question about using DCL shutt/e vs. reserving towncar

[lisak1]

I was wondering if anyone had experience with using the Disney transfer bus from the airport to the port? My worry is that the bus transfer will get to the port late, needing to wait for other passensgers from other flights to get in, thus missing valuable time onboard the boat to make reservations and settle in. If i reserved a towncar/limo, we could leave right when we got the baggage collected, and there would be no time wasted.

i have taken the transfer to Disney hotels in the past, and that has seemed to work well, but the timing was not an issue then.

any advice you can give me will be helpful.

Thanks to all!

 

[lzj21428]

We have used a limo service for both our cruises from the Poly resort in Aug 02 and from the airport in april 03. To us, it was just more comfortable and private and we were able to relax. Both times the limo service got us to the port before 12 noon. On our last cruise we saw people arriving via DCL buses after 3:30. I love having all the time I can get on the ship.

Good luck with your decision

Nina

 

[BeanoC]

My opinion, there is no comparison! Get a towncar!!!
Then you don't have to wait for the other passengers and get herded onto a crowded bus. You can have a towncar driver waiting for you at the baggage claim, he'll get your bags to the car for you, and you'll have a private, relaxing ride to the port!
It'll cost you around $70.00. For the amount of comfort it gives you, that's nothing! Plus, if you want to stop and get any drinks to take on board, your towncar driver will take you to a store along the way. Let's see you try that on the Disney bus! LOL

Just my opinion!!



'Beano'

 

[lisak1]

That is my feeling as well, and it will be nice, i think, after the fabulous time on the cruise, to have the nice limo ride to look forward to.

Thanks for the advice.
i think i'll do it.

 

[mrsdon]

Is the cost the same??
I think its 40 one way to take the bus. If the towncar is the same price, then Im going with the town car,

 

[lisak1]

from the information i pulled yesterday, the Happy Limousine towncar round trip is $150, the limo is $280. pricey, but i think it will be a worthwhile expense, ased on the alternative.

 

[BeanoC]

mrsdon - Yes, that is my point exactly! The bus is no cheaper, even though the towncar is WAY better! We have even stepped up to limos now, and the comfort is amazing! Which would you rather be in - a crowded bus, or a private limo??

The limo will get you there as soon as you get off the plane; you don't have to wait for other people; you can lay back and relax, have a drink, turn on the stereo, etc. It's awesome.

OR

You can sit in a crowded bus which will get you to the port around 3:00 PM, after most people have boarded already.

No brainer, eh?



'Beano'

 

[mmouse37]

DCL quoted me $25 pp for a one way bus transfer from MCO to port. With 11 people that comes to $275 one way!!! We hired a van service and is only costing us about $150 with all our luggage and a 30 minute grocery stop.

MJ

 

[dvarallo]

Definitely hire a town car, van or limo depending on the size of your party. I used the Disney Shuttle for my first cruise. You have to wait until they fill the bus which can take a while.
My last cruise, we used Happy Limo for the 10 of us. It worked out to about $23. r/t per person after the tip compared to $59. r/t per person via the shuttle.
I'm using Cartier Town Car for my next cruise and we're going with the stretch limo. We'll only be saving about $30., but thought it would be a fun way to start our trip.

 

[lisak1]

how much do you tip for the limo?

 

[dvarallo]

Originally posted by lisak1
how much do you tip for the limo?

Usually a 20% tip is aded to the bill.

 

[Cdolan]

We used Tiffany Town Car, was a very comfortable ride for four people in a towncar! Larry was our driver, he was great. Met us at the baggage claim area, helped with the luggage, made a pit stop at I think an Eckerd's for a Diet Pepsi/water bottle stop, (which I brought on board in an empty carry on from the plane) then dropped us right off at the main entrance to the ship (not every limo service can give you this option I think). Got a porter to take the luggage, then got on the ship! Larry picked us up at 8:00 a.m. when we got off the ship, we simply had a porter bring our luggage to the waiting Delta people, got it sent on to our flight, then on to the airport. Our flight was cancelled, got on a 4:30 pm flight, and took another limo (that you can get just going outside of baggage claim) to take us to Sea World for the day. What's another $200 bucks anyway!!!! But SeaWorld was really fantastic, don't miss Sea Lion/Otter show, the mime is worth the price of admission, so get there early (15 minutes before showtime).