ME not available at Swan - need most efficient/cost effective way to get there

[MELSMICE]

DH has a conference at the Swan in a few weeks & I'll be travelling with him.
Normally we rent a car but we won't be off property at all during this conference.

Magical Express is not available to the Swan/Dolphin. What would be the most cost effective & efficient way to get to the hotel?

We have always rented a car so I am not familiar with any of the Town Car or shuttle companies.

TIA!

 

[goofy4tink]

Fl Tours and Tiffany seem to get pretty positive reviews here. I've used them both and had good experiences with them. Are you open to paying for DME? I believe that if you book through Mears, they will put you on the DME buses. At least that's what I've heard they are doing. It might be more cost effective just for the two of you, rather than paying over $100 for a towncar.

 

[MELSMICE]

Fl Tours and Tiffany seem to get pretty positive reviews here. I've used them both and had good experiences with them. Are you open to paying for DME? I believe that if you book through Mears, they will put you on the DME buses. At least that's what I've heard they are doing. It might be more cost effective just for the two of you, rather than paying over $100 for a towncar.

Thanks for the info!

 

[kaytieeldr]

What about renting a car at the airport from whichever company has a rental counter at the Dolphin, then turn the car in when you arrive, a few hours later or within 24 hours of pickup? Then reverse the process to return to the airport?

 

[madge]

What about renting a car at the airport from whichever company has a rental counter at the Dolphin, then turn the car in when you arrive, a few hours later or within 24 hours of pickup? Then reverse the process to return to the airport?

National/Alamo has a desk at the Dolphin. I'd rent a car at the airport and drop it off there, you also avoid paying for parking at the Swan.

Enjoy your stay--we LOVE the S/D

 

[Lewisc]

Renting a car for airport transportation both directions will probably wind up costing more than Mears and almost as much as a towncar.

 

[MELSMICE]

you also avoid paying for parking at the Swan.

What is the cost of parking at the Swan?

 

[madge]

What is the cost of parking at the Swan?

I honestly can't remember-- I want to say $7/day, but it could be $10. I'm sure someone that's stayed recently knows for sure. We were there in October, I can't remember what we paid.

Lewis is right about the cost of a rental to/from the airport possibly costing more than a towncar or mears, especially if you have no need for a car at any other time.

 

[bjakmom]

Check the rental car rates - first weekend of Dec we took a last minute trip (booked just a few weeks out) and were able to get a car from Nat'l for only $28.00 from MCO to the Dolphin. I used an Ent coupon for upgrade, but that was the one day price for an intermediate. It worked perfectly for us - grabbed the car off EA, stopped at DTD to pick up some Christmas shirts and hats and have a late dinner at Earl of Sandwich - got to the Dolphin at about 10 PM and turned the car right in to the valet parker - gave him a nice tip since he would be processing the return for us and parking the car - couldn't have been any easier. We transferred to BCV after 2 days and took ME back to the airport, so we didn't rent for our return.

 

[MELSMICE]

Thanks for all the info - we decided on the town car service through Happy Limo, recommended on mousesavers.

Looked at all the rental rates & then checked into cost of parking ($8/day self park, $14/day valet). It's about 1/2 the cost to do the town car than to rent. Really won't have much need for a car anyway - DH will be in conferences all day - I'm on my own. Isn't that too bad!

Thanks again for all your help!