Towncar/Van Service Updates Since ME

[Kala]

We have always used the towncar services to and from MCO our resorts, and since there will be 7 of us (2 of whom are ages 2&3) we have decided to do this again this trip. There have just been too many negative stories about ME so far that we would rather not take a chance. In the past we have used Tiffany until we had a couple of unpleasant experiences. Our last trip we used Southern Elegance and it was wonderful. We will need to have a van this trip due to our numbers however and Southern Elegance doesn't have a van.

I was just wanting to get some recent recommendations on the towncar companies since ME started. I know they must have been affected quite a bit and was wondering if anyone had any information on who is providing good service. We don't require much, just a driver that will be on time and friendly, a grocery stop, a clean and well maintained van with 2 carseats and room for 5 adults with lots of luggage. We would be willing to give Tiffany another shot if we could be sure to get our favorite driver (Barclay?) or we are open to trying someone else new.

Thanks!

 

[twotoohappy]

We would be willing to give Tiffany another shot if we could be sure to get our favorite driver (Barclay?) or we are open to trying someone else new.

Thanks!

We always request Jan. He's great! He usually picks us up, but sometimes we get a different driver on the way back. I wish they could gaurantee a driver.

 

[kandmwedding]

We used Tiffany's van service this past June, when ME was in full swing. We had no problems getting picked up at the airport. He actually arrived very early and chatted with my aunt and g-ma (flying in from Detroit) while waiting for us (flying in from Baltimore) to arrive. We took advantage of the free grocery stop and got to the resort about 1/2 hour later.

The trip back to the resort was another story though. We had to call when the driver was 15+ minutes late. We'd budgetted a lot of time, so I wasn't too worried, but we were cutting it close. The driver that arrived was not the same one we had on transfer to WDW (we were told it would be) and we were totally unimpressed with this driver. He blamed us for telling him the wrong place to go (why would we say Poly when we are at Pop) and didn't wear his seatbelt. This really irked my nerves!! The last thing we needed was to get stopped and miss our flight because of his bad judgement. Luckily we didn't. He did give us grief about dropping us off at two different places at the airport though. I really didn't want my 65yo gma to have to walk from the Southwest terminal all the way over to the other terminal. Finally we convinced him that he needed to do both stops.

So, the first guy was great but the second guy left a LOT to be desired. All in all, I'd use Tiffany again, but would hope to never get the second guy again. He totally didn't meet their standard (dress, attitude, safety, etc).

 

[Regina]

We've used FLTours many, many times and have had the van on numerous occassions. We never had a problem.

 

[Kala]

Thanks so much for all your helpful comments. I was thinking of trying Quicksilver (recommended by AllEars) or Happy (recommended by AllEars and Mousesavers). Anyone tried either of these?

 

[PixiePop]

We used Quicksilver just a few weeks ago (June) and I was very impressed!! Pleasant driver, very prompt. I highly recommend them.

 

[chamonix]

I used Happy Limo for my parents last December (before ME) and it was great. I would use them again. The phone reservationist wasn't the greatest, but the driver was awesome. Very professional and clean, on time, well dressed, well mannered, etc.

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

I've used both Tiffany Towncar and Happy Limo - both were vey reliable and I would recommend them both.

I've got Tiffany booked for our upcoming trip and want to take advantage of the free 20 minute grocery stop. I am wondering where is the best place to stop for groceries from MCO on the way to our resort - staying at the Caribe Royale Resort on World Centre Drive due an event we are attending at that resort. Also, does anyone know if you can pre-order groceries and how that works?

Thanks for any info!

 

[Kala]

Dreamin' Disney

Everytime we have done the grocery stop, and most of the trips have been with Tiffany, the driver (car company) has chosen the store. Each time the store has been pleasant and prices reasonable. During our trip last October we used Southern Elegance (they don't have a van for our trip this time, but we would highly recommend them!) and they recommended Albertson's. When they sent our booking confirmation they also sent an order form and fax number so that Albertson's would have our order ready for us when we arrived. We chose not to do that since there were only 2 of us, we only needed a couple of things and wanted to choose them ourselves, but I thought it would be a great idea if we had a crowd with us or needed lots of things.

If you'd really like to try that, I'd ask Tiffany where they will be stopping or if you have an option, and if that service is available.

Hope that helps!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We used Prestige Town cars last month as someone from my office recommended them. Their price was lower than most and we got a $5.00 off coupon for booking online (prestigetowncars.com). We had the same driver on both sides. Very friendly and efficient and on time. Took us to Publix for some shopping. Very pleased with the service and would definitely use them again.

 

[zdad]

We used FL Tours in June for a transfer from WDW to HRH. Very happy with the service. The driver even stopped at Publix so we could re-stock our bottled water supply. $45 for a van. I'd recco FL Tours !

 

[mom_rules]

I read an article recently that said the limo, towncar and taxi services have taken a severe hit since ME started.

Has anyone noticed the rates for these services coming down any? When Tiffany left us in the lurch on our return to MCO the cab fare one way was $50 plus tip.

 

[perpetualplanner]

In Feb. we had a large group and needed a van - we used Murray Hill and it turned out just fine. There were 9 of us 4 adults, and kids - 10,9,8,6,3. We even had to have 2 different pick ups and our friends left before we did.