Rideshare advice needed for Dec. 26-Jan. 2

[jldeahl]

My family is braving the crowds and visiting Dec. 26, 2025-Jan. 2, 2026. We are staying off-site (at the Hyatt Grand Cypress), so I expect we'll be heavily relying on rideshare (Uber, Lyft) to get around.

A few questions about rideshare:

-Should we expect issues getting a rideshare from MCO on the afternoon of Dec. 26? I would prefer not to spend the money on a reserved car service, but I also don't want to get stuck for a long time if rideshares are definitely going to be scarce.

-Coming and going from the parks, should we make rideshare reservations in advance? Will we be waiting forever if we just call the rideshare services when we need them?

-What specific location is the closest we are allowed to be dropped off by a rideshare to access World Showcase entrance of EP?

-I understand we can walk to Contemporary from MK and pick up a rideshare there - is that true?

-Likewise I understand we can walk to Yacht & Beach Club from EP and pick up a rideshare there - is that true?

Thanks all for the help - it's much appreciated!

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

I can answer some of your questions.

First, rideshares are never scarce. There are always tons of them available. The longest I have ever waited for one was leaving a Disney resort at 3am one trip, and even then I only waited 15 minutes.

One caveat, though, is the airport when its busy. Rideshares won't be scarce. You can get one nearby almost instantly. But if MCO is busy when you request it, the driver will get caught in airport traffic trying to get down to the arrivals level to pick you up. I have waited as little as five minutes during a non-busy time (weekday at 10am, not a holiday weekend) and as long as 45 minutes (Friday night during a holiday weekend).

You can get dropped off and get a rideshare at the CR lobby. I have done that many times. Not sure about the other dropoff points you asked about.

Have fun

 

[focusondisney]

You can get dropped off and get a rideshare at the CR lobby.

Rideshares can & do get turned away from drop offs at CR, Y & B etc if the rider does not have a resort or restaurant reservation. They can pick up with no issues. But @jldeahl, don’t plan on being dropped off at any MK or Epcot resort during such a busy week. You might get lucky, but more likely your driver will get turned away. And no, security won’t let you just hop out right there.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

Rideshares can & do get turned away from drop offs at CR, Y & B etc if the rider does not have a resort or restaurant reservation.

Good to know. I have never experienced that, but I also have not done it often (and not during a busy holiday week)

 

[toesmom]

Rideshares can & do get turned away from drop offs at CR, Y & B etc if the rider does not have a resort or restaurant reservation. They can pick up with no issues. But @jldeahl, don’t plan on being dropped off at any MK or Epcot resort during such a busy week. You might get lucky, but more likely your driver will get turned away. And no, security won’t let you just hop out right there.

Yes this is absolutely true, good to know.