Lyft experience in Orlando

[JodyLynC]

We have been a given a Lyft gift card to use for our transportation from MCO to WDW. Does anyone have experience using Lyft in Orlando? How was your driver? What happens when being picked up at the airport? Do you meet the driver at general Arrivals or is there a specific pick up place for taxis and ride shares? (I miss Magical Express.

 

[DebbieB]

We have been a given a Lyft gift card to use for our transportation from MCO to WDW. Does anyone have experience using Lyft in Orlando? How was your driver? What happens when being picked up at the airport? Do you meet the driver at general Arrivals or is there a specific pick up place for taxis and ride shares? (I miss Magical Express.

I used them in July. I got my luggage and then walked outside to the curb and requested a ride. Came with 5 minutes.

 

[notatallmagic]

We used both Lyft and Uber during our recent trips in July and August. No issues at all. And yes, I'd much prefer Magical Express!

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Use it all the time.
Super easy to use at MCO
Here's what the app will look like when you are ready to request a ride
I'm one who never used Magical Express. Ride Share was so much faster, direct to your resort, no waiting on other resort stops.

When you use the app to request the car with Uber/Lyft it will ask you to select a pick up location at MCO
For instance, you'll select if you are in Terminal A or Terminal B, then select which door you are nearest,
I find the Lyft app easier to use than the Uber one, just because it's more "visual" .

I just grab my bags, go to the nearest door and match it up to the nearest option on the app and request my car. Below is an example of how it looks

 

[JodyLynC]

Do you reserve your Lyft ride ahead of time and then let it know when you arrived (and which terminal,) or do you just wait until you get to Orlando and then reserve your ride?

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Do you reserve your Lyft ride ahead of time and then let it know when you arrived (and which terminal,) or do you just wait until you get to Orlando and then reserve your ride?

Nope
open the app after you get your bag and request a ride

 

[JodyLynC]

Nope
open the app after you get your bag and request a ride

Oh wow. I am such a planner that this will be odd for me to wait until I arrive at the airport. LOL! I assume that means there are a number of Lyft drivers that hang out near the airport. I guess that is what taxis do, but I always assumed that Lyft and Uber needed to be reserved in advance. Thanks!

 

[Mrs.AMC]

Oh wow. I am such a planner that this will be odd for me to wait until I arrive at the airport. LOL! I assume that means there are a number of Lyft drivers that hang out near the airport. I guess that is what taxis do, but I always assumed that Lyft and Uber needed to be reserved in advance. Thanks!

Ride share is an on demand service
they are all waiting in large numbers

 

[Capt_BJ]

I assume that means there are a number of Lyft drivers that hang out near the airport. I guess that is what taxis do, but I always assumed that Lyft and Uber needed to be reserved in advance. Thanks!

Actually MCO has a holding area and dispatches UBER LYFT in the same way they handle taxi so as to STOP trolling for fares and generally adding to traffic confusion .... following is from UBER to drivers:

Airport regulations for drivers​

Per airport regulations, drivers must adhere to the terms below. Failure to do so may result in a citation or restricted access to airport trips. Please note that Uber will not pay for any citations that drivers may incur.

• When on airport property, the Uber Driver app must be open at all times (drivers must not go offline until exiting the airport area)
• We’ve instituted a special “first vehicle in is the first one out” (FIFO) system at Orlando International Airport. The FIFO system only works within the designated, geofenced area; drivers waiting elsewhere will not receive trip requests through the Uber Driver app.
• The Uber vehicle decal (trade dress) must always be displayed on the front passenger windshield facing outward. Drivers can obtain this Uber decal at their local Greenlight Hub or fill out this form to have it delivered.
• Book all rides in the app (do not solicit off-app).

<https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/orlando/airports/orlando-international-airport/

<p.s. not UNIQUE to MCO .... most major airports and some cruise ports operate similarly>

I believe MCO has designated 'ride share' pickup areas designated at each terminal and there are SIGNS directing folks to them .... I believe they are at the extreme ends of the 'pickup row' ......