Pick up airport to Universal?

[goofynut41]

Does Universal Studios pick you up at Airport like Disney Magical Express does? We are going to Disney and was thinking of adding a few nights at Universal to trip. Does Universal pick you up at airport or take you back?

 

[georgina]

Does Universal Studios pick you up at Airport like Disney Magical Express does? We are going to Disney and was thinking of adding a few nights at Universal to trip. Does Universal pick you up at airport or take you back?

certainly not for free! Most people do ride share or limos I think. There is this (which I have never used) -

http://www.universalorlandovacations.com/Deals/Deal.aspx?deal=772
There is also a sticky thread just above about transportation to universal!

 

[mamapenguin]

A cab was $45 plus tip for 2 people on Thursday around 4:00pm. I think this is the last year for DME.

 

[Pooh's World]

Does Universal Studios pick you up at Airport like Disney Magical Express does? We are going to Disney and was thinking of adding a few nights at Universal to trip. Does Universal pick you up at airport or take you back?

LYNX Bus ($2)

You would need to take the #42 and then in front of Four Points Universal/IHOP on I Drive you transfer to the #37 which stops at the Universal bus center/City Walk.

From there you then get on whatever Universal hotel bus or walk to the hotel ferry for the premium resorts.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

From there you then get on whatever Universal hotel bus or walk to the hotel ferry for the premium resorts

Well, you might be able to hop the bus, but to get to the boat resorts would be going through security w/ luggage.

 

[Pooh's World]

Well, you might be able to hop the bus, but to get to the boat resorts would be going through security w/ luggage.

i suppose. But it's not like they wouldn't scan your luggage.
The alternative would be having to Uber to the front of your resort or walk along the sidewalks on the outside.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

According to my itinerary the shuttle is included. Perhaps it's part of a package deal? We are going in Jan 2022

 

[nkereina]

According to my itinerary the shuttle is included. Perhaps it's part of a package deal? We are going in Jan 2022

Did you book through a TA? Perhaps they added shuttle service to your reservation. That can be done for additional cost. I'm not aware of a Universal package that offers shuttle service (it would be at additional cost), but I would suspect anything would be done in partnership with Mears. I've never used it, but I believe they run buses as shared shuttles among area hotels. There would likely be multiple stops at various hotels.

IMO, its easiest and fastest to use rideshare. We've also used Tony Hinds before who is often recommended here. Him and his drivers operate private 12 passenger vans. They'll meet you in baggage claim and they are parked very close, and they will add a free 30 minute grocery stop if you want it. He's pricing is on par with private car service or taxi, so it would be more than rideshare.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

Did you book through a TA? Perhaps they added shuttle service to your reservation. That can be done for additional cost. I'm not aware of a Universal package that offers shuttle service (it would be at additional cost), but I would suspect anything would be done in partnership with Mears. I've never used it, but I believe they run buses as shared shuttles among area hotels. There would likely be multiple stops at various hotels.

IMO, its easiest and fastest to use rideshare. We've also used Tony Hinds before who is often recommended here. Him and his drivers operate private 12 passenger vans. They'll meet you in baggage claim and they are parked very close, and they will add a free 30 minute grocery stop if you want it. He's pricing is on par with private car service or taxi, so it would be more than rideshare.

I did book with a TA but as they've listed every extra cost I don't think they added it without asking me. Perhaps it's part of their extra services if you book a large enough package. We are also doing 10 nights/8 park days at Dis.

 

[nkereina]

I did book with a TA but as they've listed every extra cost I don't think they added it without asking me. Perhaps it's part of their extra services if you book a large enough package. We are also doing 10 nights/8 park days at Dis.

Well, Universal doesn't offer a complimentary shuttle so the cost is definitely baked in somewhere, unless the TA picked up the cost as incentive for booking with them. But I would think they'd be transparent about that because that's done for customer retention. Its worth inquiring - it should be something they can cancel if it is an add-on they put on the package for you and you don't want it.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

Well, Universal doesn't offer a complimentary shuttle so the cost is definitely baked in somewhere, unless the TA picked up the cost as incentive for booking with them. But I would think they'd be transparent about that because that's done for customer retention. Its worth inquiring - it should be something they can cancel if it is an add-on they put on the package for you and you don't want it.

Yes, I'll check into it. Thanks...

 

[pythia]

There is a (Mears run) Universal shuttle from the airport to the resorts. No, it's not free, but it was pretty efficient. It may have cost a bit more than a rideshare/taxi but definitely had more luggage space and less unpredictability. I'm on vacation, if I can handle logistics in advance, why wouldn't I? Yes, you may have to make a couple of stops, but so what? We saw it as an opportunity to check out hotels we weren't staying at (and really, 2 extra stops only added a few minutes to the trip).

You check-in near the rental car counters. They will even give you your park tickets there instead of having to pick them up at the desk at your hotel. Then you wait at the bus loading area. They'll direct you to which bus is going to what hotel(s) and away you go.

The return from the resort to the airport was just as efficient. They give you a time for pick up (usually 2-3 hours before your flight). It was very stress-free - no wondering if the Uber is going to cancel or if I'm going to have to hold my suitcase in my lap.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

There is a (Mears run) Universal shuttle from the airport to the resorts. No, it's not free, but it was pretty efficient. It may have cost a bit more than a rideshare/taxi but definitely had more luggage space and less unpredictability. I'm on vacation, if I can handle logistics in advance, why wouldn't I? Yes, you may have to make a couple of stops, but so what? We saw it as an opportunity to check out hotels we weren't staying at (and really, 2 extra stops only added a few minutes to the trip).

You check-in near the rental car counters. They will even give you your park tickets there instead of having to pick them up at the desk at your hotel. Then you wait at the bus loading area. They'll direct you to which bus is going to what hotel(s) and away you go.

The return from the resort to the airport was just as efficient. They give you a time for pick up (usually 2-3 hours before your flight). It was very stress-free - no wondering if the Uber is going to cancel or if I'm going to have to hold my suitcase in my lap.

Sounds good. We only need from airport to Portofino. Then will go to Dis. I'll have to figure out how to get to Dis. I'm not fond of Uber, had too many people left in the lurch. I figured I'd just get a taxi or perhaps ask at the concierge desk. I've got time to figure it out. Thank you.

 

[punkiep]

Check with Tony Hinds. His group will do rides all around Orlando and are very reliable.

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

Check with Tony Hinds. His group will do rides all around Orlando and are very reliable.

Thanks. I'll do that.

 

[cjsmom5]

Thanks. I'll do that.

Tony is amazing. He has transported my family for almost 15 years. He is like family to us! Always reliable. Extremely reasonable. He will even stop at a grocery store for you on the way to your hotel. Can't say enough amazing things about him. All my friends use him. You can call him directly. I have his phone number - if you want it - let me know. Not sure if we can post it here but am glad to share. (By the way - I do not get anything off of referring him - he is just truly amazing and I want to keep him around for many years to come so love sending him business.)

 

[cjsmom5]

Thanks. I'll do that.

Check with Tony Hinds. His group will do rides all around Orlando and are very reliable.

Absolutely love Tony Hinds. We started using him when he bought the business from Berkely -- now I am dating myself. Everyone we refer falls in love with him. Thrilled to see his name mentioned here.

 

[wdwrule]

Tony is amazing. He has transported my family for almost 15 years. He is like family to us! Always reliable. Extremely reasonable. He will even stop at a grocery store for you on the way to your hotel. Can't say enough amazing things about him. All my friends use him. You can call him directly. I have his phone number - if you want it - let me know. Not sure if we can post it here but am glad to share. (By the way - I do not get anything off of referring him - he is just truly amazing and I want to keep him around for many years to come so love sending him business.)

We’re booked with him the the first time ever thanks to these recommendations about him. Looking forward to meeting him/drivers soon!

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

Tony is amazing. He has transported my family for almost 15 years. He is like family to us! Always reliable. Extremely reasonable. He will even stop at a grocery store for you on the way to your hotel. Can't say enough amazing things about him. All my friends use him. You can call him directly. I have his phone number - if you want it - let me know. Not sure if we can post it here but am glad to share. (By the way - I do not get anything off of referring him - he is just truly amazing and I want to keep him around for many years to come so love sending him business.)

Thank you. I found his # on google .

 

[bchbetha]

I wouldn’t recommend Mears unless you have 2 or fewer people. They charge per person and over 3 is lots more than Lyft and you have to do other pick ups/drop offs.
Tony is a good choice though