Lyft/uber questions for a newbie

[monorailrabbit]

Talk to me about lyft/uber. I'm hearing a lot that the monorails have been... well, lackluster lately. We are going for Epcot's 35 anniversary, and I really want to get some of that limited edition merch. Someone suggested I look into lyft or uber to get there quicker in the morning. Is that necessary? This is not our first Disney trip, and we always stay onsite so I'm very familiar with the buses and monorail systems.

I am also planning on going to SeaWorld. I have never used either of these services, at Disney, or otherwise. Is there a ballpark price I should keep in mind for going from Contemporary to Epcot or especially from Contemporary to SeaWorld? Is it all pretty easy to use? It's just an app on your phone, right? When we go to SeaWorld, can we plan it the night before and then when we get dropped off arrange pickup at park close or do we have to request a ride once we are ready to go? This whole thing makes me so nervous for some reason! I wish WDW gave you the option to book transfers through them like DLR does. Thanks for your help, experienced friends!

 

[JimMIA]

Talk to me about lyft/uber. I'm hearing a lot that the monorails have been... well, lackluster lately. We are going for Epcot's 35 anniversary, and I really want to get some of that limited edition merch. Someone suggested I look into lyft or uber to get there quicker in the morning. Is that necessary? This is not our first Disney trip, and we always stay onsite so I'm very familiar with the buses and monorail systems.

If you're familiar with the transportation, you can probably evaluate that better than any of us. I think it's all about getting up early enough to get the right bus or monorail. Personally, I'd monorail, but that's up to you.

I am also planning on going to SeaWorld. I have never used either of these services, at Disney, or otherwise.

Okay, I drive for both companies, so I'll try to answer some of your questions.

First of all, here's a link to Rideshare Rob's outstanding thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/everthing-you-wanted-to-know-about-uber-lyft-at-wdw.3443634/

Just keep in mind that the thread was started two years ago, and there have been some changes from the info in the early pages. The BIG change is that now both Uber and Lyft can pick up at MCO.

Is there a ballpark price I should keep in mind for going from Contemporary to Epcot or especially from Contemporary to SeaWorld?

Both companies have a fare estimator on their websites. I personally use RideGuru, and find it to be pretty accurate -- plus it shows you numerous options, not just one company.

Is it all pretty easy to use?It's just an app on your phone, right?

Yes, very simple. Just download the app, set up your rider account, and order your ride. The first time I used it (before becoming a driver), I downloaded it on a streetcorner in Chicago and ordered a ride without any problems.

Very simple to use: open app, enter your destination, decide what level of service you want (it's explained on the app), and request a ride.

When you get out of the car, thank the driver, rate them 5 stars, and leave a tip on the app. Completely cashless and super easy.

When we go to SeaWorld, can we plan it the night before and then when we get dropped off arrange pickup at park close or do we have to request a ride once we are ready to go?

Can you schedule rides? Yes. Should you? NO. The scheduled ride thing is a mess and is more likely to lead to you having to pay a cancellation fee than a seamless pickup.

Order the ride when you are completely ready to get into the vehicle ("Toes to the curb!"), and not before.

Keep in mind, however, that both companies use dynamic pricing and the price goes up when demand overloads supply. So you might pay more at park closing. Leaving a little earlier might save you some money.

Because of dynamic pricing (Uber calls it Surge; Lyft calls it Primetime), I recommend that smart consumers have both apps on their phone. The two companies do not necessarily surge at the same time or to the same degree, so compare prices!

 

[monorailrabbit]

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