for drivers. With a queue, if you decline a ride, you go back to the end of the queue again -- so drivers would be much more reluctant to decline a ride.

I think the most common reason for declining rides (especially with Lyft) is the length of the drive to pickup. No driver wants to drive 10-15 minutes to a pickup for which the actual ride may be a minimal fare ride. Low rider ratings and sketchy pickup areas are other common reasons for declining rides.

This is how Uber currently works in NYC. The Orlando market may be different:

I would like to know my rating
After each trip, riders and drivers are given the opportunity to rate one another based on their trip experience.

The rating system works to make sure that the most respectful riders and drivers are using Uber. Ratings are always reported as averages, and neither riders nor drivers will see the individual rating left for a particular trip.

To see your rating:
1. Open the app and touch the menu
2. Your rating is the number displayed under your name

You need to take 5 trips before you'll have a rider rating. If you don't see a rating, it is probably because you haven't taken enough trips

 

[JimMIA]

This is how Uber currently works in NYC. The Orlando market may be different:

I would like to know my rating
After each trip, riders and drivers are given the opportunity to rate one another based on their trip experience.

The rating system works to make sure that the most respectful riders and drivers are using Uber. Ratings are always reported as averages, and neither riders nor drivers will see the individual rating left for a particular trip.

To see your rating:
1. Open the app and touch the menu
2. Your rating is the number displayed under your name

You need to take 5 trips before you'll have a rider rating. If you don't see a rating, it is probably because you haven't taken enough trips

Except for the 5 trips delay in ratings showing, that's what I said.

Also, I think that 5 rides thing is the way it's always been, but it shows drivers 5.0 until there is a change. I've never seen a ride request with NO rating

However the info about neither riders nor drivers seeing individual ride ratings is not completely correct. YOU can see the ratings YOU left drivers, but not how they rated you.

Open the app, and you will see your average right below your name. You will also see a button for "Your Trips." If you tap that, you will see your trips and how you rated drivers for your most recent rides. I'm not sure it shows ALL rides, but mine back to 2017 are shown.