atigeg
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 24, 1999
- Messages
- 2,209
Just back from Disney Cruise #21, so here is my report on Midway/ATA, the Renaissance Hotel shuttle, and Happy Limo:
We are flying ATA a lot this year because we are going to Orlando almost monthly and they have the best fares. I used to prefer Midway to Chicago because it was shabby but simple, but the remodeling "improvements" have made it just as much of a pain in the tuckus.
Last time (Easter weekend), the economy parking lots were full, so we had to backtrack to the remote-remote lot (yes, even the "regular" remote lot was full). This time, we not only tuned into the info. radio station, but I also called, and we were assured that all the economy lots were open. But surprise, surprise, the first lot we tried (the yellow lot) was full. We were able to park in the red lot, and we had left with plenty of time to spare, so that was no problem.
The ATA line was HUGE, but there was no one at the electronic check-in, so we breeze through that (it even allows you to switch to an exit row, which we did).
The security line was virtually non-existent, but I made the mistake of leaving my Disney pin case in my carry-pin bag rather than putting it through the x-ray separately. This earned me a thorough bag and shoe search.
Our gate was in the old part of the airport, and it was FAR...nowhere near the stores or the main part of the airport. Our flight was on time and not too heavily popuated, and when we arrived in Orlando, surprise surprise: our luggage was LITERALLY the first on the conveyor belt! I am used to ATA taking long with the luggage, so that was a welcome site.
We had booked the MCO Renaissance Hotel via Priceline for $28. I called via one of the airport direct-line hotel phones, and the shuttle was already waiting for us by the time we got downstairs. What a welcome change from the Fairfield...their shuttle took 90 minutes!! The Renaissance shuttle also stops at the Courtyard, but that's right across the street so it was only a minor delay and then we were "home" for the night.
We had Happy Limo pick us up the next morning to take us to Port Canaveral. This was the first time we've ever used the grocery stop. I hadn't requested it in advance, but they were great about it. They were on time (as always) for both the trip out and our return on Sunday morning.
On Sun. we got to MCO early enough to avoid the crowds. The ATA check-in line was manageable, but American was out of control...sure glad we weren't flying them! I wish ATA had an electronic check-in at MCO, but perhaps they will add one. We were able to get an exit row, and once again the flights were on time and the trip back to Midway was uneventful (just the way I like it).
Next trip is Memorial Day week! ATA and Happy Limo again, but the hotel will be La Quinta, so we'll see how their shuttle compares.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com
We are flying ATA a lot this year because we are going to Orlando almost monthly and they have the best fares. I used to prefer Midway to Chicago because it was shabby but simple, but the remodeling "improvements" have made it just as much of a pain in the tuckus.
Last time (Easter weekend), the economy parking lots were full, so we had to backtrack to the remote-remote lot (yes, even the "regular" remote lot was full). This time, we not only tuned into the info. radio station, but I also called, and we were assured that all the economy lots were open. But surprise, surprise, the first lot we tried (the yellow lot) was full. We were able to park in the red lot, and we had left with plenty of time to spare, so that was no problem.
The ATA line was HUGE, but there was no one at the electronic check-in, so we breeze through that (it even allows you to switch to an exit row, which we did).
The security line was virtually non-existent, but I made the mistake of leaving my Disney pin case in my carry-pin bag rather than putting it through the x-ray separately. This earned me a thorough bag and shoe search.
Our gate was in the old part of the airport, and it was FAR...nowhere near the stores or the main part of the airport. Our flight was on time and not too heavily popuated, and when we arrived in Orlando, surprise surprise: our luggage was LITERALLY the first on the conveyor belt! I am used to ATA taking long with the luggage, so that was a welcome site.
We had booked the MCO Renaissance Hotel via Priceline for $28. I called via one of the airport direct-line hotel phones, and the shuttle was already waiting for us by the time we got downstairs. What a welcome change from the Fairfield...their shuttle took 90 minutes!! The Renaissance shuttle also stops at the Courtyard, but that's right across the street so it was only a minor delay and then we were "home" for the night.
We had Happy Limo pick us up the next morning to take us to Port Canaveral. This was the first time we've ever used the grocery stop. I hadn't requested it in advance, but they were great about it. They were on time (as always) for both the trip out and our return on Sunday morning.
On Sun. we got to MCO early enough to avoid the crowds. The ATA check-in line was manageable, but American was out of control...sure glad we weren't flying them! I wish ATA had an electronic check-in at MCO, but perhaps they will add one. We were able to get an exit row, and once again the flights were on time and the trip back to Midway was uneventful (just the way I like it).
Next trip is Memorial Day week! ATA and Happy Limo again, but the hotel will be La Quinta, so we'll see how their shuttle compares.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com
