Timing of using DME vs Using Car Service

[Jax]

Our flight lands just after 7 pm and I am trying to decide if it might be worth the extra $ to hire a car service to get us from/to the airport.

If using DME, assuming that everything runs smooth, we should arrive at the hotel around 8:30 ish. Due to the lateness of the flight we will be collecting our own bags at the airport. I will be traveling with a 7 and an 8 year old who will be looking to have dinner when we arrive at the hotel. On the return trip, since we are Canadian our pickup with DME for the return to the airport is set at 4 hours ahead.

If using a car service what is the time frame from Gate to Coronado Springs? If using a service, how far in advance should we book the pickup for the return trip from the hotel to the airport (need to be at airport 2 hours before flight). Our flight departs at 8 pm on a Thursday (in case we need to account for rush hour traffic).

TIA!

 

[jimmiej]

Our flight lands just after 7 pm and I am trying to decide if it might be worth the extra $ to hire a car service to get us from/to the airport.

If using DME, assuming that everything runs smooth, we should arrive at the hotel around 8:30 ish. Due to the lateness of the flight we will be collecting our own bags at the airport. I will be traveling with a 7 and an 8 year old who will be looking to have dinner when we arrive at the hotel. On the return trip, since we are Canadian our pickup with DME for the return to the airport is set at 4 hours ahead.

If using a car service what is the time frame from Gate to Coronado Springs? If using a service, how far in advance should we book the pickup for the return trip from the hotel to the airport (need to be at airport 2 hours before flight). Our flight departs at 8 pm on a Thursday (in case we need to account for rush hour traffic).

TIA!

Probably an hour from gate to CS with a town car.

Can't speak for how far in advance they'll schedule pick-up for Canadian flights (2:30 ?). If you want an earlier time (for whatever reason), just ask. They should have no problem accommodating. Either way, you should save at least an hour over DME.

 

[bradisgoofy]

We have used both, and the car service can be quicker but of course you pay to get there earlier, and you get more personalized service. Generally they schedule to pick up at least two hours before your return flight but we requested three hours and they were there at our requested time. Don't forget you are expected to tip 10% each way with the car service. With DME it is $1 per bag for each time the driver touches the bag. Also, a car service will stop for a 1/2 hour grocery stop, if you request it. BTW, we used Tiffany Town Cars and were very happy. That all being said, we have used DME our last trip and will use it for our November trip.

 

[goofy4tink]

I used a car service last month...went to the Dolphin, so DME wasn't an option for us. It was just about an hour from deplaning to resort. Figure on about 10 mins from gate to baggage claim. Then, 15 or 20 mins at baggage claim. Yes, I know that some people get their bags in under 10 mins but that has never happened to me...usually 15 or 20. Then, 5 mins to the car service vehicle, and 30 mins to the resort....just about an hour.
If you use DME, you would be at your resort within about 70 mins, and your luggage would arrive up to 3 hrs after you checked in. Or you could ask to have it held until the next morning. Or you could not tag your bags and go to baggage claim and get them yourself and bring them to the bus with you. That would give you a time of about 90 mins from gate to resort, maybe a bit less.
You can decide what will work best for you. I have no horse in this race, so to speak. I just like to have all the available info out there so that people can make informed choices as to what is best for their families.

 

[Jax]

Thank you all for your responses.

I have always used ME so the whole car service aspect is new to me, especially since I am traveling with people much younger than usual.

Looks like I have some thinking to do....

Thanks again!