Need to book a shuttle from/to SNA

[AlexJanessa]

I had heard plenty of good things about Karmel before we booked them for our transfers to and from LAX a few weeks ago. Honestly, they were AWFUL. The rude driver who picked us up was completely clueless and drove right past his 2 other pickups. We had to yell at him to stop as these poor women were running down the street trying to flag him down. We thought they were going to be killed.

Both ways, from and to the airport, we were all completely nauseas by the time we arrived. Our first night was pretty much a write off (after making reservations at RFC and not being able to eat our not so cheap food) as we were all still reeling from the horrible driving. My daughter was so sick on the way back to airport (the guy was all over the road and could not maintain speed if his life depended on it) that she had to lie down on the seat to avoid vomiting. And none of us are prone to motion sickness.

I emailed them when we got home and they were very apologetic but honestly, I would never use them again. The fact that we needed hours to recover from the drive was not cool.

 

[rosiep]

This covers most of your options:

"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Thanks for this link..it's very helpful.

 

[grumpyswife925]

When I have used Super Shuttle I booked online. I use the code UYR59 and book each person separately so I can get the $3 off/per person each way, and I pay the tip online as well. When you book online, they ask for the address/name of your hotel and your flight info. They give you 3 choices of times for pick-up from your hotel, based on your flight departure time. Each time option is a 15 minute window. For example: 3:55 - 4:10 or 4:10 - 4:25 or 4:25 - 4:40. You choose what works best for you. They call (it's a recording) the day before they pick you up from your hotel to confirm the time, and invite you to call if there is any change in plans. When I used them in January, they actually called (another recording) and told me they were en route and about 5 minutes from my hotel.

In answer to your 2nd question, the vans hold 7 or 8 people. I've always been the 1st or 2nd drop-off.

Very accurate and specific info I didn't even think to ask, but wondering now if Super Shuttle will stop anywhere to buy small amount of groceries along the way? Also, where do you stay that you are the 1st or 2nd off?

 

[DebbieB]

Very accurate and specific info I didn't even think to ask, but wondering now if Super Shuttle will stop anywhere to buy small amount of groceries along the way? Also, where do you stay that you are the 1st or 2nd off?

If you use the shared ride, there maybe others on the shuttle with you, unless you are taking up the whole van. I doubt they will want to stop and wait. If you want a grocery stop, you'll need to book the exclusive van.

I usually use Super Shuttle to/from SNA. It's a short ride. The Disneyland Express may require you to get off at the Disneyland Hotel and switch to another bus to your final destination.

 

[Piglet99645]

I had heard plenty of good things about Karmel before we booked them for our transfers to and from LAX a few weeks ago. Honestly, they were AWFUL. The rude driver who picked us up was completely clueless and drove right past his 2 other pickups. We had to yell at him to stop as these poor women were running down the street trying to flag him down. We thought they were going to be killed.

Both ways, from and to the airport, we were all completely nauseas by the time we arrived. Our first night was pretty much a write off (after making reservations at RFC and not being able to eat our not so cheap food) as we were all still reeling from the horrible driving. My daughter was so sick on the way back to airport (the guy was all over the road and could not maintain speed if his life depended on it) that she had to lie down on the seat to avoid vomiting. And none of us are prone to motion sickness.

I emailed them when we got home and they were very apologetic but honestly, I would never use them again. The fact that we needed hours to recover from the drive was not cool.

OK well this is scary! Since I have just alienated Zippy shuttle by asking questions, and now Karmel shuttle is apparently homicidal, I may take my chances with a cab!!!

 

[Disney Dreams]

OK well this is scary! Since I have just alienated Zippy shuttle by asking questions, and now Karmel shuttle is apparently homicidal, I may take my chances with a cab!!!

Super Shuttle

 

[grumpyswife925]

If you use the shared ride, there maybe others on the shuttle with you, unless you are taking up the whole van. I doubt they will want to stop and wait. If you want a grocery stop, you'll need to book the exclusive van.

I usually use Super Shuttle to/from SNA. It's a short ride. The Disneyland Express may require you to get off at the Disneyland Hotel and switch to another bus to your final destination.

Think I'll stick with Super Shuttle. They are the cheapest (especially with searched discounts), seemingly most reliable (by posts here), and I know there is a mini-mart close enough to walk from our hotel.

 

[HydroGuy]

I had heard plenty of good things about Karmel before we booked them for our transfers to and from LAX a few weeks ago. Honestly, they were AWFUL. The rude driver who picked us up was completely clueless and drove right past his 2 other pickups. We had to yell at him to stop as these poor women were running down the street trying to flag him down. We thought they were going to be killed.

Both ways, from and to the airport, we were all completely nauseas by the time we arrived. Our first night was pretty much a write off (after making reservations at RFC and not being able to eat our not so cheap food) as we were all still reeling from the horrible driving. My daughter was so sick on the way back to airport (the guy was all over the road and could not maintain speed if his life depended on it) that she had to lie down on the seat to avoid vomiting. And none of us are prone to motion sickness.

I emailed them when we got home and they were very apologetic but honestly, I would never use them again. The fact that we needed hours to recover from the drive was not cool.

I have no idea what to make of this post. We booked Karmel last July and it was a private shuttle - not the public, multi-stop shuttle that you were on. Sorry to doubt you but are you sure it was Karmel? Cuz it sounds like a different Karmel to me.

 

[deesquared]

I've used the Disney Resort Express for two trips, and always liked it. It's a very large tour bus, with nice plush seats. It's very comfortable.
From SNA, it travels to the Disney hotels first (Grand, PP, DLH) then drops of other passengers at their hotels.
On the way back to the airport, we caught the bus outside the hotel (Carousel), then transferred at the DLH to the bus going to SNA. It wasn't a big hassle or anything.

 

[AlexJanessa]

I have no idea what to make of this post. We booked Karmel last July and it was a private shuttle - not the public, multi-stop shuttle that you were on. Sorry to doubt you but are you sure it was Karmel? Cuz it sounds like a different Karmel to me.

Lol... yes, definitely Karmel. I was honestly shocked because I had heard only good things here on DIS. People commented on the friendly drivers and the excellent service, etc. It was pretty bad. The driver said one word to us the whole time we were with him "Name?". He didn't thank us for noticing his missed pickups or anything. And we were even more shocked when it happened BOTH directions. We figured we had just gotten the dud the first time around.

Their booking service was good, as was their pick up times but that was it.

I think we just seriously lucked out... lucky us

From their website: We DO NOT make "multiple" stops along the way with our shared van service. Unlike other shared ride shuttle services who stop 3 to 5 times, we only stop a maximum of one additional time for residential service and a maximum 2 stops for Hotel service. Our goal is to get you there safely and quickly...not spend hours in a van!

Again... lucky us There just happened to be 2 single passengers waiting for them at the same time so we stopped for both of them.

 

[Club33forme]

Hi I have used them all including Super Shuttle. The last few times we have used: MICKEYS SPACE SHIP SHUTTLE smaller company and good chance you would get Mickey himself. Older vans but I go Mickey all the way,on time just your stop and thats it. The bigger shuttles have so many stops we seem to sit on the shutle forever. Mickey is on time, reliable and you will talk to Mickey himself so you pick a time and he is there. 714 642 5399

 

[Disney Dreams]

Hi I have used them all including Super Shuttle. The last few times we have used: MICKEYS SPACE SHIP SHUTTLE smaller company and good chance you would get Mickey himself. Older vans but I go Mickey all the way,on time just your stop and thats it. The bigger shuttles have so many stops we seem to sit on the shutle forever. Mickey is on time, reliable and you will talk to Mickey himself so you pick a time and he is there. 714 642 5399

Interesting to hear. This company has been the subject of MUCH discussion here on the DISBoards due to their web site which, well, is slightly less than professional looking.

I find your comment about getting Mickey himself interesting. It would seem to me that the odds would be VERY low if they are a busy company - just based on the time it takes to do one airport pickup/drop off x the number of runs in a day.

Thanks for your first-hand experience.

By the way, if you have any room for an American with a Canadian father-in-law at your giant 2012 Club 33 Day, I'd love to join. What a great event to coordinate for DISBoard Disney fanatics. I know there are many here on the Disneyland board dream of the opportunity.

- Dreams

 

[mystic_path]

Ok, I need a shuttle from Long beach to BWPPI and then to SNA for our return flight. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a taxi for 6 (2 kids and 4 adults)? At $45 this sounds cheaper than a shuttle which at cheapest is around $55.

They have taxi vans at the airport that should accommodate your party size. Just ask for one of them. We always take taxi's from SNA as they are direct from the air port to your hotel. Last time there were 5 of us adults, and it cost us $40 each way for the entire van, and that included tip . However we gave $45 just because we had a great driver. Super shuttle can be $10 per adult alone each way, not including having to pay for children. So I believe a taxi is your best bet. Super Shuttle you also have the risk of dropping other folks off before you.

 

[bmg_40]

Prime Time Shuttle is cheaper, them and S.S. are the only ones with coordinators at LAX.

 

[naebear]

Thank you to everyone who contributed info on taking a taxi from Long Beach. It sounds great, I am still just hesitant to take my chances that they will carry 4 adults and 2 kids plus our baggage. I would hate to be stuck without having made a reservation for a shuttle or end up paying for 2 taxi's....

 

[DahliaRW]

Thank you to everyone who contributed info on taking a taxi from Long Beach. It sounds great, I am still just hesitant to take my chances that they will carry 4 adults and 2 kids plus our baggage. I would hate to be stuck without having made a reservation for a shuttle or end up paying for 2 taxi's....

Why not call the taxi company and ask?

 

[bmg_40]

Thank you to everyone who contributed info on taking a taxi from Long Beach. It sounds great, I am still just hesitant to take my chances that they will carry 4 adults and 2 kids plus our baggage. I would hate to be stuck without having made a reservation for a shuttle or end up paying for 2 taxi's....

A standard 4 door taxi won't fit 4 adults and 2 kids, but I have seen the "van" taxi's that should fit... depending upon how many bags you have...

Either way your going to pay more for a private taxi than a shuttle. You may want to look into booking an SUV... GoSedan's suv service doesn't cost much more than the cost of a taxi... sure is a nicer ride.

Not sure if they charge more for a taxi van vs. a sedan taxi.

 

[TheColtonsMom]

We took the DL Resort express to our hotel last year and loved it. We had to use super shuttle to get back to the airport as our flight was very early and DLRE was not running yet. With a different schedule I would do DLRE every time...and BTW they do not "always stop at the onsite hotels first" we had prepaid our tickets and they only went to our hotel and the hotel of the other family on our trip they did not stop at any of the onsite hotels.

 

[GRANDMAHORSIE]

As promised here is the results of my using Karmel. Our driver, Roger, was friendly and a good driver. That said I had a funny feeling when the dispatcher said "your van will be a white UNMARKED van, unmarked, is that legal ? And the bucket seat behind the front passenger seat was broken and would not lock in possition, good th:fhing my son-in law is a strong man who could hold his seat back from collapsing on him !!!!! I put a five dollar tip on the CC slip but it wasnt on my bill so I guess they only accept cash tips. If you use them I hope you get a van in better shape than the one we got, good luck.

 

[Piglet99645]

As promised here is the results of my using Karmel. Our driver, Roger, was friendly and a good driver. That said I had a funny feeling when the dispatcher said "your van will be a white UNMARKED van, unmarked, is that legal ? And the bucket seat behind the front passenger seat was broken and would not lock in possition, good th:fhing my son-in law is a strong man who could hold his seat back from collapsing on him !!!!! I put a five dollar tip on the CC slip but it wasnt on my bill so I guess they only accept cash tips. If you use them I hope you get a van in better shape than the one we got, good luck.

Thanks for that update.

Re: Supershuttle, although we have not yet used them, they have agreed to take my party of six from BWPPI, drop four of us off at SNA, then take the other two to LGB. Supershuttle said this would be the most cost-effective plan for our family, and were very willing to make the arrangements. I haven't called for a price yet.