Shuttle services provided at off-site hotels; anyone used them?

[IMADSNYLOVR]

We are staying at the Hawthorn Suites at Universal Studios and they have free shuttles to all the parks. Opinions please!

 

[Lewisc]

Probably not very good but CALL THE HOTEL (not the 800 number but the actual property). Ask if they'll fax you the shuttle schedule. Ask:

1) How many other hotels it stops at,
2) Where does it drop you off (some places try to drop you off at TTC for both MK and EPCOT).
3) Do you have to reserve in advance. If so what happens if you want to take a later bus back.
4) If park hours are extended will they add extra times to the schedule. Some off-site buses have their final return before fireworks.
5) If the bus is full will they run another bus or make you wait until the next scheduled bus.
6) If the bus is full at another property what will they do.

I suspect you're too far to cab to Disney. Ask the hotel the approximate taxi price.

To me NO CAR = a stay onsite or at least in DTD.

 

[CarolA]

I have looked at the schedules at hotels I have stayed at and always chosen to go with the car.

I find them not very flexible especially if you want to take a mid day break. Also, often I think you would have to leave the park early to catch the last shuttle. This is especially true at MK where you either have to monorail or boat to the parking lot where you shuttle will park.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We stayed off site last time we went to Universal. The only onsite hotel at the time was Portofino Bay,and we couldn't afford it. Anyway, the place we stayed had a "complimentary shuttle to all the theme parks". Since we don't have to drive very far, we had our own car so we didn't need it, but considered it to save on the parking fees. It became a running joke to everyone in our party as we passed the shuttle stopping at yet another hotel in the mornings on our way to the park! One morning we even stopped at a drugstore for film and stuff, and still we passed it again! I would highly suggest a car, especially if the shuttle makes stops at other hotels.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

This is the ONLY time you'll see me saying "Rent a car!" versus taking the shuttle. Off property shuttles can be a nightmare.

There's no money to be made in running hotel shuttles. As such, most every shuttle bus is old, beat up, run down, and couldn't pass a DOT inspection without $50 being taped to the license plate. Buses run without A/C, bald tires, missing body panels, not a working tail light in sight... plain and simple, they're unsafe. FL DOT is very laid back... horrible about enforcing the MANY violations these companies have.

There are a *FEW* companies out there that run decent shuttles... but they are few and far between. In addition to the questions above, make sure to ask what the company name is. Pvt me with the name, and I can tell you if they're okay, or if you should stay away.

 

[CarolA]

and couldn't pass a DOT inspection without $50 being taped to the license plate.

Tyler, that is too funny!

I know you are serious, but I just love that statement. I have seen some of these buses.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Chip 'n Dale Express
There's no money to be made in running hotel shuttles.

which is probably why some hotels (Mariott) are starting to charge for shuttle service.

It's been posted that the schedules are bad, buses make too many stops and are unsafe. Is that enough for your husband?

You need a van for 1 week plus 3 days. The daily rate is what's killing you. Check your flight times and see if you can knock a day off your rental.