Minnie Van, MCO, and uber - Lyft questions

[richsole]

Pre arrival jitters. For first time ever not renting a car. Daughter and SIL will take us from MCO and drive us for first few days before they leave us. Curious re Minnie Van. Is using tgat exclusive to concierge guests which we are not?

So trying to figure best way to get back to MCO for departure at 920 AM via Southwest. We will have done pre-checkin for SW. if I read MCO website right, I’d have to be there at 620. Is this so ?

Last question,,, we’ve neither used Lyft nor Uber before but I’ve downloaded both apps. If using either, would they be the best advice to use to get to airport? Is it too early for them to be operating?

Or would we better off using a taxi?

I can’t help my wordiness. It’s an occupational hazard. Hence 3 questions at once.

Would really appreciate anyone’s advice. TIA.

 

[gottalovepluto]

MV for airport is still CL exclusive.

Rideshares are 24/7 in Orlando, you can schedule ahead of time if you want some assurance.

You can also book a private hire like Gear Fusion, Tiffany’s Towncar, etc (which might be more your jam since the price of MVs didn’t choke you). Just search the board for each you come across to read reviews.

 

[Dave006]

So trying to figure best way to get back to MCO for departure at 920 AM via Southwest. We will have done pre-checkin for SW. if I read MCO website right, I’d have to be there at 620. Is this so ?

No you don't need to be at MCO 3 hours early for a Southwest flight or any domestic flight. The 3 hours is for International flights for domestic flights 2 hours is plenty of time.

Or would we better off using a taxi?

I would second @ogttalovepluto suggestion of choosing a car service vs trying an Uber or Lyft for your first transfer from WDW to the Airport.

Here is the link for Gear Fusion: https://gearfusion.com/ where you can make a reservation for a pick-up time at your resort.

Dave

 

[EACarlson]

Do you have checked bags? Do you have Precheck? How nervous are you about missing the flight? What is the size and composition of your travelling party?
All of those questions have a large bearing on how early you need to be there. Personally, I aim to get to MCO about two hours before, I have Precheck and will never miss a flight. I usually have 30-60 minutes sitting at the gate prior to boarding. But without Precheck, checking bags and a travelling party that contains small children, the elderly or those with issues getting around, I could certainly see three hours. Especially at that time of the morning. I've seen standard security go all the way back to the food court.
If you have enough time between now and your trip, get Precheck. It's $85 and honestly I would pay that just to save the time at MCO. I've never waited more than 15 minutes in line at security vs the 90 I've seen on the boards for the standard side.

 

[Lewisc]

What time do you need to be at the gate? It's not your departure time. Frontier stops boarding 15 minutes before scheduled departure. SW boarding starts 20-30 prior to boarding. Pre board or an A BP won't help if you get to the gate 10 minutes prior to departure.

Passengers who want to cut the timing close need to know the deadline for checking bags and the deadline for being at the gate.

 

[jimmymc]

Minnie Vans to and from the airport are exclusive to concierge, but anyone can use them around property.

If you have checked bags, I would recommend getting to the airport around 2.5 hours early in case the line is long. Even at 7 am, it can get backed up. If no checked bags, arriving at MCO 2 hours early is plenty.

I use Uber and Lyft all the time, both in Orlando and other places. There will be plenty of availability at 6 am to request your ride to the airport. But if it makes you more comfortable, both apps allow you to book in advance. It costs a little more, but that will ensure there's a car waiting for you at the time you requested. You can also book a private car or taxi.

 

[DeeBee3]

We have used Uber many times between resorts and airport. It is never an issue to get a car. They are constantly circulating. We have used Minnie Van on property, but as someone stated, they only drive to airport for certain customers.

I would download both Uber and Lyft and just get it set up. We had never used either before and do not use rideshare at home. We only use rideshare while on vacation.

It's very straightforward as they tell you the type of car and license plate along with review rating.

 

[Mle8308]

If you are going to consider using Uber or Lyft, wait until a few days before you depart to set up your account. Both usually offer discounts to new subscribers, but the discounts are often only good for the next 10 days or so. If you do it too far in advance, the discounts won't apply. And they won't apply to Minnie vans.