Taxi from Pop to Swan/Dolphin?

[Ness2289]

I'm attending a conference this summer at the S/D, but looking at packages, I think I'd save money just getting a five night package deal at Pop and traveling to S/D on the 3 mornings I need to get there. How reasonable would a taxi be for 3 days? Would it make more sense to do a brief car rental? I can always do Disney transportation to a park and back to Pop in the evenings. Any suggestions?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Is the conference at the WDW Swan or at the WDW Dolphin? Although the two hotels are adjacent to each other and are marketed as a single entity, each has its own convention facilities.

Putting the official street addresses for Pop Century, WDW Swan, and WDW Dolphin into the Mears Taxi Fare Estimator (http://www.mearstransportation.com/taxi-services/taxi-fare-estimator/), I got the following estimates:

Pop Century to WDW Swan is $7.81
Pop Century to WDW Dolphin is 8.82​

Actual fares are likely to be a bit higher because the porte-cochères where the cabs picks up and drop off are not right on the streets. Also a tip for the cab driver is customary. I think you can safely use $10 per trip for planning purposes.

Renting a car just to get to the Swan or Dolphin will cost more than taking cabs, especially when you consider that there's a hefty parking fee at Swan and Dolphin.

One big advantage of Pop Century over Swan or Dolphin is being able to use Disney's Magical Express for Orlando International Airport transportation.

Then again, if the conference has group rates at the Swan and/or Dolphin, you might want to consider them. Swan and Dolphin provide an experience along the lines of Disney Deluxe Resorts. Pop Century is just a Value Resort.

 

[Ness2289]

Is the conference at the WDW Swan or at the WDW Dolphin? Although the two hotels are adjacent to each other and are marketed as a single entity, each has its own convention facilities.

Putting the official street addresses for Pop Century, WDW Swan, and WDW Dolphin into the Mears Taxi Fare Estimator (http://www.mearstransportation.com/taxi-services/taxi-fare-estimator/), I got the following estimates:

Pop Century to WDW Swan is $7.81
Pop Century to WDW Dolphin is 8.82​

Actual fares are likely to be a bit higher because the porte-cochères where the cabs picks up and drop off are not right on the streets. Also a tip for the cab driver is customary. I think you can safely use $10 per trip for planning purposes.

Renting a car just to get to the Swan or Dolphin will cost more than taking cabs, especially when you consider that there's a hefty parking fee at Swan and Dolphin.

One big advantage of Pop Century over Swan or Dolphin is being able to use Disney's Magical Express for Orlando International Airport transportation.

Then again, if the conference has group rates at the Swan and/or Dolphin, you might want to consider them. Swan and Dolphin provide an experience along the lines of Disney Deluxe Resorts. Pop Century is just a Value Resort.

Thank you! The registration brochure doesn't specify which. I may have to call to find out for sure.

The conference's hotel rate is $199 per night. I am staying an extra two nights after the conference at Pop anyway, so I thought about doing the math to see what would be more cost effective. The package would allow me access to parks during the entire five days plus the quick service dining plan for $100 less than if I stayed at S/D, moved to Pop and didn't have a dining plan.

Your feedback is helpful! Thanks again!

 

[OKW Lover]

Just a caution about asking for a taxi at the Swolphin when its time to return to the Pop at the end of the day. Apparently the Swolphin hotels have an arrangement with a limo company and they will try to put you in a town car when you simply ask for a taxi. The town car will cost you more.

If you want a real taxi you must be clear that you want a taxi, not a town car. The doorman will then tell you it will take a while since they have to call a taxi (a subtle way of trying to get you to take the town car). Tell them you'll wait and, viola, a taxi shows up in 2 minutes.

Sorry, this is my pet peeve about the Swolphin.

 

[goofy4tink]

Good to know Jeff.....I've only taken cabs from the YC to Pop. The cost was under $10 but that was a few years ago, so I would think it would be closer to $10 now, plus tip.
You could save some money and just take the cab in the morning and then boat over to DHS and take the bus to Pop from there!
You could also take the bus from Pop to DHS in the morning and then either walk or boat (if the boat is up and running when you need to be at the S/D). But plan on about 45 mins to do that.

 

[Lewisc]

I understand Mears supplies towncars for taxi service from Swan Dolphin. They don't have meters. Ask what about the cost before you get in.