Taking a taxi to and from MCO

[Dizzy4Dizney]

We have a short trip planned for November and won't be checking luggage. I was wondering if anyone has taken taxis to and from the BWV.

What was the cost?
Did you have to wait long when you called for one?

I don't want to use ME because we like getting there ASAP and don't want to have to leave 3 hours before our flight. Not checking luggage, we can get there later than we would normally have to.

Thanks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

There's a taxi fare calculator link in the "Check Here for Popular Transportation Links" sticky at the top of the list of threads; figure on about $50 each way plus tip. Getting a taxi should be no problem - they're around the airport all the time. Be SURE you get a cab with a meter. For your return to the airport, there will most likely be cabs right at your hotel. If not, Bell Services can get you one quickly.
Even with no checked luggage, and assuming you plan to check in for your flight in advance somehow, you'll only add about a half hour to your vacation time. MCO advises passengers to arrive at least two hours prior to departure; getting through security can take as long as 45 to 60 minutes; add another fifteen minutes from getting out of the taxi to getting to your gate (not, obviously, including the wait time at security), and 25-30 minutes to get to the airport in the first place (assuming there's no traffic tie-up anywhere). Two hours minus 105 minutes leaves you fifteen minutes before the plane takes off - chances are, it's well into being boarded by then. Even best case is 85 minutes. So, fine, you're at the gate a little over 30 minutes prior to departure.

 

[CarolA]

I don't want to use ME because we like getting there ASAP and don't want to have to leave 3 hours before our flight. Not checking luggage, we can get there later than we would normally have to.

Thanks!

Do NOT cut this too short. MCO seems to have NO idea how to run security lines. I don't check luggage quite often and would recommend a two hour "pad" here. (The horrid lines are the reason I forked over $80 to join clear just to avoid them!) I arrive at ATL around 1 hour in advance, but would never recommend that at MCO.

Personally, I would take ME back to the airport if all I was saving was 30 minutes.

 

[Edd]

You pick up the taxis at designated areas on the first floor of the main terminal. That is the area directly below baggage. Passing through baggage go down the escalator to the first floor and straight ahead out the door. They have taxis at A1 and B1. About midway down the concourse at B15 and A15 and at the end about A&B 25. The taxi starters wear white T-shirts and the Yellow and Black taxi on the shirt. They will be around. Walk up and ask for a cab and he will assign you to one. If the taxi is not clean ask for a better one. The starter will comply with your request. Mears does have the cleanest cabs and you can ask for them if you want, but other drivers from the other five companies usually keep their cabs clean. There are exceptions and those drivers need to know that and sent off to clean their cab. Also do not accept any flat rate quotes. Use the meter.

There are only five companies allowed to pick you up as taxi cabs, and the taxi starter is the only one allowed to put you in the cab. Do not make arrangements with any drivers standing around to help you. They are gypsies and are not permitted to talk to you or operate in that manner.

The Disney resorts will put you in a Mears (Checker) cab when you return so you should have no problem.

The price will run about $55.00, but a lot depends on the resort that you are going to.

 

[Lewisc]

A towncar company will give you a grocery stop and probably won't cost any more than a taxi.

Most people using DME get to their resort 60-90 minutes after landing. A cab or limo won't save you much more than 30 minutes. Same on the return, DME will pick you up around 3 hours before your flight vs 2.5 hours with a cab or towncar.

You have to decide if an extra hour or so is worth around $100.

A cab gives you the ability to decide at the last minute where you want to leave from. A theme park, DTD or even a resort where you decided to have your last WDW meal. That's really the best reason to select a cab vs DME, you're saving not only 30 minutes but time it'll take you to get back to your resort. If you're flying with a participating airline just check your luggage at your resort.