Tiffany or Mears

[Terk-1]

I'm heading to WDW solo in November and am wondering which would be better. Mears or Tiffany? I've used Mears before and my typical door to door time is around 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I am leaning towards using a town car on my next trip and was looking for opinions of Tiffany Towncar. Although I could save quite a bit using Mears ($25 RT vs. $85 + tip RT), I'm wondering if it's worth getting to my hotel within a 1/2 hour or so vs. 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Does Tiffany still include a grocery store stop? If so where? Will they stop at a Super Target/Walmart or just a grocery store? How much do you tip and when?

 

[Terk-1]

Anyone???

 

[brentalex]

I would definitely use Tiffany. it is not even a close call. Much friendlier service, they meet you at the baggage claim and help with the bags. You have your own car, go right to your hotel, no need to wait for the bus/van to get filled. We have used them and so have other friends, no one would go back to Mears. When we last went, we stopped at a regular grocery market, we weren't buying a whole lot, so it was fine.
As for tipping, I am a good tipper, especially if I get good service, and so I gave the driver 15 when we arrived at the hotel.

 

[goofy4tink]

We used Mears just once, for three of us. Never again! I've used TT for 6 people (a stretch limo!!) and then just a towncar for 3 of us last month. I will continue to use them. It's just worth the money. You don't have to lug all your bags to the Mears area and that can be a hike. You go right to your resort, not everyone else's. We used the grocery stop once. But since our flight was very late the driver asked if we minding just stopping by a convenience store, to save time. Not a problem for us. Last month I only needed juice boxes and water bottles, so had NetGrocer ship them directly to our resort on arrival day. I would highly recommend TT. Haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Terk-1]

I've used Mears before and it is alot cheaper when you are going solo, but the last 2 trips with them have been close to 2 hours getting to the hotel and I just don't want to be blowing that much time trying to get from point A to point B. Also, I always seem to be the last stop each time I use them.

Thanks for your inputs!!

 

[Goof]

Terk-1, there's no "toss up" on this one. Tiffany for sure, or for that matter, any reputable town car service. For me, i would rather spend the extra money and get to my resort in a relaxed state instead of wasting 2 hours going from hotel to hotel while everyone else gets off and you're still on the shuttle.

 

[Winston112]

Another vote for Tiffany. They are much nicer and the convenience can't be beat.

 

[amymouse]

Still another vote for Tiffany, even for a solo trip!

 

[beccasmom]

My vote is for Tiffany as well. We used Mears for many years and never had any overwhelming issues besides the wait times. However, flying has become such a hassle these days - just a 2 hour flight from Philly is a pain - that our nerves are usually frazzled once we arrive in Orlando. Knowing that our transport is arranged and the details are taken care of is a great comfort and time-saver. And for us Tiffany is less expensive, so it's a pretty easy call. On a solo trip, Mears is obviously less costly, but I feel you must weigh in your waiting time as well in the decision. For some people, that doesn't matter, but vacation time is so precious.....

 

[summerrluvv]

Okay I see everyone saying that TT meets you at the baggage claim, but ours didn't do that! We had to take our bags, go up the elevator and meet him outside. I thought that was kind of weird, but my hubby was with us, so it was fine. This time it's just my son and I so are they definately supposed to meet you at the baggage claim or do you have to request that?

 

[Pumbaa_]

The drivers absolutely should meet you and help with the luggage. If they do not, I would call and complain!

I also used Mears the first 2 times i went and had the lovely tour of the Disney hotels (the 2nd time I saw hotels outside of WDW too!!!)

When I go solo, I arrive usually late at night and DO NOT want to deal with Mears in any way shape or form. I have a driver that I have used the last few trips, he meets me, helps me with my always heany suitcase and we have a lovely trip to the hotel.

I consider it a luxury and well worth the money. It starts my vacation off on the right note

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks everyone for your help with this. Have decided to spend the extra money and go with Tiffany. Is the grocery stop still included in the price or is it extra?

When I used Mears on my last visit, I waited 40 minutes for a bus to come, sat at the terminal for another 10 minutes, then it took an hour to get to the Polynesian. Total wasted time 1 hour 50 minutes.

My trip in 2001 was worse. I was able to catch an earlier flight from a meeting in NC to Orlando allowing me to arrive earlier to see my family. Waited 40 minutes for a bus to come, then it took over an hour and 40 minutes to get to the Wilderness Lodge. We stopped at 3 off-property hotels (one the driver got lost in trying to get out of), then another 4 on-property hotels, before I was dropped off. I was the last stop. By the time I got to the room, my family was fast asleep, but they had bought me some supper, so I was eating cold spaghetti at 11:30pm that night. Let's just say I was not a happy camper by the end of that ride. Total wasted time 2 hours and 20 minutes!

This trip, I just want to avoid all of that hassle and get to WDW. Thanks again for all your inputs!

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

You need to let them know you want a grocery stop. It is included in the price.

We go to Publix. Fairly decent prices, and selection.